Rosalind Esche, Author at dear reader

For many years I’ve read fairly randomly; nearing the end of a novel I’d decide what was the logical successor and then illogically read something entirely different.

I favour reading fiction, with occasional biographies, usually about writers or composers.

It is very easy to put down an electronic book and forget you have it. A physical book sits by your chair, or by your bed and is a reminder to carry on reading.

Have you read more or less during lockdown, or much the same as usual?

Well, it rather depends on what you define as “usual.” Before I retired, about a year prior to Lockdown, most of my reading was done on the train during my commute.

Hunting the ghosts of local businesses

Hot Numbers

Buildings often tell stories and hint at their history

A Family of Phrenologists

When we think of seaside promenade attractions, such as fortune-telling, palm-reading and so forth, we tend to imagine stripey booths and bead curtains.

Tony’s Trough

Photograph of dog's drinking trough courtesy of Caroline Mead

Between a set of bike racks and next to Lloyd’s Bank, on a north Cambridge traffic island, there is a rather strange monument: a memorial dog trough. This was erected in 1934, in memory of a dog named Tony. It was put there at the request of Prince Chula of Siam, who studied at Trinity…

I have steered away from pandemic themes …

I read quite a lot in normal times and so I think my reading consumption has not much changed in terms of quantity

Lockdown Reading recommendations this spring

Here are some book recommendations extracted from our contributors’ responses to our lockdown reading questions – just click on the title to read what they said about the book: The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim Call for the Dead by John le Carré The Dutch House by Ann Patchett The House of Mirth…

Chesterton Mill

Photograph of French's smock mill courtesy of Caroline Mead

Teenage me had a paper round and I used to deliver papers to a converted mill in the mid-1990s. It was the office building of an educational publisher called Pearson Publishing. Their order was all the daily papers plus a large amount of trade press. I used to have to do that drop-off first, then…

With plenty of time on my hands, I have found it easier to read more demanding literature

Have you read more or less during lockdown, or much the same as usual?

I have found more time to read during lockdown and enjoyed reading whilst relaxing in my garden over the summer months. I usually just read during my commute on the train under normal circumstances.

I have a “forever book shelf” and re-read these

Have you read more or less during lockdown, or much the same as usual?