Witch-Hazel by Willie Riley (1928)

Review by Jane V: Divided into three books to show the passage of the years, the novel tells the story of three young people growing up in Yorkshire in the 1920s (?): a clairvoyant girl, a spoilt young master of the big house and a foundling boy.  The girl is ‘related’ to the spoilt young … Continue reading →

Olive of Sylcote by Willie Riley (1918)

We’re backtracking a bit here, to the author we read a couple of months ago: Willie Riley. But it’s good to get another reader’s response to a novel I am sure has not been read for many a long year! Next: Henry Williamson. Review by Helen N: I found it quite a “stiff” read at … Continue reading →

Men of Mawm by Willie Riley (1921)

I spoke too soon! Here’s one more Riley review. Review by Sylvia D: Men of Mawm is an attractively produced book with line drawings inside the front and back covers and with eight black and white photographs which illustrate the rugged moorland landscapes, the village and the supposed homes of the two main village families … Continue reading →

Laycock of Lonedale by Willie Riley (1924)

Our last Riley, I think. Lots of clear themes emerging as our reviewer, Sue, notes: money can’t buy happiness, right prevailing over might, trust in the Lord, for he shall provide… Review by Sue R: Sam Laycock made his fortune through hard work, promotion and a second marriage to the mill owner’s daughter. His will … Continue reading →

Jack and John by Willie Riley (1935)

I always have a good look at the prelims and end papers in books in the collection, and in this book published by Herbert Jenkins they are particularly interesting. In the front there is a page titled ‘What this story is about’; a more unusual feature than you might think. Most novels of this period … Continue reading →

We’re in the Yorkshire Post!

Our Yorkshire Writers 1900-1950 event has inspired a splendid article about Willie Riley, Phyllis Bentley and Winifred Holtby: ‘Forgotten Pleasures’, Yorkshire Post, 12 October 2013. Stephen McClarence asks ‘is there such a thing as the great Yorkshire novel?’

Rachel Bland’s Inheritance by Willie Riley (1923)

Review by Thecla W: Rachel Bland is 30 and has looked after her bullying, invalid father for the 12 years since her mother died. For some years she has been courted by Robert, a local farmer and Methodist lay preacher. As her father dies, Stanley, a cousin of Rachel’s, arrives in the village. He has … Continue reading →

Jerry and Ben by Willie Riley (1919)

Review by George Simmers (see his Great War FIction blog) This is a book that must have seemed old-fashioned even when it was written (1919), which may have been a large part of its appeal. Peg, Mamie and Betty are single women, with nothing much to look forward to but living as perpetual aunties, until … Continue reading →

Willie Riley (1866-1961) and Windyridge (1912)

Willie Riley is another of those authors who were extremely popular in their day and are almost entirely forgotten now that we specialise in at the Sheffield Hallam collection. Riley, a businessman from Bradford, published his first novel, Windyridge, in 1912 when he was in his forties. It was written, not for publication, but to cheer up some … Continue reading →