My Sand Life, My Pebble Life

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What to expect

My sand life, my pebble life. My life measured out in tides, coming in and going out. My life measured out in games of trying to spot the sea first. My life measured out in the delicious and indulgent sadness that comes from leaving a holiday cottage for the last time and for the first time in several days it isn’t raining, but at least the kids have had a great time and, let’s face it, so have you.

Warm and darkly funny, this sublimely crafted book transports you (in a blue Ford Zephyr, with an AA route map, a granny in the back and a bingo hall on the horizon) to the world of childhoods by the sea. Specifically, Ian’s memories of childhood: ones we’ll all identify with – endless sunny days on the beach, done to a turn fish and chips, legendary games of cricket, tea and cakes and family crammed into a tiny caravan, holiday cottages that live forever, buckets of shells, a busted fishing net and enough sand to make a beach, with the tide out, way out…

In this nostalgic collection of reminiscences (with the odd poem thrown in) journey with Ian as he walks barefoot to the sea to see the sun rise. He is attacked by seagulls, and midges, and wasps. He eats a lot of fish and chips and it’s always the best yet. He nearly avoids a frisbee. He searches for jazz in Scarborough. He walks. He even tries to run. But mostly he savours the sea and our seaside moments and our seaside dreams.

If you want a shot of salty sea air, a tussle with a seagull and the congenial companionship of someone described as ‘relentlessly jolly’ (The Guardian), this will be a joyous and moving read.

Critics Review

  • My Sand Life, My Pebble Life is a fine companion

    John Hegley

  • a collection of heart-warming coastal tales from writer, playwright and broadcaster Ian McMillan…evokes a wonderful sense of nostalgia that’s sure to transport you back to your own coastal experiences.

    Coast Magazine

  • It’s the grit in the shell that turns these memories into pearls… To describe these essays as ‘poetic’ seems almost redundant. There is a small cluster of poems…at the heart of the book, but the whole thing works at that level… McMillan’s turn of phrase is as richly laconic as ever.

    Times Literary Supplement

  • This heartwarming and sea-air-infused collection of coastal memories will instantly transport you back to childhoods spent at the seaside.

    Countryman

  • a kaleidoscope of seaside memories

    The Radio Times

  • Combines poignant snatches of personal history with a delightfully nostalgic celebration of the British seaside holiday.

    Daily Mail

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