Richard Cobb (1) (1917–1996)

Gossipy fun mixed with a detailed mainly middle class social history of Tunbridge Wells in the 1920’s and 1930’s, when Richard Cobb was a child. He appears to have a wonderful memory, but this must have been assisted by his mother continuing to live there until the 1960’s and Richard’s visits to her. I know my mother talks about the old people who lived in houses when I take her out for drives, but I cannot recount the extraordinary and fascinating level of detail provided here.
I suspect that some may find it lacking purpose, but I found this a delightful series of verbal portraits, recreated by Cobbs’ easy and descriptive prose. Although my childhood was much later, in the 1970’s, I found some of the characters and scenes described brought back similar, though previously forgotten memories for myself.

A month later and I have increased my rating of this, as I keep recalling descriptions from this excellent memoir.… (mehr)