Page 35 of Authentically, Izzy
My grandfather would like you, even if he didn’t show it at first, but you can always tell if he’s pleased because he begins to rub his mustache repeatedly. Grandchildren need such clues sometimes when their grandfather has a tendency to growl more than smile.
I have found fiction to meet me at the most poignant of times in my life. I learned the power of imagination through Narnia and the intimacy of true friendship inThe Lord of the Rings. I found courage from Atticus Finch and an unexpected camaraderie withEmma’s Knightley. Let the critics say what they will. We know the truth, don’t we? Fiction, at its best, speaks to the heart.
These islands are beautiful. Photos fail to do them justice. Though I’ve traveled to many places, there truly is no place like home, even with the unusually named villages and, at times, the chilly winters. Look up the cliffs of Brete Tarn. They are near my home and have some excellent legends wrapped around them, including a mysterious manor house or two. And of course, there are stories of pirates’ treasures, long-lost lovers, and ghosts. But there are always ghost stories in ancient places. We’ve learned to live with the boca without instigating their ire.
And as far as your reading groups go, what a wonderful way to inspire children to love books! If I come to your library, would I have the opportunity to sit with the children and hear you read a story or two? I promise not to pinch one of your props, though I think I could sport a Gandalf hat rather well. Who wouldn’t want to wear a pointy gray hat?
My family owns a growing set of bookshops known as Sutherland’s Books. Grandfather built his first shop in 1964 in Skern with barely a coin to his name. He loves telling the story of placing his first book on the shelf and wondering how he’d afford to fill all the secondhand shelves in the space. People in the community began to donate duplicate books in their possession, and as Grandfather sold some, he bought more from outside thecommunity, but the village of Skern has always held our family’s hearts in a special way. It is our goal to cultivate the same sense of community in all of our bookshops, but each one provides a new challenge. Growing pains, I suppose. And over the past few years, I’m afraid Sutherland’s has not handled those growing pains so well.
I understand, speak, and even think in fluent sarcasm. P. G. Wodehouse is one of my favorite authors. Have you read him? Bryson’s book sounds like an excellent suggestion, as I’ve read most of Wilde’s tales.
I’ve never heard of Andy Griffith, but I shall know more about him by the next email. It seems there are a plethora of his television shows to view. Will those give me some sense of your world in Mt. Airy? Your photos are lovely. There are so many trees!
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Affectionately,
Brodie
PS: I’m glad you speak bookish as well.
PPS: I would love to engage in a video call.
Text from Izzy to Luke:I’ve never been called remarkable before and I’m not quite sure what to do with it.
Izzy:Is it weird that he’s read Jane Austen? You’re the only man I’ve known who has read Austen and can actually talk about those books with some level of understanding and... without sporting a sneer.
Luke:Is it weird that you’re an Avengers fan? Or that you adore Patrick O’Brian? You really need to have a better view of yourself.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Josephine Martin
Date: March18
Subject: Re: Clark Gable at the library??
Josephine,
I feel certain you got your matchmaking habit from your mother.
Yes, Eli Montgomery does resemble Clark Gable to a degree. His eyes are more brown than Gable’s gray-green smolder, and he has a nice smile, but otherwise I know nothing about him. He hasn’t called. I’m not expecting him to and I’m perfectly fine if he doesn’t.
Let’s focus on Penelope coming home tomorrow, what do you say? Perhaps we can have one of our infamous sleepovers. By summer you may not feel much like staying up all hours watching classic musicals.
Besides, there is this really nice guy I’m talking to on Heart-to-Heart. I’m not sure where it will go, but I’m content with this, my job, beginning business classes, Samwise, and the upcoming celebration of becoming an aunt (well, second cousin, but since you are more like my sister than cousin, I’m going to keep referring to myself as an aunt).
See you tomorrow!
Izzy
PS: Don’t you just love the wordremarkable?
From: Josephine Martin
To: Izzy Edgewood
Date: March18
