I’ve been running North Hill as a b and b for more than twenty years and now I've written a book about it — and much more.
I used to be a journalist but I didn't stop writing when we started offering accommodation. I made time in between running the place to write two novels under the pen name Frances Brand and now Back of Beyond, which is non-fiction.
The book, illustrated with line drawings, reveals a learning curve of mistakes and challenges set against the ever-present beauty of the natural world, until the cruel intervention of illness darkens the idyll. Above all it's about how living here induced a greater understanding of the natural world all around us. Subtle shades of landscape and light changing throughout the year; ravens tumbling overhead and returning swallows gathering mud to build their nests — all woven into a humorous yet heart-rending account of life entwined with nature.
Living with the Covid pandemic, climate change and deteriorating health, — not to mention an unforgettable kaleidoscope of two, four and six legged guests. Those of you who care for the natural world and our environment will hopefully enjoy this story.
My second novel Adam’s Ark was written during the Covid lockdowns. Set ten years in the future it’s becoming increasingly topical, depicting a vision of this beautiful valley and all the low-lying land in Britain under deep floods. High ground is the only place to be safe and stranded survivors are brought face to face with reality as the world they know has gone, maybe for ever.
I wrote it to entertain— a work of fiction but with an inbuilt warning about what could very well happen — because we all have a part to play in this.
The first novel Thorns was coloured by my concern at what was happening in Bosnia in the 90s, begun at the time but put aside. It moves between war-torn Bosnia during the siege of Sarajevo and the glorious landscape of Shropshire, a tangled story of love and a searing insight into the darkest aspects of human nature. Not one for the faint-hearted.
All the books are available in paperback from bookshops, or on line and as ebooks. Back of Beyond is also available in hardback.
5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must read' - unputdownable!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 September 2024 - Verified Purchase
This is just a beautifully written book. The author excels in combining several themes simultaneously – the account of how she came to live in ‘the back of beyond’; the ups and downs of running a rural B&B, and most poignantly a very personal account of how MND changed everything. But the book is far from gloomy - it is uplifting and inspiring because it is set in the glorious Shropshire countryside, and the author seamlessly weaves in her extensive knowledge of plants, animals, insects, the climate, and the wonders of nature. While the descriptions in the text are exquisitely written and would stand alone, the book is full of beautiful illustrations which take it to another league.
I loved reading this book and think anyone interested in MND, rural Shropshire, Nature and stories of endurance would enjoy it – its real strength is in how it has been structured to counterbalance the telling of a very human and heart rendering story, with humorous anecdotes and the very real joys of nature and living is such an idyllic place.
5.0 out of 5 stars A very fine evocation of Nature
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 October 2024 - Verified Purchase
I began reading this book prior to visiting North Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast as a guest and completed it soon after my return. The visit gave an excellent context to what is an excellent read: in my opinion ‘Back of Beyond’ is as good as any of the Nature Writing I have read over the years. Not only is it beautifully written in terms of its informed evocation of the lovely, surrounding Shropshire countryside - its flora, fauna and effects of changing weather- but also in terms of the personal story it tells. I came away with great admiration for the writer’s fortitude and resolve shown in the face of adversity. Accounts of the delights and, sometimes, the tribulations of establishing and running a bed and breakfast add great interest, while anecdotes involving some guests who have stayed there provided some genuinely funny moments. I very much enjoyed this book and would strongly recommend it to anyone who loves an informed exploration of Nature in all its facets.
