Firstly – the picture – you really need more shelves! Next you’ll be filling the shelves in double rows, then building towers on the floor. (Or is that just me?) More shelves, more shelves.

Secondly – what you’ve written – You mention that a remark from a university tutor set you off on European and Middle Eastern history. It was a bit like that with me too. I had a small political interest in Africa – mainly South Africa and the frontline states during the apartheid era. But my encounter with one Professor David Birmingham set me off on an academic exploration of African literature, politics and economics. Very rewarding and a complete change from what I had gone to university to study in the first place. The secret ingredient Prof Birmingham added was huge enthusiasm. I salute him.

As for you – more shelves. And more fiction to put on them.