Borderland

"Borderland" by Rod Edmond defied my initial skepticism, given my lack of personal connection to England's history. However, Edmond's skillful infusion of personality into the narrative breathed life into what could have been a dry historical account. Instead of a tedious history lesson, the book turned out to be a lively and engaging read. Edmond's unique approach provided a breath of fresh air compared to the heavier academic works I typically navigate through. There's an undeniable charm in the way he presents the subject matter, making "Borderland" an unexpected and delightful literary discovery for me.

Rod Edmond describes his walk along the chalky coast of East Kent in this aptly named book, 'Borderlands.' His sharp eye reveals geology and history, dereliction and wealth, and many personalities — from Julius Caesar to Tracy Emin.

Edmond recounts how, as Britain's closest point to mainland Europe, the area has both resisted incomers (Romans, Vikings, Normans) and welcomed them (Huguenots, Belgian refugees in World War I.) Descendants of these people, as well as of the Anglo-Saxons who entered England by this route, live today in East Kent. The book's last chapters, however, are an excoriation of the current government's treatment of asylum-seekers, based on the author's experience in trying to help them.

Edmond himself is a migrant. Although he has lived most of his life in Britain, he is not a citizen; his passport is from New Zealand. He concludes that: “My wanderings through the long history of the East Kent littoral have made clear that migration to this country is at the heart of Britain’s island story. Everyone’s ancestors have been migrants.”

People familiar with East Kent might find 'Borderlands' illuminating. And anyone who enjoys fine writing by a perceptive and knowledgable author will be well rewarded in reading this book.

Really enjoyed Rod Edmonds travelogue.I always enjoy touring new places while sitting in my armchair comfortably at home.#netgalley #troubador

Rod Edmond writes with passion and perfection. Avoiding all the tropes of travel guide or A to Z his book informs across history, geography, culture and politics. I particularly like the way in which he doesn't just present fact after fact but offers his own opinion of virtually everything he covers.
The author seems to have read just about every book, both factual and fictional, about the area and as a bibliophile myself I found this particularly interesting.
I am glad the author looks closely at the appalling way in which our government currently treats migrants fleeing the dangers of their homelands only to find themselves strangers in a strange land and facing new perils rather than a warm welcome and support.