Remembrance

The nights are drawing in and we all need cheering up occasionally. Do you have a few minutes for yourself to read something purely for interest? If so, do subscribe to my blog (Home | Libbooklover (sbastone8.wixsite.com) - a monthly look at books, art & culture, back after a long break.

This month my theme is Remembrance, inspired not just by the time of year but by the publication of a beautiful new book telling the story of the first poppies in wartime Flanders. My fellow readers and lovers of children's literature will know well the name of Michael Morpurgo as one of the best writers for children of his generation. Although this is a picture book, it is definitely not just for children and will be enjoyed by all ages. Poppy Field, beautifully illustrated by well-known illustrator, Michael Foreman, is based on the poppy's history, following one family over four generations. Young Martens knows his family's story, for it is as precious as the faded poem hanging in their home. From a poor girl comforting a grieving soldier, to an unexpected meeting of strangers, to a father's tragic death many decades after treaties were signed, war has shaped Martens' family in profound ways. This is a new work by two icons of children's literature. It is a book to read, to share and to treasure for years to come.

As well as a lovely story, the book contains an Afterword by the Right Revd Nigel McCulloch KCVO, former National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion, which explains the story of the poem, the formation of the Royal British Legion and how the poppy became an international memorial symbol. This is a story in itself and brings us right up to date. The book was recently launched at Chris Beetles Gallery in Piccadilly and you can look at some of the illustrations for the book here. As an aside, Chris Beetles holds a wonderful Illustrators' Exhibition every Christmas - more about that next month!

My local Arts Society lecture this month featured War Medals - an obvious connection. Many families will have medals from family members, possibly proudly on display or perhaps tucked into the back of a drawer. It was fascinating to hear how really quite easy it is nowadays to find out the history of their recipient. Medals from World War One will have the recipient's name engraved on the edge and you can request their war record on the gov.uk website Get a copy of military service records: Apply for the records of someone who's deceased - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) at a cost of £30 per record.

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.