Description
Book SynopsisMy 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
Trade ReviewMy Sand Life, My Pebble Life is a fine companion * John Hegley *
a collection of heart-warming coastal tales from writer, playwright and broadcaster Ian McMillan...evokes a wonderful sense of nostalgia that's sure to transport you back to your own coastal experiences. * Coast Magazine *
It's the grit in the shell that turns these memories into pearls... To describe these essays as 'poetic' seems almost redundant. There is a small cluster of poems...at the heart of the book, but the whole thing works at that level... McMillan's turn of phrase is as richly laconic as ever. -- Brian Morton * Times Literary Supplement *
This heartwarming and sea-air-infused collection of coastal memories will instantly transport you back to childhoods spent at the seaside. * Countryman *
a kaleidoscope of seaside memories * The Radio Times *
Combines poignant snatches of personal history with a delightfully nostalgic celebration of the British seaside holiday. * Daily Mail *
Poignant...this book is sure to bring a smile to your face * Towpath Talk *
Quietly surreal ... McMillan's turn of phrase is as richly laconic as ever. * Times Literary Supplement *
delivered in Ian's unmistakable homespun poetic fashion...
My Sand Life, My Pebble Life transports the reader to coast around the country * Yorkshire Post *
This delightful, warm companion will provide ideal holiday reading for many * Best of British magazine *
Ian McMillan is brilliant at narrating life and capturing the moment * Big Issue in the North *
delightful * Prospect *
evocative * Choice Magazine *
Charming...heart-warming...nostalgic * The Great Outdoors *
Take a nostalgic trip with broadcaster, journalist and poet Ian McMillan as he brings his coastal memories to life with an abundance of rich memories... perceptive and funny. * The People's Friend *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Coasting Barefoot in the sand in Blackpool One day that boy will be prime minister July 2020: There’s a couple there with masks on September 2020: The eternal EPCOT fridge magnet March 2020: The lost glove and the high wind Years went over and nobody found us The helicopter at the picnic Pieces to camera The coast that wasn’t a coast or maybe it was Overexposure Six and out The saxophone, the sea Jazz and bells and early morning coffee Joe’s Prize Bingo and the lockout East Coast, magnetic coast Who’s that in the picture? My sand life, my pebble life Filey fact, Filey fiction The shape of the watch on the wrist The map of getting the map Carrying the Methodist The wallet I haven’t seen one of those for years Going to extremes: North Going to extremes: East Going to extremes: West Going to extremes: South Autumn Winter Spring Summer Snow beach Like a statue Seeing the sand You’ll write a poem about that Pre-Cleethorpes dreaming April 2021: Almost forgetting the pie Drugged by the pie The running man Don’t touch the sides of that tent What the weather said Eating chips by the sea, a rhapsody Islands of midges and wasps Being a curator Into the wind The snake in the bed The oar The currency The Hunstanton Frisbee incident Coast as a series of novelty cruet sets Young man with a notebook Towels and trunks Tide out Up the path My sand life my pebble life
