As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning

Synopsis

As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning is the moving follow-up to Laurie Lee's acclaimed Cider with Rosie

Abandoning the Cotswolds village that raised him, the young Laurie Lee walks to London. There he makes a living labouring and playing the violin. But, deciding to travel further a field and knowing only the Spanish phrase for 'Will you please give me a glass of water?', he heads for Spain. With just a blanket to sleep under and his trusty violin, he spends a year crossing Spain, from Vigo in the north to the southern coast. Only the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War puts an end to his extraordinary peregrinations . . .

'He writes like an angel and conveys the pride and vitality of the humblest Spanish life with unfailing sharpness, zest and humour' Sunday Times

'There's a formidable, instant charm in the writing that genuinely makes it difficult to put the book down' New Statesman

'A beautiful piece of writing' Observer

Summary

Chapter 1: As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning

This chapter introduces Laurie Lee, a young boy living in the Cotswold village of Slad in 1929. He leads an idyllic childhood filled with nature, adventure, and imagination. One day, he embarks on an impulsive walk to escape the drudgery of schoolwork.

Real Example: Laurie's description of his youthful explorations: "I was a walker. I walked at night, in the rain and the dark, and lay hidden amongst the dripping beech trees, listening to the crunch of nuts and hooves in the desperate air; and often I wandered out into the crisp dawn, watching the stars retreat, and the Cotswolds turn from grey to gold."

Chapter 2: The Escape

Laurie's walk takes him out of Slad and into the unknown. He encounters a traveling circus, a group of gypsies, and other colorful characters. These encounters broaden his perspective and spark his desire for a life beyond the village.

Real Example: Laurie's interaction with a group of circus performers: "They were a strange gang: a one-eyed clown, a pair of sword-swallowers, a conjuror, and a knife-thrower. They welcomed me with open arms, and we spent the day together, sharing stories and tricks."

Chapter 3: The Road to Spain

Inspired by the tales of the circus folk, Laurie decides to continue walking and eventually reaches the coast. There, he meets a group of young people who are also searching for adventure. Together, they decide to travel to Spain.

Real Example: Laurie's decision to leave England: "I was tired of lanes and villages, and the familiar ways of home. I wanted to walk the world, to see new places and meet new people."

Chapter 4: Spain: The Civil War

Upon arriving in Spain, Laurie and his companions are swept up in the turmoil of the Civil War. They witness the horrors of war firsthand and learn the true meaning of sacrifice and bravery.

Real Example: Laurie's account of a bombing raid: "The air was filled with the sound of explosions, and the streets were chaos. I saw women and children running for their lives, and men fighting in the streets."

Chapter 5: The Journey Home

After the war ends, Laurie returns to England a changed man. He has witnessed the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. He carries these experiences with him as he reenters the life he left behind.

Real Example: Laurie's reflections on his return home: "I was no longer the same boy who had left Slad. I had seen and experienced too much. But I was also more aware of the world and my place in it."