The House that Berry Built

The House that Berry Built was written by Dornford Yates, the pen name of Cecil William Mercer, and published by G. P. Putnam's Sons in 1945. It serves as a significant entry in the long-running 'Berry' series, which centers on the aristocratic and often mischievous Pleydell family. Set during the interwar period, these novels captured a nostalgic, idealized version of British upper-class life that resonated deeply with readers during the social upheavals of the mid-twentieth century.

Yates was known for his distinctively ornate, witty prose and a commitment to portraying a world defined by chivalry and social standing. In this particular installment, the narrative follows the family's construction of a new home in the Pyrenees, reflecting the author’s own experiences living abroad in France. While critics often noted the escapist nature of his work, the series maintained a devoted following, providing a sense of stability and charm that appealed to a generation navigating the realities of the Second World War.