Of course this is a funny book and of course it's full of fascinating facts, people and places, but underlying his farcical encounters with dim shop-assistants and such is his consternation at increasing ignorance, stupidity and falling-off of values compared with the England of his 1995 Notes (bwl 28). He's funny and interesting, lyrical about the countryside, appreciates many endeavours and retains his deep affection for his adopted country, but his alarm rings true.
(Annabel Bedini - bwl 80 Spring 2016 ) |
