Relax, rethink, recharge . . .

. . . read.

Our last day at Words by the Water in Keswick. Gordon and I had each chosen a speaker we wanted to hear and then, realising they followed each other, we each decided to go to both, not really knowing what to expect. In the end we both thoroughly enjoyed both talks.

I had wanted to hear Hermione Lee talk about her biography of Penelope Fitzgerald. I have read and enjoyed several of her biographies and was keen to listen to her speak. However, this particular talk interested me, as the book was bought for me at Christmas by my son-in-law - a very clever and thoughtful choice. The talk was quite brilliant, learned and yet fascinating. The book is in my ‘to read’ pile. It has now moved to the top. I also bought a couple of Penelope Fitzgerald novels, so inspired was I by the talk. I had only read Offshore before and I actually have a copy of it that I had forgotten all about.

The other talk was given by the Labour MP Michael Meacher about his book :The State We Need. It was very refreshing to hear someone actually talk through some alternatives to current policies and to offer a blueprint for a future where market forces sit beside equity, social justice and democratic accountability. I’m sure High Pike will refer to this in more detail in his journal. He did buy the book and get it signed!

We have thoroughly enjoyed our visits to the festival of words and look forward to returning next year. A very well organised and inspiring event attracting huge numbers of people. Another positive thing is that Penrith’s local independent bookseller had a stall in the theatre and books were flying out all day every day. That has to be a good thing.

So, we ended up with a few more books than we started with and plenty of inspiration. So why do we read?

To relax, rethink, recharge?


Currently reading: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt