About The Journal of Bran Ayton
In homage to great journal writers such as Daniel Defoe, Laurence Sterne and John Bunyan, The Journal of Bran Ayton is written as a first-hand account of one man finding hope and redemption as a new chapter in his life begins.
Through his journal, Bran reconnects with his deep roots in places and amongst people influencing the shaping of his life and finds a new direction and fresh hope. He explores renewed relationships; especially with Pearl, his former girlfriend who, by her own admission, ‘dresses like a hooker’.
About the author, Michael Croft
A people watcher, Michael recalls his favourite uncle telling him, ‘When you meet someone new, always tell them a little story about something from the past week’. So The Journal of Bran Ayton reads as ‘live’ stories from Michael’s native Yorkshire as we read of Bran’s stories and encounters through his journal.
Lived Lives at the Heart of the Story
A story rooted within The Journal of Bran Ayton is that of the life of Michael’s actual 9th great-grandfather. In 1633 Jonathan Priestley was born not twenty minute’s walk from the place Michael was born three and a half centuries later. In 1696 and at the end of a long life Jonathan wrote a memoir, giving account of the history of his family.
Michael discovered, Jonathan had a son named Nathaniel who really did know the famous diarist, Daniel Defoe. More to the point Nathaniel built the house that became the pub at the heart of the village Michael grew up in.
And so we have in Jonathan and Nathaniel a connection to place and people.
Reflecting on his own long life which its many challenges, Jonathan wrote these words that struck a chord a Michael. They are at the heart of Bran’s own reflections within his journal.
“What a Labyrinth of Sorrow is the life of man; of good men as well as of others, for all things come alike to all; but not withstanding, there is a vast difference”
Want to know more?
Michael would love to hear from you. Email us at – hello@branayton.com