What do you think?
Rate this book
Green Money
"Now, listen to me," said Mr. Green earnestly. "I've brought up my little girl as a girl should be brought up. I've sheltered her from the world. She's uncontaminated by the modern ideas-uncontaminated. What d'you think of that?"
Young George Ferrier's frivolous jaunt in London ends with an unexpected encounter with wealthy Mr. Green, old friend of his father, who spontaneously drafts George to be a trustee for his daughter Elma. George accepts (primarily due to the payment involved) and puts it out of his mind, returning home to his high-spirited Irish mother, distracted astronomer father, and friends Peter Seeley and his sister Cathy. But Mr. Green's sudden death-and the discovery that his fellow trustees are distinctly on the shady side-launches George into a series of rollicking adventures as he attempts to secure the overly-sheltered Elma's wealth, protect her from fortune-hunters, and shield her from her own naïve instincts.
First published in 1939 and out of print for many years, Green Money is a delightful tale of fortune and fraud, innocence and experience-and of course romance. This new edition includes an autobiographical sketch by D.E. Stevenson.
"Miss Stevenson has her own individual and charming way of seeing things." Western Mail
Young George Ferrier's frivolous jaunt in London ends with an unexpected encounter with wealthy Mr. Green, old friend of his father, who spontaneously drafts George to be a trustee for his daughter Elma. George accepts (primarily due to the payment involved) and puts it out of his mind, returning home to his high-spirited Irish mother, distracted astronomer father, and friends Peter Seeley and his sister Cathy. But Mr. Green's sudden death-and the discovery that his fellow trustees are distinctly on the shady side-launches George into a series of rollicking adventures as he attempts to secure the overly-sheltered Elma's wealth, protect her from fortune-hunters, and shield her from her own naïve instincts.
First published in 1939 and out of print for many years, Green Money is a delightful tale of fortune and fraud, innocence and experience-and of course romance. This new edition includes an autobiographical sketch by D.E. Stevenson.
"Miss Stevenson has her own individual and charming way of seeing things." Western Mail
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1939
142 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
D.E. Stevenson
67 books631 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Dorothy Emily Stevenson was a best-selling Scottish author. She published more than 40 romantic novels over a period of more than 40 years. Her father was a cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson.
D.E. Stevenson had an enormously successful writing career: between 1923 and 1970, four million copies of her books were sold in Britain and three million in the States. Like E.F. Benson, Ann Bridge, O. Douglas or Dorothy L. Sayers (to name but a few) her books are funny, intensely readable, engaging and dependable.
Dorothy Emily Stevenson was a best-selling Scottish author. She published more than 40 romantic novels over a period of more than 40 years. Her father was a cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson.
D.E. Stevenson had an enormously successful writing career: between 1923 and 1970, four million copies of her books were sold in Britain and three million in the States. Like E.F. Benson, Ann Bridge, O. Douglas or Dorothy L. Sayers (to name but a few) her books are funny, intensely readable, engaging and dependable.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 16, 2014
D.E Stevenson's novels all seem to get labeled romance. Occasionally they are, although usually in an off-kilter and poorly-paced way that I can't imagine being very satisfactory to a reader actually looking for romance. In this case the large bold-print claim on the cover is particularly disconcerting as the book is, in fact, a lampoon of genre romance and a send-up of the romantic young women of an earlier age.
Beautiful and sheltered heiress Elma is suddenly thrust by the death of her father out of her isolated rut of sitting dully with her overbearing governess and reading Walter Scott on the sly into Society. Luckily she has a handsome young Trustee to keep her safe.
Luckily – for her. Not so luckily for George, an ordinary, pleasant (not rich, not Alpha-heroish) young man who is perfectly happy to spend most of his time with his family and friends in the country, breeding horses and spaniels. He thinks Elma is a blasted nuisance and a ridiculous idiot (although he's too polite to say so) and wishes he had never met her father.
In a romance, we'd be forced to believe that Opposite Attract. Instead, the more time they spend together the more boring George thinks Elma is, and the more disillusioned Elma becomes with George's failure to resemble a romantic hero.
In addition to romantic literature, Stevenson also pokes fun at outdated ideas of femininity.
When he gets home, George sensibly asks his mother about this new idea.
A lot of this book is pretty funny. The scenes with Elma drag it down a bit, but it's still a fun read. Plus I learned a new word: genethliacs = relating to nativities or birthdays; showing position and influence of stars at one's birth.
Beautiful and sheltered heiress Elma is suddenly thrust by the death of her father out of her isolated rut of sitting dully with her overbearing governess and reading Walter Scott on the sly into Society. Luckily she has a handsome young Trustee to keep her safe.
Luckily – for her. Not so luckily for George, an ordinary, pleasant (not rich, not Alpha-heroish) young man who is perfectly happy to spend most of his time with his family and friends in the country, breeding horses and spaniels. He thinks Elma is a blasted nuisance and a ridiculous idiot (although he's too polite to say so) and wishes he had never met her father.
In a romance, we'd be forced to believe that Opposite Attract. Instead, the more time they spend together the more boring George thinks Elma is, and the more disillusioned Elma becomes with George's failure to resemble a romantic hero.
In addition to romantic literature, Stevenson also pokes fun at outdated ideas of femininity.
“...You can't chat with a daughter like we're doing now.”
“Why not?” inquired George, who found the fair sex quite companionable.
“You've got to shield them, George,” declared his new friend gravely. “Shield them from harm. Women are like flowers, delicate, virginal, easily shocked and frightened.”
George had not thought of women in this light before, but was always willing to consider a fresh point of view. He thought of the various girls he knew: were they like flowers? Not noticeably. Were they delicate, virginal, easily shocked and frightened? No, no, and no. He thought of his mother and smiled involuntarily.
When he gets home, George sensibly asks his mother about this new idea.
“Were you ever like a flower?” inquired George. “Were you ever delicate, virginal, and easily shocked?”
“George. Who is she?”
“Who?”
“The girl-- the woman...”
“It was a man--” began George.
“A man!” screamed Paddy. “For the love of Mike!”
George laughed.
A lot of this book is pretty funny. The scenes with Elma drag it down a bit, but it's still a fun read. Plus I learned a new word: genethliacs = relating to nativities or birthdays; showing position and influence of stars at one's birth.
Read
June 20, 2022Delightful vaguely Wodehousian read with an amiable if not bright hero trying to handle his unexpected ward. Feels a bit like one of Heyer's more cheery romances but set in the 1950s. Light reading of the best kind.
May 15, 2022
Was this ever a delight! And so funny! I chuckled and laughed heartily numerous times. It’s such a romp and stuffed full of wonderful characters. There is a lot happening in the plot as well: a bit of a mystery, a rather absurd romance, a rather wonderful romance, some enthusiastic school girls, a seaside visit a la Jane Austen (trouble ensues), a hilariously overwrought and outdated governess, and more. Thinking about some of the funniest parts of the book makes me laugh all over again (e.g. Vauxhall!).
George is a wonderful main character. He’s a bit bumbling, but in a generous, good hearted way, and he learns a lot when he is thrust into a position of responsibility. I’d love to have him for a friend. His mother is such a delight; she is described as a “champion monotony breaker”, and I love how matey she and her son are. Many of my favorite characters in DES’s books don’t have the sharpest minds in the room, but they do have excellent people sense and are so likeable as to be friends with nearly everyone. Mrs. Tim and Caroline Dering are both like this too. They are at once both mystified by people and love to help when they see a fellow creature in need. This makes for some great comedy (and occasionally pathos).
George is a wonderful main character. He’s a bit bumbling, but in a generous, good hearted way, and he learns a lot when he is thrust into a position of responsibility. I’d love to have him for a friend. His mother is such a delight; she is described as a “champion monotony breaker”, and I love how matey she and her son are. Many of my favorite characters in DES’s books don’t have the sharpest minds in the room, but they do have excellent people sense and are so likeable as to be friends with nearly everyone. Mrs. Tim and Caroline Dering are both like this too. They are at once both mystified by people and love to help when they see a fellow creature in need. This makes for some great comedy (and occasionally pathos).
August 2, 2023
Fantastic D.E. Stevenson book! Once I read the first couple of pages, I was totally hooked!
This is one of D.E. Stevenson’s more fast paced, plot driven books. The characters are still wonderful, but there is much more going on in the story.
I love that this is one of few books where I liked all of the characters, good and “bad”. George Ferrier and his parents are brilliant and likable (especially his mom, Paddy). Elma Green is beautiful, naive, inexperienced and slightly annoying, but still adorable in some ways. While George’s friend, Cathy, is a darling and my favorite character.
Although I still like The English Air a little more, I still had to give it 5🌟. I enjoyed it so much. This is now one of my all-time favorite DES books. Entertaining, silly and heart warming all in one!
This is one of D.E. Stevenson’s more fast paced, plot driven books. The characters are still wonderful, but there is much more going on in the story.
I love that this is one of few books where I liked all of the characters, good and “bad”. George Ferrier and his parents are brilliant and likable (especially his mom, Paddy). Elma Green is beautiful, naive, inexperienced and slightly annoying, but still adorable in some ways. While George’s friend, Cathy, is a darling and my favorite character.
Although I still like The English Air a little more, I still had to give it 5🌟. I enjoyed it so much. This is now one of my all-time favorite DES books. Entertaining, silly and heart warming all in one!
December 24, 2016
They say that Georgette Heyer is the queen of witty dialogue. If so, then D.E. Stevenson is the queen of friendly conversation. Even though Green Money is not my favorite Stevenson novel, I reveled in the affectionate, congenial, often blunt, banter of lifelong companions. It's my favorite kind of eavesdropping.
George Ferrier is happily walking down the street, enjoying the sunshine and the fact that it is his 25th birthday. Little does he know that he will soon fall into an adventure which includes a crooked lawyer, a rich heiress, and the rescue of various damsels in distress.
This is not as cozy as the Miss Buncle or Mrs. Tim books because of light swearing and everybody smoking, but Stevenson's books are always beautifully written and chock-full of likeable, quirky characters.
George Ferrier is happily walking down the street, enjoying the sunshine and the fact that it is his 25th birthday. Little does he know that he will soon fall into an adventure which includes a crooked lawyer, a rich heiress, and the rescue of various damsels in distress.
This is not as cozy as the Miss Buncle or Mrs. Tim books because of light swearing and everybody smoking, but Stevenson's books are always beautifully written and chock-full of likeable, quirky characters.
March 10, 2022
Not the typical DES; but I really enjoyed it. I liked George Ferrier, his home Swan House that used to be an inn on the road to London, and his parents that he shared life with. His father, Quentin, an astrologer of some sort, always writing, somewhat vague with his mind on scientific matters, but when needed, a kindly and personable man. Paddy, his mother, a fiery Irish woman with wit and wisdom. The unbelievable request made by Mr. Green to have George be a trustee for his young adult daughter in the event of his death, brings on quite unusual events in the Ferrier family and their friends. The ending seemed rather rushed but satisfactory.
January 16, 2022
I usually fall in love with DES’s characters — one of the reasons I so enjoy her work. Green Money is more of a farce, with really only one “relatable” character. And while the farcical elements aren’t as brilliant as those in Miss Buncle’s Book, it’s still an enjoyable read.
February 11, 2017
This is one of Ms. Stevenson's more humorous books. Some of her novels are better than others, but she rarely disappoints. She has become one of my "go-to" authors.
November 12, 2015
George Ferrier has had a grand time in London celebrating his 25th birthday with friends. As he is about to return to his country home and beloved parents, he's met by a Mr. Green who claims to be an old friend of Mr. Ferrier's from the war days (WWI). George politely agrees to have lunch and drinks with Mr. Green and listens to the older man's reminisces. After a few more drinks, George finds himself agreeing to be trustee to the estate and Green's daughter. Green will die easier knowing his little girl is well looked after and George will be 500 pounds richer. Green insists he's good for another 20 years but shortly after their meeting, Mr. Green passes away, leaving his daughter to the trustees, including George. George's friend Paul Seeley encourages George to visit his ward, Elma. Elma, carefully reared to be a "delicate flower" by a Victorian governess, appears meek and mild but she's a quick study when she discovers there's a "new-fashioned" way of doing things. She longs to be a "new-fashioned" woman and leads George on a merry chase across the country when George discovers a secret about her new-fashioned friends. Meanwhile, Paul's little sister "Dan" is having a tough time at school and George agrees to help. How can he help when he has girls hanging on his arm all the time? George's mother, Paul and his sister Cathy are all convinced George is going to marry that girl and none of them are happy about it. He isn't sure who he wants to marry but he begins to get a clearer picture the more time he spends with Elma.
This is one of D.E. Stevenson's own favorite novels. It reads a lot of like a Jane Austen novel in parts. (I think Miss Stevenson was a fan of Mansfield Park). It also features some intrigue and complications in imitation of Heyer but not quite as wild or well-written. The first part of the book is pretty dull until the last page of that section. Then the story picks up and I had a tough time putting it down. I felt the ending was very rushed and there are too many extraneous plot points happening here. The ending surprised me though. At first I thought something different was going to happen but then I realized what actually was going to happen. It took too long to get there though. A little trimming in the beginning and a lot more ending would have been better. I didn't find this story as humorous as the dust jacket implied. It's not laugh out loud funny but it is a comical social commentary something like Jane Austen.
I didn't like any of the characters in this book and found them all annoying. George is not very quick but he has a level head on his shoulders. At first I didn't like him at all because he seemed like a frivolous idiot. I was confused as to why he was window shopping for his mother, it made him seem younger than his 25 years. As the plot really started to kick into high gear, I grew to like George. Though Green didn't know it, he chose exactly the right man to be one of the trustees. He can rest easy knowing George is on the job. I liked the way George dealt with his problems and how kind he was to animals and children.
Elma annoyed the heck out of me. I didn't quite understand why she wanted to be "new-fashioned" and why she was so empty-headed as to go along with whatever any man proposed. She wasn't raised to think for herself but I would think some common sense and decorum would have been instinctual. She really really got on my nerves as the story went on and I understand George's reactions to her behavior. Her governess Miss Wilson is somewhat to blame but she can't help being Victorian and as stuffy as they come. She was hired for that very reason, presumably.
I disliked the other characters too. First, George's mother is tough and cold unless you're an animal. I didn't really see why George was so close to her. She didn't seem the motherly type. She seemed the battle ax take-charge type. Mr. Ferrier is so absent-minded and focused on his stars, he can't see what's happening in front of his face. He inconveniences everyone around him without a second thought.The Seeleys are even worse parents. They don't even appear on page but their neglect of their younger daughter is apparent. Cathy is too good and self-sacrificing. She is strong minded and firm in her opinions which I admired but mostly she's Fanny Price, taking care of the family. Paul is moody and irritable for no good reason at all except one he thinks is a reason. All he had to do was talk to his friend but instead he gets into a snit. Dan is the only Seeley I liked and could relate to.
This is a quiet, pleasant read. It's not wonderful but it's not terrible. This type of plot just isn't really my favorite.
This is one of D.E. Stevenson's own favorite novels. It reads a lot of like a Jane Austen novel in parts. (I think Miss Stevenson was a fan of Mansfield Park). It also features some intrigue and complications in imitation of Heyer but not quite as wild or well-written. The first part of the book is pretty dull until the last page of that section. Then the story picks up and I had a tough time putting it down. I felt the ending was very rushed and there are too many extraneous plot points happening here. The ending surprised me though. At first I thought something different was going to happen but then I realized what actually was going to happen. It took too long to get there though. A little trimming in the beginning and a lot more ending would have been better. I didn't find this story as humorous as the dust jacket implied. It's not laugh out loud funny but it is a comical social commentary something like Jane Austen.
I didn't like any of the characters in this book and found them all annoying. George is not very quick but he has a level head on his shoulders. At first I didn't like him at all because he seemed like a frivolous idiot. I was confused as to why he was window shopping for his mother, it made him seem younger than his 25 years. As the plot really started to kick into high gear, I grew to like George. Though Green didn't know it, he chose exactly the right man to be one of the trustees. He can rest easy knowing George is on the job. I liked the way George dealt with his problems and how kind he was to animals and children.
Elma annoyed the heck out of me. I didn't quite understand why she wanted to be "new-fashioned" and why she was so empty-headed as to go along with whatever any man proposed. She wasn't raised to think for herself but I would think some common sense and decorum would have been instinctual. She really really got on my nerves as the story went on and I understand George's reactions to her behavior. Her governess Miss Wilson is somewhat to blame but she can't help being Victorian and as stuffy as they come. She was hired for that very reason, presumably.
I disliked the other characters too. First, George's mother is tough and cold unless you're an animal. I didn't really see why George was so close to her. She didn't seem the motherly type. She seemed the battle ax take-charge type. Mr. Ferrier is so absent-minded and focused on his stars, he can't see what's happening in front of his face. He inconveniences everyone around him without a second thought.The Seeleys are even worse parents. They don't even appear on page but their neglect of their younger daughter is apparent. Cathy is too good and self-sacrificing. She is strong minded and firm in her opinions which I admired but mostly she's Fanny Price, taking care of the family. Paul is moody and irritable for no good reason at all except one he thinks is a reason. All he had to do was talk to his friend but instead he gets into a snit. Dan is the only Seeley I liked and could relate to.
This is a quiet, pleasant read. It's not wonderful but it's not terrible. This type of plot just isn't really my favorite.
January 20, 2023
Nothing could be more charming, more gentle or more heartening than D.E. Stevenson - I just adore her. This is the second book of hers I have read that has left me with a big smile on my face; she just makes me so very happy and takes me to a much simpler, lovelier time that you would be hard pressed to find now. I must read her entire back catalogue.
November 10, 2013
Poor George was drunkenly roped into becoming a trustee for the young Miss Elma Green, not expecting her father to pop off almost immediately. After he hears the sad news about Mr. Green's death, George takes it upon himself to introduce himself to his ward and check on her well-being. Elma is extremely beautiful but naive: her father has raised her to be the perfect Victorian lady, none of this modern woman nonsense, so she is meek and obedient. OR SO IT SEEMS. Elma has a unintentionally hilarious companion who seeks to carry out Mr. Green's wishes, but that doesn't stop Elma from reading the sexy / drinking bits out of a book or going off alone with young men behind her chaperone's back. Elma starts to inconveniently fall in love with George, who is intrigued but also decent enough to realize 1) he is the first young man she's ever really interacted with, and 2) this seriously infringes upon his trustee duties, so he ships her off on holiday with another trustee and his family. Obviously, this other trustee is Not What He Appears, and has nefarious plans in the works. Elma isn't exactly as innocent as she appears either and is determined to become modern in every way -- which means spending loads on new clothes on credit, ignoring everything her poor chaperone tells her, flirting shamelessly with every young male in sight, and running away to London with the son of the evil trustee. Poor George is left to pick up the pieces, but he's dealing with some personal problems of his own. His dear but fiery mother hates Elma with a burning passion, his best friend loves Elma and is furious at George, he suspects the other trustee is up to no good, and he is trying to decide if he actually loves Elma, or just thinks she is beautiful. Meanwhile, his lovely neighbor and best friend's sister, Cathy, loves him from afar.
This is the first DE Stevenson I have read; I read Bel Lamington right after, and I enjoyed this one much more. Another review said this was almost like an old slapstick comedy which I think was particularly apt.
This is the first DE Stevenson I have read; I read Bel Lamington right after, and I enjoyed this one much more. Another review said this was almost like an old slapstick comedy which I think was particularly apt.
January 13, 2022
Light, romantic, witty fiction is my escape during times of great stress, and this novel did not disappoint. For a few hours I was transported into a comical situation filled with interesting characters, clever repartee, misunderstandings galore, and a happy ending. I had not previously read anything by this author, although well-known and prolific. I'm now going to read a few more novels by her and see if she was able to maintain the pace. Hopefully the rest of her work will prove just as diverting as this one.
October 6, 2022
Delightfully silly, with a sweet romance nestled inside. I found myself laughing several times at D. E. Stevenson’s wit.
On a side note, I’m really glad I had read a few other reviews beforehand and knew to expect more comedy than romance. It’s a departure from the author’s normal style, so take that in consideration when setting your expectations for this novel.
On a side note, I’m really glad I had read a few other reviews beforehand and knew to expect more comedy than romance. It’s a departure from the author’s normal style, so take that in consideration when setting your expectations for this novel.
Read
April 14, 2024Reading through my mother's collection of D.E. Stevenson books, just because. Not necessarily my favorite reads.
December 31, 2011
I loved Paddy and her deliberately faux-Irish roleplaying, the way she felt free to invent herself for her own entertainment. But there was a little too much farce for me to identify with the younger characters, and the sheltered heiress was so ridiculously naive & silly that I didn't enjoy it much. I do think Stevenson was trying to do something interesting by taking a stereotypical Victorian maiden and putting her into the 1930s. It's nice to remember that people in the past were just as confused by previous generations as we are today -- maybe even more so.
April 2, 2022
This is one of my least favorite D.E. Stevenson novels. Not that it's badly written, I simply don't much care for her intentionally farcical books--they come across as a bit too absurd and silly for my personal taste.
3 stars
3 stars
June 30, 2022
This was a fun lighthearted read! What was extra fun is that the final chapter takes place at Fortnum and Mason department store and the Academy across the street on Piccadilly Street in London. I could actually picture it all in my mind since I had been there this month! The main character lived in the county close to Alton which is nearby (a few miles) from where I spent my perfect day in the countryside seeing all things Jane Austen.
January 8, 2022
Finally available as an e-book!
April 6, 2024
Classic D.E. I liked George and enjoyed that Elma was clearly and fairly quickly discovered to be a bit of a sap. Although I think that’s not totally her fault, she was brought up to be like that!
April 26, 2024
Quick, lighthearted sweet read. A bit humorous, a bit predictable, but all the same it transported me to 1930’s England for a few days. It had a similar feel to a Miss Read book, with a bit of Wodehouse thrown in.
June 5, 2022
This was a mostly lighthearted romp, but still containing the author's wisdom and concern for her fellow humans. The plot reminded me a bit of some of Georgette Heyer's plots, where a young man gets caught up in his ward's misadventures in ways that complicate and then help to reconcile his own love life. The ending is very satisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2020
I haven't read all of D.E. Stevenson's books, by any means, but Green Money is my favourite so far. Her humorous take on romance novels is like an antidote to four years of studying English literature in university. George is a decent and honourable young man, who got roped into being a Trustee for Mr. Green who promised to live for another 20 years. He broke the promise shortly thereafter, leaving poor George responsible for Elma, Mr. Green's naive and annoying daughter. Elma is right out of the Victorian romances: a properly brought up young woman of no lived experience. The problem is that it is 1939, and she is helpless in a world she doesn't understand and can't negotiate. She wants a man just like Pendennis from Thackeray's novel, which is itself a satire of romances, but Elma doesn't get the satire; she takes it straight, like everything else.
Fortunately for Elma, George is a man of integrity. He is the only hope she has to end up well-married, and with her wealth intact. Would that we all meet "George" as our first love, but I digress.
Elma is a handful, a nuisance, unable to entertain herself, as dependent as a newborn on George to give her direction in life. She is a sucker for any man who pays attention to her, and they all do because she is young, rich, beautiful and talks like a Victorian. George is at his wits' end on how he will get his freedom back. This delightful book is packed with the comedy emerging from the characters. The plot is thin, but the characters are fully realized. I especially love George's mother, Paddy, who is a whirlwind of emotions and intuition and generosity and love. I recommend this book as a few hours of pleasurable escape, which is the definition of a great romantic read.
Fortunately for Elma, George is a man of integrity. He is the only hope she has to end up well-married, and with her wealth intact. Would that we all meet "George" as our first love, but I digress.
Elma is a handful, a nuisance, unable to entertain herself, as dependent as a newborn on George to give her direction in life. She is a sucker for any man who pays attention to her, and they all do because she is young, rich, beautiful and talks like a Victorian. George is at his wits' end on how he will get his freedom back. This delightful book is packed with the comedy emerging from the characters. The plot is thin, but the characters are fully realized. I especially love George's mother, Paddy, who is a whirlwind of emotions and intuition and generosity and love. I recommend this book as a few hours of pleasurable escape, which is the definition of a great romantic read.
April 25, 2023
I absolutely love D. E. Stevenson's novels and once again I am not disappointed in "Green Money". I had figured somethings out but there was many things that I guessed wrong. This is a romantic pre WW2 story, Hilter is mentioned, it was published in 1939, the drought is present but no sign of the war yet. I mention this because I always try to think of the times and what is occurring when a book is written. I loved the autobiography sketch at the end. This story is about a likeable 25 year old man who finds that saying yes to something deemed simple may try not be so.
Story in short - George runs into an old friend of his father who is wealthy and looks for George's help in being a trustee after another old one recently died. George is uncertain what to do about Green and his money.
From D. E. Stevenson's autobiography sketch included at the end of this book.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 246
All the people in my books are real to me. They are more real than the people I meet every day for I know them better and understand them more deeply.
Below from introduction of book with some spoilers.
➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 5
Young George Ferrier’s frivolous jaunt in London ends with an unexpected encounter with wealthy Mr. Green, old friend of his father, who spontaneously drafts George to be a trustee for his daughter Elma. George accepts (primarily due to the payment involved) and puts it out of his mind, returning home to his high-spirited Irish mother, distracted astronomer father, and friends Peter Seeley and his sister Cathy. But Mr. Green’s sudden death —and the discovery that
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 8
his fellow trustees are distinctly on the shady side—launches George into a series of rollicking adventures as he attempts to secure the overly-sheltered Elma’s wealth, protect her from fortune-hunters, and shield her from her own naïve instincts.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 10
First published in 1939 and out of print for many years, Green Money is a delightful tale of fortune and fraud, innocence and experience—and of course romance. This new edition includes an autobiographical sketch by D.E. Stevenson.
➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 1
It was a pleasant conceit, and George toyed with it as he strolled along. The absurd fancy made his eyes sparkle, and turned up the corners of his mouth in a whimsical smile at his own foolishness and at the colossal egotism which had inspired it. Several young women who were taking the air (if you could call it air, laden as it was with carbon monoxide and scented with petrol fumes) in Bond Street that fine spring morning glanced at him sideways as he passed, and registered a mental picture of his personal appearance (not exactly good looking, perhaps, but distinctly worth looking at, with his long limbs and broad shoulders and easy carriage), and George, becoming aware of these glances,
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 1
returned them with a slightly impudent grin, for he was not backward in his dealings with the opposite sex, nor had he any illusions about them.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2
George had spent ten days in London, and having also spent all his money, he was going home to-morrow. Ten days in London was an expensive pleasure—so George had found. He had not stinted himself, of course, and he had had a really tremendous time, staying with Tom Clitheroe at his comfortable bachelor flat and going with Tom to dances and sherry parties and plays. He had met several delightful girls,
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2
and enjoyed it all immensely. It was over now, and he was sorry. It seemed rather sad to think that he would drop out of their lives and they would forget him.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
George sighed. He lifted his eyes and saw his reflection in the window-pane (not a bit good looking, he thought, but not exactly ugly,
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
either. . . . I’m glad my ears don’t stick out like Toni’s . . .)
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
There was, of course, a “special feeling” about Bond Street, a difference, a quality of glamour which obtained nowhere else.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
Bond Street was a sort of legend, George thought. It was a shrine in the hearts of exiles; it was the hub of London —or at least of a certain romantic legend of London—just as London was the hub of the world. It was narrow and congested, and its shops were necessarily small, but they were full of expensive luxuries, of treasure from every country under the sun. The very paving-stones, thought George (though, as a matter of fact, they looked exactly like the paving-stones of
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
any other street in any other town), were somehow sacred, or almost sacred, so full of history were they. How long had they lain here? Who had walked upon them? Giants of history who were long since dust.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 6
“Yes,” said George. He was conscious of amused glances from passers-by and his skin prickled uncomfortably. He gazed longingly down Bond Street and wondered whether it would be possible to make a bolt for freedom; but his companion had him so tightly by the arm that it would have required actual violence to escape from his clutches,
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 6
and George was not prepared to exert violence here in Bond Street upon a gentleman who claimed to be his father’s friend.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 8
“Hunting,” explained George. “She’s Irish, you know, and rides like the devil.” “Oh, hunting,” nodded Mr. Green. “You hunt, too?” “Rather.” “What else d’you do?” “Nothing much, I’m afraid,” admitted George, somewhat shamefacedly. “I mean, I’ve got no brains. I look after the place for Dad, of course, and Paddy and I breed horses—and all that.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 8
There’s quite a lot to do, as a matter of fact.”
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I thought that Cathy would end up with George because of D. E. usually has good friends growing up get together, especially if they really like each other. I found Paddy a good character and it was interesting how Mr. Ferrier ended up winning her heart because they seem so different. I liked how George's father appreciated his son even though his intelligence was not so high brow. George had common and people sense. At first I did not care for George but as he stayed away from Elma's affections and had thought Millar not trusting, he had intelligence undoubtedly. I had thought Elma would marry Peter eventually but Wilfred and Elma's new found freedom looked different than his flower and women theory.
Story in short - George runs into an old friend of his father who is wealthy and looks for George's help in being a trustee after another old one recently died. George is uncertain what to do about Green and his money.
From D. E. Stevenson's autobiography sketch included at the end of this book.
➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 246
All the people in my books are real to me. They are more real than the people I meet every day for I know them better and understand them more deeply.
Below from introduction of book with some spoilers.
➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗➗
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 5
Young George Ferrier’s frivolous jaunt in London ends with an unexpected encounter with wealthy Mr. Green, old friend of his father, who spontaneously drafts George to be a trustee for his daughter Elma. George accepts (primarily due to the payment involved) and puts it out of his mind, returning home to his high-spirited Irish mother, distracted astronomer father, and friends Peter Seeley and his sister Cathy. But Mr. Green’s sudden death —and the discovery that
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 8
his fellow trustees are distinctly on the shady side—launches George into a series of rollicking adventures as he attempts to secure the overly-sheltered Elma’s wealth, protect her from fortune-hunters, and shield her from her own naïve instincts.
Highlight (Yellow) | Location 10
First published in 1939 and out of print for many years, Green Money is a delightful tale of fortune and fraud, innocence and experience—and of course romance. This new edition includes an autobiographical sketch by D.E. Stevenson.
➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰➰
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 1
It was a pleasant conceit, and George toyed with it as he strolled along. The absurd fancy made his eyes sparkle, and turned up the corners of his mouth in a whimsical smile at his own foolishness and at the colossal egotism which had inspired it. Several young women who were taking the air (if you could call it air, laden as it was with carbon monoxide and scented with petrol fumes) in Bond Street that fine spring morning glanced at him sideways as he passed, and registered a mental picture of his personal appearance (not exactly good looking, perhaps, but distinctly worth looking at, with his long limbs and broad shoulders and easy carriage), and George, becoming aware of these glances,
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 1
returned them with a slightly impudent grin, for he was not backward in his dealings with the opposite sex, nor had he any illusions about them.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2
George had spent ten days in London, and having also spent all his money, he was going home to-morrow. Ten days in London was an expensive pleasure—so George had found. He had not stinted himself, of course, and he had had a really tremendous time, staying with Tom Clitheroe at his comfortable bachelor flat and going with Tom to dances and sherry parties and plays. He had met several delightful girls,
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 2
and enjoyed it all immensely. It was over now, and he was sorry. It seemed rather sad to think that he would drop out of their lives and they would forget him.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
George sighed. He lifted his eyes and saw his reflection in the window-pane (not a bit good looking, he thought, but not exactly ugly,
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
either. . . . I’m glad my ears don’t stick out like Toni’s . . .)
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
There was, of course, a “special feeling” about Bond Street, a difference, a quality of glamour which obtained nowhere else.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
Bond Street was a sort of legend, George thought. It was a shrine in the hearts of exiles; it was the hub of London —or at least of a certain romantic legend of London—just as London was the hub of the world. It was narrow and congested, and its shops were necessarily small, but they were full of expensive luxuries, of treasure from every country under the sun. The very paving-stones, thought George (though, as a matter of fact, they looked exactly like the paving-stones of
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
any other street in any other town), were somehow sacred, or almost sacred, so full of history were they. How long had they lain here? Who had walked upon them? Giants of history who were long since dust.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 6
“Yes,” said George. He was conscious of amused glances from passers-by and his skin prickled uncomfortably. He gazed longingly down Bond Street and wondered whether it would be possible to make a bolt for freedom; but his companion had him so tightly by the arm that it would have required actual violence to escape from his clutches,
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 6
and George was not prepared to exert violence here in Bond Street upon a gentleman who claimed to be his father’s friend.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 8
“Hunting,” explained George. “She’s Irish, you know, and rides like the devil.” “Oh, hunting,” nodded Mr. Green. “You hunt, too?” “Rather.” “What else d’you do?” “Nothing much, I’m afraid,” admitted George, somewhat shamefacedly. “I mean, I’ve got no brains. I look after the place for Dad, of course, and Paddy and I breed horses—and all that.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 8
There’s quite a lot to do, as a matter of fact.”
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I thought that Cathy would end up with George because of D. E. usually has good friends growing up get together, especially if they really like each other. I found Paddy a good character and it was interesting how Mr. Ferrier ended up winning her heart because they seem so different. I liked how George's father appreciated his son even though his intelligence was not so high brow. George had common and people sense. At first I did not care for George but as he stayed away from Elma's affections and had thought Millar not trusting, he had intelligence undoubtedly. I had thought Elma would marry Peter eventually but Wilfred and Elma's new found freedom looked different than his flower and women theory.
September 29, 2022
Dessie book. Twists and turns and intrigues galore. Our hero is George, who sees himself as none too bright, but it isn't so. I plan to reread this one, as it had me laughing out loud at some of the antics. George becomes a trustee of Mr. Green's estate because of a chance meeting. Mr. Green's "little girl" is part of his concern as a trustee. He should have known that Mr. Green of the "purple" visages would not live the twenty years he promised...purple is not a good color for skin.
Additionally, Mr. Green's daughter, brought up the old-fashioned way, is more George's age than he imagined. AND...she wants to become modern, as soon as possible. Then, there is the missing money. Somehow, George manages to forge through all the rough spots and come out none the worse for wear.
Additionally, Mr. Green's daughter, brought up the old-fashioned way, is more George's age than he imagined. AND...she wants to become modern, as soon as possible. Then, there is the missing money. Somehow, George manages to forge through all the rough spots and come out none the worse for wear.
October 12, 2008
In this romance, originally published in 1939, George, son of landed gentry, finds himself guardian to a sheltered heiress. Now that Elma's father is dead, she wants become as modern as possible, and lots of predatory young men want to help her do it. George's happy, undemanding life is suddenly at sixes and sevens.
A D.E. Stevenson book is a perfect vacation. Her romances express the best of the old standards, when people knew what made a person good and tried to behave that way. GREEN MONEY is a darling evening's read.
A D.E. Stevenson book is a perfect vacation. Her romances express the best of the old standards, when people knew what made a person good and tried to behave that way. GREEN MONEY is a darling evening's read.
July 8, 2013
I've long loved D.E. Stevenson's books and when I happened to see this one on the library shelf I thought it a perfect opportunity to read one I've not read previously. The story is sweet and quaintly comical, but perhaps a little too "cute." Yes, I still enjoyed it but somehow it lacked the magic of other Stevenson novels I've read. Time to revisit some of them to see if they stand the test of time.
Read
October 3, 2019Imagine Gary Cooper or even Cary Grant in one of those madcap romantic films of the forties, where there is a bevy of outrageous characters, impossible misunderstandings, and the societal line of the new and old being breached. And set it in England among the landed gentry. That's pretty much Green Money. Not my favorite DES, but it's still a fun read.
March 8, 2010
My least favorite of the DE Stevenson books that I have read. I actually think it would make a very cute movie. It was a sort of slapstick romance that was predictable and just didn't play that well for me from the printed page.
October 27, 2022
Had this as 3* but liked George so much on this reading that I'm giving it 4*
November 26, 2024
A fine Wodehousian romp. Once it gains momentum, you won't want to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews