Today I’m delighted to welcome thriller writer Graeme Cumming. His ‘Porridge & Cream’ read is Eagle in the Sky by Wilbur Smith.

“My Porridge & Cream book is Eagle in the Sky by Wilbur Smith. I can’t remember exactly when I first read it, but suspect around 1977. I’d started reading him after seeing Shout at the Devil at the cinema. A week later, I spotted the book in my local library (remember those?), picked it up and became hooked on Smith for years after. Eagle in the Sky was just another I picked up to read, but it’s the one that stayed with me.
“I don’t read it often, probably once every five or six years, the last time about three years ago. I remember being surprised at how dated some of the dialogue came across, but it was written in the early ‘70s! Even so, I still enjoyed it. There are no particular circumstances that prompt me to read it, but, unusually for me, once in a while I like to go back to it: I know I’m going to love it, and I’ve usually forgotten enough to be surprised. I have bought this book as a present more than any other.

The one thing that ultimately draws me back to it is the emotion I feel at the end. I’ve even been known to pick it up and read only the final few pages. The same feelings I had as a teenager reading it for the first time come flooding back to me. And then more flooding starts, and the print blurs.

The plot: A reckless young man with a passion for flying uses his skills helping the Israeli army in their war to gain favour with a girl he loves. A terrorist attack and an horrific crash thrust the reality of conflict tragically into his personal life, leaving him to rebuild everything he previously took for granted.”

Graeme Cummings’ Bio
Graeme Cumming lives in Robin Hood country. He has wide and varied tastes when it comes to fiction so he’s conscious that his thrillers can cross into territories including horror, fantasy and science fiction as well as more traditional arenas. When not writing, Graeme is an enthusiastic sailor (and, by default, swimmer), and enjoys off-road cycling and walking. He is currently Education Director at Sheffield Speakers Club. Oh yes, and he reads (a lot) and loves the cinema.

Graeme Cummings’ links
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Graeme Cummings’ latest book
Martin Gates left the village fifteen years ago because he didn’t belong any more. Now he’s back, and looking for answers. The problem is, no one wants to hear his questions. Well, maybe Tanya McLean, but she has an ulterior motive and her husband won’t like it. In the meantime, a horrific accident leaves a farm worker fighting for his life; a brutal killing triggers a police investigation; and even the locals are falling out amongst themselves. Is Martin’s arrival more than a coincidence? Do the villagers really want reminding of the past? And why are ravens gathering in Sherwood Forest?
‘Ravens Gathering’ by Graeme Cumming [UK: Matador]

What is a ‘Porridge & Cream’ book?

It’s the book you turn to when you need a familiar read, when you are tired, ill, or out-of-sorts, where you know the story and love it. Where reading it is like slipping on your oldest, scruffiest slippers after walking for miles. Where does the name ‘Porridge & Cream’ come from? Cat Deerborn is a character in Susan Hill’s ‘Simon Serrailler’ detective series. Cat is a hard-worked GP, a widow with two children and she struggles from day-to-day. One night, after a particularly difficult day, she needs something familiar to read. From her bookshelf she selects ‘Love in A Cold Climate’ by Nancy Mitford. Do you have a favourite read which you return to again and again? If so, please send me a message here.

‘Eagle in the Sky’ by Wilbur Smith [UK: Pan]

Discover the ‘Porridge & Cream’ books of these authors:-
Shelley Weiner
Lev D Lewis
Margaret Skea

And if you’d like to tweet a link to THIS post, here’s my suggested tweet:
Why does thriller #author @GraemeCumming63 re-read EAGLE IN THE SKY by Wilbur Smith? https://wp.me/p5gEM4-32g via @SandraDanby #amreading