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This was a lovely little book that I received as a gift. I like Alys Fowler - she was a good Gardeners World presenter and I've one or two of her gardening books.
This is a much more personal book charting her voyages around the Birmingham Canal system on a red inflatable raft. It's charming - I love Birmingham and the canals anyway, but I think it would appeal to anyone with an interest in nature or canals or the area. It's quietly and understatedly moving as well, as it charts Alys's personal journey away from her marriage and into discovery of herself as a lesbian. Her insights into coming out are gentle and wise, and you end up feeling a good deal of compassion for both her and her husband. The canals and canal life are written about in loving detailed humility. A damn fine read - I get to keep this copy anyway, but I'll probably gift a few too.
This is a much more personal book charting her voyages around the Birmingham Canal system on a red inflatable raft. It's charming - I love Birmingham and the canals anyway, but I think it would appeal to anyone with an interest in nature or canals or the area. It's quietly and understatedly moving as well, as it charts Alys's personal journey away from her marriage and into discovery of herself as a lesbian. Her insights into coming out are gentle and wise, and you end up feeling a good deal of compassion for both her and her husband. The canals and canal life are written about in loving detailed humility. A damn fine read - I get to keep this copy anyway, but I'll probably gift a few too.
