#Spring #NetGalley
Like many, my first experience with Morpurgo’s work was seeing a production of War Horse. It was a memorable. I then learned that he has written over 100 books-quite an accomplishment.
Here Morpurgo offers some thoughts on spring. I was drawn in right away by the book’s beautiful cover; what was inside did not disappoint.
The sections of this book follow the months of the season, beginning in March and ending in June. Morporgo writes as if he is having a conversation with the reader. A keen observer, he brings his countryside to life in a narrative that is interspersed with literary and musical references. Note that the author is a realist and shares ways in which life in the country is not always pretty, as for example, when a sparrowhawk attacks.
It is clear that Morporgo loves his part of the country, potholes and all. He has an appreciation for his home, his farm and its history. Morporgo acknowledges the bad and dreary weather that is interspersed with more lovely spring days.
This book will leave the reader with a glimpse of a life that may be quite different from their own. For me, with much of my nature found in botanical gardens, virtual time spent in this Spring season in England was most enjoyable.
Note that there are some nice lino cut illustrations throughout this title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Mobius Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 03 June 2025
160 pages
Non-fiction: Nature and Memoir
From the publisher:
THE NO 4 SUNDAY TIMES AND NO 1 SATURDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
A GUARDIAN AND TIMES BEST BOOK OF 2025
MICHAEL MORPURGO’S FIRST BOOK OF ADULT NON-FICTION IN FORTY YEARS
‘A joyous meditation on the season of new beginnings’ THE TIMES
‘Uplifting and enchanting. A celebration of life by our master story-teller.’ JOANNA LUMLEY
‘Spring is a delight. His love and knowledge of the countryside are profound. We are all the richer for what he sees.’ PHILIP PULLMAN
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 