The Rain Tree

by Mirabel Osler

A host of vividly caught characters are here: Mirabel's extrovert, free-spirited mother Phyllis; Aylmer Vallance, who with extraordinary love letters would rescue her mother from a twilight life; Stella Bowen, Phyllis's lifelong friend and fellow student under Ezra Pound, their introduction to the London literati, notably Ford Madox Ford. Throughout Mirabel's childhood, it was Stella who would be the one fast colour amid her mercurial mother's love affairs. And turning closer to the present - to new friendships, the paring away of previous assumptions and conventions and the serendipities of chance acquaintance - we encounter Michael, Mirabel's late husband, who's barbaric public-school childhood contrasted so dramatically with Mirabel's own, affectionate and carefree; whose repressed father so adored roses; their childhood meeting; their delight in their children and beloved Shropshire garden, a character in its own right, full of the joy of the unexpected. Celebrated author of "A Gentle Plea for Chaos," Mirabel Osler's meditation on the profound pleasures of writing, gardens, travel and food is both graceful and deeply affecting.

Genres: Memoir, Nature, Gardening, Nonfiction

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2011

Reviews

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read as the author recounts memories of her travels and family life, with a little bit of gardening chatter thrown in for good measure. Her life took her to many places and it was so interesting to read of her experiences, the highs and the lows and I think I could listen to her stories for hours!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

British gardener looks back on her life of traveling, living abroad in Thailand and Greece, and gardening. Calming in parts, dull in others. She's got a way with words that I enjoyed but I think the book would best be consumed in small doses. I might one of her books focused just on gardening.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intimate autobiography, replete with poetic prose and philosophical insights, born in the context of a peripatetic life lived in several countries.

[Mizzo73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want Mirabel Osler to be my granny.This book is a reminder of why we learn to read and savour language. Osler celebrates life and is deliciously frank about her mother's colourful youth mingling with poets and painters. I would love to sit with her by the fire and hear all her travel stories and somehow download all her gardening knowledge into my brain.

[Andrew McClarnon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this straight through, but really a book to dip into, a collection of essays drawn from her experiences. Some very thought provoking pieces about aging, the death of loved ones, moving on and letting go - all written with originality and great powers of description. A keeper.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain and honest. Like listening to a friend talk.