By Josie Gowler
I save clearing out the books until last, having already taken the rest of my grandparents’ lives to the charity shop. I’ve done this too many times for too many relatives. My grandparents had separate bedrooms, separate existences: him in the shed, her in the kitchen.
I pick up the first book. “To Tony, with love from Mabel, Christmas 1950.” Great Expectations. I remember it was one of his favourites.
The next one: “To Mabel, love Tony, Christmas 1950.” Jane Eyre.
The notes dry up in the 1960s, but they’ve told me enough.
Granny and Granddad didn’t always hate each other.
Heartbreaking and lovingly tender. So beautiful.
It’s like a page out of my own life!
Wow. Amazing.
so sweet and sad. says it all with love.
A lovely story, well told.
Loved it.
What we give with books can tell us so much. Beautiful story and so sad.
So beautiful!
Sad and wonderful story. Books are the best.
Simultaneously poignant and inspiring…
Very well writen
Great story. Using the grandparents as a foil to each other really save time to know their relationship is straining over the years. Great job.
Lovely and bittersweet. A great, “old-fashioned” story told beautifully.