Sarah, I recently read "Thrush Green" by Miss Read as a comfort read and there is a man character in it who is a gypsy matriarch. She would be the twin to your "Fine Feathers" and she never missed the pageantry and colour of life - in fact, the actual quotidian aspects of life were made beautiful through drama and finery. I warmed to her as a character immediately and feel similarly drawn to this painting."Winters in the World" stands as one of my favourite non fiction books and I have you to thank for the recommendation. I now thank you for "Reckoner and Rightful King" - that is a phrase that Miss Iris would savour, it has shades of her Knights of the Red Cross.
Having only just ‘found’ you and going back through older posts I see we are currently kindred reading spirits. I’m just embarking on Winters in the World and will check out the other books you mention.
The lady in the portrait reminds me of Queenie from Lark Rise to Candleford!
Yes! The same dignity and almost "I dare you" look, with that smile at the edges of her eyes.
Sarah, I recently read "Thrush Green" by Miss Read as a comfort read and there is a man character in it who is a gypsy matriarch. She would be the twin to your "Fine Feathers" and she never missed the pageantry and colour of life - in fact, the actual quotidian aspects of life were made beautiful through drama and finery. I warmed to her as a character immediately and feel similarly drawn to this painting."Winters in the World" stands as one of my favourite non fiction books and I have you to thank for the recommendation. I now thank you for "Reckoner and Rightful King" - that is a phrase that Miss Iris would savour, it has shades of her Knights of the Red Cross.
Absolutely love the portrait of the lady with her "Fine Feathers". 😍
“Beginning to gather in” sounds so wonderfully cosy. Do you keep any lists of children’s book suggestions anywhere online?
This is a lovely post. Jay Johnstone's "Fifteen birds in five firtrees" is now calling to me.
Having only just ‘found’ you and going back through older posts I see we are currently kindred reading spirits. I’m just embarking on Winters in the World and will check out the other books you mention.