What you could read next ....

I have been trying to give up Amazon but I have a weak spot when it comes to my kindle. The low vision option alongside convenience is extremely alluring. I have resolved to buy every second book from our lovely local bookshop and am enjoying having a real paper copy by my bedside. I have read some great books this year, these are some of my favourites so far…

The Boy from the Sea - Garrett Carr

This enchanting story is told from the perspective of the local people of Killybeggs, a fishing town in Donegal. They follow the Bonnar family over two generations through good and bad times. Life is tough for the family but there ultimately a very optimistic tone to the book and the characters are charming and relatable. I particularly enjoyed The Boy from the Sea as it captured the quiet stoic character of many Irish men further enhanced by the slow pace of the story and the gorgeous lyrical language.

Fundamentally - Nussaibah Younis

Nussaibah Younis has achieved unbelievable feat in her debut novel by successfully balancing humour with themes of radicalization and ISIS ideology. To be clear, the plot line is not very relatable ; University Academic ‘Nadia’ is so heartbroken that she takes a job in Baghdad to run a de-radicalization programme for women recruited by ISIS. Nadia is absurdly unqualified and ill equipped for the role and her many blunders include the appointment of a hippy-dippy Californian Sheikh who is mercilessly ridiculed by the women in the camp. She becomes obsessed with the plight of Sara (a fellow East London girl) and helps her to escape the camp only to find out that there is a real possibility she may return to ISIS. Nussaibah Younis has successfully created awareness of a very serious problem using dark humour.

Went to London, took the dog - Nina Stibbe

I very much enjoyed Nina Stibbe’s first dairy ‘Love Nina’ and this felt like a sequel. Nina returns to London after twenty years and this collection of diary entries record some hilarious anecdotes, wonderful characters and touching scenarios (Think Adrian Mole but with tena ladies!) Although the book is very funny , Nina shows her vulnerability as she navigates a new life post-divorce. I had a personal interest in the diary as I also live in Cornwall and often wonder if I could move back to the big smoke when my children leave home. Nina’s complaints about cafe prices, bins and rubbish on dog walks have made me think again.

This is a Love Story - Emily Soffer

The book does what it says on the cover. It is the ultimate love story that documents the imperfect relationship between Abe and Jane from courtship to death. All of the pivotal moments in their lives together are linked to experiences they have shared in Central Park which takes on a life of it’s own in the story. The depiction of Jane’s Post Natal Depression and the cycle of shame and guilt felt very true and powerful. I enjoyed the writing style, however some readers may find the repetition irritating, definitely a marmitey kind of book!

Show, Don’t Tell - Curtis Sittenfeld

A wholly formed story in one chapter is something to be celebrated as it gives such satisfaction and requires very little effort on the part of the reader. This recent collection of short stories by Curtis Sittenfeld contains some real gems. In her typical style, she dials down the drama through stories that chronicle what it is to be human. The characters are all very relatable and I was happy to find middle aged suburban women featured heavily in most chapters. My favourite included a women who gets caught on camera in full Karen mode! These short stories are the perfect snack, the writing is clever and observational.

Three books to read this summer

Rather like ‘Chick Lit’ the concept of a ‘Beach Read’ has rather a bad reputation. This may have something to the marketing push of books on stands at the airport that are covered in stickers that promise you that this is ‘The Book Of The Summer’. I think that the best books to read over the summer as those that you can pick up and put down and engage you in a good story. I don’t want fluff and I don’t want to go to dark places when I am on my lounger gazing at the sea. Books about rather dysfunctional families are always welcome on holiday as they make me feel better about the teenagers’ behaviour. Obviously reading is incredibly personal experience, however here is a very short list of fiction you might consider to take on holiday this year.

‘Sandwich’ by Catherine Newman

This story revolves around three generations of a loving family on their annual holiday to Cape Cod. The main character ‘Rocky’ is in the sandwich between her nearly grown up children and her ageing parents. Rocky is incredibly relatable as she struggles with the menopause, letting her kids go and unraveling secrets from her past. This book is funny and heartwarming, reminding us all that loving, happy families are never perfect and certainly don’t look like we think they should!

‘Really Good Actually’ by Monica Heisey

I initially picked up this book because the author was a screen writer on Schitts Creek which kept me laughing through the dark days of the pandemic. Monica Heisey does not disappoint in this painfully funny story about Maggie’s marriage breakup and her subsequent insufferable and appalling behaviour. This book is not a ‘feel good’ read but you will enjoy ‘Really Good Actually’ if you like dark humour and can relate to the essence of Maggie’s unhinged and erratic choices following a major life event.

‘Long Island Compromise’ by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

If you have a Succession shaped hole in your life this book will fill it. Long Island Compromise is quite a multi layered book but basically it is about inherited wealth, superstition and holding position in society. Holocaust surviving Jewish grandparents set up a very unscrupulous polystyrene factory in Queens and amass a vast fortune. This success is taken for granted by the second generation whilst the filthy rich grandchildren completely blow it ! The book is told from the position of all members of the family and poses the question of whether it is better to be bought up with the trappings of privilege or to earn your own livelihood.

i am extremely lucky that I have lots of time to read, so I will continue to put book reviews on my social media channels. Wishing you all a wonderful summer and sending power to the parents of young children.

Sophie x

Duvet Cover and Pillowcase made from Liberty Fabric ‘Paysanne Blossom’

Cushions in ‘Big Top Green’ and ‘Wimbledon’.

Some books I have enjoyed in January

Hooray we got through January and little signs of spring are emerging everywhere. I thought I would share with you some of the books that I have particularly enjoyed reading. Short days are long nights offer the perfect opportunity to dive into a story, particularly if the setting is less muddy and provides a more interesting narrative to your current reality!

That Bone Setter Woman by Frances Quinn

This is literally a cracking historical novel about a girl who is desperate to become a bonesetter in Georgian London. Bonesetters were a form of early chiropractor who would set broken or dislocated bones. The characters are great and I particularly liked the feisty main protagonist Durie and her challenge to pursue what was considered to be a male only occupation. The way that Durie takes on the ranks of snotty London doctors is excellent.

Lucy By The Sea by Elizabeth Strout

I have to ration books written by Elizabeth Strout because i love her writing so much. She captures the human experience with such immaculate detail and perception. This particular book tells the story of Lucy, who flees New York during the pandemic to live on the coast in Maine. She ‘bubble’s up’ with her ex-husband William and the story looks in detail at the practices that became habit during the pandemic (which in hindsight seem utterly ridiculous and unimaginable). The narrative also follows the characters as they respond to the Black Lives Matter protests and the storming of the Capitol in 2021. This is a great book.

Breadsong by Kitty and Al Tait

This is a brilliant book about baking bread and recovery. Not only is it full of excellent recipes but it tells Kitty’s inspiring story. Aged 14, Kitty suffers from the most debilitating mental breakdown, with the help of her wonderful Dad Al, she slowly develops an interest in baking bread and starts to heal. Taking small steps, Kitty and her family establish a bakery in their local village, We have really enjoyed trying out the recipes which are brilliant (Miracle Dough, Foccacia, Bagels and Chelsea Buns) and learning about this courageous young women and her amazing family.

The Daiai Lama’s Cat by David Michie

I have only just started listening to this audio book but I have to tell you about it because it is a GIFT. Each chapter of the audio book looks at the teachings of Buddhism through the eyes of HOH (His Holiness’ Cat). As such, what would otherwise be quite a heavy subject becomes fun and more digestible. With buckets of self deprecating humour, the cat applies Buddhist teachings to her own experiences of over eating, jealousy, flirting and fur balls as well as giving us fascinating insights into life at the Dalai Lama’s residence.

Please tell me what you are reading so we can fill February with fun and interesting books. Enjoy the daffodils and listen out for the woodpecker.

Love

Sophie x

Selection of cushions and quilts from Poppy and Honesty. Handmade in Cornwall.

Ruffle Cushion in Liberty Fabric Capel.

Big Top Cushion in Green

Small Scallop Quilt in Liberty Fabric ‘Poppy and Daisy’

Small Scallop Quilt in Liberty Fabrc ‘Annabella’

What are you reading this summer ?

I am an emphatic reader. In fact I would go so far as to say that I am not happy unless there is a good book by my bed. Fiction is a wonderful escape and respite from reality and getting stuck into someone else's story gives me new perspective on my own. Matt Haig puts it perfectly in his latest book Notes On Nervous Planet.

Reading isn't important because it helps you get a job. It's important because it gives you room to exist beyond the reality you're given. How minds connect. Dreams. Empathy. Understanding. Escape. 

Summer books often imply suncream stained Jackie Collins' novels. Whilst I am very partial to a little Rupert Campbell Black, these are my top 5 reads for the sunshine. Take with Mr Whippy and icy cold beers. 

Velvet and tropical print cushions available here. 

Bonjour Tristesse by Francois Sagan. When I read this I felt like I was having a long languid siesta in the South of France.  Totally French and absolutely immoral, you'll feel the scorch at the heart of this story.  

Heartburn by Norah Ephron. Protagonist Rachel feels like your best friend and who better to take on holiday?  She's wonderfully witty and acerbic, you'll have a great time together. 

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald.  Scandal and wild summer parties doing the Charleston in Jay Gatsby's mansion? Yes please.  Make mine a Long Island Ice Tea. 

Instructions For A Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell. The tension amongst this dysfunctional family will make you feel so much better about your travelling group. It's also a lovely tangled tale of family relationships.

Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. An excellent travelling companion. David Sedaris will charm your socks off with his outrageously funny stories of family and living in France. 

I'm sure that you have got many books that I could add to my list. I'd love to know your suggestions. 

Love

Sophie xx

Velvet and tropical print cushions available here.