Cider With Rosie: A Captivating Tale of Rural England

When it comes to captivating memoirs, Cider With Rosie stands out as a true gem. A classic piece of English literature, this memoir is the first part of an autobiographical trilogy written by Laurie Lee. Published in 1959, Cider With Rosie takes readers on an enchanting journey through Lee's idyllic childhood in the Cotswolds, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of rural England.

A Glimpse into a Bygone Era

Set in the village of Slad in Gloucestershire, Cider With Rosie paints a vivid picture of life in a rural community during the early 20th century. Lee's lyrical prose and evocative descriptions transport readers to a time when horse-drawn carts and gas lamps were the norm. Through his eyes, we experience the beauty of the English countryside, the changing seasons, and the close-knit relationships among villagers.

Cider with Rosie: A Memoir (The Autobiographical Trilogy Book 1)

by Laurie Lee (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2227 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The story unfolds with the arrival of Lee's family in Slad after the First World War. We follow young Laurie as he navigates the joys and challenges of growing up in a tightly-knit community. From the simple pleasures of climbing trees and exploring the fields to the peculiar customs of village life, the memoir captures the essence of a now-vanished world.

A Tale of Innocence and Coming of Age

Beneath its picturesque setting, Cider With Rosie delves into universal themes of innocence and coming of age. Lee's recollections of his childhood antics, his encounters with nature, and his budding awareness of the opposite sex are vividly captured on the page. The memoir explores the universal experiences we all share in our youth, reminding readers of their own moments of wonder, curiosity, and self-discovery.

As Laurie Lee navigates adolescence and leaves the idyllic countryside to explore the wider world, readers are drawn into his personal journey of growth and self-realization. The memoir beautifully captures the bittersweet feeling of leaving behind a beloved home and the innocence of childhood.

A Melody of Words

Laurie Lee's exquisite prose is the true highlight of Cider With Rosie. His poetic storytelling creates a symphony of words that transports readers to another time and place. Each sentence is carefully crafted, blending vivid descriptions with emotional depth. Lee's ability to evoke the sights, sounds, and smells of his childhood immerses readers in the story, making it impossible to put the book down.

Throughout the memoir, Lee's distinctive voice shines through, filled with lyricism and nostalgia. His words capture the essence of a bygone era, immersing readers in the world of his childhood memories. From the opening lines to the final pages, Cider With Rosie is a masterpiece of literary beauty.

The Legacy of Cider With Rosie

Cider With Rosie has left an indelible mark on the literary world. Its success and critical acclaim have made it a beloved classic among readers of various generations. The memoir's portrayal of rural England at a time of great societal change resonates with readers who long for a simpler, more connected way of life.

Lee's autobiographical trilogy continued with "As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning" and "A Moment of War," both of which further explored his personal journey. These subsequent books delve into Lee's experiences during his travels as a young man, offering further insights into his adventurous spirit and his reflections on a world on the brink of war.

In , Cider With Rosie is a captivating memoir that transports readers to a world filled with nostalgia, beauty, and the timeless experiences of youth. Laurie Lee's poetic prose and vivid storytelling make this memoir a must-read for anyone seeking to reconnect with the past and gain a deeper understanding of rural England's rich history. So raise your glass of cider and embark on this remarkable journey through the pages of Cider With Rosie.

Cider with Rosie: A Memoir (The Autobiographical Trilogy Book 1)

by Laurie Lee (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2227 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	227 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

This international-bestselling memoir of childhood in post–World War I rural England is one of the most “remarkable” portraits of youth in all literature (The New York Times).

Three years old and wrapped in a Union Jack to protect him from the sun, Laurie Lee arrived in the village of Slad in the final summer of the First World War. The cottage his mother had rented for three and sixpence a week had neither running water nor electricity, but it was surrounded by a lovely half-acre garden and, most importantly, it was big enough for the seven children in her care. It was here, in a verdant valley tucked into the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, that Laurie Lee learned to look at life with a painter’s eye and a poet’s heart—qualities of vision that, decades later, would make him one of England’s most cherished authors.

In this vivid recollection of a magical time and place, water falls from the scullery pump “sparkling like liquid sky.” Autumn is more than a season—it is a land eternally aflame, like Moses’s burning bush. Every midnight, on a forlorn stretch of heath, a phantom carriage reenacts its final, wild ride. And, best of all, the first secret sip of cider, “juice of those valleys and of that time,” leads to a boy’s first kiss, “so dry and shy, it was like two leaves colliding in air.”

An instant classic when it was first published in 1959, Cider with Rosie is one of the most endearing and evocative portraits of youth in all of literature. The first installment in an autobiographical trilogy that includes As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning and A Moment of War, it is also a heartfelt and lyrical ode to England, and to a way of life that may belong to the past, but will never be forgotten.