Although she had been writing for many years, including books published before I was born, I had not come across the late Philippa Pearce until helping in a school classroom in the UK. I found that her books were popular choices for children when reading aloud.
'The Way to Sattin Shore' is one I decided to read aloud to my sons when they were 12 and 14, as we had temporarily run out of other suitable books at the time. It's about Kate, a sensitive ten-year-old, who has always been sad that her father died when she was born. She lives with her mother and brother, and her grandmother, in a peaceful home where they're all fairly content.
Then a letter is delivered, which changes all their lives.
The book is seen through Kate's eyes, combining everyday and mundane events with more exciting and mysterious ones, as she tries to work out what happened to her father all those years ago. Towards the end of the book she's trusted with a terrifying secret...
The ends are all tied together neatly at the end of the book, which is satisfying (if a bit predictable). It made a pleasant read-aloud.
Recommended.
I'm rather in two minds about Monica Dickens' writing. Some I like, some I'm not so keen on. Her books always look interesting on the covers, however, so I decided to try one I'd picked up in a charity shop.
'Dear Doctor Lily' is about two women, Lily and Ida, who meet by chance on an aeroplane. An unlikely but long-lasting friendship is formed. Lily is always eager to help people in need. Ida has escaped an unhappy home and abusive father, to marry an American GI. She quickly finds that her life is little better than it was before.
Lily marries for love, but in her continued quest for helping people, finds tragedy and has to pull her life together afresh.
The people were interesting, although the plot was rather slow and I found it a bit hard-going at times. Well-written, and worth reading, but I doubt if I'll read it again.
A relative had recommended Alexandra Raife's books to me, knowing I enjoy character-based gentle novels. The first one I tried was 'The Larach', and I enjoyed it very much indeed.
The story features Clare who decides to give up her wild life and live in an isolated cottage in Scotland. She doesn't quite realise just what hard work will be involved, however, nor how close a community she's moving into.
Gradually Clare's past emerges into the open, as she begins to relate to the new people around her, and she discovers what she really wants in life.
I thought it was a lovely book, with clever observation of people, and a satisfying conclusion.
Recommended.
(You can also read my longer review of 'The Larach', which I wrote after re-reading it in 2007)
I had come across Jan Fortune-Wood on mailing lists about home education, and found some of her views intriguing. I'm fairly relaxed as a parent and educator, but not to the extent of believing totally in non-coercion and autonomy at every moment.
So I was interested to read the theory behind her beliefs, which is expressed in this book. The subtitle is: 'Non-coercive parenting and autonomous education'.
'Without Boundaries' is an excellent book, in my view. It outlines the 'Taking children seriously' philosophy from a common sense viewpoint, rather than the extremism with which it's sometimes associated.
Having said that, I found the first paragraph of each chapter unnecessary (it simply said in brief what she was going to say in the rest of the chapter!) and I didn't agree entirely with all the conclusions. Personally, I do think that some boundaries are, sometimes, a good idea.
Still, I thought this book well worth reading. It presents the best, most well-balanced presentation of the theory that I've come across.
Recommended.
Susan Howatch is a wonderful writer, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading her Church of England 'Starbridge' series. Then I decided it would be a good idea to try some of her longer 'saga' novels, written prior to her conversion to Christianity.
Penmarric is perhaps the best known of the longer Howatch novels. And it is definitely LONG! It begins with Mark's obsession with Janna, his marriage and infidelities, leading eventually to an unpleasant problem. Then their children's lives are followed, all marred in some way by unhappiness in their childhoods.
I found this book a bit depressing in places, but I also found it difficult to put down. Excellent writing, great understanding of human nature, and, on the whole, a hopeful ending.
Recommended if you have plenty of time available for reading!
I hadn't previously come across Kathleen Rowntree. But a friend thought I would like this book, so I borrowed it.
'Tell Mrs Poole I'm Sorry' is the story of three eleven-year-old girls from very different backgrounds. They become close friends, and discover together the joys and pains of growing up.
As the girls continue to need each other as adults, the past is revealed in cleverly written flashbacks. So, gradually, the earlier part of the book makes more sense.
There is a satisfying ending, although some secrets are still kept. Overall, I thought it a very enjoyable novel. It certainly it sparked my enthusiasm to find more books by this author.
Recommended.
(You can also read my rather longer review of 'Tell Mrs Poole I'm Sorry', which I wrote after re-reading sixteen years later.)
