Having seen Kit De Waal speak at a recent Society of Authors online event, I bought her book My Name is Leon, which is her ‘breakthrough novel’.
Book cover: My Name is Leon by Kit De Waal
An outstanding example of fiction which has emerged from real life experience, this book represents a powerful way to open up the issues of racism, adoption, family breakdown, mental health issues, and the way our society deals with all of these – from the point of view of a small boy.
I feel that the book I can best compare this to is Room by Emma Donoghue, because there, too, the first person narrator is an innocent child, and the sheer simplicity of this innocence presents to us a stark challenge, and sets the cruelty and thoughtlessness of the adult world in sharp relief.
My Name is Leon is set against the backdrop of the race riots in Birmingham in 1980s Britain and I would like to think that the attitude of the adoption authorities has changed since then, especially in regard to the policy of separating siblings and half-siblings when finding foster care and adoptive parents.
This book totally engages us in the heart and mind of Leon, eight years old as the story begins, and how he feels about his mother Carol , who has severe and enduring long term mental health difficulties, which make her unable to look after her children. Mixed-race Leon has begun to see himself as a carer for his mother, and his (white) baby half-brother brother Jake, with his dual advantage of being a baby and being white, is soon taken up for adoption. Through it all we see the adults involved in trying to help the situation, often constrained by the system they serve. We can see that they are, most of them, doing their very best; yet how can they work against the ingrained racism that makes the whole process so painful for a mixed-race child like Leon?
We see the goodness of Maureen, Leon’s kind and patient foster-carer, and her sister Sylvie; and we squirm as we read the conversation the man from the social services has with Leon. He asks all the questions the system requires him to ask; yet he never gains insight into Leon’s true hopes and fears.
A moving and sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes uplifting story, this book is highly recommended.
The format of this 2-volume autobiography/memoir makes it an expensive choice; but I was fortunate enough to receive it as a Christmas gift, and having only just finished poring over it, I can now report that I found it utterly fascinating.
The Lyrics by Paul McCartney – image of the box set
I believe the book will be of greatest interest to those who have followed the Beatles and in particular Paul McCartney from the 1960s. Not only does it satisfy the curiosity of all those who have wondered about the meaning behind the lyrics, and the events from which the ideas arose, but it also acts as a valuable social history as Paul recalls life in Liverpool in the late 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
I do feel that the book derives its particular character from the fact that this is a man in his later years, with all the wisdom and reflection of decades of life, trying to remember his thoughts and values as a young teenager and in his early 20s. It is actually quite a challenge, and the feeling of the book is often incredibly revealing and intimate, as the text is simply a transcription of his spoken reminiscences to the poet Paul Muldoon.
The reminiscences vary widely; some come over as rambling and vague; others are sad and regretful, especially about the period 1969-1972 which saw painful misunderstandings, the acrimonious break-up of the Beatles, a court case in which he effectively “divorced” the Beatles, and a period during which John Lennon could not resist the temptation to rehearse his own sense of loss and anger through snide remarks in songs and interviews.
I often found Paul’s recollections very enlightening on subjects veiled in mystery for decades, that I’ve often wanted the answer to – especially what he really thought of John, his insights into John’s character, and the relationship between them, both personally and creatively. I was also captivated by his insights into early fame, and into how his emotional state at the time / life experiences would feed into his songs.
The photos accompanying the text are astonishing: so many of them at all times of his life, from early family records, through to the present. For all creative people, there is value in reading Paul’s insights into his writing process, the way ideas often came out of nowhere, and he would just grasp them and run with them. The songs are in alphabetical order and so if you read the book all the way through you are constantly moving back and forth between 1958 and 2020 and all years in between, from one song to another.
The sheer randomness of some of the lyrics will strike the reader: often they mean something completely different from one verse to the next, as in Hey Jude, or will seem to refer to a specific person in Paul’s life, as in Here, There and Everywhere, but he claims they had just been plucked out of the air and referenced the world rather than any particular person. It also fascinated me that John thought Hey Jude initially referred to himself, and had no idea it referred to his son Julian!
I learned many new things: I hadn’t previously realised The Fool on the Hill referred to the Maharishi (I had always thought the Fool was Paul himself). I had also not known that Got To Get You Into My life refers not to a girl but to marijuana. This was very clever of Lennon McCartney for they often disguised lyrics with bizarre origins by making them seem to refer to a romantic girl / boy relationship. Paul also says something very discerning which I believe applies to writing novels as well: he says that songs once written belong to the world, and those who receive the songs are free to make what they like of the lyrics, and he is quite happy with that.
An amazing autobiography, highly recommended.
Here’s a few links to other posts I have written on this blog about the Beatles and Paul McCartney – including my review of a previous book on their lyrics, also received as a Christmas gift!
Ever since finding Nazi memorabilia in his loft, Simon was determined to find out who owned them.
During his free time (even his non-free time) Simon scoured the internet and various documents to find any sign of a Nazi sympathiser in Lower Strangling to no avail.
Until he had an idea; the parish records. There must be something in the parish records.
There was just one issue. There were simply too many records for Simon to go through himself.
It was then that Simon called the village council together for an emergency meeting.
It was safe to say the council was not best pleased when they found out that Simon wanted them to sift through parish records rather than discuss the situation in Ukraine.
The council agreed to help Simon, however.
“Are you sure this is an appropriate use of council time?” John asked Simon, as he looked at a…
Book cover: They’ll Never read That: how to make mistakes in publishing by Tony Collins pub Sarah Grace Publishing January 2022
I embarked upon this book from the viewpoint of an author long experienced in bruising and teasing encounters with the world of traditional publishing. My approach is also influenced by the fact that I have met and chatted with the author at a number of writers’ events. As I read his account, I began to feel it was not so much the observations about the publishing world that resonated with me, as his account of the decisions he made that he deeply regrets. His journey in some ways echoes mine, especially as I discovered he lived, and operated a publishing company, very close to my own family home in Kent and went to the same church I did: only, a couple of decades earlier!
I was engrossed by his account of the ups and downs of his journey, both as a publisher and on a personal level, the joys and successes, the disappointments and failures, the lost opportunities, the unlooked-for or serendipitous events. The sheer fatefulness and unaccountability of life comes across strongly in this ‘life of a publisher’. For authors, especially those who have struggled for years to win a traditional publishing deal and instead received countless rejections, Tony Collins’ account cannot but have an emotional impact upon us.
With the mountain top experiences and the sloughs of despond, I found here an acute reflection upon human nature, in the varied ways readers respond to books. It occurred to me that the position of a publisher is an excellent place from which to study hearts and minds. I was fascinated by his references to many books he published, some of which have been iconic for decades, and which I have read, and others I want to read as a result of reading this behind-the-scenes account of them. The account often sent me scurrying to Amazon to look up the books he mentions and reflect on their fate. Reading this memoir made me more philosophical about my own past mistakes, misjudgements, and bad decisions. The author shows us how volatile and even elemental the whole publishing scene can be: full of swift and unlooked-for changes of fortune.
In many cases Tony Collins followed his instinct and it paid off brilliantly. The title of this volume in itself pays tribute to his genius for choosing arresting titles even if they do not fully reflect the content of the book. “Once you have the title,” he writes, “a book often falls into focus.”
I found the whole account very elegantly written and a compelling study of why different books of equal value and merit meet such a different fate: some fail and disappear from view, and others succeed on an enormous scale. Tony Collins describes publishing as “legal gambling” and I think he is exactly right. He also considers the difference between the tastes of the fiction reading public in the US and the UK, and the profound influence of their cultural presumptions and background on their acceptance or otherwise of a new book.
Finally, Tony Collins’ insights into the writing craft are also invaluable: “The author is a guest at their readers’ table,” he observes: and from the point of view of a publisher: “Every book is a risk… it is a critically expensive risk to publish it, because it may make you rich, or bankrupt you.”
Very strongly recommended to all authors and all those connected with the publishing world.
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I couldn’t resist reblogging this, yet another dry satirical post from my son Jamie Robinson on his blog The Lower Strangling Chronicles. Again, I know Jamie’s inspiration: we recently found a case full of Nazi memorabilia in a local Warwickshire antique store, which fascinated us, as we speculated about who might choose to buy it!
Although it was only February, the Rev. Simon Abernathy started his spring cleaning early, as he had nothing else to do.
The loft at the vicarage was a place Simon had rarely ventured into since he moved in over 30 years ago, and he felt it was time to see what was in there and whether any of it was worth keeping.
Simon gingerly climbed up the ladder and into the loft. He had never properly been in the loft, as everything he actually needed from there was at arm’s reach from the door.
Simon surveyed the room. Although it was dark, dusty, and filled to the brim with cardboard boxes, he could see that it would make a nice loft conversion.
With that in mind, he began sifting through the boxes.
Most of the boxes had items in them he had never seen before, probably forgotten about and left…
Today I reblog one of the dry satirical offerings from my son Jamie’s very funny blog: The Lower Strangling Chronicles. I happen to know the inspiration for this particular episode: a delightful pub not far from the Tower of London called The Hung, Drawn and Quartered, with a quote from Samuel Pepys’ diary on the wall.
In the morning, I went out to Charing Cross, to see Major–General Harrison hanged, drawn, and quartered; which was done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could in that condition.
Newly-turned-eleven-year-old Eleanor Peterson closely examined the 362 year old diary, completely forgetting the world around her.
Ever since she’d received the Diary of Samuel Pepys from her parents for her 11th birthday that morning, she’d been so engrossed in it that she’d forgotten that she’d had other presents to open.
“Are you going to open any other presents, darling?” Sarah said.
Eleanor said nothing, still transfixed by the diary.
“I think we’ve lost her, love.” Dave said.
“Hmm,” Sarah replied.
“Nerd.” Will said.
“Don’t say things like that about your sister, Will.” Sarah said.
“But she is, just staring at that leather book like that. It’s weird.” Will said.
Today I am delighted to be sharing with you everything you need to know about ‘Golden Healer, ‘ the newly-published Book 2 in MJ Mallon’s ‘The Curse of Time’ series. Author Marje Mallon is a member of my authors’ community; I had the pleasure of meeting her at a Bloggers Bash event in London, and over the past few years she has been a great support to me, along with fellow authors and bloggers. I’ve read and reviewed other books she has written, along with the first book in this series, which I found fascinating. I look forward to reading ‘Golden Healer’ soon and putting my review on Amazon. The series is now out with Next Chapter Publishing and I love the covers of both books. Reading Marje’s YA stories, I must say I can see Tim Burton directing the film of the books! Her kaleidoscope of imaginative, quirky ideas with a dark element captivated me. You will see what I mean when you read the blurbs.
Dedicated to the one and only rollercoaster that I ever rode. It was in Portugal, and I was on holiday with my young family. I’ll never forget that day, I overcame my fears and rode a rollercoaster with the encouragement of my much-loved family, my husband, David, and daughters Natasha and Georgina. So, it’s time to ride another rollercoaster… I hope you will come along with me for this crazy ride! Let’s meet our fears together…
Blurb – Golden Healer
Golden Healer is The 2nd in The YA Paranormal Adventure Series – The Curse of Time.
I didn’t think my life could get any weirder, until the dreaded rollercoaster…
Amelina Scott’s destiny is to be a Krystallos: a magician of light, chosen to learn the ways of crystal magic on her 16th birthday. Located on a river pathway in a mysterious part of Cambridge, the Crystal Cottage is guarded by mythical beings.
Unfortunately, there are those who seek to harm this haven of light. Learning of Ryder – a Shadow Sorcerer with hypnotic powers – Amelina discovers that her own magic is now threatened, and that the Curse of Time might be unleashed again.
As secrets abound and the creatures of the Chronophage come alive, can Amelina become the true magician she needs to be?
A unique, imaginative mystery full of magic-wielding and dark elements, Bloodstone is a riveting adventure for anyone interested in fantasy, mythology or the world of the paranormal. NOTE: this book contains mention of self-harm, mental health issues and alludes to the potential dangers of sexual attraction, which may trigger younger/sensitive readers.
The two books in MJ Mallon’s ‘Curse of Time’ YA fiction series
I didn’t think my life could get weirder, but I was wrong…
Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who is imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house.
When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden path where she encounters Ryder: a charismatic, perplexing stranger.
With the help of a magical paint set and some crystal wizard stones, can Amelina discover the truth about her family?
A unique, imaginative mystery full of magic-wielding and dark elements, Bloodstone is a riveting adventure for anyone interested in fantasy, mythology or the world of the paranormal.
TRIGGER WARNING: this book contains mention of self-harm, mental health issues and alludes to the potential dangers of sexual attraction, which may trigger younger/sensitive readers.
Awards:
The First book in the series Bloodstone has received many fantastic reviews and a finalist book award recently from Amazon influencer N. N. Light, receiving a review rating of 5+ stars. Yes, she loved it a lot!
N. N. Light’s review – Bloodstone:
A magical invitation, that doesn’t tear up, urges Amelina to go to Crystal Cottage to seek out the hidden secrets of her family. Amelina Scott knows her family isn’t what you call normal and neither is her house. No one she knows has a girl trapped in the mirrors. When she receives an invitation to visit Crystal Cottage, she doesn’t know what to make of it. Is it a prank? Is it a trick? She decides to ignore it and throws it in the trash. Only it doesn’t stay in the bin. She tries to cut it up but it doesn’t cut. It sings, it dances, it is somehow alive. She finally decides to travel to the Crystal Cottage to see what happens. Along the way, she meets Ryder and discovers magic (both light and dark) is all around. She interacts with magical people, beings, and objects while learning the truth of her family. What happens next will astound you, the reader. Are you ready for an adventure?
Bloodstone is an imaginative fantasy adventure I enjoyed from start to finish. From the first page, I connected with Amelina. She’s a delightful heroine. I could relate to her on so many levels. Everything from her curiosity to her reactions to her emotional state rang true. While it’s tricky these days to write an original fantasy story, M.J. Mallon wrote one of the most original fantasy books I’ve read in a long time. Taking bits from fantasy authors of the past, M.J. Mallon adds her own blend of magical realism and emotional coming of age to make Bloodstone a gem. The plot moves at a good pace with each chapter starting with a puzzle. What a creative way to keep the reader invested. The world-building is intricate and riveting. The characters are engaging and easy to connect with. Overall, Bloodstone is a brilliant story and when I finished, I wanted to read it all over again. If you’re a fantasy reader, you need to read Bloodstone. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it. My thoughts are all my own.
And the 2nd book Golden Healer mentions a popular old haunt of Cambridge which has since closed down – Clowns Cafe.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My alter ego is MJ – Mary Jane from Spiderman. I love superheros!
M J Mallon was born in Lion city Singapore, a passionate Scorpio with the Chinese Zodiac sign of a lucky rabbit. She spent her early childhood in Hong Kong. During her teen years, she returned to her father’s childhood home, Edinburgh where she spent many happy years, entertained and enthralled by her parents’ vivid stories of living and working abroad. Perhaps it was during these formative years that her love of storytelling began bolstered by these two vivid raconteurs. She counts herself lucky to have travelled to many far-flung destinations and this early wanderlust has fuelled her present desire to emigrate abroad. Until that wondrous moment, it’s rumoured that she lives in the UK, in the Venice of Cambridge with her six-foot hunk of a rock god husband. Her two enchanting daughters have flown the nest but often return with a cheery smile.
Her motto is to Do what Your Heart Desires.
And her favourite genre to write is fantasy/magical realism because life should always be sprinkled with a liberal dash of extraordinarily imaginative magic!
Accolades: M J is a finalist in the Fantasy category of N. N. Light’s Book Award for her novel Bloodstone and a finalist in the International author. She has also contributed best-selling short stories to Dan Alatorre’s Box Under The Bed anthologies.
Today I share with you this reblog of a post by artist Adam Tucker. I follow Adam on Instagram and love his art: I have prints of four of his paintings in my house. Every year, when Warwickshire Open Studios is held, Adam is one of the artists I visit. This year I have just joined Warwickshire Open Studios myself, and hope to exhibit some of my paintings at their Summer Art Weeks. ( see ‘My Artwork’ on the menu).
In this post, Adam writes about painting clouds – and that’s something I’d like to become better at myself so I shall study this post carefully!
Most of us, I am sure, have at some point or another looked up at the clouds and imagined the animals we can see in their shapes. This has got a name. It’s called pareidolia. Can you see the two cats fighting below? Or is that just me?
I don’t know about you, but I very rarely look up nowadays, and even notice the clouds. They’re just there. Oh of course I notice them if they’re doing something strange or out of the ordinary, like being lit by a wonderful sunset. But whole days can go by and I don’t even look up at all.
And that is a great shame. The clouds are awesome! I remember early experiences of flying above the clouds and seeing their amazing castle-like shapes rising beneath the airplane. I used to imagine that that was what Heaven was like. I actually Heaven is nothing…
Today I’m delighted to be able to share with you the Cover Reveal for my new non-fiction book, which will be published on 15 April 2022 by Amberley Publishing.
Full cover of Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire by SC Skillman, pub 15 April 2022 by Amberley Publishing
On the front cover, from top left, you will see a statue of Warwick’s hero Guy of Warwick; the Bear and Ragged Staff insignia, whose origins go back to the Norman earls of Warwick; and a view of the courtyard at Warwick Castle, taken from the top of Guy’s Tower. On the bottom row, from left, you will see the Percival Guildhouse in Rugby, the former home of Matthew Bloxam who rediscovered a Roman town on Watling Street, over a thousand years after it had disappeared from history; a picture of Plum Jerkum, Warwick’s own Border Morris side who tour Warwickshire villages to celebrate the Wassail and numerous other traditional ceremonies; and a view of the Judges House and Old Shire Hall, Warwick, very close to the site of the former town gallows and gaolhouse, formerly the scene of many macabre and curious ancient customs.
On the back cover you will see a photo of the gothic tower of St Mary’s Church, Warwick, a church rich in history, founded nearly 900 years ago. This photo was also taken from the top of Guy’s Tower at Warwick Castle.
Compton Verney in Warwickshire is one of my favourite places; an elegant Georgian house set in a glorious landscape. A visit here and a walk through the Capability Brown parklands always gives me a feeling of bliss and tranquility.
Compton Verney, Warwickshire: house seen from across the lake, with a floating Castaway Christmas tree, December 2021
Capability Brown knew what he was up to when he rode through the grounds of these English stately homes in his carriage, framing numerous views on his journey, and visualising the hills sweeping round a peaceful lake as if enfolding the viewer in a gentle embrace.
Views of Compton Verney, Warwickshire: parkland and art gallery, showing the floating Castaway Christmas tree in the lake, and the trees of light in the entrance hall, December 2021Please do subscribe to the SC Skillman mailing list here
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