Although no one can take the place of our regular columnist extraordinaire, Anne Dooley, who cannot write the column this week, I have stepped in to report on two items.
Unable to attend last week's story telling event, I am grateful to Robert Rubel who gave me the following report: On a gorgeous, cloudy, but moonlit night, nestled in a magical setting on top of the hill on McKown Point, “Storytelling Night” unfolded once again, hosted graciously by Debbie and Don Snyder, and led and organized brilliantly by José McComiskey. Those present were regaled with culinary delights prepared by Terry Paetzold, Jose McComiskey and others. Unforgettable childhood memories and heartfelt stories recounting the first arrival of their families in Boothbay, in many cases generations ago, were shared with wonder, laughter and gratefulness among the 20 or so present — a memorable evening.
Over at Sherman's, there's been a run on two children's books by Lorraine Murray. Better stop in an get one while you can!
“Who Took the Ocean Away?”, published in 2020, is a fictionalized expansion of a true story about Lorraine's nephew Orlando (that is, sister Madeleine's son), now in his late 40s, who was befuddled as a 4- or 5-year-old visiting his grandparents on McKown Point when he woke up one morning to a very thick fog. The title of the book is taken from his exact words when he rushed into the kitchen to ask his grandmother what the heck happened while he was sleeping.
In this book in which Orlando Murray is, of course, the star, Fred Blake, founder of Blake's Boatyard, plays a bit part, and my father, John Andrews, plays a key supporting role.
Lorraine takes artist's privilege to make a few changes in our geography (naming Cozy Harbor as a great place to dig clams, for instance) in her development of a lovely and engaging story set right here on McKown Point.
Lorraine's first children's story, published in 2019, is a chapter book for middle school readers entitled "The Adventures of Humboldt." This book takes place across the ocean in London.
Readers are charmed by Lorraine's love of and use of the English language; for those who knew her father, Dick, you may well remember his wit and delightful turns of a phrase. In fact, when I read “The Adventures of Humboldt,” I am reminded of EB White's “Charlotte's Web.” While the story itself sits firmly in the realm of a child's understanding of and outlook upon the world, White's use of language includes concepts and usage that sail over a child's head while delighting the adult reader. High praise, for sure, but, in my opinion, Lorraine manages the same.
But here's the key thing about “The Adventures of Humboldt”: even though this book takes place in London, it is timely for the 2021 season right here on the Boothbay peninsula. Why? Because Humboldt is a troll! Not only is he the most delightful, brave, kind, and inspiring troll imaginable, Humboldt is deeply concerned about the environment. So Lorraine's Londoner troll Humboldt fits right in with the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens' vision and mission and its all-important woodland troll theme just introduced this summer.
Here's a tip: If you can't find "The Adventures of Humboldt" at Sherman's, you can find it in the Gardens' gift shop. And if you can't find "Who Took the Ocean Away?" in the Gardens' gift shop, you can find it at Sherman's. Check them both out, and enjoy. And hats off to children's author Lorraine Murray!
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August 24, 2021 at 04:00AM
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Juniper and McKown Points Column: Lorraine Murray's books and more - Boothbay Register
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