The Fortnight in September

“A treasure… The Fortnight in September is an absorbing reflection on time and especially how it changes shape in periods like a vacation-or even a pandemic-that aren’t bounded by normal routines… . the small pleasures of everyday life-like honey, a hot bath and a clear blue early autumn sky-are seen for the gifts they are.” -Maureen Corrigan, Fresh Air “An absolute delight from start to finish. Sherriff’s tender observations of the family dynamics, and the simple joy each of them takes in the highlight of their year, prove him to be an unrivaled master of the quotidian… . The novel exerts a spell, one that leaves us hanging on these characters’ every word.” -The Paris Review “A captivating read… . quietness is part of the novel’s immense charm.” -Laurie Hertzel, Minneapolis Star Tribune “A delight… . I found myself charmed by this immersion into another life, full of astute observations indicating that maybe things haven’t changed all that much in 90 years… . Sherriff’s uncanny way of finding universality in an unremarkable moment is deeply touching.” -Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times “Sharply written and a real joy to read.” -Red Carpet Crash “Extraordinary… . The pages are full of anticipation… . [T]here’s a sense that time is ticking on these vacations. It must be savored, and so, too, should this very special book.” -Booklist Reviews (starred) “Makes you want to hold on to and notice more fully the people you journey the earth with. What struck me most was the essential goodness of each character… . I didn’t want it to end, and when I finished it, I experienced the loss of a good vacation being over.” -Ethan Joella, author of A Little Hope

R.C. Sherriff was born in 1896. He worked in an insurance office until he joined the East Surrey regiment early in World War I. In 1917, he was severely wounded at Ypres. Journey’s End, based on his letters home from the trenches, was an enormous success and became a classic. In the 1930s, Sherriff went to Hollywood to write the script for The Invisible Man, and subsequently worked on the script for Mrs. Miniver, Goodbye Mr. Chips, and many other successful films. He wrote several novels, including The Fortnight in September, Greengates, and The Hopkins Manuscript before his death in 1975.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.