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Find Another Place
"'Families are their stories,' said my grandfather Martin that late autumn day in 2001, as he placed a clear plastic folder containing his journal into my hands."
Part historical meditation on people now gone, part detective story and journey of discovery, Find Another Place speaks to how we remember and re-assess what has gone before and how we make sense both of our here and now and the future. Ben’s grandfather had always wanted to be a writer and gave the author his journal shortly before his death.
After many endings, paper often remains. Letters from his parents written in the 1970s before they were married, together with a handful of poems, extracts from diaries and other materials all form part of this reflection. It is possible to get to know people better, even after they are gone.
A family’s interactions with the Isle of Wight, in war and peace, happy times and sad, run through the narrative. As does a relationship with literature, the desire to write and a passion for the game of chess. Anyone who has ever lost a parent; had a child or reflected on the fragility and beauty inherent in everyday life will enjoy this book.
Part historical meditation on people now gone, part detective story and journey of discovery, Find Another Place speaks to how we remember and re-assess what has gone before and how we make sense both of our here and now and the future. Ben’s grandfather had always wanted to be a writer and gave the author his journal shortly before his death.
After many endings, paper often remains. Letters from his parents written in the 1970s before they were married, together with a handful of poems, extracts from diaries and other materials all form part of this reflection. It is possible to get to know people better, even after they are gone.
A family’s interactions with the Isle of Wight, in war and peace, happy times and sad, run through the narrative. As does a relationship with literature, the desire to write and a passion for the game of chess. Anyone who has ever lost a parent; had a child or reflected on the fragility and beauty inherent in everyday life will enjoy this book.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2018
3 people want to read
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May 31, 2021
There is a serial killer on the loose, fiendishly killing off members of the author's family. The tension rises as the body count gets higher...
Actually it is not that kind of book, not unless you regard time as the killer. What we have instead is a beautifully written, evocative and thoughtful look at life, family, the passing of generations and what makes our existence meaningful. There is a lovely balance in the text, at times contemplative, at times amusing, looking at things from many perspectives - making it a real pleasure to read.
By the end of the book you feel you know the author well, as well as many members of his family. Ben Graff's own grandfather, Martin, merges as something of a star writer too as the author salvages his journal and brings it to life. At least i think it is for real. If not, it is a brilliant invention.
You certainly wont regret reading this fabulous book. It is a true delight.
Actually it is not that kind of book, not unless you regard time as the killer. What we have instead is a beautifully written, evocative and thoughtful look at life, family, the passing of generations and what makes our existence meaningful. There is a lovely balance in the text, at times contemplative, at times amusing, looking at things from many perspectives - making it a real pleasure to read.
By the end of the book you feel you know the author well, as well as many members of his family. Ben Graff's own grandfather, Martin, merges as something of a star writer too as the author salvages his journal and brings it to life. At least i think it is for real. If not, it is a brilliant invention.
You certainly wont regret reading this fabulous book. It is a true delight.
Displaying 1 of 1 review