This collection of reminiscences endorse that, by and large, the author had a happy upbringing, and it would be churlish not to comment that it was one which was devoid of mobile phones and social media. This is a book to read, enjoy and reflect upon.
This enchanting collection of childhood memories from Martin White describes growing up in the 1950's and early 60's in an eighteenth-century stone cottage situated on Rodborough Hill, overlooking Stroud. His family relocation to Gloucester in 1963 is also described. We are treated to a detailed description of No. 4 Rock Cottage, White’s initial family home near the top of Rodborough Hill, and the surrounding cottages and their inhabitants (both human and pets). Close family members are also carefully described, and we learn how the author saw much of his extended family, as they frequently met up to celebrate occasions. The arrival of his younger sister, Rosalind, is captured, and the extent of the initial disappointment he experienced when the baby was brought home from hospital as the author realised that he would not be able to play with her immediately as he had been promised. There is naturally a large focus on the author’s schooling. Rodborough Infants’ School, Church Street Boys’ School, Lower Tuffley Junior School and The Crypt Grammar School. School buildings, peers, teachers, exams, nativity plays, school dinners, music lessons, and sporting activities are a few of the many topics covered from his school years. The author’s love of music becomes apparent, and we are informed of the lasting influence from his encounters with early Beatles’ hits, as well as music from Dionne Warwick, and Cilla Black. The excitement of summer holidays to locations such as Weston-super-Mare, Weymouth and Norfolk are recalled. We also learn that when the author was young, that the wireless set was the main focus of entertainment before his parents could afford to purchase a second hand TV. This book is a delightful read as the author passionately describes his childhood memories of the Cotswold countryside, and the cathedral city of Gloucester. This collection of reminiscences endorse that, by and large, the author had a happy upbringing, and it would be churlish not to comment that it was one which was devoid of mobile phones and social media. This is a book to read, enjoy and reflect upon.
Kathryn Carruthers, A LoveReading Ambassador