To this Northern Shore: Pieces of a life from South to North

A man looks back on his life from a boyhood in Algiers to his adulthood in Brighton, London, and Oxford, acknowledging his experiences as a pied-noir, exiled from Algeria, and unwelcome in France. He reflects on the relationship between the British and the French, his experiences as a teacher, editor, and director, and his life-affirming experiences as a volunteer psychotherapist. The journey incorporates bitter-sweet coming-of-age stories, hilarious humor, and tales of adventurous travel in Western Africa. The author touches on themes such as cooking, wine, music, friendship, resilience, and embracing life fully.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Lexus Ltd

From a humble Scottish coastal town, a man reflects upon his life, spanning from his boyhood in Algiers, through provincial France and Paris to Brighton, London, and Oxford. He openly acknowledges the challenges he faced growing up on the wrong side of history, during the tumultuous and violent tail-end of French colonialism. In his memoir, he candidly explores what it meant to be a pied-noir, an exile from Algeria, an outsider in France, and the lasting impact of a childhood spent amidst war.

As a student in Paris, he witnessed firsthand and actively participated in the May 1968 protests, which nearly brought down President de Gaulle's government. After relocating to England, he made it his home for nearly fifty years. This man, who hailed from Algeria but possessed a distinct French identity, fell deeply in love with Britain and its culture. Consequently, he decided to embrace British nationality, placing him in a unique position to offer insightful observations on the often misunderstood relationship between the British and the French.

We follow the author's journey as he transitions from being a teacher to a successful career in book publishing, from editor to director, and finally into the digital realm as a content provider for Microsoft. Along the way, he embarks on life-affirming experiences as a volunteer psychotherapist, adding depth and meaning to his journey.

After the Brexit referendum, the author relocates to Scotland, seeking a more congenial environment. He finds himself drawn to the positive aspects of the independence bid, with the potential for a renewed connection with Europe. The journey between his past and present encompasses poignant coming-of-age stories, moments of hilarious humor, and thrilling tales of adventurous travel in Western Africa.

The author delves into themes that will resonate with a wide audience, including the sensual pleasures of cooking, the romance of wine, and the profound impact of personal growth and self-discovery. His memoir serves as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 131 x 199 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781904737636