BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS!

It was a joy to re-read “The Diary of a Provincial Lady” by E.M.Delafield written in weekly instalments in Time and Tide magazine. A quiet humour pervades all four books contained in the volume and encapsulates provincial living in the 1930s and at the start of WW2. Life lessons for all us – remaining cheerful in the face of adversity, being anxious not to offend – and amusing descriptions of social relationships – “our vicar” and “our vicar’s wife” regularly referenced without mention of their names.

Best known for “Cider with Rosie” Laurie Lee also wrote essays, some of which are gathered together in “I Can’t Stay Long”.  Divided into sections, starting with reflections on his rural childhood in Gloucestershire, moving onto visits to Aberfan a year after the tragedy and travel writing, long before the advent of package holidays.

Just enough clues to work out what might have happened – was it an accident, suicide pact or murder?  –“Elephants Can Remember” by Agatha Christie, a recommended read.