Still Glides the Stream by Evan Evans (2015)

Evan Evans, a well-known and respected Australian barley/malt/beer scientist, has produced a remarkable family history work, based mainly on his travels to France and Belgium, in the footsteps of two great uncles who fought and died in the service of Australia in World War I. In his introduction, Evan states: “This story is actually of two journeys that are separated by nearly 100 years and three generations of my family. They are of my great uncles, Capt. Gerald Evans MC and Pte Francis (Ken) Evans from Australia to the battlefields of France in the Great War and more latterly, my own journey to revisit those fields. This is a journey in search of echoes, primarily guided by the letters home to Australia from Gerald and Ken during this period.”’

Still Glides the Stream is a multi-faceted work, which initially covers the story of the Evans family, following their migration from Wales to north-eastern Victoria in Australia in 1853, in an engaging and relaxed manner. Family anecdotes relating to life on a pastoral property in the 19th century and to characters and times, both good and not so good, enliven the tale.

In similar impressionist vein, Still Glides the Stream then recounts the author’s varied experiences of travel in the battle-field regions, again with significant anecdotal material. Many and varied aspects of his experiences are noted, including snippets about regional foods, beer styles, brewing technology, the design of beer glasses and the many cultural highlights of the area to name just a few.

The chapters are linked by excerpts from the letters of his great uncles and also by the use of pertinent literary and musical references. Delightfully, the work is well illustrated by photographs.

In all, a fascinating, evocative and sometimes poignant work which should be of interest to a great many readers.

The book is free to all who want to read it. For more information please refer to the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/227753790902842/.