So when I heard that Allan's new memoir of poetry and prose The Bucket was being published by Penguin I was very keen to read it, and begged Penguin to let me have an advance copy. It was time to learn more about the man behind the magic.The Bucket is a nostalgic collection; short yet embracing Ahlberg's family life (he was adopted as a child) and portraying aspects of childhood that readers will be able to relate to. Unfortunately, the memory which struck me most was the horrifying fact that circa 1987 I ate one of my scabs whilst waiting for ballet class to begin (the wonderful The Things I Ate might remind you of some deeply buried 'meals' you enjoyed as a child too).
Whilst reading The Bucket there were times I was reminded of the work of the late Seamus Heaney-not in the style which is predominantly rhyming poetry and simple yet emotive prose, but in the content. Ahlberg's ability to conjure up long-forgotten images of a bygone era left me with pangs of emotion- heartbreak and humour side by side. As I read I was reminded of how I felt the first time I read Heaney's Blackberry-Picking, longing for the innocence of youth to remain. The generic experiences of childhood combined with Ahlberg's personal memories makes The Bucket a touching and heart-felt read.
I found The Bucket to be a charming memoir, and I am sure it will appeal to a wide ranging audience.
The Bucket is available to buy from tomorrow (5th September 2013).
8.5/10
With thanks to Penguin for providing me with a copy of this book after I unashamedly pleaded for it. All views expressed here are my own.
We loved the books he wrote, illustrated by his late wife, when the Offspring were wee. 'Peepo' (renamed 'Keeky-boo' (Scottissh version!)) was a particular favourite. This sounds like an interesting book!
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Zachary has loved Each Peach Pear Plum since he was teeny tiny, I think that is my favourite as an adult. I remember getting the Ha Ha Bonk joke book out of the school library constantly as a child too!
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