march-april 2025 books…

The Bloomsbury Group (Frances Spalding): I’ve previously read Spalding’s excellent book about Vanessa Bell and a number of other books relating to Bloomsbury/Charleston artists/writers. This is a relatively short book about the Group, but one that provides an excellent résumé of both its activities and the people involved. More than half the book comprised fascinating brief biographies of the key players – some of whom (eg. Frances Partridge, Margery Fry, Gerald Brenan, EM Forster, Bertrand Russell) I hadn’t previously come across or associated with the Group. An excellent book.
Spring Unfurled (Angela Harding): Harding is a printmaker and illustrator and this rather beautiful, short book celebrates the Spring through her art (mainly linocut+silkscreen, but also some wood engraving). Her studio is at the bottom of her garden in Rutland – looking out onto sheep fields and farmland. Wildlife is her prime subject – birds, hares, dogs and plants (and the occasional building) – all set within the landscape. In past years, I’ve vaguely thought about trying out some linocuts… but, those who know me well, know that I’m not one to try new things or experiment (I know!)! It’s a beautiful book and is part of her ‘Seasons’ series (‘Summer Hum’, Falling into Autumn’ and ‘Winter’s Song’).
The Notebook: A History Of Thinking On Paper (Roland Allen): This book (published in 2023) is a fascinating study of notebooks throughout history. Who doesn’t love a notebook?! It’s a long, wide-ranging, amazingly researched book – over 400 pages – covering all sorts of issues and writers. Although I did end up reading it cover-to-cover, I did so fitting it in between reading other books (the only way I was able to take in and reflect upon the mass of detail and stories it contained?). From Da Vinci’s sketchbooks to scientific breakthroughs recorded in Marie Curie’s still-radioactive notebooks; those old Letts’ diaries; recipe books; journals; sketchbook/notebooks; being reminded of my many years of daily Filofax use and my list-making ‘codes’(!); the creative notebooks of the likes of Bob Dylan, Joan Didion… and SO much more. Brilliantly fascinating… “the joy of jotting things down”.
Three Days In June (Anne Tyler): I’ve previously read a couple of Tyler’s books and, although reasonably impressed, have never had the urge to read lots more (she’s written a LOT of books!). I suppose, in part, I read this one (published in 2025) to get away from all the rubbish going on in the world at present (again!). It features a 61-year-old woman who loses (or quits) her job the day before her daughter’s wedding… and, on top of it all, her ex-husband turns up at her door expecting to stay for the festivities (and he brings with him a cat looking for a new home). It’s about relationships, infidelity, trust and happiness. Tyler writes impressively; it’s a beautifully-observed book; and, yes, it’s an ‘easy read’ (I read it in a day)… but I also found it all a bit predictable too. Enjoyable nonetheless.
Highway Cello (Kenneth Wilson): I REALLY enjoyed this book… it was SUCH a pleasurable experience reading it (that sounds a bit strange doesn’t it!). Wilson sets out on a ‘mission’ (he doesn’t think the word ‘pilgrimage’ quite describes it) to cycle from Hadrian’s Wall to Rome… carrying his carbon-fibre cello strapped on to the back of his bike (together with his other ‘luggage’). Incredibly, he achieves his goal in 40 days… some 1,400 miles and climbing some 3.5 Everests in the process… and busking/giving concerts en route. Wilson is a poet, a cellist and (in his words) a “dreamer”… and, incidentally, an ex-vicar. I’m not sure how old he is (in his late 50s?), but he must be bloomin’ fit! Moira and I first came across him when hosted a Lenten ‘Quiet Day’ at Bristol Cathedral recently… and were really impressed with his music, his poetry and the man himself. I loved his writing style and his natural humour. His journey descriptions convey the scenery, the weather, the people (and their generosity and hospitality), his health (struggling with ‘carpal tunnel wrist’?), the language difficulties… and his naivety when it came to planning/appreciating his journey. I found the whole book hugely uplifting (and slightly, wonderfully mad!). I absolutely loved it.