And I Looked Back: East Anglians In Their Own Words

This is a collection of East Anglian oral history, recorded over 30 years, focusing on individuals born in the early 20th century. It explores their lives, including war experiences, and reveals their contentedness despite hard work. The stories are told in their own words, making us laugh and cry and emphasizing the extraordinary in ordinary lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

This captivating work of East Anglian oral history spans nearly three decades, during which the author diligently recorded the memories of individuals born in the early years of the 20th century. The author's unwavering dedication to preserving the tales of these remarkable individuals from different backgrounds is evident in the meticulous attention to detail and the depth of their interviews.

The majority of chapters in this work focus on a single individual, each with their unique story to tell. One man, aged just eight, was put to work on a farm, harnessing the power of a horse. Another individual embarked on a seafaring journey at the age of sixteen, navigating the vast expanses of the sea aboard a steam drifter. Meanwhile, a woman recounts the challenges of raising her children in a workhouse setting.

The period covered by this oral history was marked by war, and some of the individuals shared poignant accounts of their experiences during this tumultuous time. Their stories offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who faced extraordinary circumstances, reminding us of the resilience and strength that can be found even in the most challenging of times.

Through their narratives, the author invites us into their kitchens and onto their farms, providing a firsthand account of what life was like for these individuals during their time. We hear them reminisce, sharing anecdotes and personal reflections that bring their stories to life. Their words evoke laughter and sometimes tears, as we become deeply immersed in their lives and experiences.

What emerges from this work is a profound realization that ordinary lives, as we know them today, are not the only way to live. These individuals, despite their modest backgrounds and ordinary circumstances, possessed a sense of contentment and fulfillment that is often elusive in our fast-paced and materialistic world. They taught us that the value of human connections, the beauty of nature, and the simple pleasures of life can bring immense joy and meaning to our existence.

In conclusion, this remarkable work of East Anglian oral history serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving our shared history. Through the voices of these individuals, we gain a deeper understanding of the past and a renewed appreciation for the resilience and diversity of human experience. Their stories remind us that no matter how ordinary our lives may seem, there is always something extraordinary within us that can inspire and transform us.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 137 x 217 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803136905