The Last Lighthouse Keeper

"Viking, North Utsira, South Utsira, Dogger, Fisher, German Bight." The exotic names of the shipping forecast--the opening words of Alan Titchmarsh's second novel--never fail to evoke an annoyingly patriotic nostalgia in Brits: no matter what else changes, their country is still an island with miserable weather.

The fictional Cornish world of Pencurnow Cove seems at first sight to be the forecast's literary equivalent: the kind of village where the landmarks (pub and post office) are populated by obligingly eccentric locals; where Loaded and FHM are sold under the counter, as overly racy; and where borderline criminals are easily identified by hints of foreignness ("Len Gryler looked as if he was of Italian ancestry") or a loud London accent ("Bladdy hell, woman"). It's the kind of world only Enid Blyton ever lived in. But Titchmarsh's nostalgic Cornwall is no life-enhancing, organic community: it serves primarily as a retreat for battered victims of the real world. Will Elliott has spent the last six years in Prince Albert Rock Lighthouse, failing to grieve for his pregnant wife, killed in a hit-and-run; Amy Finn is a one-time Ballet Rambert ballerina, felled by a knee injury and plagued by her ex-lover and dance partner. When the lighthouse closes, Will buys a motor launch and attempts to build a new life; his attraction to Amy threatens to make him face his grief. Titchmarsh seems unsure what to make of the dilemmas facing the inhabitants of Pencurnow Cove. Though mourning the passing of the lighthouses, he appears to embrace the possibilities of the new world. Following his more upbeat bestseller Mr MacGregor, The Last Lighthouse Keeper is a gentle, well-written tale, whose picturesque setting will no doubt appeal to the tourist in us all--but in the sudden, deeply-felt sufferings of its hero, there's a glimpse of something much tougher. --Alan Stewart

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Brilliant I loved it. - Rated
Another brilliant book by Alan Titchmarsh,he certainly knows how to spin a good yarn.He manages to bring to life the ruggedness of Cornwall and the lives of his characters, the neighbourliness of boat owners(including a very independant cat) and through it all a nice chunk of a love story,what more could anyone want? My advice...Buy and enjoy this book.

A great read - Rated
The Last Lighthouse Keeper, written by the TV personality Alan Titchmarsh is a traditional romantic novel. Within the novel, the storyline follows many unexpected paths with many twists and turns of the plot.
The story follows a lighthouse keeper who falls in love with the newcomer to the town, an artist. However, their love will not be easy as someone is there to make sure things don't run smoothly will the lighthouse keepers new love blossom into something forever or will the stranger get in the way? The book consists of love, boats and strange unexpected moments.
This book was pleasantly surprising as I wasn't expecting to be such a page turner. Alan Titchmarsh to me was just a gardener not a novelist. I would recommend this book to girls of all ages as it is a light enjoyable read. This is a perfect read for a holiday.

Run of The Mill - Rated
I am sorry to say I was sadly disappointed with this book. I thought although the storyline was quite original it just didn't keep me engrossed. Ok to pick up and carry on where you left off (but also very easy to keep putting it down.) It was mildly humourous but too slow to get into the main story.

I loved this book by Alan Titchmarsh - Rated
I loved this book by Alan Titchmarsh, I must admit that this is the first I have read. I loved the description of Cornwall, the sea and I could imagine the inside of Will's boat. I thought that when Will went off in his boat and the young lady artist watched him go off into the sunset, I thought that would be the end of the 'relationship.
However at the end of the book, the young lady decided to go with Will and I wish there could be a follow up book about the two characters as it would be interesting to read.
I'm interested in Lighthouses and the Sea and it proves that Alan is a good writer and also proves that he has another string to his bow as well as being a gardener.
To anyone who hasn't read the book I recommend it.

I liked it! - Rated
Alan Titchmarsh!!! I was somewhat disturbed by the idea of reading a book by Alan Titchmarsh...being just a bit too young to drool over the horticultural hunk, (but just old enough to remember 'Pebble Mill'...)

BUT, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the boaty setting and the chunky-jumperedness of the tousled-haired 'Titchmarsh but younger'-type protagonist.

One criticism - the whole Amy Finn and her angry ex thing...come on, now!! But, you can easily accept all this silliness (a ballet dancer turned artist, who spends her evenings alone, playing the cello...I mean, really!), and not let it interfere with your enjoyment of the book.

A great holiday read... and, well, maybe Titchy does have a certain something....