After such a Spring and Summer many surely thought, we were not going to have an “Indian summer” the earliest reference to the origins of this term was apparently found in a letter written in England in 1778 .“A period of dry warm weather occurring as autumn approaches”
These last few days have bought blue skies, crisps mornings, heavy dews and even a light frost one morning. A riot of colour in the garden as the plants give one more spectacular burst of flowering, before their winter sleep.
Walking at dusk most evening’s is that magical moment between one part of our daily life and the other . There is a month before those darker evening envelope us. Along with the fire lit a little earlier each day.
Non Fiction
Ghosts of the Farm: Two Women’s Journey through Time, Land and Community by Nicola Chester
Yes, I am bias. Nicola’s previous book ‘On Gallows Down’ was and still is one of the most inspiring books I have read, her thoughts on the landscape and our connection with it, deserves all the praise it received . So here with her second offering I am equally blown away. Set very close to where Nicola and I live, we meet Miss White who dream to own a farm in the 1940’s was achieved . We are drawn into her world and the character of Miss White and other pioneering woman farmers of this area and time,. Meanwhile Nicola interlinks her own interests and hope of working with the land and the guardianship of the natural world, also noting loss of farmland and lively hoods that are fast disappearing but where so familiar to Miss White and others . Very much looking forward to her talking with Sarah Langford in Hungerford on October 3rd .
Fly Wild Swans, My Mother , Myself and China by Jung Chang
Any one of a certain age will remember Wild Swans, Three daughters of China , Jungs account of her family though three generations revealed the epic story of China 20th century though their eyes .Published over thirty years ago becoming internationally acclaimed and still is. The book finishes in 1978 when the Mao era was official ended and ‘the reforms” started ‘! In Fly Wild Swans we are updated with the Jung family along with todays China . The hopes and dreams of the China of reform are but a distance dream , as China is now as harsh and daunting as when under the Mao regime . Jung herself is persona non grata in China with her books banned and unable to return even to visit her 96 year old mother , for fear of arrest.
Muv, The Story of the Mitford Girl’s Mother, by Rachel Trethewey
Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity Jessica and Deborah of course had a mother. So often mother’s remain unfairly in the shadows . Her owns daughters’ depictions of her were as different as their political differences! But she was far from being either ordinary or dull.
Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear: the Remarkable life of A.A.Milne and the Legacy of Winnie the Pooh , by Gyles Brandreth
It’s the Centenary of the publication of Winne the Pooh . Brandreth not only tells us the story behind his creation but the man who behind the story. Being a friend of the real Christopher Robin, this is an intimate and revelling portrait, the conflicting relationship the family had with both author and bear for many years. While also a look at why “the bear of very little brain” 100 years on still speaks to both young and old readers a like today.
Kingmaker, Pamela Harriman’s Astonishing Life of Seduction, Intrigue and Power by Sonia Parnell
is now in paper back and if you did not read this or known someone who missed it , it utterly fascinating account of a time and a character. The author’s research is impeccable and also a fair account of this often much misunderstood remarkable woman.
A bit of this and that..
Persiana Easy, by Sabrina Ghayour – a brand new collection treat from this brilliant cook , 100 easy irresistible middle eastern recipes. A perfect present if you can resist hanging on to it .
To plea to all
Concerns have been rumbling for some time, but recently the worry has become more apparent. There is a decline in children reading. But this is no scaremongering its true but one that with very little effort could be reversed.
But to hear that many children do not even read or hold a book for even ten minutes a day be it either at school or home , independently , with help or as group is tragic and worrying . The range of wonderful story telling is at a new high with many new writers and illustrators as well as old favourites to choose from.
The distraction of computers mobile phones , television etc , Screen time increasing. Parents stretched in everyday life, with work and raising living costs all are having an effect . Apparently everyone’s concentration time is shrinking !. A book is often less than a cup of takeaway coffee and pastry ! and lasts lot longer ! Bring children I to bookshops they will find a friendly face or visit the wonderful libraries that we are so lucky to have and if we don’t use will like pubs disappear .or do both
The memory of a good book also remains a lot longer than a latte .
So before you reach for the remote control, remember your childhood and settle down with books , Books can transport all of us whatever age to many of places and adventures . You will never be lonely with a good book , the librarians and booksellers are there for you and between us all we can reverse this alarming trend and with it a bring a bright future for the readers of the future.