Review: literary, evocative, absorbing, and truly a delight
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 15, 2014
I’m already hooked on Peter Maughan’s Batch Magna novels but, even if I weren’t, I’d still love this book. Under the Apple Boughs is literary in all the best ways; lyrical; authentic; and filled with wonderful descriptions of England’s peaceful scenery, the gentle humor of real country characters, and that magical sort of dialog that includes dialect and accent without distracting from readability. There’s a delightful triumph to listening in, while old men argue with youth in the local pub. There’s the wonder of unique and powerful imagery. And there’s the comfortable passage of time in a village where people look after each other and orphaned lambs; where the sea is never too far away, and neither is winter; and where the author’s enticing prose invites readers not just to observe but to imagine themselves, like flies on the wall, watching and sensing the scene. Equally honest in describing the life of robin, badger or man, the author gently connects all, and connects his readers, with seasons and land. This is a truly beautiful short trip through a year in the country, and it’s highly recommended.Disclosure: The author very kindly gave me a free ecopy, and I love it!