Penelope Lively webchat 7 August

Thank you, Gransnet, for this thoughtful book, and to Penelope Lively, too. I have found it very resonant with much of my own experience and I particularly enjoyed the structure, which is almost a non-structure. I know this was a conscious decision and for me, it works well.

I was interested in those 'leaping fish', which are lovely, but I suspect are meant to represent the astrological sign of Pisces, the two fish swimming in opposite directions. I am particularly intrigued that they are so treasured, because Penelope Lively's birth sign is Pisces. Perhaps an instinctive attraction to an ancient but appropriate symbol?

I was talking about this book to my 40year old DD and she was appalled at my question about the book cover. I am so relieved that it wasn't dismissed. I read the part about myopia last night and realised how much I appreciated (I read with a book close to my nose) putting out my hand and picking it up from the pile just by texture. I loved reading the replies. Thank you gransnet for a really good grown up thread.