We're getting more reviews of The White Goddess: An Encounter. And they're good ones.

First, here's a thoughtful and intelligent take on the book from Max Cairnduff. A few highlights:

It is, Gough says in a foreword, true in the sense that it captures the truth of what happened between them, possibly untrue in terms of precise chronology or incident. It is history then that has been turned into myth, and that’s something that I think Graves would have approved of.

And:

This is, ultimately, a compassionate novel. Simon's mother may seem the villain to him at ten, but later their relationship improves and he understands her better. Graves is impossible, his attitude to Margot possessive and suffocating (and denying her her own agency in favour of her significance within his myth), but he is also funny and brilliant and it is easy to see why he was loved. Margot is perhaps selfish, but what woman can live up to being a goddess? And of course there is Simon himself, miserable at ten and conflicted at 17, pulled between Graves and Margot neither of whom should ever have asked as much of him as they did.

And:

All these words and I've not spoken of Gough's evocation of Franco's Madrid, of his sympathetic portrait of Graves' wife, Beryl, or his wild cousin Juan. This is a rich book that ultimately merits its length, provided you’re able to take that leap of faith with the first 100 pages or so.

Of course, I love the first 100-pages too. I knew I adored the book by page 20 of the first draft… But de gustibus non est desputandum and this is the kind of thoughtful, provocative review you dream of getting when you start out as a publisher. Thank you Max!

And here's an even more effusive piece from the mighty Red Magazine. Highlights:

Totally charming and utterly intriguing, The White Goddess: An Encounter is the memoirs of Simon Gough told in the form of a novel.

And:

You sense that this is a very special book, drawing on Simon's life memories. His voice is warm and intimate as he carries you through his rites of passage, bringing with it a feeling of past values and deep respect for the written word. The narrative engenders compassion, nostalgia and laughter and also admiration for the integrity with which it is written. Last but not least it gives us fascinating insight into the private life of Robert Graves as seen through the eyes of a boy.

Fantastic! Yes please! I'll have ten copies!

Talking of which, here's Simon hard at work at our launch last night:

Receiving applause:

And encouraging the buying of books! Good audience!

All these lovely pictures were taken by Eloise O'Hare. Do visit her website and blog for more pictures, art and, better still, puppets!