Saints, Ships & Suspense

I stood alone on the edge of the world. It was a place I had longed to find, to just -- be! ... I was aware of a soft, pervasive, lovely peace surrounding me, in contrast to the din of daily life. I am not sure if I took a deep breath first to grasp afresh the newness of nature or held my breath in an attempt to clasp a fleeting moment. Come along reader, to this edge -- join the author on a remarkable journey through Norwegian culture, society and nature as she has seen it and seen it change since the early 1950ties. Come along reader; come to reflect on events and vigour that drives man as he unfolds in this northern landscape. Come along reader, experience how cultural impulses transgress borders of nations and weave deeds, minds and voices in the common called history, and the aspiration called future. I remember my dear old aunt used to say, in her native Yorkshire dialect, and I guess that included many old viking words, ''Sammer ''em up and ''ugger ''em in. The translation I was given as a child was, ''Pick them up and carry them. The author picks it up her way, and leaves room to follow or depart -- but whatever your path is, you will enjoy this ride. Born a Yorkshire lass in 1929, Gertrude M Marsh has over a lifetime developed a unique, first hand and skilled eye on Norway. In text and illustrations she reaches out to share her explorations, knowledge and questions -- with a passion that is contagious.