A perfect summer read, will whisk you off to France, will charm you, will alarm you – a little – maybe more, and will remind you of that first flash of love’s flag in your heart and mind – of its power and pull and sweetness on others, and what’s ahead for you in this intoxicating life. And, amongst the gnarled trees of the old orchards, thirteen-year-old Cecil watches from the side lines as her achingly beautiful sister, Joss, is drawn into the heart of a toxic affair. Alone and dispirited they arrive at the hotel which is run by Danielle Darrieux and managed by Claude Nollier. Do not be under any misapprehension, the children are a part of the cover too, but he loves them, give them a great deal more, for they are never the same after their holiday in France.

They can think of no more boring way to spend their summer holidays but, when mother becomes ill, they are largely left to their own devices.In her preface, Godden reveals to us the actual events that took place during their French holiday in 1923, the richness of material giving birth to this novel (Cecil is Rumer), while Jane Asher gives a flavor of her experiences of filming the book and of being cast in the role of Cecil.

Joss, our Cecil, Hester with her Brownie, Wilhouse, and Vicky going to see the Champagne tunnels with Eliot. When they go to the Hotel Oeillets, proprietress Mademoiselle Zisi ( Danielle Darrieux) does not want the responsibility of unchaperoned children, but her enigmatic English lover Eliot (Kenneth More) persuades her to accept them. This is a fascinating coming of age story, narrated by Cecil, who, at the time of the events, is 13 years old. Sometimes they go to the river, but mostly they lounge in the grass and watch the adult goings-on from afar.

Meanwhile, hotel employee Paul (David Saire) becomes suspicious of Eliot, snoops in his room, and finds a pistol.

York and Bogarde did eventually appear together some years later in the spy comedy-drama Sebastian, released in 1968). They are virtually abandoned as their mother is taken ill and has to stay in hospital and they are looked after by the owner of the hotel, Madam Zizi, and her English lover, Eliot.Unser Sommer im Mirabellengarten" ist ein einfach zu lesender Klassiker, perfekt für warme Sommertage mit Protagonist*innen, die viele Eigenheiten aufweisen und deshalb umso liebenswerter sind. This 13 year old's (Cecil is her name) tale of a summer spent at a hotel in France during the 1920's is magnificent. They adore the charming Mr Eliot, who is so smart and handsome and indulgent, and speaks French with such flair. S.) is a 1961 British drama film directed by Lewis Gilbert and starring Kenneth More and Susannah York (in her first leading role). I fell in love with these kids, especially 8 year old Wilmouse, a budding couturier, but 5 year old Vicky was surprisingly knowing for her age, and a breath of fresh air.