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Linette Arthurton Bruno is the author of "A Spark in Time", a literary study of Muriel Spark's novels, which was an Awards finalist.
Her book "Down Memory Lane" was a Foreword Reviews Awards finalist.
She has also written a book for children entitled
"Three's No Crowd
Her book "Pushing Through the Darkness" continues the tale of "Marguerite and Family.
Reviewed by Dr. Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
"Down Memory Lane with Marguerite and Family" is a well-written tale of the Caribbean islands of Montserrat and Martinique and their long and varied history always threatened by active volcanoes on both. It should be shelved with travel books featuring the Caribbean. Why? This easy to read book offers a personal viewpoint of the history of those islands and the towns that are left in ruins when the volcanoes are stirred into action. While guide books will include the history of cities like Fort-de-France, once Fort Royal, and St. Pierre, Down Memory Lane adds personal notes of interest that make each island more than just another tropical paradise.
Marguerite's daughter, Clementine, and her new husband, Christophe, slip off to honeymoon secretly in the Caribbean from their home in Montpellier, France. When Clementine calls Marguerite to tell her of their change in destination, Marguerite begins to think of her childhood on Montserrat, the history of the island as it passed from French to British hands, the beautiful nun at her convent school, and her eventual locating in France due to her mother's remarriage. As Marguerite reminisces, Clementine and Christophe travel through Martinique and meet Madame Marie who owns a lovely guest house where the young couple stays. Madame Marie, nearly ninety years old, tells them of her memories of life on Martinique and Montserrat, the effects of World War II on island life, and shows them her beloved bronze tortoise. The newlyweds dine on delicious local foods and enjoy the beautiful vistas although at the beginning the tale is somber. Initially, Clementine shares with Christophe how it was to flee from the horrors of volcanic eruption on Montserrat as a child and how it affected her family, especially her father.
Linette Bruno has created a delightful remembrance of family life in the Caribbean, filled with memories of things and places destroyed by Mother Nature. Down Memory Lane tells of life on both islands throughout the centuries, includes history from a personal viewpoint, and should be read by anyone planning a trip to either Martinique or Montserrat. It is easy to read and will leave lasting impressions. More than a few potential travelers will take notes from its text that will go with them as they head to their Caribbean destination.
