Margaret Lynette Sharp's Blog, page 15
May 30, 2012
Review: All Creatures Great and Small
All Creatures Great and Small by James HerriotMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Without doubt, James Herriot ranks at or near the top of my list of favourite authors. Be they funny, sad, or just plain interesting, James Herriot tells each tale with warmth.
One of the keys to his success lies in the characters he portrays, whether they be human or animal. Who can forget Mrs Pumphrey, an eccentric and highly likeable,wealthy older woman, and Tricki Woo, her adored, idolised Pekinese?
Seemingly without effort,in this volume James Herriot manages to evoke the life and times of those living in the pre-war Yorkshire Dales.
A wonderful, timeless collection, and well worth re-reading.
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May 27, 2012
My husband: a genius.
It's official: I share my life with a genius.
In saying this, I suppose you can accuse me of trumpet-blowing. Nonetheless, I'll continue.
When my eyes fell on the large-text sub-heading in The Sydney Morning Herald last Thursday, that re-iterated this announcement, a mixture of emotions overtook me. Pride and respect figured prominently; because I'm only human. I'm more than happy to be the wife of such a man; Ron, my husband.
It seems not so well recognized; the mind-boggling fact that Ron is, in fact, self taught. To me at least, it's almost incomprehensible that the Grand Organ in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall could be created by someone without formal qualifications; someone who had read up on Organ Building in the Mitchell Library, and set to work making these instruments. Ultimately, he was chosen to bring the magnificent idea of this huge Grand Organ into fruition. But it's true!
But then, this isn't the end of Ron's amazing abilities. Who else could design and make his own glider, at home, again without formal qualifications? And, in due course, get into it and fly like an eagle for two hours, a mile above the ground.
And so, with all this in mind, I'm more than honoured that he has encouraged my writing in no small way; even editing the volumes and creating the covers. Aren't I lucky?
Copyright ©
In saying this, I suppose you can accuse me of trumpet-blowing. Nonetheless, I'll continue.
When my eyes fell on the large-text sub-heading in The Sydney Morning Herald last Thursday, that re-iterated this announcement, a mixture of emotions overtook me. Pride and respect figured prominently; because I'm only human. I'm more than happy to be the wife of such a man; Ron, my husband.
It seems not so well recognized; the mind-boggling fact that Ron is, in fact, self taught. To me at least, it's almost incomprehensible that the Grand Organ in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall could be created by someone without formal qualifications; someone who had read up on Organ Building in the Mitchell Library, and set to work making these instruments. Ultimately, he was chosen to bring the magnificent idea of this huge Grand Organ into fruition. But it's true!
But then, this isn't the end of Ron's amazing abilities. Who else could design and make his own glider, at home, again without formal qualifications? And, in due course, get into it and fly like an eagle for two hours, a mile above the ground.
And so, with all this in mind, I'm more than honoured that he has encouraged my writing in no small way; even editing the volumes and creating the covers. Aren't I lucky?
Copyright ©
May 26, 2012
Long and Short Australian Stories
One of the joys of being an author, I've found, is the Opening Ceremony. By that I mean, opening the first box of your latest title.
I had that joy yesterday, when we unpacked the small box that the postman left, still in its white outer sack, like that of my childhood Santa.
And there it was, our latest baby, en masse! I smiled with relief at the cover, which had been altered since we last saw the physical proof. It looked just right!
The first of this batch has found its new home, with a loyal supporter who has bought and paid for every volume. How's that for enthusiasm?
Well, at least she can boast(?) that she's the got the only copy in the world, outside ours!!
Long and Short Australian Stories
I had that joy yesterday, when we unpacked the small box that the postman left, still in its white outer sack, like that of my childhood Santa.
And there it was, our latest baby, en masse! I smiled with relief at the cover, which had been altered since we last saw the physical proof. It looked just right!
The first of this batch has found its new home, with a loyal supporter who has bought and paid for every volume. How's that for enthusiasm?
Well, at least she can boast(?) that she's the got the only copy in the world, outside ours!!
Long and Short Australian Stories
May 9, 2012
Thoughts on 'The Essence of Life and Love in Australia'.
There was a time when I considered 'The Essence...' to be less appealing to readers than is my favourite, 'A Taste...'
Recent events have forced me into a re-think.
Early last week, one of my most loyal readers chose two of my books as gifts for an overseas friend: a friend who is also a writer of Short Stories. Point is, she chose my first, '25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia', and 'The Essence of Life and Love in Australia', apparently preferring these to my most prized baby.
As if that wasn't enough, a few days later, two other readers, one a man in his thirties, the other his mother, also told me how much they loved 'The Essence....'. More, the mother reserved a copy of my latest collection, 'Long and Short Australian Stories', apparently on the strength of her liking for my 'ugly duckling'.
All that prompted me to re-read 'the Essence...', and yes, I started to see virtues in it that had previously escaped my notice.
I guess we all change as time goes by, and so, in the preceding months since I'd last read it, 'The Essence...' struck me afresh as an enjoyable read.The Essence of Life and Love in Australia, A Taste of Life and Love in Australia, Long and Short Australian Stories, 25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia
Recent events have forced me into a re-think.
Early last week, one of my most loyal readers chose two of my books as gifts for an overseas friend: a friend who is also a writer of Short Stories. Point is, she chose my first, '25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia', and 'The Essence of Life and Love in Australia', apparently preferring these to my most prized baby.
As if that wasn't enough, a few days later, two other readers, one a man in his thirties, the other his mother, also told me how much they loved 'The Essence....'. More, the mother reserved a copy of my latest collection, 'Long and Short Australian Stories', apparently on the strength of her liking for my 'ugly duckling'.
All that prompted me to re-read 'the Essence...', and yes, I started to see virtues in it that had previously escaped my notice.
I guess we all change as time goes by, and so, in the preceding months since I'd last read it, 'The Essence...' struck me afresh as an enjoyable read.The Essence of Life and Love in Australia, A Taste of Life and Love in Australia, Long and Short Australian Stories, 25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia
May 8, 2012
More about 'A Taste of Life and Love in Australia'
I suppose it's natural for an author to give some thought to a book that has just been reviewed. Even more so , if it's the first review that they, as author, have ever had.
And so, like a parent surveying a favourite child's report card, it gave me immense pleasure to see Jenny Schwartz' opinion.
The fact that she gave the book five stars was the icing on the cake, sitting there, glorious. Her appreciation of 'A Taste...'s gentleness and characteristic Australian speech showed her perception of its style.
In hindsight, I'm tempted to say that this book is more than a collection of Short Stories set in Australia. In its own way, it's a snapshot of Australian scenes and scenarios, held in cohesion by the link between the first and last story.
Given this book's current very limited circulation, I can confidently predict that, unless you're Jenny Schwartz, you haven't read it. Perhaps, just perhaps, you should check out the first few pages, and see if, like Jenny, you enjoy the distinctive flavour of 'A Taste of Life and Love in Australia'.
And so, like a parent surveying a favourite child's report card, it gave me immense pleasure to see Jenny Schwartz' opinion.
The fact that she gave the book five stars was the icing on the cake, sitting there, glorious. Her appreciation of 'A Taste...'s gentleness and characteristic Australian speech showed her perception of its style.
In hindsight, I'm tempted to say that this book is more than a collection of Short Stories set in Australia. In its own way, it's a snapshot of Australian scenes and scenarios, held in cohesion by the link between the first and last story.
Given this book's current very limited circulation, I can confidently predict that, unless you're Jenny Schwartz, you haven't read it. Perhaps, just perhaps, you should check out the first few pages, and see if, like Jenny, you enjoy the distinctive flavour of 'A Taste of Life and Love in Australia'.
April 24, 2012
Review: Little Women
Little Women by Louisa May AlcottMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first and most well known of the series, 'Little Women' is an engaging story of the March family, and particularly their girls Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy.
The strongest character, Jo, is a very close friend of Laurie, the grandson of a wealthy gentleman who eventually befriends the delicate, musical Beth. This results in a very happy course of events, which brighten their lives, until worrying health issues take over.
This book is full of charm, love, and romance, and its popularity is well deserved.
I hope that today's generation gives this delightful book the credit it richly deserves.
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Review: The Crucible by Arthur Miller
The Crucible by Arthur MillerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you're looking for a quick, light read, then this is definitely not for you.
Arthur Miller's masterpiece, The Crucible, is not for the fainthearted. It's a compelling, insightful story of strong characters in difficult, even horrifying, circumstances. It's the kind of tale that stays with you for months, even years due to a combination of story-line, characterization, and excellent writing.
Yes, it isn't for everyone, but those with the nerve to read thought-provoking literature are in for a profound experience.
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April 19, 2012
Review: 25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia
25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia by Margaret Lynette SharpMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book: my initiation into a new way of life.
What's good about it? Well, the diversity of themes is a strong point, as is its entertainment value. Many readers have told me how much they liked this book, and followed this up by getting extra copies for friends.
Some stories are quite absorbing and dramatic; others, light, comical tales. Plenty of romantic threads, handled tastefully enough to make them suitable for (almost) any age group.
Some favourite titles within this collection are 'Family Values', 'The Virgin Dancer', 'A Question of Trust', and 'New Digs'.
I've received praise from groups as diverse as medical professionals to retirees, and many people have observed that it's well written.
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Review: Long and Short Australian Stories
Long and Short Australian Stories by Margaret Lynette SharpMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a new collection of Short Stories set in contemporary Australia, written by Margaret Lynette Sharp, and edited by her husband Ronald Sharp B.E.M., the Sydney Opera House Organ creator.
It differs from the earlier 'Life and Love in Australia' series of four distinct titles in a couple of ways.
In this volume, the first and last stories are relatively lengthy and unrelated to each other: the latter characteristic being a signature of the previous Short Story books. Overall,this time there is probably a greater emphasis on themes of a more serious nature.
The setting out differs, too, with the paragraphs easily demarcated, making comprehension that little bit easier, I believe.
With themes including rebellion,infidelity, and determination to succeed, the characters are mainly, but not exclusively, young. Love and romance is, naturally, involved.
Favourite tales include 'Run While You're Young', 'To Break the Mould','The Music Goes On', and 'The Reaping'.
The writing flows well, encouraging page-turning, and the tales are realistic.
If you're after a book that's attractively presented and easy to comprehend, and particularly if you like to support Australian woman writers, then I recommend you consider this latest volume.
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April 15, 2012
Review: 25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia
25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia by Margaret Lynette SharpMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book: my initiation into a new way of life.
What's good about it? Well, the diversity of themes is a strong point, as is its entertainment value. Many readers have told me how much they liked this book, and followed this up by getting extra copies for friends.
Some stories are quite absorbing and dramatic; others, light, comical tales. Plenty of romantic threads, handled tastefully enough to make them suitable for (almost) any age group.
I've received praise from groups as diverse as medical professionals to retirees, and many people have observed that it's well written.
View all my reviews
