Rob Harvey

Evri chance it's been left outside someone else's front door...

This sinister shaped cactus- a school fair purchase - brought to mind Daphne du Maurier's The Apple Tree. Now to terrify the children with my new cactus...

The folded leaf was excellent- as with the lehmann filling in one of the few remaining gaps I hadn't read before. It was a little slower to get going than some - They came like swallows remains my very favourite of his!

Thank you for pointing me in the direction of this - I'd had it for years but hadn't realised I'd not read it. Gosh it's good, if bleak. It was also fascinating to read this straight after William Maxwell's the folded leaf - by chance, but exploring some similar themes, and both beautifully written

Taking my preparations for listening to the @backlisted.bsky.social maxwell revisit in a few weeks seriously! Last of his novels I hadn't read. It really is astonishing how much he packs into the sentences. This was a slow burner, but up there with his best. Can't wait for #250!

It's a remarkable read isn't it. If you haven't read it, I'd also recommend "when washington was in vogue" by Edward Christopher Williams - which has interesting parallels

Ah, yes, the whole clearing cache thing too. Actually, I ended up having to get another family member to make the purchase as I had same issue. But it appeared lots of ticket purchasers must have been kicked out for same reason as it looked sold out and then it didn't!

Had v similar experience trying to buy tickets for Florence and the machine for my daughter last week. Got through and found seats only to be kicked out because I was a bot! By the time I was back in, no seats left... worth continuing to check however as went back in 45 minutes later and got seats

It really is astonishing how little known he is now - I've read all of his stuff, and he is a brilliant story teller. Its also remarkable the range he covers - from On the beach to the speculative oddity "in the wet"- and some really powerful more conventional tales

Should ease tomorrow! As a fellow sufferer (big half rather than GNR) I can highly recommend ice baths and sour cherry juice to aid recovery (next time!)

The gift of some of my late uncle's old records prompted me to excavate my amp, speakers and record player from the loft. I'm so glad I did. This Ben Webster record was excellent! The kids are enjoying the novelty of old tech, and getting to experience some excellent jazz!

Thank you - still benefiting from the marathon training fitness levels! Pb by 11 seconds - but that was 5.5 years ago, and much cooler- so extremely pleased with my time!

Well done - it was warm out there!

I loved the look of mine (older model, no discernable squeak), but didn't deliver on the heel cushioning I need and gave me back pain! Shame as they were beautiful!

I can heartily recommend episode on French revolution where he properly loses his shit. I sometimes use episodes of in our time as an insomnia cure and that episode always wakes me right up!

Pernod monkey gland... I'm intrigued, albeit not sure whether this intrigues me enough to actually try it!

My experience of her is that some is excellent, but quality can be a bit patchy- but this one is definitely one of her best that I've read!

Its particularly notable as french crisps are generally quite mid!

One of our standout culinary moments of the holiday has been the leclerc libanais salad, so might need to try and stock up on a bag of this flavour for the ferry home!

We've been enjoying a few of these on holiday in Brittany. Just fished tonight's packet out of the bin to check (as it wasn't great)- and it was a different brand (nacho cheddar flavour)- but have blue d'auvergne and pesto mozzarella lined up and waiting!

Yes, "in the absence". It's one of her best - apparently used to prepare special forces - the main focus of the plot is a British soldier who very closely resembles a Breton farmer rescued at Dunkirk- and explores similar themes of passing in company of acquaintances as he takes his place at home

Just finished reading this - really enjoyed it. Was intrigued as to whether the doppelganger premise might have been influenced by Helen Macinnes excellent Assignment in Brittany. Very much enjoyed this Ambler-esque yarn - and as with all of these rereleases a lovely edition!

This was very weird and very dark. First experience of Angela Carter! Now need to go back to the @backlisted.bsky.social early episode on her

Brittany bats! A cool end to a warm day!

Delighted to see a crested tit for the first time while holidaying in Brittany. Popped up on merlin yesterday near a car park- long walk in the sun today trying to spot one (heard several, but they were proving elusive). Finally saw a pair of them just before reaching the car at the end of the walk!

It was an amazing moment! The hare had no idea I was stood there.

Some decent birding so far in Brittany. Pleased to spot a cirl bunting for the first time. Merlin has picked up hawfinches each of the last two days but not managed to lay eyes on them. This morning few birds but I did have a close encounter with this hare!

Well, it impressed me! Especially the Gavin Peacock knowledge! I'm excited to hear what further sporting or footballing snippets will pop up in future episodes!!