A Book Chat at Persephone

A treasured memory of my trip to London last May, was the day Kristina and I visited the Persephone shop for a book chat. As luck would have it, the book being discussed was Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple which I had just recently finished. We were shown into the room at the back where we sat on chairs in a tight circle. Tea was promptly poured and offered around, it was loose leaf, of course. Nicola sliced some Devon Seed Cake, so perfect with a cup of tea. Once the conversation began I think the group would have happily sat there for hours discussing the ins and outs of the book. One of the many topics mulled over was the significance of twin beds and married couples. We all had a laugh when one lady in the group said that her mother thought it was unhygienic for a couple to share a bed! It was terrific to have that kind of insight from someone whose mother would have been a grown woman in the 50's. I think of that visit often and wouldn't hesitate to plan my next trip around another book chat at Persephone. For those of you lucky enough to visit whenever you like, do yourself a favour and attend one. I've baked a few Devon Seed Cakes since May to remember a very special afternoon and laugh when I remember asking Nicola if hers was home baked, to which she replied "yes and presumably by someone in Devon". Wonderful!