Pip’s Book Club: Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee

February 18, 2021

Maybe you might like to be part of a book club with me? And we could read Cider With Rosie which I’ve JUST started reading it for the first time!

Cider With Rosie is a memoir by the late Laurie Lee and appears to be very, very beautifully written. It details Lee’s childhood in the very pretty English Cotswolds region. You can see the house he lived in with his mother and six siblings here. Apparently it was bought and then renovated a bit … and then the new owners were told to restore it to its original character, that is reverse their renovations. Ru-oh.

Laurie Lee

The book opens as the family arrive at that very cottage and Lee’s description of those first hours will steal your heart. Whether it continues to do so I do not know. Maybe you want to find out with me?!

I keep spotting various editions in op-shops all over the place so you might be able to do that too? You could also borrow it from your local library (join now if you haven’t already!) or buy it new here or listen to Mr Lee read the book himself if you have Audible or similar.

Related reading:

A Winter Walk in Laurie Lee’s Cotswalds (including his favourite pub!) – The Guardian
Laurie Lee’s Rosie: What is it like to inspire a writer’s work? – The Independent
A piece about the influence of Lorna Wishart who Lucien Freud calls Laurie Lee’s muse – The Guardian
More on Lorna and Laurie – New Statesman
Rosie With Cider: A 1977 interview with Laurie Lee – The Guardian

Perhaps we could give ourselves 4 weeks? And we could check in here in the comments or on Facebook to share our favourite/least favourite lines and talk bookish things? I’d love that!

Let me know if you’d like to read along with me? I’d love it if you did. Maybe you could read it in the garden? Or tucked up in bed when everyone else is (finally) asleep? Or in a cafe all by yourself with one or two pots of tea?

Do you want to read Cider With Rosie with me?

x Pip

Note: As with many old or classic books, there may be language, attitudes and events that are beyond the bounds of what we find acceptable in 2021.

21 Comments

Reply Jane March 3, 2021 at 10:42 PM

I’m in. My book is so old the pages are falling out but I love the smell of books. It was 30p originally so that’s how old it is. The charm of it.

Reply Callie March 3, 2021 at 5:36 PM

This book sounds de-light-ful! I’m in if not too late!

Reply Jo Forster-Magdic March 3, 2021 at 6:14 AM

Hi Pip, I’m late to the party, but I’m in !? it seems like a gem of a book and I would love to join. I just managed to get the last copy at the library (so happy!).

Reply Pip March 3, 2021 at 7:22 AM
There is no rush! We are going to be the laziest bookclub ever! xx

Reply Sue February 22, 2021 at 10:44 AM

I’m in, Pip! Just found a copy at the Hard To Find Bookshop here in Dunedin 🙂

Reply Stephanie February 19, 2021 at 3:54 PM

I’d love to join in! What a lovely idea!

Reply Bridget February 19, 2021 at 9:09 AM

I’m sure I read this years ago, but will be keen to read it again and join your book club!

Reply Deb Baker February 18, 2021 at 11:50 PM

I’d love to join your book club. I’m always keen for a book club. This looks like a lovely read. x

Reply Jenni February 18, 2021 at 6:33 PM

I’d love to read along with you. I’ll need to find a copy of the book

Reply Michelle February 18, 2021 at 5:32 PM

I have the exact same copy I picked up from the op shop yonks ago, as I was quite taken with the title. I will definitely join in and thanks for all the extra links on Laurie Lee!!

Reply Pip February 18, 2021 at 5:42 PM
Aw my gosh … YAY!!! Also? I am gonna meet up with you soon … perhaps on a market day somewhere down there?! I CAN NOT WAIT. x

Reply Judith February 18, 2021 at 5:24 PM

If I can get a copy from the library I’d love to join in. Sounds like a nice book and the cottage is gorgeous.

Reply elizabeth c Plummer February 18, 2021 at 4:51 PM

Oh this sounds wonderful! I’ll grab a copy on audible to listen to while I work on projects!

Reply kate February 18, 2021 at 4:30 PM

If I can get a copy then I’ll join in.
Cheers Kate

Reply Kazzy February 18, 2021 at 4:26 PM

I am obsessed with reading memoirs at the moment. Just reserved a copy at the library. Can’t wait to join in with your book club!

Reply Kylie Halford February 18, 2021 at 2:27 PM

I’d love to read this as part of your book club Pip. It’s sitting in my reading pile trying to make its way to the top. You’ve just given it a get out of the pile free card!

Reply Kaylene February 18, 2021 at 1:20 PM

I would love to read this with you

Reply margy February 18, 2021 at 1:16 PM

Hi Pip -i’d love to read this with you 🙂 I don’t read nearly as often as I’d like..and this would be a nice little nudge to help me get back in the habit. Can i please join your book club?