Aristocrats of the spirit
Are you one? If not, why not? An aristocrat of the spirit doesn’t need palatial dwellings or magniloquent titles, just a spirit imbued with creativity and its impulses.  This noble characterisation is Durrell’s way of paying tribute to an Austrian...
Life-giving elixir
As often happens in 19th century literature and no doubt in reality, freedom could come to women with access to some kind of economic independence, however modest. In a world where jobs were limited (and often galling or exhausting in their nature), this could be in...
Resilience on the wing
Of course, we don’t know what swallows speak of as they prepare for long, gruelling flights to weather havens, but I liked this poetic description of these darting birds on the eve of migration, a hymn to joyous resilience. ‘They talked of white-and-grey...
As obstinate as a robin
A beautiful way to insist upon freedom and independence of expression. Robins are so chirpy and robust, hopping about in midwinter, apparently cockahoop about being alive. On the things that matter, and without harming the things that matter to others, let’s...
Frantic or free?
One of the most powerful ripostes to any attempt at ensnarement or wing-clipping, there is something timeless and transcendent in Jane Eyre’s clarity. Mr. Rochester tries to bind her to him but soon learns that nothing will drive her away faster. ‘Jane,...Yes, sign me up!
