An account of the fast disappearing rural landscape of late nineteenth century Northamptonshire probably doesn't sound like anyone's idea of a 'reet riveting read'. But wait, there is much to enjoy here ...Lovingly written, the book follows its protagonist Laura's journey from girl into early womanhood. It is through Laura's eyes that we witness the rapid changes affecting ordinary people in the latter days of Queen Victoria's reign; a time when Britain was Great Britain, two-thirds of the planet was bathed a dusky pink and absolutley everything seemed to cost one penny.
The book features some surprises: Laura complains of disruptive and rude pupils in her class at school. Sound suspiciously familiar? This is 1886 remember! Children (remember there were no teenagers in those days) annoy their parents with the accusation 'I didn't ask to be born, did I?' Perhaps most spooky is the references to unseasonably hot weather. Is this one of English literature's earliest references to global warming?
Shot through with a wry sense of humour, this is a fascinating book. It will not suit everybody's taste - there are no guns or unnatural deaths and the height of the school year is a visit from a travelling German oompah band. However, if you're interested in what life was like for ordinary working people in less media saturated days, then this is well worth a few hours of your attention. At least it will make you think twice before you dismiss your Grandparents' stories next time they try to tell you how lucky you are!
Mr Mudd
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