I've admired Kevin Crossley-Holland as a collecter and interpreter of traditional stories and legends. And I was interested by the idea of reading his story of his childhood. He's not much older than me, and our backgrounds aren't so very different.

The account is told by means of themed chapters, so it's not a continuous narrative, but he's told his story by the end of the book. Though clearly a child with friends, it's his strong relationship with his younger sister that shines through, as well as his ability to make his own amusement: such as building up and sustaining his interest in his own personal museum. Very different characters, his parents stayed together for his and his sister's sake. He wonders why. His reflections throughout the book about their failed relationship give the book its underlying sadness, despite his depiction of an essentially happy childhood. ( )