Little Chapel on the River: A Pub, a Town and the Search for What Matters MostReview by Philip Blazdell Some books are like cheap wine — they can be devoured on planes or trains and provide a momentary slip of happiness, some are like more expensive wines that you bring out for special occasions to toast success or achievement and some are like fine single malt that you keep hidden away at the back of the wardrobe for days when you want to celebrate, alone, the majesty of being alive. These rare books deserve to be savored, preferably alone, and with as few interruptions as possible. The Local is such a book and its pages are packed with such wit, such wisdom and such profoundly moving insights into human nature that reading this book is like drinking a very rare single malt whilst sitting in a pub alone and watching life go by. In a market packed with far too many travel books written by the dull and boring this book stands head and shoulders above the competition and simply deserves to be read. So, stop reading this review and go and buy a copy now. While searching for a temporary haven following the September 11th attacks, Manhattan journalist Wendy Bounds is delivered by a friend to Guinan's — a tiny Irish pub and general store on the banks of the Hudson River in the small town of Garrison. A visit that begins with one beer soon turns into a life-changing encounter. Captivated by the charismatic owner of the bar that is the living heart of the village, Bounds moves to Garrison. She becomes one of the regulars and is quickly swept up by its charms and motley characters. There is the garrulous Jim Guinan himself, with ailing health but rich tales of the pub's past; his grown children, whose duty to their father and the town keep Guinan's up and running against immeasurable odds; Fitz, a tough-talking Vietnam veteran who takes the author under his wing; and Lou-Lou, the most faithful four-legged parishioner at the pub. Its actually hard to understand why this book is so enjoyable but the author's lightness of touch, the way she brings the many characters to life, the way she weaves personal stories and dreams into the narrative and the sheer passion she has for her subject make this a wonderful read. There is nothing flashy or pretentious about the writing. It's beautifully low key, the pathos is clearly evident but never over-stressed and the overall tone of the book is beautifully compelling. As I read this book I had to constantly remind myself that I wasn't sitting in the bar myself but merely being shown a world that I can only dream off and a world that the author has captured every shade, every nuance and every detail and described them in beautiful prose. This is a beautiful book about someone trying to find their place in the world. It is full of beautiful prose and often speaks directly to the heart. If you're searching for something to read that is meaningful and thoughtful you will not be disappointed in this book. It is eloquently written and it is also a personal journey which the author is gracious to share it with the reader. So kick back with a glass of single malt and enjoy this wonderful book.
|
|
||||||||