Comfort Reading

Life brings many challenges, in all shapes and sizes. Our response is who we are and who we will become.

Faced with an onslaught, our coping strategies are tested to their limits. That's when we look for comfort. And it's all around us. Our family, friends and pets. Exercise, spirituality and prayer. It will come from anywhere and somehow it will find you.

Three years ago was a tough time for me. Heartbreaking bereavement, followed immediately by sudden job loss and an ongoing health scare. I'm usually a tough cookie but I was broken, wearing a brave face.

I discovered the world of King Alfred the Great. Reading the stories of his greatest warrior, helped me battle through. Love, deceit and ruthless violence was everything I needed. An escape from my own world of sadness and fear. I could be somewhere else and fighting side by side with Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg

I will be forever grateful to Bernard Cornwell for bringing this part of English history to life in the Last Kingdom series And writing so many, enough to see me through. Most of the titles were sourced on ebay, some secondhand paper backs, others bargain hardbacks. A motley collection on my bookcase but greatly treasured.

The year, that fortunately has now ended, came close to the darkness of 2017. Uncertainty, upheaval and facing the unknown. Comfort reading helped me again. Uhtred is much older now but still puts up a fight. Sounds just like someone I know. I am Uhtred.