Events Diary

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Past Events

Local Author Hugh Jones
signed copies of his first book

The Chiltern Railways Story

at Books & Ink Bookshop
on Saturday 10th July 2010, from 2.30pm

Everyone Welcome

 William Fiennes signed copies of 'The Music Room'
at Books & Ink Bookshop
on Wednesday 15th July 2009 

William Fiennes is already well known for his bestselling book, 'The Snow Geese', a travelogue of Fiennes’s journey following the migrations of snow geese from the Canadian Arctic to the south – California, Delaware and the Gulf of Mexico. 'The Music Room' is something quite different, being an autobiographical journey of the author’s years growing up in Broughton Castle near Banbury and a family life frequently dominated by Richard, William’s adored older brother; older by 11 years. Richard suffered convulsions from a young age, but an especially severe attack whilst at school – an epileptic seizure – resulted in brain damage, and Richard’s subsequent institutionalisation. His visits home were ‘sunlit, ascendant time’ for Rich, enjoying his own room with his Leeds United supporter gear, and hours spent watching herons on the lake, but these times were fraught too, as Rich could turn in an instant into wild and unpredictable rages, his ability for self-control and other behavioural mechanisms having been damaged in his brain. Interwoven amongst Rich’s story is the weaving of some history of the developments of science in relation to the treatment of brain damage, epilepsy and seizures, a subject on which the author is clearly very well versed.

Although dominated by Richard, 'The Music Room' is also an enchanting story of a magical childhood growing up in a moated castle; the story of a boy sharing his home with centuries of history, suits of armour, and often the visiting public. Broughton Castle, the seat of the Fiennes family since 1451, has of course captivated the imaginations of many Banburians with spectacular theatre performances in the grounds over the years, and has cast its appeal even wider with its appearances in films such as Shakespeare in Love and The Madness of King George. For the first time, we can see this mystical place from the eyes of a little boy, eyes wide with wonder as he explores this wonderful solitary playground, with its ancient trees, deep mysterious moat and dark hallways, and then sharing it all with the bustling cheerful public on sunny afternoons throughout the summer months. A beautifully honest and touching memoir.

 'A beautiful and fortifying book, even a great one' Daily Telegraph

'All human grief and glory shimmers off the page' The Times

'Fiennes has exceptional gifts, and he has written a small masterpiece, a powerful tribute to place, family and memory' Sunday Telegraph

'Completely uplifting, Fiennes is becoming one of our finest writers' Metro

'A brilliant work that combines social observation, personal testimony and medical history in a unique, fresh and utterly captivating way' Irish Times

Paperback copies of the bestselling book The Snow Geese will also be available on sale for signing by the author.