A few of the stories behind the story - of River Song

 At last I’ve finished my seventh major book, River Song.  Phew! – but now I miss my friends, the characters I lived with for so long. Shy but kind-hearted Claire, who tells the tale. I miss Vivien with her light-hearted fun and creativity. And the guys who keep them guessing for so long.

Needless to say, for those who know me, I miss Kenilworth. Its beauty and peace. River Song is set partly in Vivien’s family home, Riverside, which is inspired by Kenilworth Homestead, where I spent many very happy years and made friends for life.

The property was then owned by the Rowe family – Jim the gentleman farmer who loved and understood the property in all its moods, his kind effervescent wife Jennifer, their daughter Elvira with her friendly chats and talented son Justyn, whose antics made me laugh at a time I needed laughter.

Embedded in my mind are images of Kenilworth – its blueish hills crouching on the horizon, the river gleaming white like pale silk at dusk, the orange and scarlet blaze of the setting sun through the network of the crepe myrtle in winter … I could describe it all forever.

 

 

 Perhaps this is why I chose it to inspire Riverside – as an excuse to think about a place I love, indelibly imprinted on my mind.

In River Song, Claire and Vivien retreat to Riverside to relax and see Viv’s family during their years of university and teaching. In the hubbub of the swinging sixties, it’s a much-needed refuge.

Claire loves to sit by the river and listen to its gurgling and whispering song. Here she receives enlightenment much needed in their turbulent lifestyle where everything is upending and sliding out of place.

Perhaps it’s the peaceful atmosphere that enables her to gain insights – or could it be God, even before she believes in Him?

I went to the same university as my protagonists in those exact-same years so I had plenty of material to call upon. Sizzling sixties where ‘anything goes’, flower power, wild parties – and so much more. But the girls have to find their way through the turbulence to forge their futures. Not without frightening setbacks.

So the novel’s finished. I expect it to be published next year.

I hope you enjoy it. Do let me know. Even a very brief review when it’s published would be a great help and encouragement. If it’s not to your taste, you could just let me know you read it!