It does. “Dare” is so well chosen.

Superb.

Thanks to Jennings by Anthony Buckeridge. Eying up my recently arrived copy of Fascist Yoga by @stewarthome.bsky.social next.

I’m a writer and critic for the TLS, Exacting Clam and others, and starting to publish fiction. I also conduct interviews - the latest is with writer, librettist and music critic Paul Griffiths about his Ophelia novels, published in the new Exacting Clam www.exactingclam.com/issues/no-18...

Also, in connection, Sarah Langford’s Rooted. Countryside romanticism tempered by the blunt realities of modern farming. There’s just enough optimism that you don’t end up in total despair over our soils and hedgerows (but not much).

Adrien Bell’s Corduroy, republished by @slightlyfoxed.bsky.social. Beautiful rural writing interspersed with reflections on the decline in farmers’ fortunes and the impact of favouring industrial techniques over traditional methods that could have been written last week.

The older couple who don’t have people over and watch television every evening to forget how their home looks are heart breaking.

Great clarification, Stu. Pretty half-arsed reporting from the BBC.