103 pages.Temps de lecture estimé 1h17min. The Demon in the House is a delightfully witty novel by Angela Thirkell, set in the charming English countryside of Barsetshire. The story centers on the irrepressible Tony Morland, a mischievous yet charismatic schoolboy whose boundless energy and flair for chaos test the patience of everyone around him—especially his long-suffering mother, Laura. Whether he's crashing bicycles, bullying adults with his unshakable self-confidence, or charming his way out of trouble, Tony is both a nuisance and a marvel to behold.
Thirkell paints a vivid portrait of pre-war English middle-class life, filled with gentle humor, sharp social observations, and affectionate mockery. Through Tony's antics, readers are introduced to a cast of eccentric characters and everyday domestic dramas, all seen through a lens of dry British wit. The novel is rich in the small, endearing details of village life, making it a cozy and amusing escape.
A stand-alone volume that also continues Thirkell’s broader Barsetshire series, The Demon in the House captures a bygone era with grace and laughter. Perfect for fans of P.G. Wodehouse or E.F. Benson, this novel offers a lighthearted look at childhood mischief and the resilience of those who love the young scoundrels in their lives.