This book has had great support from literary people, reviewers, readers, and people that knew them as a couple. Somewhere I read something a little unfavorable. I don't even remember who said it. Bayley was compared with E.B. White. It seems that the reviewer felt that White always presented and I can't remember the words, but always presented the most favorable, pleasant, or charming domestic scenes.
Life is usually pleasant, kind, amusing with abundant references to the natural world.
I suppose this point is well taken. However, it is good sometimes to remember to take things slowly and look around and enjoy each day as it comes. Spending each day running and tripping to get on to some distant date is not always the best course of action. The newspapers are full of terrible things. Sometimes just now is an excellent time to be reminded of the importance of a daily life well lived close at home.