Simple Life (1935)
What is Simple Life?
First published on 29 April 1935, Simple Life is Nigel Balchin’s second novel. The text of the novel itself is 281 pages long, and this new 2022 Penhaligon Press edition also includes an introduction, notes and an essay about simple living.
Synopsis
Rufus Wade is an advertising copywriter living and working in London. On the day of his 29th birthday, he argues with his boss and chucks in his job, jilts his fiancée and decides to make a fresh start somewhere in the country. Following a series of picaresque adventures, Rufus collapses in a snowstorm on the doorstep of a farm in Wiltshire. He is rescued by a man called Pip Mendel who, in the company of his partner Ruth, is living the simple life of the book’s title: not working, doing exactly what they want and paying no attention to the clock. To Rufus, this seems like paradise after his London life and, to his delight, Pip and Ruth allow him to stay with them indefinitely. Rufus soon seduces Ruth, and although this amuses Pip at first, the two men later come to blows over Ruth’s affections. Now read on…
(Covers of all editions)
Click here for a more detailed synopsis but please beware of plot spoilers!
Praise for Simple Life:
‘a graphic and interesting book’ – Cyril Connolly
‘funny and exhilarating’ – Sunday Times
‘an interesting theme’ – L. P. Hartley
“A great pleasure to read” — Daily Telegraph
Why Should I Read This Book?
Because it will tell you a great deal about England in the 1930s as well as being a highly entertaining story with fascinating philosophical overtones relating to the subject of simple living, an important issue at the time.
How Can I Buy Simple Life?
Simple Life is now available to purchase in print (£9.99) and ebook (£3.99) versions from Amazon via these links:
Simple Life: Amazon.co.uk: Balchin, Nigel Marlin, Collett, Derek Michael: 9781914076213: Books
Simple Life eBook : Balchin, Nigel, Collett, Derek: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
You can also obtain the book from the websites of Foyles, Waterstones or Blackwell’s or by placing an order with any UK bookshop.
In the event of any problems with obtaining the book, please contact the curator of the Nigel Balchin Collection, Derek Collett, at this email address: derekcollett1965@gmail.com |
