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Event Reviews by James Reynolds

James Reynolds is a year 13 student at Exmouth Community College Post 16, studying English Literature, History and Philosophy and Ethics. He will be writing short reviews on some of the talks at this year's festival.

James is interested in exploring and celebrating works of literature, fiction and nonfiction and using his essay-writing skills and love of all things literary, he will be writing short reviews on some of the talks at this year’s festival.

Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival is pleased to be able to support James, as part of educational outreach which includes taking authors into local schools.

Jennie Godfrey: Getting the facts right – writing contemporary fiction

At the Church on the Green, authors Cathy Rentzenbrink and Jennie Godfrey discussed a challenging aspect of writing contemporary fiction: historical accuracy.

Godfrey, the debut novelist of the moment, related her passion for accuracy by discussing her new novel The List of Suspicious Things, set in 1970s Yorkshire. The main protagonist, Miv, lives in a household tight on cash. Her mother is ill, and her father, concerned for the wellbeing of his family with the Yorkshire Ripper on the loose, decides that they should move house. Hoping to change her father’s mind by making her town safe again, Miv investigates her community, discovering tensions and secrets among the adults. (Throughout the talk, Godfrey hinted at a new novel in progress, this one set in the 1980s at the time of Live Aid.)

While conveying the importance of her own memories of 1970s Yorkshire in writing the novel, Godfrey shared how, when she was younger, she ran away from home. This sparked a widespread police search and garnered attention from the media. When she was eventually located, a police officer delivered a harsh scolding. This experience heightened her awareness of the community’s pervasive fear of the Yorkshire Ripper.

Godfrey explained that she aimed to capture the real experience of ordinary people at this time in her writing, rather than just including random contemporary details. Emphasising her love for truthfulness in writing, Godfrey conveyed the significance of thorough research and the editing process, and how even small anachronisms can detract from the authenticity of a contemporary novel. Godfrey’s observations were helpful acumen for aspiring writers and fascinating insights for readers of contemporary fiction.

The Hidden War – Andrew Chatterton and Clare Mulley talk to Julia Wheeler

Historians Andrew Chatterton and Clare Mulley discussed their meticulously researched books about forgotten individuals defending their homelands in WWII.

Clare Mulley spoke about her new biography, Agent Zo, which follows an inspiring Polish resistance fighter named Elzbieta Zawacka who courageously transversed Europe carrying important documents for the Allies.

Andrew Chatterton, who recently appeared on ITV Westcountry, delved into his remarkable chronicle of British contingency plans for the possible German invasion and the ingenious auxiliary soldiers and agents prepared to carry them out.

Both authors found they share a common drive: to ensure that those who went overlooked, by nature of their wartime jobs, were given the credit they deserved. Mulley’s work highlights Zawacka’s enormous skill and courage. Once, upon realising she was being monitored when passing through Berlin, Zawacka jumped from the window of a fast-moving train to keep the documents she was carrying safe from enemy hands. Also, Zawacka took a leading role in securing the status, pay and recognition female agents in Poland and England deserved. Mulley’s book ensures that Zawacka’s importance and bravery are acknowledged and recorded.

Chatterton described secret auxiliaries who created innovatively hidden bunkers, including a secret room beneath a toilet in Axminster, which revealed a hidden room with a false wall, that hid the real bunker. Many auxiliaries were never recognised for their preparations; some even received white feathers from those around them in the war, as they could tell no one of their roles. Chatterton’s book prompted many to share stories about their relatives’ roles as auxiliaries and agents in wartime.

Both authors are equally dedicated to commemorating passionate and committed individuals who carried out significant work for their home front, which might otherwise have been forgotten.

Endgame 1944 – Jonathan Dimbleby talking to Andrew Chatterton

Established broadcaster, journalist and historian Jonathan Dimbleby took his audience on a tour de force of his new book, Endgame 1944: How Stalin Won the War, identifying key stages and positions in Stalin’s campaign.

His vivid description of the geographical context and tactical ingenuity in Operation Bagration was fascinating. He outlined the military strategies and approaches of generals from all sides of the war. At one point, he narrated a general called Rokossovsky’s defiance in front of Stalin. Despite being commanded to reconsider his decision to launch a two-pronged attack on Bobruisk, Rokossovsky risked fatal punishment by contending that this crucial offensive would fail if his advice was ignored. Eventually, Stalin agreed with Rokossovsky. The invasion was overwhelmingly successful, securing the Red Army’s progress toward Berlin.

Dimbleby also embraced discussing human aspects of the war. He expressed how vast numbers and statistics about the Russian forces had replaced the voice of the individual Russian soldier in historical discourse. Countering this, Dimbleby read the poignant story of a Russian father and son fighting on different sections of the front line, which he documents in his book. When the father stops receiving letters from his son, he begins to search for him. Tragically, he finds his son in a mass grave, buried alongside many of his compatriots. This account is a reminder that real people, not facts and figures, fought WWII.

Dimbleby’s explanation of Stalin’s military and territorial control of Eastern Europe highlighted the significance of Russia’s role in WWII and the extent of Stalin’s power in post-war decision-making. Furthermore, he portrayed the harrowing experiences of those on the front line, presenting their stories deliberately and earnestly.

Amy Jeffs – Saints: A New Legendary of Heroes, Humans and Magic – Talking to Julia Wheeler

The multi-talented Amy Jeffs, medieval art historian, author, printmaker and singer returned to the festival this year to discuss her new book, Saints: A New Legendary of Heroes, Humans, and Magic with Julia Wheeler.

Drawing from various sources, such as the “official” lives of saints, associated art and literature, ancient manuscripts and even obscene French poetry, Jeffs’ compendium of saintly stories enriches readers’ lives by bringing comfort and diversion from start to finish, the whole year long.

In her talk, Jeffs spoke about the unique structure of Saints, which groups the stories into months. Referencing a medieval calendar she found in a manuscript from Tewkesbury Abbey, Jeffs explained the divine ordering of the natural world in the Middle Ages and just how important this was in people’s day-to-day lives.

Jeffs discussed the gorgeous paper-cut images that fill her book, and how creating these illustrations reignited her inspiration for writing Saints. She enthused about her love for medieval art, with its use of bone, stone, ivory and gold, and took us on her artistic journey from wood engravings and linocuts to her new medium, paper cut-outs. The unique illustrations that fill Saints reflect the nebulous, enigmatic atmosphere of the saints’ stories, and make it stand out on the shelf.

Concluding her fascinating exposition of saints’ stories and their backgrounds, Jeffs sang gracefully about Saint Cuthbert, the patron saint of cold swimmers and otters, which was a delightful way to end her charming talk.

England: Seven myths that changed the country by Marc Stears talking to Clare Clark

The political theorist, speech writer for the Labour party and Director of UCL Policy Lab, Marc Stears joined Clare Clark at the Temple Church to discuss England: Seven Myths that Changed a Country – and How to Set Them Straight, which he co-authored with Tom Baldwin.

England examines mistaken understandings of modern and historical events which are subsequently weaponised in culture wars. For example, people readily connect the Magna Carta with the “English creation of liberty”, a demonstrably false myth.

Intent on redressing the impacts of these myths in political discourse, Stears discovered that when he spoke to normal people, these seven myths weren’t readily brought to mind. When Stears and Baldwin visited Runnymede (where the Magna Carta was agreed), those they met hadn’t come to celebrate the “English creation of liberty” but to sit in a café where their dogs were welcome.

Stears insisted that ordinary, local efforts to make England a nicer place go under the radar. Food banks, hospices, good headteachers, and people who house refugees: stories like these are the real, good qualities of England.

Stears identified how voters typically look for performative, entertaining politicians rather than serious, honest representatives. Stears asserted that if voters favour angry, over-the-top politicians who subscribe to a mythical ideal for Britain, they will only be presented with this groundless mythical ideal rather than realistic solutions to the complex problems the country faces.

Stears’ frank dissection debunked several divisive fallacies that are not constructive or truthful. He ended the talk by reminding his audience how important their role as ordinary people is to improve how the nation engages with political decisions and conversations.

Ordinary Time by Cathy Rentzenbrink – Talking to Julia Wheeler

President of the Budleigh Literary Festival and author Cathy Rentzenbrink joined Julia Wheeler to discuss her second novel, Ordinary Time, released in July this year.

Ordinary Time, set in the fictional Cornish town of St. Brida, follows Ann, the long-suffering wife of a vicar. Ann travels to London to help her brother and difficult emotions and old traumas resurface when she meets Jamie, a considerate, attractive man.

Rentzenbrink expressed how she wanted to write a novel about sibling relationships but never felt confident about this idea. She sidelined the project, focussing on other works, like Ordinary Time. Only after she had written Ordinary Time, did she realise that she had written a narrative with a strong sibling relationship at the centre. Rentzenbrink makes sense of this by explaining how she had begun to transcend her narratives and take a more external, godlike perspective while writing Ordinary Time. She developed her characters by giving them more detail in her mind’s eye than she shares in her books.

Her love for her creations grows as she writes – she spoke passionately about each protagonist, such as Liam, who appeared in both Ordinary Time and Everyone Is Still Alive (Rentzenbrink’s first novel). She used him to voice her passion – and anxiety – for writing. Reflecting on this figure, Rentzenbrink asserted that she would firmly embrace her predilection for writing about literature-loving characters in future works.

Cathy Rentzenbrink’s poignant talk encompassed the inspirations, craft, and messages of Ordinary Time. This enriched her audience’s understanding not only of her novel but of the cathartic, enthralling process behind its creation.

Food Stories by Rick Stein – Talking to Tim Hubbard

The prolific chef and television presenter Rick Stein discussed his 31st book, Food Stories, with Tim Hubbard.
Food Stories is a collection of 100 of Britain’s quintessential dishes and celebrates multicultural influence on the nation’s cuisine. It showcases how much the UK’s cookery scene has shifted over time.
Stein recalled the cooking of the UK in the 1970s and ‘80s, contrasting it with diverse, modern dishes of today. Ingredients we take for granted in current cooking were unavailable at this time. For example, fish dishes were unusual due to difficulties transporting fish; oysters and mussels were very rare. Stein illustrated how different this is from today’s cooking: now, circulation and distribution of various products enable the public to expand their repertoire of meals.

Focusing on the influences of immigrants’ cultures, Stein explained how Bangladeshi sailors opened restaurants selling food from their home countries after disembarking at British ports. Today, Asian influence is ubiquitous: Indian and Chinese dishes are ingrained in British culture.

Rick Stein also delved into the evolution of traditionally British dishes, like Cornish pasties. What were once small, serviceable snacks to feed tin miners have become a national favourite sold in bakeries all over the country. Furthermore, during a visit to Walthamstow, Stein discovered seven breweries in a single industrial estate, underscoring the prominent role of craft beer in modern British cuisine.
Rick Stein’s talk was an illuminating and refreshing tour of the UK’s favourite dishes and their histories. Stein’s new BBC series, which complements his cookbook, Food Stories with Rick Stein, is out now!

Precipice by Robert Harris talking to Julia Wheeler

In the festival’s final event, the versatile historical fiction novelist Robert Harris discussed his newest book, Precipice, with Julia Wheeler.
Precipice is a dramatisation of the disputed and dangerous relationship between Venetia Stanley, a 26-year-old aristocrat, and Asquith, the 61-year-old Prime Minister, in the years leading up to and during World War One.
Harris described these two characters and their particular eccentricities, such as Venetia’s ownership of a pet bear and penguin. He explained how Asquith presided over the House of Commons like a judge and his mantra, “wait and see”. Although he was mocked for it by his contemporaries, this mentality saw Asquith through a tumultuous era. Harris relayed that Asquith wrote, at most, three letters daily to Venetia detailing important government secrets, like operational intelligence on the war.
The letters from Asquith to Venetia in the book are genuine, but Harris wrote the letters from Venetia himself, as Asquith burnt Venetia’s letters when he left Downing Street. Harris relished this, as he has long wanted to write a novel with a strong, central female character. He explained his job as having imaginative sympathy for those he doesn’t know. His reading of an extract of Precipice, from Venetia’s perspective, was enthralling, enhanced by a supply of his own spirited imitation of Churchill.
Harris’ discussion of “Precipice” shared his inspiration, views on the novel’s historical background, and passion for writing historical fiction. The audience left St. Peter’s Church feeling informed and inspired by Harris’ dedication and wisdom in his writing.