I have to start this review by saying what a unique and fascinating idea the Author, Sally Featherstone, has had in the creation of this diary. The Coronavirus Pandemic is an event that none of us ever thought we would experience in our lifetime and the devastation caused as a result will be felt for many years to come. Whilst memories of the numerous government briefings, information, rules and statistics may grow fainter as time passes, the emotional and physical toll will always be remembered.
What Sally has achieved through her writing of The Lockdown Diaries is the capturing of this historical event and a snapshot in time with dates and details of government responses, rules, number of cases and sadly the number of deaths so we never forget those who fell victim to this cruel and horrific virus.
In addition to the details shared she also relays her own personal thoughts and feelings as to the impact that it had on her life, her family and friends, and in particular her mental health which all of us can relate to and in a way its another way of bringing comfort and connection knowing others felt the same way and struggled to cope.
Sally is a keen nature enthusiast, a talented photographer and she has published some wonderful guide books on wildflowers and wildlife that she has seen and captured on camera during her walks. During the COVID Lockdown she shares the images and details of her walks in the countryside which was her way of coping and easing the impact on her mental health. And whilst she refers to herself and husband, Phill, as two harmless criminals, I am sure many of us would disagree with the criminal element and completely understand why these walks were so critical to the couple, either having done the same or would have done the same if our own individual circumstances could allow it.
These first diaries concentrate on the Lockdown between March and August 2020. As I read and reminded myself of what we have all been through, there were some interesting details shared about the government that I had missed. Not major pieces of news but what I had clearly missed or tuned out of as I attempted to cope with my own experiences of Lockdown.
I would highly recommend these diaries to all, even if they only serve as a reminder of this significant event in the future.
I award 5 stars.
