Book description
In a lifetime traversing Britain's lanes and byways, Dominic Reeve has
witnessed a changing world for the Romani Gypsies. Since the 1950s, the
horse-drawn wagons have given way to brightly chromed vehicles,
stopping-places have disappeared - but the Travellers still cling to the
precious old traditions and the freedom of an outdoor life.
Beneath the Blue Sky
tells of horse-fairs and fireside deals, of snowbound Christmases and
the joy of taking possession of a new motor. Dominic Reeve recalls feuds
and friendships, cycles of parting and meeting, and the struggle in the
face of prejudice. Above all, he paints an unforgettable picture of the
self-reliance, wit and courage of the Romani people. Dominic Reeve
wrote his acclaimed first account of Romani life, Smoke in the Lanes
, in 1958. Since then he has written four further books of memoir,
including Beneath the Blue Sky
. He lives and works in a semi-nomadic style with his partner Beshlie,
an illustrator.
