Recommending ...

     Apricot Sky by Ruby Ferguson is a delight! As Candia McWilliam says in her introduction to the new Dean Street Press/Furrowed Middlebrow edition (the book having first been published in 1952), "the plot of the novel is, simply, life, as lived by irresistible characters with humour, optimism, and affection". And of the writing, " [it's] a ballad in prose; the 'refrains' are singingly chromatic accounts, most often of weather, land or sea, [...] it's something like watching tweed being made, the bright threads combining to offer veracity to nature. She lays down colour with plein-air freshness and sincerity." She's spot-on about this funny, warm, light-hearted romance, the engaging story of a Highland family set just after the war. 

    White Spines: Confessions of a Book Collector by Nicholas Royle is a quest narrative set in second-hand bookshops. It's about the collecting impulse, the 'completist' mentality, the thrill of discovery, and the quiet pleasure of mooching around among old books. In Nicholas Royle's case, the quarry is the white-spined Picador paperbacks published from the 1970s to the '90s, but whether you define the hunt as 'hobby' or 'obsession', it's a rich and lively account of the world of books, writers, writing, and how those things can shape and furnish a life. 

   Devorgilla Days by Kathleen Hart is aptly subtitled A Memoir of Hope and Healing. Kathleen outlines but doesn't dwell on the very tough times which led her to buy a small white "sugar cube" of a cottage in Scotland's 'book capital', Wigtown, but it's clear that her easy acceptance by the community there, the friendships she has made, and the new sense of purpose and joy in life that she has found in her adopted home are of especial value given what she's weathered. Her core message applies to anyone, whether they are experiencing rough water or plain sailing: "Have a go. It's fine once you're in." In other words, choose expansion over contraction, try something and see, and don't be afraid to start over. Kathleen will show you how.

Comments

[Simon T (StuckinaBook)]

I've just written about Royle's book too - really fun. And of course Furrowed Middlebrow can do little wrong in my eyes.

[diana]

Oh I so enjoyed Aprioct Sky as well! What a great description: simply life as lived! Mrs Lorimer's family ( also as Mrs Lorimer's quiet summer) is of the same ilk. Written by Molly Clavering and hard to find these many long years but out there now. I must say though that O Douglas does "simply life as lived" better than anyone! My favourites are The Proper Place and The day of small things.

[Cornflower]

Indeed!

[Cornflower]

I've read only one O. Douglas to date but greatly enjoyed it and have another couple lined up. Thanks for the tip about Molly Clavering, Diana.

[Lesley in OR]

Thank you for bringing Devorgilla Days to my attention. I love memoirs and Hart's book sounds like something I'd enjoy, as does Apricot Sky.

[Mystica]

Was delighted that Apricot Sky was on Amazon for a very reasonable price. Sadly Devorgilla Days is far too costly!!!
But hopefully it will get accessible at some time. Thank you
for the recommendations.

[Cornflower]

Kathleen's spirit is impressive, and Ruby Ferguson serves up a lovely light confection of a book!

[Cornflower]

Hopefully the paperback won't be too long in coming.

[Claire]

Thank you, I'm going to listen to Devorgilla Days and will buy White Spines the next time I'm in my favourite bookshop, Toppings in St Andrews.

[Nicola]

I want to read all three!

[Jodi]

Thanks for suggesting Devorgilla Days. Got it this afternoon and love it.