British history

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Writing That Captures the Essence of May

May Flowers. Attribution J. R. Cotner

The month of May is a wonderful, colorful time of blooming flowers, gentle warmth, and a perfect opportunity to dive into literature that encapsulates the spirit of this time of year. Here are three captivating works that revolve around or capture the essence of the month of May.

“May Day” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Known for his masterful portrayal of the Jazz Age, Fitzgerald takes us on a different journey with his short story “May Day.” Set in the vibrant 1920s, Fitzgerald paints a vivid picture of the May Day celebrations, an occasion that symbolizes the arrival of spring and new beginnings. In this tale, Fitzgerald intertwines themes of love, class, and the transient nature of relationships.

The story follows a group of characters as they navigate the festivities of May Day in New York City. Through his exquisite prose, Fitzgerald skillfully captures the excitement and joy that permeates the city streets. Amidst the revelry, the characters’ lives intertwine, their paths crossing in unexpected ways.

Fitzgerald’s keen observations of social dynamics and his ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships shine throughout “May Day.” The story serves as a poignant reminder that amidst the celebration and merriment, love and connections can be both fragile and transformative.

“The Darling Buds of May” by H.E. Bates

The setting for this work is the picturesque English countryside, transporting readers to a simpler time. This tale captures the idyllic charm of rural life and follows the adventures of the Larkin family during the month of May.

The Larkin family, headed by the charismatic Pop Larkin, his vivacious wife, Ma along with their six children, embody the essence of a carefree and joyful existence. In May, when nature is arguably at its most resplendent, the Larkins immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings, reveling in the simple pleasures of life.

Bates’ evocative descriptions vividly portray the breathtaking landscapes, fragrant blooms, and the infectious enthusiasm of the Larkins. Through their infectious zest for life, the Larkins remind us to savor the joys of nature and embrace the abundance of May.

“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

While not exclusively centered around the month of May, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” encapsulates the spirit of resilience and hope that blossoms in the aftermath of war. Written in the form of letters, this captivating novel explores the lives of the inhabitants of Guernsey, a British island, during and after World War II.

May plays a symbolic role in the story as a time of renewal and rebuilding. Through the correspondence between the characters, we catch glimpses of their lives during May, as they navigate the challenges of the past and embrace the possibilities of the future. The letters paint a vivid picture of the island’s recovery, its natural beauty, and the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants.

Shaffer and Barrows skillfully weave together themes of love, friendship, and the power of literature. As the characters find solace in their book club, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, they discover the transformative power of stories, particularly during the month of May, when nature’s resurgence mirrors their own journey of healing.

Attribution J. R. Cotner

As May unfolds with its vibrant colors and gentle breezes, these three literary works offer a glimpse into the magic of the month. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “May Day” captures the intoxicating energy of the Jazz Age celebrations, while H.E. Bates’ “The Darling Buds of May” immerses us in the idyllic English countryside. Finally, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows reminds us of the enduring power of hope and literature in the aftermath of war.

Give yourself a treat. Indulge in these literary treasures and allow yourself to be swept away by the enchantment of May. Whether you’re seeking tales of love, rural bliss, or post-war resilience, these books will transport you to worlds where the essence of the month comes alive on every page.

 

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D-Day June 6th, 1944

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the famous invasion of Normandy, France when allied forces launched a momentous attack against the Nazi German troops occupying France.

The American allied forces, now often referred to as “America’s greatest generation”, served their country selflessly, with honor and distinction. My father, Artie C. “Jack” Cotner, was one of those.

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Artie “Jack” Cotner, England, one week prior to D-Day Invasion of Normandy

He enlisted the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii  on December 7th 1941 and served in both the Pacific and European campaigns as a U.S. Army Air Corps gunner and radio man, first on a B-17 Flying Fortress in the Pacific, then aboard a B-26 Marauder bomber in Europe.

Based in Australia for the Pacific campaign with the U.S. 19th Bomb Group, he fought with honor in the Coral Sea Battle, saw vicious combat over New Guinea, and survived the ferocious battle of Guadalcanal.

Cotner Australia 1942

Canberra, Australia 1944

After two years of combat in the Pacific, he was transferred to Europe. Based in Great Britain with the 397th Bomb Group, he flew more than 66 missions over Europe, the first of which was on D-Day June 6th, 1944. His B-26 Marauder the “Dee-feater” was seventeen minutes out ahead of the invasion forces bombing key targets along the French coast. With its prominent invasion-striped wings, this famous bomber can be seen in several D-Day newsreels of the time making its way inland high above the invading Allied naval armada at Normandy.

DeeFeaterB26BomberWW2

Dad’s plane, the Dee-feater, over Great Britain 1944

DeeFeater Crew 1944.jpg

“Dee-feater” crew, RAF Rivenhall, England, July 20th, 1944. My dad, kneeling, center. Colonel McCloud, standing center with helmet. 

 

In my book “Storytellin’ True And Fictional Short Stories Of Arkansas” I write more about my father’s, mine, my brother’s, and nephew’s military service in a chapter titled “Veterans.” In it, I also explain the origin of his plane’s name and the reason behind its unusual spelling.

For more about the 75th anniversary of D-Day and Normandy follow this link http://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/calendar-of-events/anniversary-of-d-day-847-2.html

Isigny-sur-Mer - DDay Festival © Ville Isigny

Photo attribution: Isigny-sur Mer D-Day Festival @ Ville Isigny

May the world never forget their great sacrifice.

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Book Review: Wyvern Of Wessex

Wyvern Of Wessex

Eadwulf is back in the Sea Eagle with Bjorn and his crew in a quest to discover if Eadwulf’s father, King Beorhtwulf of Mercia, is still alive after twenty years as a slave. Bjorn’s great dragonship carries them down to the searing June temperatures and strict laws in the Moorish lands of al-Andalus. But searching for Beorhtwulf proves more difficult than they’d expected, causing them more trouble than they bargained for…

In Wessex, King Aethelred is now dead, leaving his twenty-one-year-old-brother, Alfred, to succeed to the throne. Though his succession was agreed by the witan, Alfred must now prove himself worthy of the kingship or lose it. But Wessex is in turmoil, besieged by Viking Danes intent on subjugating the kingdom – and knowing that the new king is young and inexperienced. Alfred must use all his wiles if he is to outthink and outmaneuver Guthrum, the Dane who nearly becomes his nemesis.

Alfred’s victories and defeats take him on a journey of learning, during which he gains experience and strength. We share his highs and his lows and how he rises from the depths of despair to save his beloved kingdom from total conquest.

And at his side at his greatest time of need, is his new ally and friend, Eadwulf of Mercia.

“Wyvern Of Wessex”, the third book in author Millie Thom’s epic “Sons of Kings” trilogy, is a well-researched historical novel set in the 9th Century. It continues the adventures of the fictional Eadwulf of Mercia intertwined with the historical Christian King Alfred and his epic struggles to unite and solidify a kingdom and battle against the ever-present invasions of the pagan Danes. Though much has been previously written about Alfred and his Danish antagonists, Millie Thom takes a fresh, detailed, and interesting look into the personal lives of the King, his family and friends, and of those who battle against him. This is a historical novel clearly written by an accomplished author who knows and enjoys her subject. I highly recommend.

Links to Millie Thom books and author information:

Amazon US http://amzn.to/2udCDJH

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2MfSLAy

Amazon Au https://amzn.to/2Kg7WME

WordPress: https://milliethom.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillieThom