It’s been great fun seeing the letter meme travel around the blogosphere – I haven’t had time to interact with anybody’s list, but I will do so when I can.
I spent this weekend in the Lake District, going to my dear friend Epsie’s wedding (Epsie is the nickname I use, rather than an unusal name… and she calls me Bill). I managed not to take any photos of the wedding day (oops) but did take some of the Youth Hostel I was staying in, in Hawskhead. It had pretty stunning views.
It was also – albeit very briefly – the residence of Francis Brett Young. It’s not the first time I’ve stayed in this hostel, or the first time I’ve noticed this plaque, but I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned him here. He’s one of those authors I see a lot in secondhand bookshops (particularly while hunting out E.H. Young) but have never read. Has anybody read anything by him?
I read 3.5 books over the weekend, with long train journeys, but in the hostel grounds I was reading a (probably, for this spate, final) Agatha – as I have it out of the library: Sparkling Cyanide (1945). An enjoyable premise, a slightly far-fetched conclusion, some interesting characters… not her finest, not her worst.
Lovely pictures. I have read a few Francis Brett Young novels, I would particularly recommended, A man about the house, This little World, My Brother Jonathon and Dr Bradley remembers, though White Ladies is also excellent.
What a beautiful area. You wouldn't want to leave it. Looks like a nice weekend.
I want a letter, Bill. Any letter.
I so love the Lake District, When I lived in Lancs it was only about an hour away and possible to go there for lunch and a bit of a walk, and I miss that, even though France is also beautiful, of course.
FBY is excellent, I love Far Forest and This Little World. I and Someone Else are members of the FBY Society, although haven't been to one of their meetings for ages. Highly recommended.
I thought she'd sort of done that far-fetched conclusion elsewhere too (The Blue Train springs to mind) but I found the female characters of Sparkling Cyanide very intriguing, as well as the London restaurant bits. (I'm not going to comment on your holiday destination as I am too jealous!)
Lovely pics Simon – sounds like a fab weekend. I have never read any FBY but now am intrigued…..!
Mr and Mrs Pennington by Brett-Young is on my about to read pile.About a newly wed couple in 1930s.Looks good and a bit like Ian and Felicity by Mackail.