Comments on: The Verminous Hazards of Research

By: Francis Rosenfeld

Francis Rosenfeld — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 16:17:06 +0000

Old buildings will have their little surprises 🙂 Isn’t it strange how these kinds of events turn to cherished memories with the passing of time?

By: Marian Szczepanski

Marian Szczepanski — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 04:20:43 +0000

I SO enjoyed this piece! I identified so strongly with you, Beryl, and understand how the thrill of discovery can consume a writer-researcher to the point that unrelated issues–like an army of fleas–go utterly unnoticed. I once crawled inside a crumbling coke oven–all in the name of research, mind you–never noticing that the back of the thing was buckled to the point of near-collapse. (I got a spirited scolding from my husband when he saw my photos.) I can just see you exploring that old ruin, gleefully scribbling notes, completely impervious to the insects, equally gleeful, exploring their unexpected, but most welcome new habitat–your clothing. Oh yes, the outcome was temporarily unpleasant, but you lived to tell us the tale–thank you!–and I suspect you’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. What are a few bites, compared to the amazing information you were able to gather?

By: beryl kingston

beryl kingston — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 15:20:28 +0000

In reply to Gill Paul.

Hi there Gill,

Yes, I visit all the locations, several times during the year while I’m writing the book so that I can get to know it in all seasons. Lots of photographs and notes.

And the creatures were fleas. They were probably left behind by a vagrant and hatched out and jumped on me when they smelt dinner.

By: Gill Paul

Gill Paul — Sun, 07 Jul 2013 10:07:17 +0000

What a wonderful memory! It’s the little details like the signs saying children weren’t allowed to play in the courtyard and washing could only be hung out on Mondays that give historical fiction their authenticity. I love that glimpse into the lives of the previous tenants. Do you try to visit the locations of all your books? Do you take photographs and notes?

And I wonder if you ever found out what those little creatures were?… I shudder to think!

By: Anne Mackle

Anne Mackle — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 22:17:45 +0000

Why am I not surprised this happened to you Beryl? I can see your old darling shaking his head at you. How wonderful to be able to draw a p,an of the building for your book,you struck gold there,but those fleas are making me itch.

By: beryl kingston

beryl kingston — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 16:40:10 +0000

Thank you for leaving a comment, Tana. Walls fairly roar at me sometimes. The Tower of London was humming with stories.
And what a lovely thing to say about me and the Old Darling. We had a good life and it’s lovely to know it comes across.
Do keep in touch.

By: Tana Bevan

Tana Bevan — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:37:44 +0000

How fascinating to have been able to step back in time!

Having heard the expression “If the walls could talk, what stories they would tell,” Do you think while exploring the Wentworth Building you tapped into any talking walls? Even if the walls chose to remain silent, I would imagine simply being there stoked your imagination until it ignited. What a wonderful adventure.

As for the fleas, well it sounds as though that wasn’t too steep of an admission price.

Thank you for sharing a wonderful memory with your “Old Darling.” The love, excitement, and vibrancy you two shared comes across loud and clear in the photo.