Sponsored by Dartmouth Community Bookshop Book Review I BOOKS ARE MY BAG
ndependent Bookshop Week is back from 18 - 25 June. Time to celebrate those vital and precious stores on our doorstep. Browse, chat, discover and
buy! The legendary Green Beret is the subject of the latest book by local broadcaster, marine biologist and travel writer, Monty Halls. As a former Royal Marine himself,
The latest recommendation from the Dartmouth
Community Bookshop is by another local author Jill Treseder who has recently published a new book BlackthornWinter (Silverwood Bookshop). This family saga set in the 19th century is a story of light and shade, love and loss and traces the path of James Thorne’s life through from boyhood in the
by Emma Jones
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he gives a unique insight into this revered military unit in Commando: The Inside Story of Britain’s Royal Marines (BBC Books). He captures the essence and heart of this organisation which, although globally renowned, is shrouded in mystery. He explores their role patrolling the high seas and policing coastlines around the globe as well as revealing their rich history through the real stories of extraordinary individuals in latter day conflicts and on global operations from the Falklands to the Gulf and Iraq. The book accompanies a BBC series and, if you are keen to hear more, Monty will be at The Flavel on 18 May talking about the book and the filming with exclusive footage and behind the scenes stories. The appetite for books extolling the beauty, benefits and joy of nature shows no sign of waning and, at this time of year with everything bursting into life, the crop of new arrivals is bounteous. May welcomes the new publication from local resident and acclaimed illustrator Anna Koska. From Coast to Cove: An Artist’s year in Paint and Pen (Pavilion Books) which caught my eye with its exquisite illustrations alongside mentions of local swimming spots and familiar sights. This is her deeply personal love letter to the natural world combining emotive and evocative tales of life beside the sea alongside detailed and intricate illustrations of the plants and wildlife found in the water and along the coastline. A book to savour, and a wonderful celebration of nature’s cycles and minutiae. ‘A sea breeze wafts up from every page. This book is a delight.’ Nigel Slater
New Forest to the workhouse, to the Navy and onto the respectable confines of urban Portsmouth. But he never relinquishes his joy in the Forest and the yearning for the presence of trees in his life. For some, blackthorn is an emblem of bad luck, but for others – especially his childhood sweetheart, Kitty – the white owers bursting from black branches are a symbol of hope… I’m pleased to report that Still Life (Fourth Estate) by
SarahWinman is out now in paperback after receiving rapturous applause when it was first published last year and the good reviews are everywhere, not just in the papers and on the backcover. This is a ‘big-hearted story of people brought together by love, war, art and the ghost of E M Forster… moving from the Tuscan Hills and piazzas of Florence, to the smog of London’s East End… a sweeping, joyful novel about beauty, love, family and fate.’ Hailed simply as a “tonic for wanderlust and a cure for loneliness” this story stretching over 4 decades is definitely a crowdpleaser for any book club and a good contender for the holiday read of the year. And if you like the idea of reading old and new why not take part in the Big Jubilee Read (readingagency.
org.uk). This reading for pleasure campaign celebrates great reads across the Commonwealth with 10 vibrant and inspiring titles from every decade from 1952 – 2022. The perfect way to travel through time and around the world.
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