Yesterday evening, it was time to choose which book to read next. I select at least a few fancy Folio Society volumes each month, as the collection was lovingly built by my parents.

As I open each new (to me) classic, I look for hints that Mom or Dad (or both) may have read it years ago. That just makes it more special. They were both tidy souls and so there aren’t any smudges or tears. But once in a while I’ll come across a bookmark. Or the volume will naturally open to a page at the start of a – perhaps favorite – chapter.

And so, as I pulled Cider with Rosie from its slipcase, my heart sank. It was a snug fit. The pages turned with a never-been-read stiffness.

As I settled down to read the book’s Introduction, the first paragraph stated British author Laurie Lee considered Cider with Rosie to be “a brilliant title.” He admitted, though, “… it was a trick. My book contained very little cider and, come to think of it, not much Rosie.”

A little further along came the revelation that Cider with Rosie, published in late 1959 (the same day as Lolita, much to his chagrin) was introduced to U.S. readers a year later. Under a different name.

Suddenly Cider with Rosie was The Edge of Day.

That title rang a bell. And, sure enough, I found Mom’s copy from 1960 on a “favorites” shelf in my study.

I’m delighted to report the memoir is nearly falling apart. The dust cover is raggedy and the binding is loose as a goose! Mom not only read it, she wore it out like a favorite pair of shoes.

I polled my brothers to see if they remembered seeing this book in our house growing up. The older two had a vague recollection. I seem to remember it was on my parents’ bedside table in Pittsfield back in the ’60s.

Younger brother Bill’s off the hook, as he was just a baby back then. In fact, this photo of a pregnant (with Bill) Mom might just include her copy of The Edge of Day.

Could there be a book – or an article – explaining why book titles are sometimes changed when published in another country? It happened with some of Agatha Christie’s mysteries, too. I’ll have to dig in on that sometime.

But not right now. If you’ll excuse me, please, I’ve got a date with a book highly recommended by my dear mom!

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