Hilary Mantel’s success in winning the Man Booker Prize for her novel “Bring Up the Bodies” has provoked many varying opinions of her work. For my part, I look forward to reading this second book in her Tudor Trilogy. The other day I had a conversation with a keen reader who said, “I don’t likeContinue reading “Historical Novels versus History Books, and Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall: The Power To Make You Feel You’re An Insider in the World of Henry VIII”
Category Archives: Authors I love
The Big Bad Wolf, the Human Capacity to Deceive, and the Case of Jimmy Savile
In recent weeks many of us have been shocked by the case of Jimmy Savile and the BBC, and wondered how someone who did so much good in the world could turn out to have such a dark side. The case of Jimmy Savile should make us all look with new eyes at the cultContinue reading “The Big Bad Wolf, the Human Capacity to Deceive, and the Case of Jimmy Savile”
Childhood Imaginary Worlds
When I was a little girl, my friend Alison and I created imaginary worlds. One of these was the land we named “Coneland”. We wrote stories about the royal family of this land; at the bottom righthand corner of the map is the palace and the royal park, situated of course in the capital city,Continue reading “Childhood Imaginary Worlds”
People of Inspiration Part 4 – Rob Parsons, Gifted Communicator Who Inspires, Moves and Warns
“You don’t have to have everything together to make a difference to people’s lives. You just have to share your brokenness.” So says Rob Parsons, author, public speaker, and founder of the charity Care For the Family. “Most people don’t want answers,” says Rob. “They can find their own answers. They just want to knowContinue reading “People of Inspiration Part 4 – Rob Parsons, Gifted Communicator Who Inspires, Moves and Warns”
A World of Wonders at Leavesden Studios
On a recent visit to the Harry Potter tour at the Warner Brothers Studios in Leavesden, I was moved. Not simply by the moment when I and my two children first stepped into the Hogwarts Great Hall, or by the moment when I first came upon the model of Hogwarts Castle, or when I firstContinue reading “A World of Wonders at Leavesden Studios”
Promises of Freedom and a World That Refuses To Be Healed
I’m off on holiday for a week. While I’m taking a break from my laptop my blog will be quiet. However there’s a post or two in the pipeline for when I get back – but you can expect a delayed response to any comments etc. Meanwhile, though, consider this thought from an excellent bookContinue reading “Promises of Freedom and a World That Refuses To Be Healed”
“Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 4 – Cottingley Fairy Photographs and Esoteric Teachings
I want to be a very serene loving being in tune with the universe. So said a fellow-member of my study group at The Theosophical Society, at 50 Gloucester Place, London W1. She spoke those words in answer to a question from my next inspirational figure. He had asked, “Why are you here? What doContinue reading ““Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 4 – Cottingley Fairy Photographs and Esoteric Teachings”
“Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 3 – Sir Laurens Van Der Post, Explorer of the Spirit
We shall not cease from exploration wrote TS Eliot in his poem “Little Gidding”. And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. These words seem very appropriate for author and explorer Sir Laurens Van Der Post (1906-1996), whom I first cameContinue reading ““Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 3 – Sir Laurens Van Der Post, Explorer of the Spirit”
“Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 1: Stirred By A Scientist to Share a Childhood Religious Experience
What’s the difference between nature or music appreciation… and a mystical experience? When does “being moved by something beautiful” become a religious experience? Surely the criterion for a mystical experience is that it changes your life? In my case, it did. My early childhood mystical experiences ultimately led me on a spiritual journey of manyContinue reading ““Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 1: Stirred By A Scientist to Share a Childhood Religious Experience”
“Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 2 – The Curious Case of the Kindly Professor and the Cunning Cult Leader
This sounds like a case for Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson, doesn’t it? The kindly professor in question is: Dr Raynor Johnson, Physicist, and Master of Queen’s University Melbourne – scientist turned spiritual seeker. And the cunning cult leader is: Anne Hamilton-Byrne,a “self-appointed mystic” who led a cult proclaiming herself to be a reincarnationContinue reading ““Mystical Experiences and Glimpses of Eternity” Mini Series Part 2 – The Curious Case of the Kindly Professor and the Cunning Cult Leader”
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