In the month of June in 1533 Anne Boleyn married Henry VIII. A theory is that Greensleeves was written especially for her by an unknown composer. It was popular at the time. Later Shakespeare, in 1597, refers to it in ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ expanding its popularity which remains to this day. Much to Anne’s misfortune, her popularity did not last and, three years later, she was beheaded at the Tower. Present historians are more sympathetic to her than her contemporaries.
With June heading toward political intrigue and no doubt some mischief, heads once again may roll. Well, it’s a change from talking about the weather that’s for sure.
NON-FICTION
Politics, a Survivor’s Guide by Rafael Behr. The subtitle says it all – ‘how to stay engaged without getting enraged’. Rafael leads us in a readable way though the madness of Westminster.
Great-Uncle Harry, A Tale of War and Empire by Michael Palin is now in paperback. On being handed some family papers, Palin is taken by the photograph of a young man in military uniform. The personal insight of an ordinary man in extraordinary times.
Operation Biting: The 1942 Parachute Assault to Capture Hitler’s Radar by Max Hastings. In the early months of 1942, British intelligence, baffled by a newly identified radar network on the Nazi controlled coast of Europe, despatched a band from the newly formed airborne division to dismantle it and bring back the bits. As ever brilliantly told and researched. A small plug for the Hungerford Bookshop – Sir Max will be talking at The Herongate Club Hungerford on 27 June. Tickets already selling fast, more on page 13.
FICTION
Long Island by Colin Toibin. The wait is over and the sequel to ‘Brooklyn’ is here. Catch up with Ellis and Tony as a knock on the door changes everything. No spoiler from me, just read it.
Watch us Dance by Leila Slimani. In ‘The Country of Others’ we first met Mathilde a young French woman who follows her Moroccan husband to his homeland in 1946 as the country moves towards independence. This book brings us up to date with the characters we met previously. As the author herself says “The experience of this novel is only enhanced by an encounter by its predecessor.” I am in agreement with this. Slimani is the first Moroccan woman to win the French literary prize – the Prix Goncourt.
The Housekeepers by Alex Hay. As it says on the back – ‘Upstairs madam is planning the party of the season, downstairs the servants are plotting the heist of the century.’ Escape to a chair in the garden and enjoy this rip-roaring tale.
CHILDREN’S
The House in Cornwall by Noel Streatfeild. Until recently I was unaware what a prolific writer Streatfield was, catering for both adults and children. This beautiful edition has been reprinted by a very special publisher – Manderley Press (you may have seen the article about them in The Financial Times recently. The Chandler children are sent to stay with Uncle Murdoch where things are not what they seem. They set off on a series of adventures and encounters. Emma is a huge fan of the also recently re-ssued The Growing Summer.
When I Became your Daddy by Susannah Shane. Some of you will recall my enthusiasm over ‘When I Became your Granny’ which, much to my fury, is awaiting a reprint, not entirely due to the numerous copies which I bought! Now Daddy gets his own to give. As with the others, Mummy, Sister and Brother, an easy present which is delightfully full of love.