Base Notes: The Scents of a Life is Caught by the River's Book of the Month. You can read an extract from the 'Old Spice' chapter here.
"The hamlet where he lives contains seven houses. It has a bus stop (out-of-use), a bench, a parish council noticeboard and a road for rat-runners, tractors and joyriders. Along the verges, which are mapped by discarded milkshake cartons and rampant convolvulus; traditionally laid hedges mark the estate boundary. In spring, red kites follow him to the river.
When the wind changes direction, the smell from the sewage works drifts into his garden. It mixes with a heavy scent of brewing malt and tractor exhaust fumes. It is sickly; evocative of childhood bedrooms, a sepia smog that hangs over the town, the stench in your hair, clothes and mouth. Live here long enough and you won’t notice it..."