Not Much Today

This mural is painted on a public toilet block at Waipu Cove, Northland.  It commemorates the history of the area.

Linked to Monday Mural

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One of the first authors to write naval fiction books in historical context was Captain Frederick Marryat (1792-1848), who served in the British Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars.

One of his last books, published in 1847, was Children Of The New Forest which I have just finished reading.  Some of the language is a little difficult to understand, reflecting the age of the book. 

The story follows four children who must survive alone after their father, a loyal Royalist, is killed.  Their mother dies, and then their home is burned down by Cromwell’s men.  They live in Hampshire’s New Forest and have many adventures before regaining their rightful place in society.

The actual book itself was presented to my mother in 1939 as a school prize for Arithmetic, when she was eleven years old.

Several books I own are a lot older than this.  I love the feel of an ancient book, but I wonder if my children will appreciate them when I am gone.

Margaret.