Two writers inspired by the love of the countryside
This page is about Kempsey author Mary Pearce, writer of 'Apple Tree Lean Down'.
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Evening News 15 August 1973
| "A 300-YEARS-OLD black and white cottage set in fields a mile from the main road sounds like the idyllic setting that many a would-be author dreams about. But even in such an ideal spot the writer has to exercise a great deal of self-discipline as I found out when I visited Miss Mary Pearce at The Old Cottage, Brook End Lane, Kempsey. Miss Pearce has been writing short stories, with a measure of success, for several years and has just com- pleted her first novel, "Apple Tree Lean Down." Writing comes easily once she settles down in the corner of her bedroom which she uses as a study. But, as everyone who elects to work at home knows, actually getting down to it requires a great deal of will-power. Miss Pearce solves the problem by starting work at 11 a.m., after attending to household chores, and working through to 5 p.m. without a break. With her first book ready for publication tomorrow she is already working on her second. Before turning to writing full-time she worked in Boots library at Truro in Cornwall and came to live in Kempsey ten years ago with a friend Miss Barbara Cotter. Both of her books have a country setting and are about country people. "I love the country and I am fascin- ated by the past, especially the period before country life changed so radic- ally," she said. Her novel is set during the 30 years before the First World War and although she has read a great deal about the period she did not con- sciously set out to research it. Her mother was a countrywoman and in the true style of all who are brought up in rural, areas enjoyed talking about the past. Miss Pearce's love and understand- ing of the countryside shines through her writing and her characters are real solid people, drawn without sentimentality. The story traces the fortunes of four generations in two widely contrasting families. It is an absorbing tale well told and leaves the reader hoping that there might perhaps be a sequel."
Also by Mary Emily Pearce:
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© 2000 - Andy Morrall
Last updated 23rd August 2000.
E-mail: andymorrall@geocities.com
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