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Kernow

by Ian Gillman

200 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #07-1565; ISBN 1-4251-3880-2; US$19.33, C$22.23, EUR15.07, £9.99

This novel describes a true event; the meeting in World War One of a Cornish Yeoman soldier from Truro riding to war in search of action. This is the true story of the lives of the author's maternal grandparents.

About the Book

This novel describes a true event; the meeting in World War One of a Cornish Yeoman soldier from Truro riding to war in search of action. Stranded in Flanders, he loses his horse. Being wet for long periods causes Rheumatic Fever. As invasive surgery is not required,he is shunted from Belgium; to France to Britain arriving in Nottingham, he is pronounced dead. A nurse; whose family were from Creetown; Kirkcudbrightshire , spots the body move and has it placed back upon a ward. Against all odds, the soldier lives. A rapport developes, leading to romance; a difficult courtship, his father opposes the union not wishing for his son to marry outside of Cornwall but love overcomes all opposition.

They prosper, with a large number of staff, growing family all appears set fair. Then, stock market crash; and depression, Rheumatic Fever reoccurs. Again she nurses him back to health.

The second world war brings economic success but family sadness. Throughout, you learn about British farming history, village life; the rural and market city experience, meet real characters from all walks and strata of life. You witness their humour, failings, spirituality and struggle during a terrible period of world and national history.

You learn how political decisions impact upon farming, imports and rhetoric are cheap.

Throughout you fell the pull of Kernow, Celtic for Cornwall, as the homeland calls it's distant son.

With artistic licence to create a book,this is the true story of the lives of the authors maternal grandparents.

About the Author

Born in 1952, the author is a countryman brought up within two very small villages, an Anglican background which expressed duty; particularly towards others ; he enjoyed extensive travel, as had his family. He retains many concerns about British farming and its plight. There were three farms within his family, two in Cornwall, now; all sadly gone, along with an entire culture. Educated at The Polytechnic of Central London, Regent Street, employed by a police force for ten years, part time teacher for five; he has owned his own business for many years.

His concerns for the undermining of British political, economic, judicial, parliamentary and spiritual practices permeates this book. Further, he defends rural life.

He rides, especially enjoying exercising racehorses, is a bellringer, and plays competitive chess. Music , and many expressions of it; from Renaissance Choral, Classical; Opera, Jazz and Blues has been dominent in his life. Well travelled, he mixes easily when trudging the byways of both the ancient; and modern world observing life.

He has stood for parliament upon three occasions and for other levels of representative office too.

This true and amazing story of the meeting in World War One of his maternal grandparents and their subsequent life together during a very troubled century is fascinating for all free thinking people. Having enjoyed the experience, the author is writing another book; with a Cornish flavour. Cornwall provided him with some of his finest childhood memories as so many summer holidays were spent there; its magic still affects the author.