William De Morgan is best known as a brilliant ceramic artist, a friend of William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites. At the age of 67, he finally published his first novel, 'A Likely Story.' It’s a book that carries all the charm and occasional messiness of a passionate project started later in life. You can feel his artistic eye in the vivid descriptions and his playful spirit in the winding plot.

The Story

The plot follows Valentine, a young man down on his luck. His fortunes seem to change when he inherits a large, rambling old house called 'The Towers' from a distant relative. But there's a condition: he must live in it for a full year. Once he moves in, he finds the place is less of a blessing and more of a beautiful, confusing maze. The house is filled with quirky servants, a mysterious locked room, and a local legend about a hidden treasure connected to his family's past. As Valentine digs deeper, he uncovers layers of family secrets, forges unexpected friendships, and gets tangled in a gentle mystery that's more about human nature than crime.

Why You Should Read It

Don't come to this book for a tight, modern plot. Come for the atmosphere and the people. De Morgan writes dialogue that crackles with life—it's witty, rambling, and feels incredibly real. The characters, from the pragmatic housekeeper to the dreamy young woman next door, are drawn with such affection and humor that you feel like you've known them for years. The central mystery of the house and the treasure is really just a framework for exploring themes of inheritance, both monetary and emotional, and the idea of finding your place in the world. It’s a story about starting over, and there's something deeply moving about that coming from a man who started a whole new career as a novelist in his seventh decade.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for readers who love classic English novels but want something off the beaten path. If you enjoy the cozy mysteries of Agatha Christie's less murder-y moments, the domestic details of Jane Austen, or the warm-hearted storytelling of Dickens without the grimness, you'll find a friend in 'A Likely Story.' It's ideal for a lazy Sunday afternoon, when you're in the mood to be transported to a slower, more conversational world. Think of it as a literary comfort read with just enough puzzle to keep the pages turning.