Catching up on books

We seem to have had a visitor filled first week of the holidays so far so it seems a bit odd to wake up this morning to an emptyish house with just me and the children. Tom who also had some time off started his new job this morning and we'll be waiting eagerly tonight for his first impressions.

Last weekend, despite the weather we went exploring in Sussex. On Friday we took in a National Trust property called Standen which is a beautiful example of the Arts and Crafts style. The house was designed by Phillip Webb for the Beale family who used it at weekends and holidays. You can read more about it here and here. If you look in Google images there are some pics too although they don't do it any justice. If you're into William Morris's designs then you'll love this place.The only pics I managed to take were of some Delft tiles in an outhouse - sorry:

 

After that we decided to go down to the sea but didn't last long as it was so cold. Still it was pretty invigorating for a (short) while. This chalk cliff face is known as the Seven Sisters:

Other than a bit of sightseeing I seem to have been madly reading over the past four weeks. It's almost as if I'm making up for lost time. I didn't seem to find time for reading whilst I was crafting and blogging like mad in the old house. So far I've ploughed through quite an eclectic mixture.

First off was Sathnam Sanghera's book "If You Don't Know Me By Now" - a beautifully written account of this Sikh boy's childhood in Wolverhampton. It's about coming to terms with his culture, his father's illness and most importantly about trying to live his own life as he wants to despite strong pressure from his family. I laughed and cried my way through most of the book. Tom's reading it now and I'm definitely getting copies for my siblings this year. Definitely worth a read ladies.

After that I found this on the shelf and as Amber and Rohan had enjoyed it I thought I'd try it too. It's "The Land of Far Beyond" by Enid Blyton and is a children's version of the Pilgrim's Progress. The story is about a small group of adults and children who live in the City of Turmoil. They're nasty, vindictive, horrid people until one day when The Stranger arrives and fills their hearts with love and happiness momentarily so that the burdens in their hearts are shifted on to their backs. To remove these loads they must journey to The Celestial City but on the way they are met with many dangers and difficulties. There is a brilliant account of the book here. A must read for everyone of any age I'd say.

Then this caught my eye in the local library - "Colour Bar The Triumph of Seretse Khama and His Nation". Seretse Khama was the first leader of independent Botswana and this book is about his six year exile from that country because he married a white girl. It was a bit of a shocking read. I'm not naive enough to think politicians don't lie but I was shocked at how much lying went on to keep this man out of his country and away from his rightful leadership (pre 1966). All because Britain didn't want to upset South Africa because they wanted uranium from them. The thing that really came out of this book though is this man's strength of character. How he retained his dignity and self respect despite everything and how he never seemed to rise to anger over his situation. Amazing.

Of course I had to read "The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency" after that. Did anyone see the film last week? I thought it was great.

Somewhere in between I picked up "Cold Comfort Farm" by Stella Gibbons. Can't believe that I've never read this book. It seems to be a parody of Thomas Hardy and is very, very funny.

I haven't got anything on the go now so I guess I need to get to the library or the local bookshop to pick up something to take to my parents for the next few days. Hope you're all having a great Easter break .......

Comments

[TACE]

Love the photo of the seven sisters, that's really cool looking!

[Simone]

There are some good reading suggestions there Simmy. I am currently reading and enjoying 'Our Betty - Scenes from my Life' by Liz Smith. She is the actress who played Nana in The Royle Family on TV. She has lived a fascinating life.

[lucette]

I am a big fan of the #1 Ladies Detective Club and Seretse Khama is mentioned often and with great respect. I didn't know about his life till now, so thanks Simmy for the update. Sounds like you are setting in nicely at the new house.

[Marie]

Great catching up with you Simmy! Was wondering how you were settling in. Love the picture of the Seven Sisters and your to read list. I may pick up a couple of those as they all sound good, but the first one especially does, and who can resist Enid Blyton??? Not me!! You need to check out Chartwell and Hever Castle. I bet the kids would really enjoy them, although Hever isn't National Trust. It's a great spot though to have a late spring picnic at though! (just a thought for later on in the season!) HOpe that Tom enjoyed his first day on the job!

[Georgia]

Hey Simmy, that's some serious reading there. I've been trying to work my way through the Voyage Out by Virginia Wolfe for the last month or so! It's not that I'm not enjoying it, it's just that I only find time to read just before bed and by then I am so tired I can't read for long.
It's interesting what you said about the sihk book- about living life how he wanted to. One of the dilemmas we have about living in the US is that we don't want our kids to become American-we want them to remain Australian. I was talking to a Greek Aussie boy once and he pointed out that all immigrant groups want their kids to remain the same, but that all kids growing up in their new country want to be like the people around them. Food for thought. Anyway-have a great Easter break. Wish we had a break now. We have to wait a few more weeks.

[DiAnn]

"Cold Comfort Farm" is marvelous. I read it at least once a year (cannot say the same for "The Madding Crowd"). If you ever come across a tape or DVD of the film, do watch it. Wonderfully broad and great fun. Di

[Ruth]

I loved the Number 1 ladies Dectecive agency book and film, have never heard of the Enid Blyton will pop by the library this week. Standen sounds great, I just loved Whitwick manor in Wolverhampton an arts and crafts master piece.

[Kristy]

Hi Simmy do you remember me? I am just catching up with you after 'losing' your blog.All I could remember was your name then tonight I suddenly remembered Echoes of a Dream and googled it! Voila here I am.Gosh so much has happened since I was last here.I'll try and catch up the posts I've missed.
Blessings xxx