Kate Mosse's "Autumn" Celebrates West Sussex Landscape

Kate Mosse's latest book, "Autumn," serves as a heartfelt tribute to the West Sussex landscape, her deeply rooted home. This work is part of a series that encourages authors to explore their personal connections to their native or adopted regions. The series commenced with Michael Morpurgo's reflections on spring in Devon, his long-time residence of over 50 years, the same farm that inspired his renowned novel "War Horse." Following this, Val McDermid penned a piece celebrating winter in Scotland, the region of her upbringing and current home. Bernardine Evaristo is slated to contribute an exploration of summer in a future installment. Mosse, similarly, is profoundly and affectionately connected to her chosen locale.

Mosse's personal history is intricately linked with West Sussex. She spent her formative years in the village of Fishbourne. Currently, she resides in Chichester, a city where significant life events have unfolded. It was in Chichester, in the vicinity of the Bishop's Palace, that she met her husband while they were preparing for their A-levels. She recalls holding hands with him on her 17th birthday during the city's annual Sloe Fair. Twenty-three years later, the couple celebrated her 40th birthday in Chichester with their children. Today, they share their home with her husband's mother, Granny Rosie, who is in her nineties and is described as "Sussex to her bones." Granny Rosie's memories extend to a time when cattle were herded in fields that are now occupied by a supermarket, illustrating the significant changes the landscape has undergone.

"Autumn" is characterized by its tender reflections on the passage of time and the essence of place. The book delves into the lore and the specific characteristics of the Sussex landscape, as experienced and cherished by Mosse. It is not merely a descriptive account but an intimate narrative that intertwines personal memories with the broader history and character of the region. The book's focus on the turning of the seasons, specifically autumn, likely provides a framework for exploring themes of change, maturity, and the cyclical nature of life, all set against the backdrop of a landscape that has shaped Mosse's life and work. The Guardian's review highlights the book's personal and evocative nature, emphasizing Mosse's enduring connection to her home.

The series aims to showcase the unique relationship between authors and their home environments, providing readers with intimate insights into both the literary figures and the places that inspire them. By focusing on personal connections, the series moves beyond generic travelogues or regional descriptions to offer a more profound and individual perspective. Mosse's contribution, "Autumn," exemplifies this approach by grounding her reflections in specific locations within West Sussex, such as Fishbourne and Chichester, and by incorporating generational memories, like those of Granny Rosie, to illustrate the evolving identity of the landscape. The book invites readers to appreciate the subtle beauty and deep history embedded in the everyday surroundings of an author.