I loved reading your piece on Laurie Lee's memoirs. Your vivid descriptions of his journey through Spain truly bring his experiences to life. The way you capture the tension and atmosphere leading up to the Civil War is incredibly moving. Fantastic job, I couldn't stop reading.
I feel like I should give As I Walked Out… another read, it's been a long time (best part of 50 years).
I've also crossed the Pyrenees on foot, and had a fascinating encounter with a shepherd who came by my tent still quite high on the Spanish side. He didn't speak any English and my Spanish was rudimentary, but when he realised I was British he started talking about collies, which are obviously the best dogs. Though this seemed a bit hard on the dog he did have. And he seemed to approve of King Juan Carlos, who was still relatively new then but steering Spain back towards democracy after the death of Franco. Which marks some sort of resolution to the Civil War and its aftermath.
I knew nothing of Laurie Lee. Thanks for this intriguing introduction. Recently I’ve become interested in the Spanish Civil War era (pre-, midst, and post-), thanks not to Hemingway but to two contemporary women writers. Isabel Allende’s Long Cool Petal of the Sea and Anna Funder’s Wifedom. Now I have a memoir by a participant!
Lovely piece, you are increasing my tbr pile! I also watched the old film of Dorothy Whipple’s book, “They knew Mr Knight,” some very ancient acting and very small sets, but the atmosphere was there.
I feel like I’m the only person in the world who didn’t get along with Cider with Rosie, but your last posts have me thinking I should give Laurie Lee another try!
I loved reading your piece on Laurie Lee's memoirs. Your vivid descriptions of his journey through Spain truly bring his experiences to life. The way you capture the tension and atmosphere leading up to the Civil War is incredibly moving. Fantastic job, I couldn't stop reading.
Thank you Jon, that's a great comment. Lee created a page turner, full of pathos
I feel like I should give As I Walked Out… another read, it's been a long time (best part of 50 years).
I've also crossed the Pyrenees on foot, and had a fascinating encounter with a shepherd who came by my tent still quite high on the Spanish side. He didn't speak any English and my Spanish was rudimentary, but when he realised I was British he started talking about collies, which are obviously the best dogs. Though this seemed a bit hard on the dog he did have. And he seemed to approve of King Juan Carlos, who was still relatively new then but steering Spain back towards democracy after the death of Franco. Which marks some sort of resolution to the Civil War and its aftermath.
I knew nothing of Laurie Lee. Thanks for this intriguing introduction. Recently I’ve become interested in the Spanish Civil War era (pre-, midst, and post-), thanks not to Hemingway but to two contemporary women writers. Isabel Allende’s Long Cool Petal of the Sea and Anna Funder’s Wifedom. Now I have a memoir by a participant!
Lovely piece, you are increasing my tbr pile! I also watched the old film of Dorothy Whipple’s book, “They knew Mr Knight,” some very ancient acting and very small sets, but the atmosphere was there.
Fascinating, Sarah. I’ve been researching the life of Julian Bell recently so this is so useful to have as background.
It’s difficult to comprehend that the Spanish Civil War started 88 years ago this July. In a historical context that is a not far in the past.
An excellent read. Thank you.
His writing crackles with aliveness. Thank you for the introduction to Laurie Lee.
I feel like I’m the only person in the world who didn’t get along with Cider with Rosie, but your last posts have me thinking I should give Laurie Lee another try!
I'm not sure why I had left it so long - but I really got sucked in this time
Life situation often impacts me when I read. Maybe that?
I did love Cider with Rosie but strangely have never read his other memoirs. Will put that right!
There's always that one book that everyone else raves about that you can't get into. For me it's Jane Eyre.
Wuthering Heights...just the mention of the name and my hackles rise!
Same. Thought it was just me.
Loved this piece, so interesting, thank you Sarah!
I did at least finish Wuthering Heights. Failed twice with Jane Eyre.
Jane Eyre is blah. I think the Brontes are interesting, but I find I like the idea of them more than I like reading any of their books.
Me too, though currently reading a new non fiction book on Charlotte which makes me think I should try again.