T.E. Lawrence
T.E. Lawrence inspires me. Like Steinbeck, Lawrence's words soothe me and are a source of comfort. Perhaps part of why I have become so attached to his memoirs is in part because of my Grandfather. When I first started researching Lawrence and his vast achievements I discussed him at length with my Grandpa. My Grandfather happened to mention he remembered buying the book back in 1952 and thoroughly enjoying it. I had this inkling and so went down to the garage and looked through the many boxes of his books, in the last box down the very bottom I found it. A very old cloth bound edition with the engraving of the twin swords in the cover. It's beautiful. My grandfather would have been around my age (22) when he first read it. Reading the books that have made such grand impressions on the most brilliant man I have ever had the privilege of knowing let alone being related to gives me hope that I will be like him. Strong, honourable, a loving parent/grandparent, wise and above that intellectually brilliant.
It's not a book I have sat down and read through in one sitting, rather I have kept it with me like a companion reading snatches when I need perspective or comfort. Lawrence has delicacy and thoughtfulness to his writing perhaps this was indicative of the man. Though I see a gentle nature behind his words I do not mean by this that he is weak rather quite the opposite. He was imbued with a great strength and wisdom. All this makes for a breathtaking read.
I think this book has become so special as I realise that this book will be with me for life. A companion of sorts offering me it's wisdom as grow into an adult.