Notwithstanding

I have just finished Louis de Bernieres' collection of short stories, set in a fictional Surrey village called Notwithstanding. It is loosely based on his own memories of growing up in a similar place, and it captures beautifully the rhythms of rural life, but especially the eccentric, quintessentially English characters who inhabited such villages in the past.

Nowadays, Surrey villages are more likely to be filled with wealthy incomers, who commute to London, or by weekenders, who stay in town all week, and escape to their second homes at the weekend. Local families have been out priced, and have had to move away to work. Consequently, these stories hark back to a lost world, populated by retired Majors, Molers and the Hedging and Ditching man. He seems to pop up at the side of the road in every story, as villagers move from A to B, which is a lovely touch, linking all of the stories together. We catch glimpses of certain characters who have had their own stories written, making guest appearances in others, even if they just appear fleetingly in the distance, or at the side of the road. The reader feels like they are getting to know the layout of the village, and to recognise its inhabitants from the highest to the lowest, and from the younger to the older.

The author demonstrates impressive knowledge of country ways, including the precise tackle needed to catch a Pike, and how to lay out a new putting green. In addition, he seems to know a considerable amount about wind instruments and music.

Although initially the stories seem to have been published individually in a range of newspapers and journals, they gain considerable charm from appearing together in this collection. It is very hard to pick a favourite, as they are all equally appealing.

I love the variety of people and stories on offer here. Some are funny and gentle, whilst others are poignant. The effect of the whole is like taking a literary warm bath. It is a winsome book, which I was sorry to finish. Traditional, old-fashioned and charming, like the best of English villages.