The Channel

Perfect entertainment for grim times
A wonderfully quirky history . . . funny, sweet-tempered and skips along like a skiff in a fresh breeze . . . A classic of its small, comic kind
Entertaining ... Bright, breezy, and seasoned with a beguiling poignancy, The Channel is the perfect read while you wait for your summer holiday to begin
Broadcaster and swimmer Charlie Connelly immerses us in a lively history/travel memoir to tell the story of our island bulwark, from when it was rolling hills to the building of the tunnel. We visit coastal towns and chalk-ridge churches, meet a cast of fascinating characters and learn about the antics of swimmers, pilots and balloonists
From Dunkirk, to the English occupation of Calais, to Matthew Webb's great scarlet swimming trunks, the English Channel is brimming with stories. The rich history of this body of water is captured by Charlie Connelly, amateur swimmer, broadcaster and all-round funny fella. Quippy anecdotes are woven with historical reference and geographical context to give full colour ... Connelly's enthusiasm brings each story to life'