John Mortimer wrote a long series of novels and short story collections about Horace Rumpole, barrister at law. As I understand it, the TV series Rumpole of the Bailey came before the short stories and novels. I have seen some episodes of the TV series, although I barely remember them.
The First Rumpole Omnibus contains:
- Rumpole of the Bailey (6 short stories)
- The Trials of Rumpole (6 short stories)
- Rumpole's Return (a novel)
A few weeks ago I read the first story in Rumpole of the Bailey, "Rumpole and the Younger Generation." It is a longer short story at 40 pages, and introduces Rumpole, his wife Hilda and his son Nick. It also introduces us to his place of work and the Old Bailey. Although I enjoyed the story, it was a bit sad toward the end, and I wasn't sure whether I would continue reading the stories or not. (I don't reject sad stories usually, but for some reason it did not put me in the mood for continuing.)
On Monday night I decided to try the second story in the book, "Rumpole and the Alternative Society." It features a "hippie" group living at a place they call Nirvana, located in a resort town called Coldsands. A young female resident of the commune has been arrested for possession of a large amount of cannabis and Rumpole is sent to the resort city to defend her. His expenses are paid for by the Legal Aid Fund of Great Britain. And he enjoys a trip away from home. He will be staying with old friends he knew when he was in the RAF, an ex-pilot and his wife.
This paragraph is part of his description of the train trip to Coldsands.
So I was, as you can imagine, in a good mood as we rattled past Reading and cows began to be visible, standing in fields, chewing the cud, as though there were no law courts or judges in the world. You very rarely see a cow down the Bailey, which is one of the reasons I enjoy an occasional case on circuit. Circuit takes you away from Chambers, away from the benevolent despotism of Albert the clerk, above all, away from the constant surveillance of She Who Must Be Obeyed (Mrs Hilda Rumpole). I began to look forward to a good, old-fashioned railway lunch. I thought of a touch of Brown Windsor soup, rapidly followed by steamed cod, castle pudding, mouse-trap, cream crackers and celery, all to be washed down with a vintage bottle of Chateau Great Western as we charged past Didcot.
Rumpole, unfortunately, does not get his good, old-fashioned railway lunch.
One thing that is quite clear after reading these stories is that Rumpole loves his work. I enjoy the first person narration and the humor. So I will continue reading the stories, although at this point I only plan to read the stories in the first book, Rumpole of the Bailey.
16 comments:
I've had Rumpole on my radar for a couple of years, having previously not been interested in reading him because I'm not a great fan of reading courtcase fiction. But the writing seems like it's wonderful and I might sample a few short stories if I can catch a collection somewhere.
Also not a fan of courtroom dramas. Maybe too much Perry Mason as a kid, where he won every case in the last minutes. But Rumpole is iconic and I should watch or read a few.
I've read all the Rumpole stories and novels. I'm a huge fan of the TV series, too! Sure, Rumpole isn't for everyone, but I'm definitely found John Mortimer's stories clever and entertaining. Rumpole doesn't always win like Perry Mason, but he fights the good fight.
Cath, I had this collection for years and years, and never tried it. Now I am glad I did. The stories are definitely of the time that they were written, but I usually like that too.
Patti, I have never cared for legal dramas myself. Of the two I read, part of the first one was in the courtroom. But in the second one, all of it was outside of the courtroom, and was more about Rumpole's approach to law than crime solving. Not really a mystery at all.
George, I like Rumpole's attitudes towards law and his job. I enjoy the old Perry Mason shows (we are watching season 4 right now) but more for the parts outside the courtroom, and the characters.
Oh, read them all, they’re wonderful! I have the books, and the shows on DVD. No, perhaps not for everyone, but to me they are the essence of British humor. Rumpole, enjoying his glass of plonk, is terrific!
Mortimer’s autobiography VOYAGE ROUND MY FATHER is great too.
Rick, I had no idea that there were so many books and short stories about Rumpole. I am sure I will eventually read all of the stories in this omnibus over time. Maybe even try the TV series again. Thanks for telling me about his autobiography, I will look into it.
I love Rumpole - he's real comfort reading/watching for me, and I've just acquired an audiobook of some of the short stories too. I'm glad you decided to try again and found this one less sad. Hope you continue to enjoy them!
I hope so, too, FictionFan. I can see how they would be comfort reading.
I like Rumpole very much, Tracy, and I like Mortimer's writing style. I'm glad you're planning to read more, and I hope you'll enjoy them.
Margot, I am sure I will enjoy the stories I read. There are a lot of stories and novels of his to read.
I enjoyed the half dozen or so I read. I may go back for more at a later date.
Col, your review and others I read at Goodreads encourage me to read the first set of 6 stories and I will probably continue with more.
I have enjoyed the Rumpole episodes and short stories I've read and seen as well...and Mortimer's work generally. Haven't yet read a novel in the RUMPOLE series.
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