My sand life, my pebble life. My life measured out in tides, coming in
and going out. My life measured out in games of trying to spot the sea
first. My life measured out in the delicious and indulgent sadness that
comes from leaving a holiday cottage for the last time and for the first
time in several days it isn't raining, but at least the kids have had a
great time and, let's face it, so have you.
Warm and darkly funny, this sublimely crafted book transports you (in a
blue Ford Zephyr, with an AA route map, a granny in the back and a bingo
hall on the horizon) to the world of childhoods by the sea.
Specifically, Ian's memories of childhood: ones we'll all identify
with - endless sunny days on the beach, done to a turn fish and chips,
legendary games of cricket, tea and cakes and family crammed into a tiny
caravan, holiday cottages that live forever, buckets of shells, a busted
fishing net and enough sand to make a beach, with the tide out, way
out...
In this nostalgic collection of reminiscences (with the odd poem thrown
in) journey with Ian as he walks barefoot to the sea to see the sun
rise. He is attacked by seagulls, and midges, and wasps. He eats a lot
of fish and chips and it's always the best yet. He nearly avoids a
frisbee. He searches for jazz in Scarborough. He walks. He even tries to
run. But mostly he savours the sea and our seaside moments and our
seaside dreams.
If you want a shot of salty sea air, a tussle with a seagull and the
congenial companionship of someone described as 'relentlessly jolly'
(The Guardian), this will be a joyous and moving read.
