The Big G keeps me up to the mark, culture-wise, by giving me reports over the phone on the TV, films and books she has recently been enjoying.
Last week there were 2 phone conversations in one day about this.
Big G is loving this to bits, not least as it name checks lots of places in the Cotswolds near where the G lives.
I was sufficiently stirred to see if our local library had it. The computer said yes.
So I popped in there to pick it up.
Biography section: no sign
Author section: no sign
Returns: no sign
I consult a librarian.
We start again.
Computer says yes.
Biography section: no sign
Author section: no sign
Returns: no sign
The first librarian consults a second librarian.
This is turning into a Serious Library Crisis.
The computer is consulted again..
At this point another library user approaches and helpfully points out that there appears to be a fire and smoke just outside the library window..
I can see the librarians are longing to run out of the building or at least check what is going on.
I stand firm.
I will not be defeated.
There is the honour of the House of Blighty at stake: Grandma W will not accept a mere fire as a valid excuse for failure to get the book..
Finally another librarian gets involved and remembers she has seen the book.
Hidden away historical section I did not know existed: there it is!
The moral of the story: Grandma W can cause a stir.
Even when she is not there.
Also, if you are a bored teen, don't smoke under the library window.
Some of us want our books found...
You might like this link about Patrick Leigh Fermor.
And yes Big G, I did get a copy with the photos in..
This is a good example of "by endurance we conquer" I am proud of you for persevering and finding the book. It sounds most interesting and I love the Cotswolds so it would be like an extra bonus too.
ReplyDeleteMy best
Helen xx
Thank you for commenting Helen, I still have n't actually started the book yet - shhhhh, don't tell La Whacker
DeleteWe shall nevah nevah give up. (or something like that.)
ReplyDeleteQuite right Deb!
Deletetoo funny blighty! i hope the book will be worth it. please let us know.
ReplyDeleteI was soooo determined to get my paws on that book!
DeleteDear Mrs Blighty, This looks just up my street (well not literally) - I will order it immediately. I do admire your steadfastness, Mrs B. Clearly, as Deb has so rightly alluded, this is the attitude that made Great Britain great. I hope the Big G was suitably proud! love Lindaxxx
ReplyDeleteBig G has of course moved on - she has just seen Salmon Fishing in Yemen so that is most recent topic for discussion..
DeletePerhaps More Tearing Haste, Less Speed? [oh it's no good. I'm just not funny]
ReplyDeleteSally I think you are very funny and interesting (have not forgotten that you know that dirty book in Latin); you should be doing a blog.
DeletePlease ask Grandma W if she'd like to come and stir things up at our local library. We could do with a few stirring moments.
ReplyDeleteYou could always try taking out more books than you are allowed...go on, live on the edge..
DeleteYou could always try to sneak out a reference only book - go on, live on the edge!
DeleteWhat an exciting life your librarians have! Fires! Lost Books! Unexplored Sections!
ReplyDeleteOurs have to cope with me coming in and saying things like....'I'm looking for this book....I read it before....it was about a fictional German Film Star and it was called something like...a greek goddess's name.
And by jingo! They FOUND it for me. But they do cower now when I breeze through the swing doors :-)
Ali x
Ali, I am just like that when I am after a book...German film star book sounds good - what was it?
ReplyDeleteGiven that you and I in REAL LIFE visited Debo's pub and Swinbrook in Nov 2010, I MUST read this book.
ReplyDeleteI wish I lived there.
Tis deadset boring and lonely here x