What do you think?
Rate this book
Proper Cornish Childhood
A true story of Michael, a 10 year old Cornish boy who in 1967 watched the Torrey Canyon oil tanker being bombed. The tanker was snagged on rocks, on the seven stones reef. Michaels accounts of the devastation that followed on Cornish beaches, is harrowing. Also, his love of Trereife where he lived and Christmas trips to Mousehole to see the Christmas lights, and Myths and legends, and learning to cook pasties with his mother. Furthermore, what he experienced growing up between 1966 - 1967; a Proper Cornish Childhood is a fascinating voyage of discovery of life in 1960s Cornwall.
128 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 15, 2016
Michael J. Darracott is a fascinating story teller. This fabulous tale affords the reader an opportunity to experience a happy, peaceful childhood in Cornwall in the early sixties. It's just another day, another happy family bonfire, and a peaceful family bond with a father that worked his tail off to provide for his family. Then, out of nowhere, young MIchael's life is forever changed when the Torrey Canyon skidded the bow across a rocky peninsula causing one of the largest oil spills history. We are given a very rare glimpse of an eyewitness account of this well known tragedy - given that the young boy managed to sneak past authorities to watch the events as they unfolded - from the shoreline.
Regardless of the historical documentaries you've seen, you've not seen this story told quite like this. This young boy, curious as kids are, vividly recalls the earth shaking from the bombs, and the animals heaving themselves from the water to the land, in an effort to escape their suffocating fate. This tragic disaster is told with the innocence and understanding of a child.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. We often take the world we live in for granted. We need these historical tragedies to remind us of the damage we are capable of and how it effects all life on Earth.
Darracott is a talented author, who has a knack for captivating you with his rich story telling ability and his relaxed writing style. You will laugh, and you'll have tears as you watch the story play out in your head. That is a true testament to Darracott's ability to plant you right in the heart of his childhood, through these pages. If you are looking for a phenomenal story that you will never forget, I highly recommend this biography. Five glowing stars! Incredible! Great job, Mr. Darracott!
Regardless of the historical documentaries you've seen, you've not seen this story told quite like this. This young boy, curious as kids are, vividly recalls the earth shaking from the bombs, and the animals heaving themselves from the water to the land, in an effort to escape their suffocating fate. This tragic disaster is told with the innocence and understanding of a child.
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. We often take the world we live in for granted. We need these historical tragedies to remind us of the damage we are capable of and how it effects all life on Earth.
Darracott is a talented author, who has a knack for captivating you with his rich story telling ability and his relaxed writing style. You will laugh, and you'll have tears as you watch the story play out in your head. That is a true testament to Darracott's ability to plant you right in the heart of his childhood, through these pages. If you are looking for a phenomenal story that you will never forget, I highly recommend this biography. Five glowing stars! Incredible! Great job, Mr. Darracott!
Displaying 1 of 1 review