5 stars
I was interested to read this book, as I’d written a similar memoir regarding family memories and the relationship I’d had with my own mother. Geoff Le Pard’s mother Barbara was obviously one of those optimistic, no-nonsense salt-of-the-earth ladies who were eternally busy and coped with everything thrown at them, but unfortunately now seem to be vanishing with time. I could sympathise entirely with Geoff’s trials and tribulations of moving his mother into a smaller property, as I’d had similar issues with my own mother downsizing and not wanting to throw anything away. Also I know how difficult it must have been for Barbara to try and carry on driving when her eyesight was failing. Old age is not for sissies, as Bette Davis once said.
What I also enjoyed about this book were the poems penned by the author’s late father. These show his love for his wife and his thoughts and feelings on historical events of his time. It occurred to me after reading one of them that my own father was also stationed in Palestine in 1945 and our two fathers might have even met! Our fathers even had the same car at one point – a Hillman with the hinged door at the back.
There is laughter to be had in this book as well, especially when the author is going through adolescence and wishes to ‘hang out’ with friends’ and wear the latest fashions not made by his mum!
Well done, Mr Le Pard. Like me, you have wonderful memories to sustain you, and you have gained much insight into old age and what is waiting for us just around the corner.
wellcolourmeyellow said:
Remarkable review, really enjoyed it!
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robbiecheadle said:
A lovely review of Geoff’s book, Stevie. It does sound great and I need to get to it soon.
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Robbie.
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tracikenworth said:
Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide.
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks for the re-blog!
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dgkaye said:
Fab review of Geoff’s book which is definitely on my reading list! 🙂 x
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Stevie Turner said:
You’ll like this one, Debby.
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dgkaye said:
I kind of think I would and now of course with your review, you know I will. Uncanny how we like the same books too. LOL 🙂
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Stevie Turner said:
Memoirs, biographies and autobiographies, psychological fiction, and witty dry humor.
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dgkaye said:
That’s us! 🙂 I’m reading a book now you would love. A true story of comedy of errors of a doctor/comedian who worked for NHS. I’ll review when done. 🙂
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Stevie Turner said:
Sounds right up my street…
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dgkaye said:
I’m sure it is. It’s called – This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay. Check it out! 🙂
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Stevie Turner said:
It’s now on my TBR list! Thanks Debby.
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dgkaye said:
Right up your alley! My British bestie left me her copy before she left here to return home. I immediately thought of you. 🙂
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Stevie Turner said:
Ta-la as they say over here. x
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dgkaye said:
🙂 🙂 x
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franklparker said:
Another one for the TBR methinks.
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TanGental said:
If you do Frank I hope you enjoy it
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Don Massenzio said:
Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this review of the book, Apprenticed to My Mother, by Geoff Le Pard, as featured in this post from Stevie Turner’s blog.
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TanGental said:
Thanks Don!
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Don Massenzio said:
You’re welcome.
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Don.
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Don Massenzio said:
You’re welcome.
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Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. said:
Terrific review Stevie..
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks very much!
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Darlene said:
A great review!!
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Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Darlene.
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TanGental said:
Stevie what a delightful review. Thank you so much
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Stevie Turner said:
You’re welcome.
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