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Book review :
Golden memories of "things ordinary"I am the happy recipient of a compilation of writings of Lorna De Mel free lance writer, busy housewife and grandmother. Most of her writings have been published, mainly in the 'Daily News' and some in the now defunct 'Sun' newspaper. I spent a delightful afternoon with the gentle and sensitive writings of Lorna, who having lived the early part of her life in what is now commonly referred to by us as the "good old days", is blissfully capable of recounting those halcyon days. Born in 1932 in suburban Colombo, enjoying a carefree childhood at "Notting Hill" estate Mawategama where her father was the Superintendent (the estate belonged to her paternal uncle), war years spent in misty Pussellawa with its bracing air and lolling British soldiers, marriage at a young age to 'dream man' Dr. Shirley De Mel, the vivacious bride accompanying the young doctor to provincial stations he served, the foreign postings and travels, the many friendships made, the sad departing of loved ones, five healthy children growing up and the coming of the grandchildren provide all the necessary material for this gifted writer to give us a memorable read. Lorna who experienced in the comfort of a close circle of family and friends the joy of foreign travel, the exhilaration of walking the Horton Plains, a challenging game of Bridge in wildly pulsating Zambia, parties organised at the spur of the moment and the art of making a Lemon Sponge Cake shares with us her precious memories of these intimate events with a touching generosity. Her first friend was Rohini Martin. "From the age of five Rohini and I have been the best of friends. I have enjoyed the lavish hospitality of her family at Minneriya, Ridibandiela and Nikaweratiya when uncle Berlin was the Irrigation Engineer...." Lorna with her husband left for England in 1962. " The port of Colombo gave a rousing send off, with a scintillating fireworks display. All ships docked inside trumpeted their sirens in full blast. The sounds and sights were overwhelming and painfully touching. On the deck my husband and I stood watching it all till our dear motherland was out of sight..." She married in 1954. "When I recall my wedding I don't need videos to remind me of those simple joys. There were jokes and so much laughter and unity among friends and relatives..." Her husband's first station was Kurunagala. "Memories of our first home at No. 07 Circular Road (West) Kurunagala planning out our budget, going on weekend trips, moonlight picnics to Bathalagoda Tank, just the two of us was so romantic. The little tiffs, foolish mistakes, messing up the cooking, trial and error methods are such lovely memories to recall..." Everything is important and every person precious. The ordinary can be extraordinary if only one can comprehend. This is the hopeful message that Lorna having lived a full life in a secure surrounding conveys in her gentle writings. At her first confession Lorna asked "father, for lies I cry and yell, for those two sins will I go to hell?" The wise priest answered, "No child, you won't go to hell, don't waste your voice and precious tears". Lorna De Mel has wasted neither her voice nor tears. Those interested in reading Lorna's writings can contact her at No. 47, Rosemead Place, Colombo 07. |
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