Carolyn Steele (2) (1957–2020)

We’ve all thought about doing something completely (I do mean completely) different at some point in our lives. I suspect that for most of us, the thought takes up temporary residence in our minds before life’s nitty gritty sends it on its merry way. For others, the thought lingers and changes from a ‘how about’ to a ‘why not’. In Carolyn’s case, the ‘why not’ developed into ‘let’s do it’. And that’s how she found herself in Canada, caring for an Alzheimer’s sufferer, Zuscha for twelve months.

Carolyn, a single mum, and her young son, Ben, spent a year and a bit far away from their native country (England). She put pen to paper during her time there (figuratively speaking, of course; it was more like finger to key, but that just doesn’t have the same ring to it) and writes about her life there. In her delightfully lighthearted and comic way, she expresses her opinions about her newfound countrymen, and the way Canadians live their lives. She’s sometimes bemused, sometimes irritated, sometimes delighted, and often overawed by the people and her surroundings; all of this is superbly conveyed.

Her job was not an easy one, but Carolyn has a tremendous sense of humour and a very patient young son. They both made friends easily and made the most of their time off to explore what they could of this unfamiliar country. If ever a book made me want to visit a place, Carolyn certainly did a wonderful job of selling Canada to me. Unintentionally, I believe. I think she wrote to provide a lasting memento of what she thought would be a lifetime experience. As it happens she not only sold Canada to me, she sold it very convincingly to herself and is now resident there.

There is a wonderful glossary at the end of the book; not for the British reader, but for the Canadian audience, explaining some of our (to some) quirky words and phrases. Even I, a Brit, learnt something new: I really didn’t know who Crystal Tipps was.

Carolyn’s style is somewhat casual and free, but this was a wonderfully funny, sometimes touching, very entertaining diary of a ‘gap’ year. Don’t miss it.… (lisätietoja)

A little bit of a departure, this one, from my usual preferred genres. I like to be adventurous, so why not a political satire? Steele isn’t an unfamiliar author to me…her non-fiction A Year on Planet Alzheimer was very enjoyable.

Brexit and Trump have probably caused the most discussions, arguments, fallouts of any political upheaval in recent history. But politics is always a divisive subject and a choice of leader is never a unanimous decision. Could the man in the street do a better job? How about choosing a group of people from any walk of life and letting them sit in parliament? All they have to do, guided by a team to steer them through it all, is serve for three years in the field for which they have been selected. The head of state is no less elite. An ex Tesco floor-staff employee is chosen for the job (much to husband Bert's disgust…). She’s well up for it, but her teapot and knitting must go with her everywhere.

An intriguing concept, isn’t it? But some things never change: unrest over change, demonstrations, disillusion…are still rife. It’s up to the new parliament to muddle through.

The big question is, did I enjoy this ‘something completely different’? On the whole, yes. Queenie’s unworldliness is very appealing: she’s a very uncomplicated, honest, hardworking old soul who loves knitting…and tea. Her ingenuity endears her to many, the reader no less. The characters’ backgrounds are varied, but down-to-earth. My only reservations are that, for me, the story didn’t really get out of first gear until very late and suddenly went from 0 to 60 in the shortest time possible at the end. It was just a teensy bit farfetched and disjointed. I did like the fact that the characters’ ‘stories’ were neatly tidied up…but with enough openings left for a sequel, perhaps.

This was a fun romp into what-if.… (lisätietoja)