The Child From the Sea is an historical novel written by Elizabeth Goudge which she based on the life of Lucy Walter (c. 1630–1658), a woman descended from Welsh royalty known to history as Charles II’s first mistress and thought by some to have married him before he became king. History has not been kind … Continue reading The Child From the Sea by Elizabeth Goudge (1970)
History
April Listening
I go through phases of listening to podcasts and audiobooks, depending on what I'm doing. While I'm working on domestic tasks, sewing, walking or driving are the times that tend to work for me. At my monthly face to face book club, we were talking about busyness, the use of social media and the general … Continue reading April Listening
April Blether
'To a generation for whom everything which used to nourish the imagination because it had to be won by an effort, and then slowly assimilated, is now served up cooked, seasoned, and chopped into little bits, the creative faculty (for reading should be a creative act as well as writing) is rapidly withering, together with … Continue reading April Blether
Mary, Queen of Scots & the Murder of Lord Darnley by Alison Weir (2003)
This book has been described as, ‘A monumental piece of historical detective work,’ and ‘An engrossing historical whodunnit combined with a richly textured portrait of an age.’ I mostly agree with these observations but it is so thoroughly researched that it does drag in places. Alison Weir makes no apologies for the long build-up to … Continue reading Mary, Queen of Scots & the Murder of Lord Darnley by Alison Weir (2003)
March Blether
I didn't get to post a Blether for February and decided to post one for March a bit earlier so I could include this event: During March there are some live, 'Learning with Literature' discussions hosted by Kylie at the Sweet Society. These events are free and held on a private off-Facebook site so you … Continue reading March Blether
A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer (1961)
A Civil Contract is quite different from Heyer’s usual style - at least in the books I’ve read so far. There’s no dashing, arrogant and wealthy hero to be won by a beautiful woman with no fortune. He is, instead, a twenty-six year old man facing a ruinous future. Captain Adam Deveril sells out of … Continue reading A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer (1961)
Katherine by Anya Seton (1954)
Katherine is a fictionalised account of Katherine Swynford (1349-1403) the woman who was John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster's mistress for twenty years. Gaunt was the fourth son of Edward III and the Tudor dynasty descended from their illegitimate children. Katherine and her older sister Philipa, daughters of a knight, in what is now … Continue reading Katherine by Anya Seton (1954)
2023 Reading Plans
A few books to start with... Instead of listing a whole swag of books that I might read this year, I've decided to start with those I've either started to read already or definitely hope to read this year. Although I hadn't planned to join any reading challenges this year these two are a couple … Continue reading 2023 Reading Plans
My Reading in 2022
I'm very annoyed with myself that I didn't keep track of everything I read last year. I was just slack. My reading was fairly wide, a bit more nonfiction than usual and also more lighter books than I normally read. I felt a little run down after some bouts of flu, throat & ear problems … Continue reading My Reading in 2022
Towers in the Mist by Elizabeth Goudge (1938)
Towers in the Mist is set in Oxford during the Reign of Elizabeth I. Elizabeth Goudge centres her story around the Leighs, a fictional family, but she includes a wealth of historical figures such as Walter Raleigh, Philip Sidney, Thomas Bodley, Cardinal Wolsey, and the Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley. Canon Leigh is a widower … Continue reading Towers in the Mist by Elizabeth Goudge (1938)
journey & destination 