Running for the Hills

By Horatio Clare

Running for the Hills A wonderful memoir of a childhood spent on a Welsh hill farm. The harshness of his life during the winter, the separation of his parents and the deprivations that Horatio Clare and his brother endured still gave him a sense of freedom and joy. His descriptions of nature and the countryside are delightful as are his descriptions of the various personalities 10/10

A well written memoir considerably more serious than other popular reminiscences of life in the countryside e.g. Herriot, Rhea , Phinn. The switching of the narrator's point of view could become confusing. The character of Jenny is not explicitly described but is obviously central to the whole narrative a dotty, attractive ,irritating woman. Robert is only marginal and comes over as uncaring though understandably frustrated. Jack, though minor, is much more likeable and well realized . The best of the book is the beautifully written set pieces describing nature and weather - poetic without being excessively so and avoiding the fanciful /whimsical style that such books often affect. Much to admire but have to admit that over all I found it boring - too long, too much detail of lambing etc? 7/10

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - it had a special appeal for me as it was written about my own "home territory ". The descriptive passages were superb and members of the family were portrayed with humour, honesty and understanding. The struggles of the inexperienced young couple learning how to cope with sheep (especially at lambing time) had me chuckling. The break up pf the family unit, the struggle to save the marriage which, in the end collapsed was heart rending. Despite the wonderful glimpse of a tender loving relationship between mother and boys there was also the undercurrent of the turmoil marriage breakdown can cause to young children. A reporting of a unique primitive life lived in quite recent times. I can certainly recommend it 9/10