This book really surprised me. It is a collection of short writings that were quite literally found in an attic years after the author's death. I thought I would like and value it because it was by D. E. Stevenson, but my expectations were not high. I've seen enough collections of "found" literature to know that many of the pieces tend to be mediocre and unpolished. So I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the first few stories were well written, and full of fun. Then as I kept going, I realised that everything was good. There are stories, plays and poems, speeches about writing, and an autobiographical sketch. The one thing that ties all of the pieces together (with the exception of the war poems) is the sheer fun of them. You can tell that the author was enjoying herself immensely as she wrote.

The highlight of the book is "Wintering", a fifty page story in verse, about a young woman recovering from illness, and the couple who take her into their home. I felt like I was there in the peaceful village of Wick-on-Sea, with the laughing vicar and his quiet wife. It flows beautifully—I know, because I read the whole story aloud to my daughter.

This is a wonderful addition to my D. E. Stevenson collection, and I'm sure I will revisit it often. ( )