Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Cider with Rosie

By Laurie Lee

I was impressed by the free flowing language in the narrative which conjured up pictures of the unspoilt countryside. Life was hard with no "mod cons " but there was a sense of belonging to the village where everyone knew everyone else -and all about them!  There are descriptions of the village school and the teachers there with their different attitudes to the children: the harsh discipline and the contrasting kindliness. All of this constitutes a picture of a bygone age lived at a steady pace without the rush and bustle of life in the fast lane as we live it now  7/10

There was nothing to dislike. The reader is given a very clear picture of Laurie Lee's lifestyle as a young child in a small Gloucester village in the 20th century. Descriptions of his home and family, the characters of his mother, brothers and sisters are so vivid that one almost becomes part of the family. Laurie Lee's use of language was so lyrical and poetic that it was a joy to read. Their way of life had in built class differences experienced without any malice or envy. The love within the family was vibrant as were the friendships among the boys. The freedom of movement of the children and the peace and quiet of their daily lives are to be envied  9/10

This is a very calm and relaxing book to read. The Gloucester countryside where Laurie Lee lived with his mother and six siblings is portrayed in a wonderful lyrical way. Nature  with all its wonders pervades his whole life, he writes of it as an admiring being and he passes this appreciation onto the reader. The book is written under headings  and tells of life enjoyed by villagers living in a time when motorcars never disturbed the country lanes, wood had to be gathered in for the stove and lamps were lit as dusk drew near. There are humorous accounts of some of their activities as when they go carol singing . A book I  enjoyed reading: an escape from modern day living 8/10