This is such a happy time of year when in spite of cold winds and hailshowers, you know that spring is coming, and nothing can hold her back. I'm reminded of that triumphant Botticelli painting 'Primavera', and every joyful medieval lyric welcoming the spring - 'Lenten is come with love to town', and 'April with her showers sweet'. It seems to be a time for poetry, and I thought I'd show you one of my favourite books ever - handed to me over the garden fence by Mrs Cook our next-door neighbour, when I was probably about seven. I wonder if anyone else has a copy? It's called 'Stars and Primroses' and every page is illuminated. It taught me to love poetry (which previously I always skipped). I loved it to bits (almost literally) and the copy is still precious to me.
And perhaps my favourite, the deceptively simple
'Four Ducks on a Pond' by William Allingham.
Next week, I'm excited to be reviewing Celia Rees's new novel 'The Fool's Girl', set in the 1600's: a dark take on Shakepeare's 'Twelfth Night'. Celia has agreed to be interviewed, and I think her answers to my questions are going to be very interesting. That's for next Tuesday.
In the meantime, happy weekend, everyone! Happy Easter! Happy spring.
