Margaret Lynette Sharp's Blog, page 16
April 2, 2012
Review: The Essence of Life and Love in Australia
The Essence of Life and Love in Australia by Margaret Lynette SharpMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
As the author, I can only say that I enjoy reading this book. It's very easy to comprehend; the stories are diverse; and many are real page-turners.
Readers have told me they like the book. One told me it was 'funny'; and I guess some of the tales actually are, since they're written in a very light, teasing manner. Others, however, are quite serious; and, by necessity, the style of writing changes.
All in all, an attractive volume, written with Australian life in mind.
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March 30, 2012
Review: Mary Poppins Comes Back
The second in the series, 'Mary Poppins Comes Back' weaves the special magic created by the brilliantly inventive Australian female writer P.L.Travers.
Although first published in the mid 1930's, it's stood the test of time, partly due to its language use, partly due to its timeless appeal to our imagination, and partly due to the cinematic and stage revival of Mary Poppins as an iconic figure.
As in other volumes, Mary Poppins arrives (and leaves) in magical circumstances; and, as always, the intervening period is full of magical happenings denied as reality by Mary Poppins herself.
My favourite story from this book concerns the unwanted arrival of Mister Banks' childhood Governess, Miss Euphemia Andrew, who proves herself to be every bit the 'Holy Terror' whom he had earlier described. This provides Mary Poppins with an ideal opportunity to display not only her abundance of bravery, but also her kindness and sense of decency by releasing the lark that the formidable, terrifying Miss Andrew had herself trapped and caged for the preceding two years. Justice is served when Miss Andrew finds herself captured in the tiny cage, and carried off by the lark. On her return, she is forced to humble herself to Mary Poppins, and leaves the family to rejoice at her exit.
Despite her sternness and conceit, Mary Poppins remains an endearing character, a 'treasure', to the Banks' family, and the household always sorely laments her departure.
Some people seem to think that the first volume, 'Mary Poppins', is superior: nevertheless 'Mary Poppins Comes Back' is, and remains a remarkable children's classic.
Copyright ©
Although first published in the mid 1930's, it's stood the test of time, partly due to its language use, partly due to its timeless appeal to our imagination, and partly due to the cinematic and stage revival of Mary Poppins as an iconic figure.
As in other volumes, Mary Poppins arrives (and leaves) in magical circumstances; and, as always, the intervening period is full of magical happenings denied as reality by Mary Poppins herself.
My favourite story from this book concerns the unwanted arrival of Mister Banks' childhood Governess, Miss Euphemia Andrew, who proves herself to be every bit the 'Holy Terror' whom he had earlier described. This provides Mary Poppins with an ideal opportunity to display not only her abundance of bravery, but also her kindness and sense of decency by releasing the lark that the formidable, terrifying Miss Andrew had herself trapped and caged for the preceding two years. Justice is served when Miss Andrew finds herself captured in the tiny cage, and carried off by the lark. On her return, she is forced to humble herself to Mary Poppins, and leaves the family to rejoice at her exit.
Despite her sternness and conceit, Mary Poppins remains an endearing character, a 'treasure', to the Banks' family, and the household always sorely laments her departure.
Some people seem to think that the first volume, 'Mary Poppins', is superior: nevertheless 'Mary Poppins Comes Back' is, and remains a remarkable children's classic.
Copyright ©
March 27, 2012
Review: 60 Questions, Insights and Reminiscences
60 Questions, Insights and Reminiscences by Margaret Lynette SharpMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Many months have passed since I'd finished this book, so when I picked it up today, I saw it with fresh eyes. And frankly, I liked what I saw.
'60 Questions, Insights and Reminiscences' is divided into six parts, each dealing with questions about life through the perspective of a female baby-boomer.
Some of the topics from 'What's Good About?' include losing, pride, snobbery, prejudice, rejection, hoarding and boredom. The answers proposed mix home-spun wisdom with humour, and are written in an entertaining, easy to comprehend style.
On the other hand, 'Can you Remember?' delves into quite different topics; topics which invite pleasant, even touching, trips back to our early lives.
This volume has been highly praised by some, middle aged, readers; yet others see it as being simplistic, and better suited to teenagers and young adults as a springboard for discussion. Many have expressed their appreciation of the style of writing.
If you're looking for a quick to read, well-expressed volume of short articles about life's questions, then I heartily recommend you consider '60 Questions, Insights and Reminiscences'.
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March 25, 2012
Review: Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice by Jane AustenMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I guess everyone knows the story of Miss Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy, perhaps due to the popular mini-series, yet the actual book adds even greater perspective.
Jane Austen's masterpiece is a highly readable and enthralling volume of easily manageable length. Naturally, the English expression may sound very elaborate to modern readers, but for my money, this is an integral part of the work's charm.
One of the virtues of reading the book is that details unknown through the screen adaptation can be brought out. The age of Charlotte Lucas, for example, is revealed as a reason for her acceptance of Mr Collins' proposal, and all in all, we get to know the characters in greater depth.
If you choose to read only one classic English novel in your life, I strongly urge you to make it 'Pride and Prejudice.'
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March 19, 2012
Review: Mary Poppins Opens the Door
Mary Poppins Opens the Door by P.L. TraversMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Life without Mary Poppins has taken its toll on the Banks family, especially the children, and when she returns (in her usual spectacular fashion) and measures her charges with her unique tape-measure,she finds their temperaments have sadly deteriorated.
Once under her magical influence, all is well, and together they undertake visits which become extraordinary, filled with marvelous meetings and attractions. But sadly, she ultimately leaves again, in typically mysterious circumstances.
As usual, this Australian author has created a true classic that doubtless will remain evergreen.
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March 18, 2012
Review: A Taste of Life and Love in Australia
This is my favourite volume in the series, since it contains a diverse selection of engaging, human, short stories. Written to be enjoyed by young and older adults, it sheds light on various aspects of human nature and relationships.
Not all the stories end happily, but alas! this is so in real life. Nevertheless, as one reader told me, the stories contain a 'golden thread' of hope, and in many cases, the tales produce a deeper emotional response than their brevity would likely suggest.
Like all Margaret Lynette Sharp's published books, this is edited by her husband, the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ creator, Ronald Sharp.
A good read for those aged from nineteen to ninety-nine, I believe.
Not all the stories end happily, but alas! this is so in real life. Nevertheless, as one reader told me, the stories contain a 'golden thread' of hope, and in many cases, the tales produce a deeper emotional response than their brevity would likely suggest.
Like all Margaret Lynette Sharp's published books, this is edited by her husband, the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ creator, Ronald Sharp.
A good read for those aged from nineteen to ninety-nine, I believe.
