A short story on the end papers of a second hand book. Where was Tim in 1958. Did he post the book to his mother? Where they together as a family for Christmas day? What did she give him? How old was he? Where did they live? Had they been to the cinema together to watch the film earlier in the year on a summer evening, all black and white and big screen with plush velvet seats and an elegant crowd?
All these questions will be lost in the age of eBooks.
I too have often wondered about the “Givers” and the “Receivers” of books. Were they lovingly given as gifts to be shared with a special person in the “Giver’s” life. I like to think (and hope so) that this is true. I wonder too about the history of a particular book that I might find in a 2nd hand shop — how did this book find its way on to the shelf of the shop??; what adventures did it have ??; did a child read it or an adult or the two together ??; did it travel far and wide ??; was it stored in an old trunk or attic until it was no longer wanted – how my heart would grieve if this were the case.
Thank you for posting this lovely dedication page from Tim to his Mum !!