Steering a Safe Passage Through Philosophy and Fiction

We’ve just enjoyed a wonderful weekend celebrating a family wedding, a rare chance to gather with relations we love but don’t often see. Guests came from Nairobi, Edinburgh, Abuja, Bristol, and beyond – many on their way to destinations as varied as Dubrovnik, Thurso, and Budapest.

A Weekend Full of Memories

The celebrations were full of stories and laughter, and even a few memorable mishaps. On the first day, a nephew and I found ourselves stuck in a glass lift in Porthcawl. This incident brought back the memory of a time when a niece and I were trapped in the Ladies at the bottom of a boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam. On that occasion, it was another nephew who came to our rescue. He was understandably uncertain about the etiquette of rescuing his aunt from the Ladies!

That same boat was, rather alarmingly, “steered” by our twin great-nieces, who were only about two or three years old at the time. We still have the photo, captioned “They steered a safe passage,” showing them at the helm between the spectacular limestone islands of Halong Bay. Today, those little girls are accomplished young women, whose degrees we proudly celebrated last year. Both brought their partners to this recent wedding, and I look forward to getting to know them in the years ahead.

A Symbol of Our Journey

We chose that Halong Bay photo as a kind of emblem when we launched our website – attfieldduttbooks.com – symbolising how we aim to steer a safe passage between Robin’s philosophy and my fiction. We write in different rooms but are in constant dialogue with each other.

Exploring Important Themes

Robin’s latest book, The Ethics of the Climate Crisis, offers a comprehensive and timely exploration of what is arguably the most pressing issue of our age. His ideas and insights have shaped the novel I am currently writing – a sequel to A Distant Voice in the Darkness. In it, I am bringing forward the characters I have known and loved for so long, carrying their stories twenty years into the present day.

The Importance of Family Connections

Family gatherings like this wedding remind us of the bonds we share. They allow us to reconnect with loved ones and create new memories. Each story shared adds to the tapestry of our family history. These moments are precious, and they help us appreciate the journey we’ve taken together.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, I am excited about the future. The next generation is stepping into their own. I look forward to seeing how they navigate their paths. Their experiences will undoubtedly shape our family narrative in new ways.

In conclusion, family celebrations are not just about the present. They are also about the past and the future. They remind us of where we come from and where we are going. The laughter, the stories, and even the mishaps create a rich tapestry of memories that we carry with us.

Let’s cherish these moments and continue to support one another as we journey through life together.