Today, December 21, is winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. It’s the perfect day to talk about Laura Weir’s book Cosy: The British Art of Comfort. Even before you pick up the book, you might notice that it’s spelled “Cosy”, the British spelling, instead of “cozy”. And, there are parts of the book that are actually directed to the British. You’ll notice foods you may only recognize from British books, and cosy places to stay that are in Britain. But, then, the weather there, and Weir’s love of winter create that cosy atmosphere. Rose Electra Harris’ illustrations just add to the comfortable feeling of this book.
Weir’s introduction draws the reader in, creating a feeling of comfort. Several of her comments about times and locations made me think of comfort. “I was with my parents, and that reassuring comfort of being with people you love is key.” Here’s one for all of us who become anxious, those of us who spend too much time listening or reading the news. “Over the past few years I have found myself seeking comfort from politically dark winters and the relentlessly bleak news cycle.”
Whether your comfort is tea, as it usually is for the British, or hot chocolate, as it is for me, or wine, Weir’s comment makes sense. “I don’t just want to drink a warm cup of tea, I want my emotional state to mirror that of a cuppa too – warm, predictable, reassuring.”
What’s cosy? It’s warm clothing in the cold winters. It’s sweaters (jumpers) and blankets. It’s definitely food, whatever is comfort food for you. To the author, it’s fires and candles and baths. It’s hunkering down in a cosy corner, a small space, not a large cavernous room. It’s home. And, it’s the time of year to recognize that not everyone has a place to be warm and cosy. Weir mentions British charities in one chapter, but there’s no reason we can’t find the one that touches our hearts. She lists cosy films and cosy reads, including Little Women, which is appropriate for this year, but, it’s always appropriate.
In the end, Laura Weir’s book can really be summarized by saying cosy isn’t expensive or showy. It’s private or shared with loved ones. It’s whatever means comfortable. Frederick Loewe described my version of a cosy world perfectly in two verses Liza Doolittle sang in “My Fair Lady”.
“All I want is a room somewhere
With one enormous chair
Oh, wouldn’t it be loverly?
Lots of coal makin’ lots of heat
Warm face, warm hands, warm feet
Oh, wouldn’t it be loverly?”
That's a funny coincidence, as I was thinking of that song (and the whole opening scene) in MY FAIR LADY this morning.
That is funny, Jeff. And, nothing either one of us said yesterday would have led to that.
Oh this sounds lovely! And for all the same reasons, I'd like to recommend "The Book of Delights" by Ross Gay.
I'm going to look for it, then, Kaye. Because I appreciate those kinds of books this time of year, and, especially recently with the state of the world.
I have a burning question for you. Usually Jeff does all the posting and I lurk (sorry I'm so lazy).
I've read all of Jayne Ann Krentz's Jones books under all three names and they seem to have stopped. Do you know if she has ended the series?
Jackie
Lesa, Love the title of the book.
We went to London years ago in December. Love everything there. We rented a car and drove to so many places. Stopped at so many tea shops and had tea. Slept under goose down covers. Ended up buying one and sending it home, with China and tea services. I really didn’t have any desire to leave. So much to love there.
Will have to on this book. The cover is outstanding.
Hugs ~~
I keep telling myself that I simply cannot buy another thing, and then yesterday I saw this. And today I read your post, and now it’s in my shopping cart. Will I, or won’t I? Of course I will!
I put this one on my library list and also the Ross Gay book! My hope to read list just keeps getting longer…I hop[e when my other eye is fixed that I can read regular print!
Actually, Jackie, she's kicking off a new series. The Vanishing, the first in her new Fogg Lake series, is due out in January!
Oh, Charlotte. You make me want to pack up and go to England in December. I just need to go there sometime. I know I'd love it.
Pattie, I tell myself, oh, it's just a small book. (sigh)
Gram, I hope that's coming up soon for your other eye so you can read everything you want.