Don’t Worry He Doesn’t Bite, Tales of a Country Postman by Liam Mulvin  – Published by Merlin Unwin Books, September 2017

First, a confession: my heart sinks a little when a book by a local author is brought to my attention. To review or not? If it’s wonderful, then those reading the review may think the glowing comments are the result of friendship – a sort of ‘insider dealing’ in the literary world. If it’s simply dreadful, then either I have to be more generous with my praise than is appropriate, or tell the truth, move to another part of the country and take on a new identity. 

Happily, after reading this book, I can confidently remain on the Roseland, with no need to embellish my review (or have my post delivered elsewhere) because Liam’s book is nothing short of delightful. 

A series of anecdotes and vignettes are drawn together to produce a book in which he shares his delight in his family and their interests, his job, the people he meets and his observations of the countryside and the coast. It’s all beautifully observed and presented with no extraneous words or exaggeration (although I was a little surprised at his sighting of a Tyrannosaurus Rex).

He has a real countryman’s curiosity about plants and wildlife, relating tales of lying on the grass, watching ants busy working as a team, the joy of watching fledglings and rescuing small creatures. Better still, he has the knack of drawing the reader into his world of wonder. 

And what of ‘He doesn’t bite’? There are some tales of his life as a postman, but for more of those we must wait for his next book. I’m looking forward to it already. If this book is anything to go by, Liam is a born story teller. 

Liam will be launching his book and signing copies at St Mawes Memorial Hall on Monday 4 September from 5-8pm. Refreshments will be available.