The Mountains of Norfolk

The Mountains of Norfolk is a poetry collection by Kevin Crossley-Holland that centers on the East Anglian landscape and its history. The poems reflect on the author's longtime connection to Norfolk and Suffolk through personal memories and observations. The collection contains works spanning nature, folklore, and local life in the region's coastal villages and marshlands. Crossley-Holland incorporates elements of Anglo-Saxon verse forms while exploring both modern and ancient aspects of East Anglia. These poems bridge the physical geography of Norfolk with inner emotional terrain and memory. Through the lens of this flat coastal landscape, the collection examines universal themes of time, loss, belonging and the relationship between people and place.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Kevin Crossley-Holland's overall work: Readers appreciate Crossley-Holland's detailed research and ability to make historical periods feel authentic, particularly in his Arthur trilogy and Norse mythology retellings. His prose style receives frequent mentions for its poetic quality and accessibility for young readers. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanations of complex myths and legends - Strong character development in historical fiction - Educational value while remaining engaging - Respectful handling of source material Common criticisms include: - Pacing issues, especially in longer works - Some confusion about intended age range - Occasional dense or challenging language Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Arthur trilogy: 4.0/5 (8,000+ ratings) Norse Myths: 4.2/5 (3,000+ ratings) Amazon: Arthur trilogy: 4.3/5 Norse Myths: 4.5/5 Multiple readers note his work serves as an effective introduction to mythology for middle-grade students, though some parents mention the content can be too mature for younger readers.

East of the Mountains by David Guterson A retired heart surgeon takes a final journey through the Pacific Northwest landscape while reflecting on mortality and memory.

The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard The chronicles of the Cazalet family unfold against the backdrop of the English countryside during the lead-up to World War II.

Dart by Alice Oswald A book-length poem traces the path of the River Dart through Devon, interweaving voices of the people who live and work along its banks.

Waterland by Graham Swift The history of the English fenlands intertwines with personal narrative in this meditation on time, place, and family legacy.

The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane A naturalist explores ancient paths through Britain's landscapes while connecting the physical terrain to cultural and literary heritage.

🏔️ Kevin Crossley-Holland served as President of the School Library Association and has been a patron of the Society for Storytelling 📚 The book's poems draw heavily from Anglo-Saxon literature and Norse mythology, areas in which Crossley-Holland is a noted scholar and translator 🌊 Norfolk's "mountains" are actually gentle hills and ridges, with the highest point being Beacon Hill at just 103 meters above sea level ✍️ This collection was published in 2000, the same year Crossley-Holland began his award-winning Arthur trilogy of young adult novels 🏛️ The poems explore both the landscape and the rich archaeological heritage of Norfolk, including its medieval churches and ancient burial grounds