A True Story

Currently reading this fascinating, sometimes painful, and also inspiring true story of Hanna Zack Miley, rescued from certain death when she was seven years old thanks to the Kindertransport, "an epic rescue effort that would save 10,000 Jewish children from Hitler's Nazi regime by granting them safe passage to England" during World War II.  

 

 

 

A documentary film (I was 8814) has also been produced.  In 2025 it was awarded Best Documentary at the Berlin Indie Film Festival, Best Documentary Feature at the Austin International Film Festival, and Best Biographical Feature Film at the World Film Festival in Cannes.   I have not seen the film yet but plan to watch it online (via this link) after I finish the book.

Something a Little Different

The past three days have included some lovely hours reading this book.  A look at a way of life and work not familiar to me, having lived all my many years here in Southern California, in cities mostly, where I am not aware of anything like what this book describes.  I found it fascinating and I loved every word!

I first discovered Of Thorn and Briar via Instagram (@westcountry_hedgelayer), where the author, Paul Lamb, shares some lovely posts.  I kept referring to it as I read the book, to see visually what he was describing so well in his book.  He also has a website here detailing what he is doing these days in his effort to encourage further interest and appreciation for the centuries-old craft of hedgelaying and its benefits for the biodiversity and preservation of the environment.   He begins with August and describes, month by month, the work and life of a woodsman, countryman, hedgelayer in the beautiful countryside of southwest England.  It is well written and an easy and pleasant read.  Something a bit different from my usual reading, and no less enjoyable.