Catherine Carswell (1879-1945) was a now largely forgotten writer, who knew D H Lawrence very well, and spent much time with him. This memoir, published in 1932, was the first biography to be written about him and as it is based on her own first-hand knowledge, experience and insight, has a remarkable immediacy and authenticity to it that makes it a fascinating read. Carswell moved in literary circles and knew many of the major figures of her time, and comments on them all. The memoir feels honest and balanced – even if her obvious affection and admiration for Lawrence is always in evidence – and I very much enjoyed reading such a contemporary account of Lawrence’s life and work.