Witch Hill - Marcus Sedgwick

Marcus Sedgwick seems to be one of the authors that I forget all about, and then I discover another of his books and fall for his writing all over again!

Jamie is haunted by the terrifying fire that broke out in his family home. Sent to stay with his aunt in Somerset, his respite is interrupted by the strange incidents that occur in the small village. First the evil old witch in his nightmares, and the ancient chalk carving uncovered on Crownhill, then a tale emerges of a seventeenth century witchhunt victim. The thing that connects them all...fire. Jamie is forced to face his worst fear and uncover the truth.

Witch Hill is a short but compelling tale. Sedgwick's skill is in the atmosphere and tension that he weaves and the emotions that he invokes. The description of Jamie's fears are heartbreakingly real, making his plight all the more moving. I particularly loved the references to the 'ancient' (depending on which history text you read!) chalk carvings and seventeeth century witch hunts.

Highly enjoyable.

Festival time

I've been away again...a lot! There's something about this year that has kept me ridiculously busy, but not that I haven't enjoyed it! Firstly, a fabulous weekend at Latitude festival, then a wonderful week in Tuscany, Italy for my little sister's wedding. Sadly in between I managed to gain a fractured finger during a karate session, which is still causing problems.

On to the festival fun though. What a great weekend! Latitude is such a chilled out festival in Suffolk, in some beautiful green fields surrounded by woodland and a lovely lake in the middle. The weather was glorious for the most past, and we had a great crowd of old and new friends. Musical highlights were Jonsi (yes he has indeed changed my life!), Angus and Julia Stone (with surprise guest, Damien Rice singing along to You're the one that i want from Grease) , Frank Turner, Rodrigo and Gabriela, James, Tankus the Henge (indescribable!) and Laura Marling. The most pleasant surprise (aside from Damien Rice of course!) was the delightful China Mieville, who read an extract from his new novel Kraken and was so excited to meet us marine biologists that we talked for quite some time about all things cephalopody...I may have fallen in love!

Who's coming with me next year? ;)

Latitude, complete with painted sheep

Julia Stone and surprise guest, Damien Rice

Rodrigo y Gabriela

The indescribable Jonsi

Enjoying the festivities

the fabulous China Mieville

Hilarious poet Joe Dunthorne

Phil Jupitus aka Porky the poet

Cherry on Top Award

Thank you so much to the lovely Cannwin and Jennifer of the Literary Soundtrack for giving me the Cherry on Top Award! That really made me smile :)

Here's how it works:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award.
2. Copy award and put it in your blog.
3. List three things that you love about yourself.

• My curly hair - its a nightmare sometimes, but I wouldn't change it!
• My home - it needs work and has created quite a headache over the 6 months since I bought it, but it's mine to make as I wish and I'm happy that I was brave (and lucky) enough to take the leap, and thankful for the help I have had.
• My experiences - although there are many things I still want to do and places I want to see, I am happy that I have done so much with my life already.

4. Post a photo that you love.
I took this picture of Dunottar Castle in Scotland back in 2006, and it has stayed with me as one of my favourite examples of what I love about Britain.

5. Tag 5 people you would like to pass this award on to.

• A Striped Armchair
• Fluttering Butterflies
• In Spring Is The Dawn
• Stuff As Dreams Are Made On
• Stella Matutina

Thanks you guys :)