I first discovered the Guardian Weekly in 1997 when I moved from England to Norway. Knowing that I had been an avid reader of the daily Guardian, my mother, whose political leanings were very different, risked her reputation in her conservative village by ordering me a copy of GW each week. Later she found that she could buy me a subscription, and my habit was established.
Starting at the back I read it methodically from end to end, so it can take a while before I get to the news. As it is often disturbing, I delay the warm comfort of Maslanka and the puzzles page until last.
As I try to pick out my favourites, I realise that every section gives me something. The depth and breadth of the articles keep me abreast of world affairs. Nature watch evokes my expat’s nostalgia for the English countryside, and I gain inspiration from the Culture and Books pages. Then there’s Oliver Burkeman’s common sense and the clever and pithy answers sent in by the Notes & Queries contributors. Who would believe there could be so much in one thin paper package?
Changes in the Norwegian postal system mean that my GW arrives later than it used to, but that just gives me more time to look forward to it. At first it was a lifeline as I adjusted to living in a new country. Now it has become a trusted friend, but I still feel a thrill when I find it in my postbox.
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