Sheila Stewart (3) (1928–2014)

The book is a whole pastiche of stories and anecdotes garnered from a number of the old "time served" canal people. With some licence the stories are skilfully woven together to capture the imagination of the reader. I was a bit annoyed at first with the written version of the boat-speak canal vernacular. However, after a while I found that it helped to add some authenticity to the storyline and I could actually hear the voices. Sheila captures some of the hardships endured by these people. At a time when the boatee family was made up of an almost gypsy like group people. An extended family of people who spent a whole lifetime working a cargo boat up and down the canal system. In what was to the people living on the bank something of a secret and virtually unknown world.

Ramlin Rose is a grandma's patchwork quilt of a story. That in one moment has a smile on your face and gives a nice warm feeling inside. On the next page Sheila captures and portrays the death of a child and our emotions turn head over heels. The unwanted child taken into the family and the loss when the child is subsequently taken way. This book captures a whole unique way of life that has now gone forever. It's passing almost as secretive and undocumented as when it came. With just a few faded photographs and failing memories being all that is left. The rivers and canals are now green spaces occupied and enjoyed for leisure activities. The last few pages are an endearing essay of the time. Written by a young girl, who is almost estranged from her boat family. She tells of the life on a boat and of her pride and admiration for her family and the "canal" way of life. A book not to be missed.… (mehr)