Girl With Dove: A Life Built by Books

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The word "mesmerising" is frequently applied to memoirs, but seldom as deservedly as in the case of Girl With Dove. This captivating memoir by Honor Clark takes readers on a journey through the author's childhood, filled with mystery, intrigue, and a touch of magic. Growing up in a dilapidated house by the sea, where men were forbidden, Sally's world was a tapestry of wonder and curiosity. Hippies trailed through the kitchen, their leader being Aunt Di, a charismatic force who ruled the house with an iron fist. When Sally's baby brother vanishes from his pram, she becomes suspicious of the activities going on around her. What happened to Baby David and the woman called Poor Sue? And where did all the people singing and wailing prayers in the front room suddenly disappear?

Determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding her family, Sally immerses herself in a world of books and reading. She adopts the tried and tested methods of Miss Marple, taking books for hints and clues, and turning herself into a reading detective. Her discovery of Jane Eyre marks the beginning of a vivid journey through Victorian literature, where she also meets the kind, eccentric figure of Charles Dickens' Betsey Trotwood. These characters quickly become her heroines, offering humour and guidance during many difficult moments in Sally's life.

Girl With Dove seamlessly blends the voices of literary characters with those of her real-life counterparts, creating a magical series of strange encounters. The memoir culminates in a comic performance of Shakespeare in the children's home where Sally is eventually sent, adding a touch of whimsy to an already enchanting story.

Through her memoir, Honor Clark invites readers to explore the power of literature and the transformative effect it can have on our lives. Girl With Dove is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope and a reason to keep reading.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008226893