Lorna Sage (1943–2001)

Loved this biography which seemed to combine something like Laurie Lee's 'Cider with Rosie' style with an 'Akenfield' one. Village living, amazing characters and dysfunctional families as I believe all families are. What is normal? Beautifully written, funny and sad. I will pass this book on to be enjoyed and to demonstrate the restrictions and uptightness of the 50s and early 60s, the feel and restrictions of the times. Does anybody else live in a house where the chimney is blocked for two floors by a bird's nest?
… (mere)

I really liked this memoir of the literary critic Lorna Sage’s unconventional childhood in Wales with her parents and grandparents because it is written with such passion and humour. The story tells how, through her academic ambitions and determination, Sage manages to transcend the ‘bad blood’ that has cursed the family, although her escape from her miserable circumstances seems at one point to be threatened, when she becomes pregnant at 15. She analyses her dysfunctional family perfectly, and the characters, especially her grandfather, are very gothic and fascinating. [2011]… (mere)