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Title:	Cider with Rosie
Authors:	Lee, Laurie
Genre:	Non Fiction
Pages:	231
Year:	1959
Language:	English
Description:	Lee was a poet, novelist and screenwriter. This memoir tells us of his childhood in the remote Cotswold village of Stroud in the early twentieth century. He was raised by his mother when his father left when he was three. An exquisite farewell to boyhood, and an England that has vanished. Comments from Groups: A classic! Loved the lyrical style of writing - very evocative of the time and place. A reminder of a time when life was lived at a slower pace, and community was everything. Our group is made up of predominantly English expats, and the book was a nostalgia trip back to the English countryside. Thoroughly enjoyed and recommended. Wellington 153 Everyone really enjoyed 'Cider With Rosie', and would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone likely to appreciate the poetic and lyrical description of a bygone rural lifestyle. Laurie Lee's autobiographical account of what could be called a deprived childhood in the early 20th century Cotswolds, is a delight, from the opening paragraph right to the end. We would all like to read more of his work. Whitby 002 The book was enjoyed by the group. Excellent descriptive writing and characterisation. Plot a bit sketchy at times, although this does reflect real life. Palmerston North 025 Very easy read, although quite poetic prose. Some felt it dragged a bit in places. Whakatane 012 Some found the style a little flowery, but we had a great discussion! Christchurch 143
Categories:	Non fiction, Biography, England

Reviews

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By: PALMN 013		2024-01-17 11:50:59

What a lovely book was the thought of those who read it. Descriptive prose...one could 'be there' either freezing cold or too hot to move. The way of life now well gone, but one that some of our parents would have known.

By: HAMIL 053		2024-01-15 10:27:27

Our last book of the year was met by almost universal enjoyment of the group. Some members had previously read the book and were just as thrilled by the quality of the writing and the lives revealed as they were on the first reading. Although probably better named as a memoir rather than an autobiography, the group were generally enthused by its content in spite of the fact that the lives and events described are totally foreign to present day N.Z. society. In response to one of the questions it was generally agreed that it would not be a best seller if published today.

By: TAIRU 001		2022-11-23 13:15:58

Mixed feelings - some very negative and some very positive, but good discussion on how the world has changed in the last 60 years.

By: ROTO 104		2022-09-01 10:32:15

Sweet and charming read.

By: MATAM 003		2022-07-21 11:34:24

Everyone enjoyed this book. It evoked memories of childhood especially for one member who grew up in a similar village in England. We did digress a little as childhood memories were discussed. Several of the group started to read the book and were bogged down by the floral language, so put the book aside then read it later. In each case they found they really enjoyed the book. A delightful, very descriptive tale of growing up in a Cotswold village before motor cars.

By: AUCK 271		2022-04-01 12:45:51

This vivid memoir of the author's childhood in a remote Cotswold village was very well received by our group members. In our group of seven, two people had their own illustrated hard covered versions of the book, indicating how readable and re-readable this story is. We feel it is a comfortable and comforting read with many of our group reporting that they felt uplifted by the 'poetry' in this book. We enjoyed the descriptions, the colours, the textures, and the 'smells' of the kitchen.

By: CHCH 203		2022-04-01 12:23:51

Rich, wonderfully poetic evocation of childhood in a Cotswold village at the end of an era. We all loved it.

By: WELL 020		2022-04-01 12:08:20

All loved it. Great descriptions.

By: RAUM 003		2022-04-01 12:07:47

Great book - very well written.

By: OPOTI 003		2022-04-01 12:06:19

Very evocative writing - he creates the "feeling" of his childhood very well. Once we got past the overly descriptive language we enjoyed the style. It'll be enjoyed by people who enjoy nostalgia. It made light of hardship.

By: SOUTH 001		2020-08-31 14:59:07

Enjoyable read. Wonderful description of people. Some are keen to read other titles by same author.

By: WHAKA 012		2020-08-31 14:53:25

Very easy read, although quite poetic prose. Some felt it dragged a bit in places.

By: UPHU 002		2020-08-31 14:52:20

All but one member loved this book. Enjoyed the lyrical prose, village community and description of characters in the story. Most of us had read the book earlier (1960s) but loved the re-read. Would recommend to all readers who enjoy a very well-written human story we can all relate to.

By: PALMN 004		2020-08-31 14:50:09

This book was a great book for our group. Some of our older members remembered our grandparents' stories of life in a small village in NZ, which was never quite like the life Laurie lived in his Cotswold village. Our memories of childhood were not as detailed either!

By: OXF 004		2020-08-31 14:44:55

Excellent discussion, overall an enjoyable book.

By: PALMN 012		2020-08-31 14:43:54

Enjoyed by all members. A slow beginning but wonderful description of characters and the village of that time. We all remembered happenings that affected us during the period of the story.

By: GREYT 002		2019-04-10 14:44:16

Mixed reactions. Some loved the book because it reminded them of their childhood. Some disliked the detail and storyline, but everyone recognised the literary talent.

Catalogue

Comments from Groups:

Reviews