Page 118 of This Book Made Me Think of You
Baking a lemon meringue pie from scratch, wild camping on a remote island in Scotland, wandering my own city like a tourist, attempting to roller-skate, learning French and using it on a tour to try and find the best croissants in France …
These are just some of the adventures that I have had because of books.
The books I have read have inspired me to visit new places, have challenged me to try new things, and have taught me to think in new ways.
I am writing this from the Greek island of Kefalonia where I have been following in the footsteps of one of my favourite books,Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. The setting of the novel left a lasting impression on me when I first read it many years ago. Even when the intricacies of the story faded from my memory, the sense of place remained. Some literary locations just have that impact on you, like the streets of Florence as depicted inA Room with a Viewor the snowy wonderland of Narnia, which I can still imagine clearly if I close my eyes, conjuring glittering ice and the smell of Turkish delight.
While I unfortunately cannot visit Narnia, it struck me recently that Icouldvisit Florence and Kefalonia. So I did.I went in search of the locations from the stories I had read, but also sought to build my own impression of these places too.
In this literary column with a difference I will be sharing my book reviews but also the experiences and journeys that have been sparked by the books I have read.
Reading has brought me a sense of escape through some of the hardest times in my life, something that I imagine might resonate with many of you. So, I hope that this column will inspire you to read. But more than that, I hope it will inspire you to live.
Because as transporting as books can be, there is a big world out there that cannot be fully contained within the pages of a book. The real magic of books is when turning the final page doesn’t mean an ending but a beginning – a beginning that only you can write. When a book sends you to a place you’ve never been, or encourages you to do something new or simply to live with a little more empathy or curiosity because of the characters you have met.
I am the person I am because of the books I have read. My reading history is a map that shows the path of my life.
I hope you’ll join me as I share some of those journeys with you. And perhaps, after reading my column, you’ll feel inspired to go to your local bookshop or library.
Look around you. Take in the sight of all the stories, all the possible versions of yourself lined up there on the shelves. If you feel a bit lost, ask for guidance. I’m sure you’ll find another bookish soul eager to help steer you on your way.
Then choose a book. Hold it close. Your own adventures are waiting for you. It’s time to turn the page.
Postcard pinned to the noticeboard of Book Lane:
Dear Prudence, Blue and Georgette,
Kefalonia is beautiful – the postcard doesn’t do it justice.
Hope everything is well in the bookshop. Can’t wait to see you soon and tell you all about our adventures.
Lots of love,
Tilly and Alfie xx
