This is the second of the Comedy of Fools series of books, which can be read a standalone too, the first being Love and Miss Harris is a fun duo of books. They are reminiscent of the likes of P.G. Wodehouse and old comedy capers. It follows the touring actors as they try and put on a show. It shouldn't be so challenging, but they have dates still unfilled and things don't get off to a good start, even on opening night, when a rival gang to the mobster who owns the theatre makes their presence felt. It reminds potential audiences not all is plain sailing all of the time to put on a show. The books themselves could be quite good fun if they were actually staged as they are a bit like a play within a play, as well as giving a look at behind the scenes.

This is just good old British humour written very well for a 2024 audience.

Due to health issues cannot write a proper review now, a proper review will follow
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

In Britain, just after World War II, The Red Lion acting troupe decides to take its act, “Love and Miss Harris,” on the long, long road. They load the double-decker onto a ship bound for America, and the first stop on the tour is New York. But instead of the Great White Way, it’s the dank gloom of the Lower East Side. Then it’s off to New England and the Midwest. Tickets are selling fast, but following them just as fast is trouble in the form of some LES gangsters.

This was a great little look into the world of theater. I’ve never been part of an acting group, and seeing how actors act behind the scenes was fun. The characters were interesting and often funny. There were some interesting stories and touching moments, particularly regarding veterans of WWII. There were a few intersecting love angles here as well.

The language is very British, with the occasional brogue thrown in. You’ll need to expand your vocabulary and read carefully at times. Might have also been the phrasing, but either way it’s sometimes a tough follow. That said, I’m a sucker for a British accent, so I enjoyed the character’s voices.

I just wasn’t sure about the plot. The trip to America, I got. But after that, again, it was tough to comprehend. Just when I had a handle on a scene, another one would materialize that seemed totally unrelated. And then I lost the original plotline when it jumped to another town, or person, or conversation. I got the sense there was a challenge, but I don’t know what it was. Could’ve been me; I just haven’t been myself lately.

Plenty of history and nostalgia for anyone who loves a little post-WWII caper.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was charming and delightful. I enjoyed it a lot!

I loved the eclectic mix of characters and their quirky doings. I also loved that the story is based on a post-war theme - though the war is over, its traumatic memories have scarred a few for life. This time, the theatre team (along with their red double decker and George's Black-and-yellow Rolls Royce Phantom) are in New York.

A light and enjoyable read but I must admit I took some time to get used to the writing and the characters.

A totally fun book full of quirky and eccentric characters in the form of a travelling theatre company from the East End of London. This is the second book in a series, I have read the first but do think it does stand alone on it's own merits. A light, quick and entertaining read set in the US in the postwar years.

Miss Harris in the New World is the second book in The Company of Fools series. It is absolutely delightful! You don't need to read the first book before this one. However, you'll want to because it's so much fun.