ANYONE looking for a good read, either to take on holiday or as a bedtime book, would do well to pick up a copy of a first novel by local resident, Elizabeth Bridges. Here, ThameNews.Net’s intern, Susannah Smith, reviews the book after reading it for herself and meeting Elisabeth.
?The Falcon and The Dove? is a new novel by local author, Elizabeth Bridges. This is her first published work even though she is retired and has great-grandchildren. The novel is a love story, spanning the lifetime of Tom Holt, a true gentleman of the 1930?s.
It is the perfect bedtime read, easy to pick up and put down at any point. ?I had a pen and paper by my bed,? Elizabeth says of her writing method. ?I would just wake up in the night with an idea and have to jot it down.? She even carries a notepad with her when gardening. Writing in an almost epic style, with bright theatrical characters, Elizabeth has a very straightforward narrative voice.
Originally a short story of an old man remembering his first love, Elizabeth took five years expanding ?The Falcon and The Dove? into a full novel. I was curious to know what drives someone to break into such a difficult career, so late in their life? ?I guess it?s about sharing knowledge, putting my ideas down. I like the fact I?m passing on something,? she admitted.
Elizabeth’s parents were missionaries in Taiwan, and she seems to have the same drive to impart her own personal experiences. Although she only spent a few years in Taiwan when very young, Elizabeth’s connection with the country has always been strong. ?When I first went there in later life, it was like coming home. Everyone was so welcoming. Although I didn?t grow up there, I grew up with my parents? love of the country.?
Now living in Thame in order to be closer to her family, having formerly worked as a gardener, Elizabeth has since revisited Taiwan numerous times, working as a volunteer.
?Everyone says: ?write what you know? and that?s true,? Elizabeth stated simply. ?I wrote about country life and country events, because that?s what I grew up with. Having lived most of my life in rural Buckhamshire, I can relate to this, and find the old countryside way of life fascinating.”
In her book, Elizabeth describes every event, from the harvest festival to the dances and celebrations, with familiarity and affection. The same can be said of her characters, none of which you can dislike. The novel is broken into four ?books?, which are defined by the time they span in Tom Holt?s life. Initially these were named after Tom?s love interests. Although these titles have been removed, the sense of romantic engagement remains. It almost seems that the novel is a series of love stories, interwoven throughout Tom?s life.
Elizabeth creates in Tom a complex character that epitomises the caring modern day male but is set in a less understanding era. This makes him very appealing to women faced with the harsh gender politics of the 1940?s. Tom?s father is a great influence; traumatized by World War One, he is determined that Tom should avoid the brutality of social conflict. Tom?s character is shaped by love and loss as the reader travels through his three determining, passionate relationships.
Most of ?The Falcon and The Dove? was written when Elizabeth was still working, and so had to be fitted around her busy life. ?Sometimes it?s hard to keep going,? she acknowledges. ?You have momentum at the beginning, and then you have to have the strength not to give up.? Yet determination seems to fortify Elizabeth, allowing her to accept advice without losing her own unique style. This appears to be her life motto and is a theme that runs through the book.
Having ?The Falcon and The Dove? published is a great success for Elizabeth and smiling she told me: ?it?s great to think ?I did that!? it gives you more confidence.? Yet she doesn?t pretend it was an easy experience. ?I sent ?The Falcon and The Dove? off to so many publishers.? She talked of the disappointment of unsuccessful attempts but never seemed to give up. ?You can?t get disheartened. That?s my biggest piece of advice.?
Still buzzing from the triumph of her novel, Elizabeth expressed copiously her thanks to her family for their support and help.
When asked whether she planned to write another book, she simply said ?We?ll see how this one goes.?