Town in Bloom, The

Boston: Little, Brown & Company. Good+. 1965. First US Edition. Hardcover. <b>"A beguiling tale, at once nostalgic and candid about coming of age and the healing effects of time, this 1965 novel reveals much of the author's love of theater in the story of a determined young Lancashire girl arriving in London. Mouse never did fully suit her nickname—tiny she may have been, but timid, never. Within 24 hours of her arrival in the city, she had bluffed her way into an audition at a famous theater, infuriated its forceful young stage director, and amused its kind (if quite amoral) actor-manager. She won, not a part, but at least a toehold as a junior secretary. Soon she has befriended Molly, a baby-faced six-footer, and elegant, ambitious Lilian. Later there was also Zelle—rich, generous, enigmatic, and responsible for an outing to Suffolk village pageant which proved a turning point for them all. <br>Born near Manchester, Dodie Smith was already bitten by the theater bug when she entered St Paul's Girls School in London, and though she went on to become a remarkably unsuccessful actress, she later became a playwright and novelist of considerable acclaim, beloved for her children's book 'The Hundred and One Dalmatians'. Her first novel, 'I Capture the Castle'—was voted #82 of Britain's 100 best-loved novels as part of the BBC's Big Read—was followed by a string books known for their vivacious style and warm characters."</b>; Soiled red boards, sunned spine with bumped ends, pages age yellowed but clean, edges a bit darker and slightly soiled; no binding problems. No dust wrapper. ; Image is actual copy on offer. .