Chalk Pits & Cherry Stones

Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Chalk Pits & Cherry Stones by Jean Hendy-Harris, Jean Hendy-Harris
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jean Hendy-Harris ISBN: 9781301554782
Publisher: Jean Hendy-Harris Publication: May 28, 2013
Imprint: Smashwords Edition Language: English
Author: Jean Hendy-Harris
ISBN: 9781301554782
Publisher: Jean Hendy-Harris
Publication: May 28, 2013
Imprint: Smashwords Edition
Language: English

A story of a working class childhood spent in a uniquely at odds with itself region of the Thames where customs of urban living clashed awkwardly with rural traditions. Jean was just one of hundreds of children who swarmed the narrow back streets of once attractive waterside villages long sacrificed to the shadow and ugliness of relentless nineteenth century brick and cement production. The unruly poor growing up in the environs of Gravesend and Northfleet were accustomed to deprivation and once the first flurry of fear receded they became just as accustomed to air raids and the omnipresent threat of sudden and total obliteration. They learned early to treat the hitches and glitches of life with realistic optimism. Even with the war safely behind them, circumstances dictated that life offered few treats and therefore community driven activities and celebrations such as making the Guy and building the fire for Bonfire Night were focused upon with enthusiasm. On a day to day basis the local chalk pits and the recently created bomb sites became obvious playgrounds and allowed plenty of potential for danger combined with inventive play. Book lovers like Jean and her friend Milly turned eagerly to the library and the delights of Enid Blyton. Possibly it was this ongoing diet of fantasy adventure that allowed Jean to conjure up all new and frequently alternating imaginary families to replace the one she felt unfortunate enough to have been born into.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A story of a working class childhood spent in a uniquely at odds with itself region of the Thames where customs of urban living clashed awkwardly with rural traditions. Jean was just one of hundreds of children who swarmed the narrow back streets of once attractive waterside villages long sacrificed to the shadow and ugliness of relentless nineteenth century brick and cement production. The unruly poor growing up in the environs of Gravesend and Northfleet were accustomed to deprivation and once the first flurry of fear receded they became just as accustomed to air raids and the omnipresent threat of sudden and total obliteration. They learned early to treat the hitches and glitches of life with realistic optimism. Even with the war safely behind them, circumstances dictated that life offered few treats and therefore community driven activities and celebrations such as making the Guy and building the fire for Bonfire Night were focused upon with enthusiasm. On a day to day basis the local chalk pits and the recently created bomb sites became obvious playgrounds and allowed plenty of potential for danger combined with inventive play. Book lovers like Jean and her friend Milly turned eagerly to the library and the delights of Enid Blyton. Possibly it was this ongoing diet of fantasy adventure that allowed Jean to conjure up all new and frequently alternating imaginary families to replace the one she felt unfortunate enough to have been born into.

More books from Biography & Memoir

Cover of the book Leif Ericson et la découverte de l'Amérique by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book The Candidate by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book Gordon Ramsay’s Playing with Fire by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book Agatha Christie: A Mysterious Life by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book Recollections of My Youth (Barnes & Noble Digital Library) by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book Groomed: Danger lies closer than you think by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book Never Stop by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book Most of These Stories are Somewhat True by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book I Am a Nutkis by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book Distracted and Defeated by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book My New World, A Teenager's WWII Odyssey by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book My Name is Dave I have AIDS by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book How To Talk To Crazy People by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book Pages d'Italie – suivi d'annexes by Jean Hendy-Harris
Cover of the book Women Who Pioneered Oklahoma by Jean Hendy-Harris
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy