5 out of 5 stars
Non Fiction, Memoir, Barge Life
Originally posted on Amazon UK HERE on 21 March 2014
On Amazon.com HERE
I think Val Poore is what I call a 'natural writer', in the same way as people like Bill Bryson; she writes about everyday activities and makes them interesting and amusing. This is an innate talent, it's not something you can learn in a creative writing class. I followed the installation of the bathroom on her barge with great interest!
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This book is a fascinating glimpse into the life of 'liggers', barge dwellers in Rotterdam. It's a lifestyle I envy, and I adored reading about every bit of it. I'm so glad there were photos in this book, they really added to it as I could see the progression Val was making with her barge (I'm not going to name it right now because it would mean looking up how to spell it!). I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes reading factual accounts of different ways of life, or to those with a particular interest in a watery life - but read her other book, Watery Ways, first, as it will make this one mean more. Loved it, absolutely loved it!
Watery Ways by Val Poore reviewed HERE
African Ways by Val Poore reviewed HERE
5 out of 5 stars
Non Fiction, Memoir, Barge life
Originally posted on Amazon UK HERE on 1 January 2014
On Amazon.com HERE
I loved every word!
In 1998 my ex-husband and I rented a narrowboat for 2 weeks, and I was in total bliss for a fortnight. I was so aware of the fact that we'd slipped just a few yards sideways into this parallel world that was visible to those on the land, but hardly noticed. When the fortnight was over I was deeply fed up!
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In Watery Ways, about Val Poore's new life on board barges in Rotterdam, she talks about this parallel world, too, and I envy her so much for living in it. It's a story of physical hardship and sacrifice, as well as friendship and fun, but at no time did I get the impression that she was anything worse than temporarily frustrated about things like having no running water, or light to dress by before going to work, or practical difficulties with the maintenance of the boats. As one who sees this sort of thing as a challenge, too, I loved reading about how she got over the problems, and also about how much they made her appreciate every small comfort, too. To me, this book is not only about the practical aspects of the watery life, but about making the most of every moment and not sweating over the stuff that doesn't matter.
If you have any interest at all in things boat, you should read this; it's a terrific book! Fascinating, funny - and it made me wish I could spend some time aboard the Vereeniging with the author and Koos, too!
Harbour Ways by Val Poore reviewed HERE
African Ways by Val Poore reviewed HERE
5 GOLD STARS
Non Fiction, Memoir, Travel, Sailing
Originally posted on Amazon HERE on 22 March 2013
This is the tale of Charles and Leslie Dougherty's new life on board their boat, Play Actor, after giving up the the affluent, acquisitive, middle class, work and stress orientated lifestyle. I've read and reviewed 'Dungda de lslan', about their travels around the Caribbean; this is what happened before, describing their trip down the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway, and on to the Bahamas.
I loved it, even more than Dungda de Islan'. Having always had fantasies about doing this sort of thing (me and a gazillion others!), I loved reading how Charles and Leslie's attitude to life changed so quickly; about how their focus altered, how their life became harder physically, yet more simple. The portrayal of this change in attitude isn't in any way cheesy, though; it's described in a practical, matter of fact and often amusing way. One bit that really struck me was Charles' realisation that this boat was now 'home' - if they had a problem with the boat they could no longer just go back to their nice comfortable house, and deal with the boat issue later...
Some parts of this book brought a tear to my eye, especially the bit about Willie, the Bahamian fisherman; I so enjoyed reading the bit about the Bahamas, but I think my favourite section of the book was when they were in Georgia, featuring Charles's recollections of his childhood, comparisons with modern times, and passages of historical interest. I'm ashamed to say that before I read this all I knew about Georgia was the impression given of it by the film 'Deliverance' - at least now I am better informed! Loved all the observations about the people Charles and Leslie came across, loved the domestic details, the descriptions of the wildlife and the scenery - I just loved it all. It's beautifully written, and I know I shall read parts of it again and again.
If you have an interest in sailing, love boats, or have ever wanted to pack in the 9-5 and live life according to your own rules, you will enjoy this book as much as I did!
Charles also writes fiction, and has a blog about his travels, which is fascinating; he's @clrdougherty on Twitter - follow him!
DUNGDA DE ISLAN' by the same author is reviewed HERE
5 out of 5 stars
Non-fiction, Travel, Caribbean, Sailing
Originally posted on Amazon HERE on May 25 2012
Tales from Charles and Leslie Dougherty's journeys around the islands of the Caribbean. I loved this book! It's charming, funny, interesting, thought provoking, informative. It made me feel as if I was there with them, and made me want to be so even more. I don't know anything about sailing, but even the quite technical boat-type bits were interesting, too! I loved reading all about the islanders; Charles has a knack of making just ordinary day to day activity read so well - reminded me a bit of the way Bill Bryson does so. Highly recommended.
Life's a Ditch by the same author is reviewed HERE
