Book Corner

How do you choose your summer reading material? Do you take the opportunity to catch up on a favourite author - or try a new one? Perhaps the shortlist for the Orange Prize for Fiction is a basis, or one of Richard and Judy's suggested titles. Summer holidays could also afford an opportunity to study a preferred subject in more depth.

I wondered this as I finished reading the book that I felt drawn to read. It is very serious. Nearly five years ago a little girl went missing. She was making her way back to her Grandmother's house and was abducted. Her school photo showing her beautiful Mona Lisa like smile became embedded in public memory. The nation hoped and prayed for her safe return and shared just a little in the deep anguish felt by her parents. That little girl was Sarah Evelyn Isobel Payne aged just eight years old. The book is called 'Sarah Payne. A Mother's Story' by Sara Payne with Anna Gekoski.

One does not 'enjoy' such a book as this. We all know the desperately sad and tragic outcome. It was, however, a huge privilege to read because of its straightforwardness and extreme honesty in detail. From Mike and Sara's early days together, to the retelling of events, the trial, Sarah's Law, through to the present.

A very profound comment comes from Sara in that she does not feel that there is such a thing as closure, that that is a comfortable 'label', suggested to tidy matters up. The fact is that there is always pain, which needs to be accepted and incorporated into life. Sara goes on to say that she has finally accepted that Sarah is never coming back and, although she still (obviously) loves and misses her very much, that acceptance has brought a little light into the darkness. A very brave and exceptional woman.

Sarah Payne. A Mother's Story by Sara Payne and Anna Gekoski. ISBN 0340862785. £6.99

Lynn Winter