The Bell at Low Tide: this wonderful book was an unexpected surprise. Found this on Kindle Unlimited and was intrigued by the writing, which is absolutely beautiful. Powerful yet delicate imagery is the backdrop for this short coming of age novel, which is sure to resonate with readers and stay with them after. This novel deserves a better cover, and hopefully it’ll get it one day.
Beneath the Walnut Tree: this is an interesting "take" on the fairly common "Boarding School" theme in UK Literature. I appreciate the author's willingness to forego the usual situations that emerge in such an environment, and instead focus on the growing relationship with two boys in a setting that is "safe" for them. I enjoyed the historical references. I enjoyed the descriptions of the boarding school processes, and the extra-curricular activities that suggested a wider freedom for students to expand their self-understanding in a challenging world. I would guess that this story is set in the mid to late 1800's and thus reflects some of the ethos of that era, but is not burdened by a description of that era. It simply allows the main characters to get to know each other and then to recognize what each means to the other. Definitely a joy to read.
