Sally Lloyd-Jones on Delight

Edward Lear's 'The Complete Nonsense' is a collection of limericks, poems, and illustrations that exemplify literary nonsense. Lear's whimsical style and imaginative wordplay create a world of absurdity and delight. The book features characters like the Owl and the Pussycat, who embark on outlandish adventures. His limericks often involve peculiar creatures and bizarre situations, defying logical expectations. The humorous illustrations enhance the overall sense of playful anarchy. 'The Complete Nonsense' has had a lasting impact on children's literature.

The Jesus Storybook Bible, written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago, presents the Bible as a cohesive narrative with Jesus at its center. The book contains 21 stories from the Old Testament and 23 stories from the New Testament, visually bringing Scripture to life for children. It is designed to help children see how Jesus is at the heart of God's story of salvation and how this story intersects with their own lives. The book is suitable for children up to 6th grade and is often used in church ministries and Sunday schools.

'Les Misérables' by Victor Hugo is an epic novel that delves into the depths of human suffering, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Set in 19th-century France, the story follows Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who seeks to rebuild his life after serving a prison sentence for stealing bread. As Valjean navigates a society marked by poverty, inequality, and moral decay, he encounters a diverse cast of characters who challenge his beliefs and shape his destiny. Through themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of forgiveness, Hugo paints a vivid portrait of the human condition and the enduring hope for a better world. The novel serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of compassion.

Middlemarch, written by George Eliot, is a novel that delves into the complexities of provincial life in 19th-century England. The story revolves around the intersecting lives of its characters, particularly Dorothea Brooke and Dr. Tertius Lydgate, as they navigate marriage, vocation, and social class. Eliot critiques the conventional romance narratives of her time by portraying marriage as a complex and often problematic institution. The novel also explores themes of idealism, self-interest, hypocrisy, and the constraints on women's lives. Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch between 1829 and 1832, the novel incorporates historical events such as the Great Reform Act of 1832 and early developments in medicine. Eliot's realistic portrayal of ordinary human life, with its quiet tragedies and small triumphs, has made 'Middlemarch' a masterpiece of English literature.