Three Feet of Lightning - Softcover

Wilkinson, Rita

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1904524893 ISBN 13: 9781904524892

Publisher: Hayloft Publishing, 2013

Synopsis

A Cumbria Tale of Family Life and Love. The fells above Ullswater and the lake itself play their part in this story of a farming family, their life and loves. The flock of Herdwick sheep and the sheepdogs play a central role in this heart-warming story.

About this title

Review

A family tale of life on the Cumbrian fells above Ullswater, this novel provides a quintessential account of country life. Despite injecting some of the harsh realities of a working farm, the light plot provides an easy paced escape to rural England, following the lives of Ted and Muriel. (The Lady) A charming tale of family life and love on the Cumbrian fells. Rita weaves the stories of Ted and Muriel with a deft touch as we follow their lives through the years. (The Northern Echo) Rita Wilkinson has been brave enough to seek publication of her novel "Three Feet of Lightning" at the age of 68. Placed near Howtown, with the farmhouse facing Ullswater, the Longstaffe family have farmed at Felix Hill Farm for several generations. The farm is a hill farm, breeding Herdwicks in addition to a small collection of other odd, almost pet animals. Rita tells the story of the family over a number of years, tracing the family's ups and downs, tragedies and joys; all taking place in a unique and very beautiful landscape which acts as a watching, almost living backdrop to the Longstaffes' day-to-day work, hopes and fears. Shepherding with well-loved dogs and very uncertain weather patterns play a large part in the telling of her story. Rita's own love of farming life in this special corner of the Lake District shines through her words. She skilfully knits her tale together shaping it up into a fascinating novel which is a good read and which I personally found hard to put down until I'd reached the end. This very warm-hearted tale can be enjoyed by all members of the family. I hesitate to tell more of the story in case I spoil the reader's experience! I hope Rita's publishers send us a copy of her next novel. (Keswick Reminder) Life on the Cumbrian fells has never been a bed of roses for Ted and Muriel Thornton but they have enjoyed every minute at Felix Hill Farm doing a job they love and enjoying the support of a loving family and friends. And then, out of the blue, Muriel has a strang premonition and disaster surely follows, but with unexpected results. Darlington author Rita Wilkinson's country saga has warmth, passion and glows with a genuine love for the countryside. (Northern Echo)

About the Author

This is the author's first novel, written at the age of 68. Born in Dundee and educated in both Northumberland and Durham, Rita Wilkinson has lived in Darlington all her adult life. She is married with two daughters - one living in Cumbria and the other in Yorkshire. Throughout her lifetime she has wanted to write but never felt confident enough until now. She wishes she had made the attempt earlier but is happy her work is now in print.

Edition details

• Publisher: Hayloft Publishing
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1904524893
• ISBN 13: 9781904524892
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 170