Uvi Poznansky's Blog, page 152
November 25, 2015
He can hear me inside
“What matters is only what’s here. I touch my skin right under my breasts, which is where the little one’s curled, and where he kicks, ‘cause he has to. Like, he don’t feel so cosy no more. Here, can you feel it? I reckon he wants me to talk to him. He can hear me inside, for sure. He can hear every note of this silvery music.
It ripples all around him, wave after wave. I can tell that it’s starting to sooth him. It’s so full of joy, of delight, even if to him, it’s coming across somewhat muffled. Like a dream in a dream, it’s floating inside, into his soft, tender ear.
I close my eyes and hold myself, wrapping my arms real soft—around me around him—and I rock ever so gently, back and forth, back and forth, with every note of this silvery marvel. You can barely hear me—but here I am, singing along. I’m whispering words into myself, into him.”
Anita in Apart From Love.
Take a listen to my beautiful narrator, Heather Jane Hogan:
If your browser wouldn't play it, try this
What she is envisioning is motherhood, which is the subject of my scuplture by the same name. It is hard to imagine this is actually bronze, because the patina is made to look like marble. I polished the piece until it became completely smooth to the touch, as if nature--by gusts of wind and the flow of water--has buffed this rock over time, the way pebbles come to be.
But in the back, I 'carved' into the piece, so as to make it look as if it has broken. This makes for an interesting balance, as if you try to make a rock stand on edge. But more importantly, it is symbolic, for self-sacrifice is the nature of motherhood.
★ Love reading? Get this series ★Still Life with Memories
Volume I & II, woven together: Apart from LoveEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ SmashwordsPaperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume I: My Own VoiceEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume II: The White PianoEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ SmashwordsPaperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume III: The Music of UsEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ SmashwordsPaperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook coming soon...
“Liberally salted with buttery smooth prose & fascinating insights”
November 24, 2015
I bent over her, over the reflection of the skyline of New York
On their first date, Lenny visits Natasha in her home, and when her Mama finally lets them a moment alone, he asks Natasha to play something for him.
The first notes came softly, tugging at my heart. They brought back long-forgotten Yiddish words, in the voice of my mother. “Bei mir bist du shein,” she sang to me. “Bei mir host du chein... Bei mir bist du alles oif di velt.”Natasha closed her eyes, surrendering herself to the music. She started swaying slightly as she played and from time to time, tipped her head backwards, letting it wash over her face, her lips. Fascinated I found myself drawing nearer. By the rosy blush that spread up her cheeks I knew that she could sense my closeness. In her soft, velvety voice, she started singing, “To me you are beautiful, to me you have grace, to me you are everything in the world.”From the direction of the kitchen, her Ma chimed in, singing, “I've tried to explain, bei mir bist du schoen.”And in a sudden elation I hummed under my breath, “So kiss me, and say that you will understand.”
With the last notes still hovering in midair, she swung her knees around the piano bench and lifted her face to me. I raised her to her feet and gathered her to my heart. Then, as she wrapped her arms around my shoulders, I felt the heat awakening from within, rising recklessly in both of us.
Drawing me to her, Natasha leaned backwards over the piano. To the last vibrations dying in its belly I bent over her, over the reflection of the skyline of New York, which rippled in reverse across the polished, black surface around us, and I kissed her.
Lenny in The Music of Us
[narrated by Don Warrick]
"Uvi touches us with a tenderness that unites her skill as a writer with her gifts as a visual artist and once swept into her fictional account of the 'us' of this book the story will long be remembered." - Grady Harp, Hall of Fame Reviewer
★ Love reading? Get this series ★
Still Life with Memories
Volume I & II, woven together: Apart from LoveEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume I: My Own VoiceEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume II: The White PianoEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ SmashwordsPaperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume III: The Music of UsEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&Noble
Audiobook coming soon...
November 23, 2015
Enter a poets world to fill the senses
What a beautiful review by Valerie for my historical fiction novel A Peek at Bathsheba:
5.0 out of 5 stars Enter a poets world to fill the sensesByValerieon November 22, 2015Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Another breathtaking journey into the life of King David. Once again, Ms. Pozanski has given us a glimpse onto the life and times of this inscrutable near myth, turning him into a real man. Her language is his language making his thoughts, his desires, his ambitions vividly alive, beckoning us into his world from the onset..."A long time ago I used to think that my youth was to blame for failing to understand my wives. No longer can I use that excuse, because I know all too well, there is no youth in me anymore. Which leaves me as baffled as ever, especially when it comes to the one woman I adore: Bathsheba." And just like that we are swept into his world.
And though the book revolves around his love for Bathsheba, it is so much more, fraught with wondrous and sumptuous language..."The hours swell into a day, and the day drains into night, during which the shadow dissolves." He speaks of the familiar scent of soil, the intoxicating smell of jasmine blooming in the air, and the gleam of the setting sun as it runs down the curve of his steed's neck.
But my favorite parts are when he wonders about death, and
what will happen to his dreams when he is gone? "Will they fizz out, too? . . . What will last, when I am swallowed by the void? Who will be left to imagine her, rising from the foam?"
When he engages in repartee with his advisors, especially the religious ones, and when he questions Abiathar regarding a military prophecy, I was in stitches... "Circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees.” said Abiathar, "Really? God mentioned poplar trees?” asked David. “He did,” said Abiathar..." the whole conversation between them is almost as it would have been lifted from my own brain, as David continues to wonder at the precise instructions, but hesitates to ask, “Really?” again, because "The last thing I wished to do was clash with an extremely devout person." I know that the last thing I WANT TO DO IS ARGUE WITH AN EXTREMELY DEVOUT PERSON!
I love when he wonders at how a woman, " is likened, in our culture, to an ox or donkey." Then declares, "If I were a woman, which— thank God!— I am not, I would riot in the streets over this."
And how, "As a poet I play with flowery expressions. As a politician I arm myself with them to achieve my goals." He also likes to use poetic language to skew and manipulate the truth just a bit, especially when dealing with his wives. It makes him so much more real.
I could go on and on, but I won't because you must experience this for yourself, bathe yourself in this exotic world and take A Peek at Bathsheba.
I also have the audible version which I most highly recommend. Justin Harmer's voice is like molten chocolate, lending a rich and evocative tone to Ms Pozanski's gorgeous prose.
MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
5.0 out of 5 stars Enter a poets world to fill the sensesByValerieon November 22, 2015Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Another breathtaking journey into the life of King David. Once again, Ms. Pozanski has given us a glimpse onto the life and times of this inscrutable near myth, turning him into a real man. Her language is his language making his thoughts, his desires, his ambitions vividly alive, beckoning us into his world from the onset..."A long time ago I used to think that my youth was to blame for failing to understand my wives. No longer can I use that excuse, because I know all too well, there is no youth in me anymore. Which leaves me as baffled as ever, especially when it comes to the one woman I adore: Bathsheba." And just like that we are swept into his world.And though the book revolves around his love for Bathsheba, it is so much more, fraught with wondrous and sumptuous language..."The hours swell into a day, and the day drains into night, during which the shadow dissolves." He speaks of the familiar scent of soil, the intoxicating smell of jasmine blooming in the air, and the gleam of the setting sun as it runs down the curve of his steed's neck.
But my favorite parts are when he wonders about death, and
what will happen to his dreams when he is gone? "Will they fizz out, too? . . . What will last, when I am swallowed by the void? Who will be left to imagine her, rising from the foam?"
When he engages in repartee with his advisors, especially the religious ones, and when he questions Abiathar regarding a military prophecy, I was in stitches... "Circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees.” said Abiathar, "Really? God mentioned poplar trees?” asked David. “He did,” said Abiathar..." the whole conversation between them is almost as it would have been lifted from my own brain, as David continues to wonder at the precise instructions, but hesitates to ask, “Really?” again, because "The last thing I wished to do was clash with an extremely devout person." I know that the last thing I WANT TO DO IS ARGUE WITH AN EXTREMELY DEVOUT PERSON!
I love when he wonders at how a woman, " is likened, in our culture, to an ox or donkey." Then declares, "If I were a woman, which— thank God!— I am not, I would riot in the streets over this."
And how, "As a poet I play with flowery expressions. As a politician I arm myself with them to achieve my goals." He also likes to use poetic language to skew and manipulate the truth just a bit, especially when dealing with his wives. It makes him so much more real.
I could go on and on, but I won't because you must experience this for yourself, bathe yourself in this exotic world and take A Peek at Bathsheba.
I also have the audible version which I most highly recommend. Justin Harmer's voice is like molten chocolate, lending a rich and evocative tone to Ms Pozanski's gorgeous prose.
MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
I'm in such a lowdown groove
“Not sure you can drive it?” said Uncle Shmeel. “Just try, what’s the worse that can happen?”An answer wasn’t expected, so I did not waste time looking for one. Instead I asked, “Are you sure?”“Sure I’m sure!”“Can you afford it?” “No,” he said, “but how could I say no to such a fine vehicle? I got it as a birthday gift. Pearl is grateful, so grateful to me for letting her cling to the hope that she can change me, despite all evidence to the contrary. She knows how to treat someone like me, someone who appreciates the more elegant things in life.”“You,” I said, “are a lucky man.” To which he shrugged. “She’s a patient woman.” Out of his pocket came the car keys, jingling. “Here,” he said. “You’re going to have great fun driving her. She’s such a beauty!”“You mean, Pearl?”“No! The car.”“That,” I said, “was my second guess.”“She’s sitting there idly,” he said, pointing farther ahead, across the intersection. “There in the driveway, see? And she’s doing nothing but trying to tempt me morning, noon, and night to take her out for a spin, which is the first thing I’ll do as soon as I get my driving license.”“What’s stopping you?”“I keep failing the damn test.”We turned the corner and there she was, looking quite substantial in her wide, matronly body, radiating heat in the mid-morning sun. She was graced by the ample roundness of the front and rear fenders, which were shaped as puffed-out cheeks. The grille was a three-part affair with a tall center that nosed its way down in-between twin nostrils, low down on the fenders. I imagined that she knew I was coming for her.As I turned the key in the ignition I saw Uncle Shmeel in the rear view mirror, taking the clarinet out of its case and putting it to his lips. Then, growing smaller and smaller as I drove away to Natasha, he could still be heard across the distance, blowing a tune for me. One note after another rose trembling in the air, awakening a mood, a joy turned into something inexplicable, into sadness, over which I murmured, “I don't need a song to prove that I'm in such a lowdown groove.”
Lenny in The Music of Us
[narrated by Don Warrick]
Head over heels in love with Natasha, Lenny is on his way to a first date with her. But besides this romance, he is also enamored with the car... Which you can tell, because to him she seems like a voluptuous woman in heat!
It is such a pleasure to listen to Don Warrick, the narrator of the audiobook edition, singing the songs of the era. His singing infuses the novel with musical magic and sweeps you all the back to the first years of WWII, such as in this passage, the reference to the hit song A Lowdown Groove.
"Masterfully written, this is one of those reads that will stick with you by evoking emotion and causing an introspective contemplation" - Dennis Waller , Top 500 Reviewer
★ Love reading? Get this series ★
Still Life with Memories
Volume I & II, woven together: Apart from LoveEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume I: My Own VoiceEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume II: The White PianoEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ SmashwordsPaperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume III: The Music of UsEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&Noble
Audiobook coming soon...
November 22, 2015
And oh, her face... The innocence in her eyes
The old woman opened her mouth to answer, but before she could utter another word, three things happened all at once: her eyes fell upon me, the girl clapped a hand over her heart, and the master of ceremonies could be heard behind them, stepping out to the center of the stage. He bowed to the audience and cheerfully announced, “And now we take great pleasure to present the youngest star of our program, miss Natasha Horowitz!”“Go, go, you go, girl,” said her mama. But to herself she mumbled, “Lordy Lord. Let’s hope these GIs have some taste for something classical.”She reached over her daughter’s forehead to adjust the feather in the little draped turban, which was whimsically designed by knotting together a couple of scarves. On other women, especially of the working class, such a hat would seem practical, as it was easy to create at home and kept the hair in place. On Natasha it added glamor. Impatient with all that fiddling over a feather, she removed it. Out of the hat cascaded the most gorgeous, shoulder-length red hair, with a curl at the end of it, the tips of which were wet from the rain. The girl shook her head so as to let the drops fly out, slipped out of her coat and stepped out into the spotlight, without her notes.Meanwhile, her mama turned upon me. She set her fisted hands firmly on her hips and took a big gulp of air, letting her breath expand inside her as if she were a balloon. Then she looked up at me trying to stare me down, as if I were the enemy.“Who’re you?” she asked, and without waiting for a reply she grumbled, “Go away! Go back!”Up to that moment I had considered myself a fairly disciplined soldier, but the way she glared at me made me feel quite naughty, which on the flip side, compelled me to live up to a different reputation. So feeling an urge, a sudden, irresistible urge not only to make an impression on the daughter but also to spite the mom, I slipped forward through the opening, and came onstage striding ahead of Natasha. Facing the audience I blew my cheeks, rather theatrically, into an imaginary bugle, which gained me a round of applause, as everyone thought my act must have been part of the show. Then, with great flamboyance, I took the non-existent brass instrument out of my lips and clutched it to my heart, before making a spectacular leap offstage. While in flight, I totally forgot the injury I had suffered to my shoulder, only to be reminded of it, with a sharp shot of pain, upon landing. Stumbling onto someone’s lap I tumbled further down onto the floor, from where I raised up my eyes to watch Natasha.
She came to stand at the edge of the stage, with a light from above focused upon her, which allowed me to see her clearly for the first time. Her light-pink dress hung just below the knees. It hugged her figure, which was slim and straight like a pencil, with barely any curves. Under the squared shoulders, which were then in fashion, her scrawny arms hung by her sides as if she didn’t know what to do with them, except for the long, delicate fingers that of their own, played in the air. And oh, her face! Framed by the lovely chestnut curls, it was pale, and so were the freckles on her nose. This kid could be no older than fifteen. She was separated from the rest of us not only by the height of the stage and the radiance of the spotlight but also by the innocence in her eyes.
Lenny in The Music of Us
[narrated by Don Warrick]
"A powerful and poignant novel that will grip at your heart strings ... a love story that invites the reader into a romance..." - Chief, USN Ret...VT, Top 500 Reviewer
★ Love reading? Get this series ★
Still Life with Memories
Volume I & II, woven together: Apart from LoveEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume I: My Own VoiceEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume II: The White PianoEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ SmashwordsPaperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume III: The Music of UsEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&Noble
Audiobook coming soon...
November 21, 2015
What to expect in our party... Love romance?
December 1st we have a dateCheck your watch... Don't be late!Just don't ask, Will you be mine?Here's the bottle, uncork the wine
No more sadness, winter bluesLets put on our dancing shoes! December 1st we have a dateOur gifts await, so don't be late!
Can't wait for the party to begin...Can you? Join us:Love Romance?
In the spirit of the holidays, we have gifts for youTwelve romance novels and one amazing boxed set that includes all of them:A Touch of Passion
Who will the winners be? It may be you!Want to increase your chances to win? Then come to the party and like, comment, or share the stories that catch your fancy
Sharing our storiesTuesday, December 1st at 12:00pm PST ✿ 3:00pm ESTTo Wednesday, December 2nd at 8:00am PST ✿ 11:00am ESTAn opportunity to meet usTwelve bestselling authors of wonderful romance novels
Grand Finale Wednesday, December 1, 2015 9:00am PST ✿ 12:00pm ESTA celebration of giving gifts
No more sadness, winter bluesLets put on our dancing shoes! December 1st we have a dateOur gifts await, so don't be late!
Can't wait for the party to begin...Can you? Join us:Love Romance?
In the spirit of the holidays, we have gifts for youTwelve romance novels and one amazing boxed set that includes all of them:A Touch of Passion
Who will the winners be? It may be you!Want to increase your chances to win? Then come to the party and like, comment, or share the stories that catch your fancy
Sharing our storiesTuesday, December 1st at 12:00pm PST ✿ 3:00pm ESTTo Wednesday, December 2nd at 8:00am PST ✿ 11:00am ESTAn opportunity to meet usTwelve bestselling authors of wonderful romance novels
Grand Finale Wednesday, December 1, 2015 9:00am PST ✿ 12:00pm ESTA celebration of giving gifts
A Lyrical Gift to Readers
I'm honored that Aaron Paul Lazar, the prolific author of many novels and series, has posted this review for my new #romance novel, The Music of Us:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Lyrical Gift to ReadersByAaron P. Lazaron November 18, 2015Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
When I write a book review, I don’t like to rehash the plot—that information is easily accessible in the book description. What I prefer is to share how the book made me feel, and what I valued between its covers.
Uvi Poznansky is a literary tour de force in a contemporary age when the quality of writing often takes a back seat to the quick thrill, or to be more precise, the quick buck. She writes as she paints, with careful, vibrant strokes of amazing clarity and color. Whether you are a reader or writer, teacher or student, you owe it to yourself read her work. You will be transported to a world where life is examined from a poet’s point of view, where you live in vignettes so real that you can’t help but love and care for the characters.
I have read all of Poznansky’s work, but this book resonated more deeply with me than all the previous titles, which I truly enjoyed. I suppose it is because I am an inveterate romantic. I ached for the young, “flashback” characters to come together. I shouted at them to wake up and smell the coffee when they missed opportunities to get together, and I reveled in the sweet endings when they finally connected.
The atmosphere of the 1940s is beautifully portrayed, and on a secondary level only to the (mostly) unrequited love story, it was my next treasured experience while reading this book. I loved the sounds and sights of the era, the music, the cars, and the lifestyles so well depicted. It was a fascinating dip into the life of those dynamic times.
If you are aching for a lyrical read, for something above and beyond the usual offerings in the field of fiction, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Uvi Poznansky’s The Music of Us.
--Aaron Paul Lazar
5.0 out of 5 stars A Lyrical Gift to ReadersByAaron P. Lazaron November 18, 2015Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
When I write a book review, I don’t like to rehash the plot—that information is easily accessible in the book description. What I prefer is to share how the book made me feel, and what I valued between its covers.Uvi Poznansky is a literary tour de force in a contemporary age when the quality of writing often takes a back seat to the quick thrill, or to be more precise, the quick buck. She writes as she paints, with careful, vibrant strokes of amazing clarity and color. Whether you are a reader or writer, teacher or student, you owe it to yourself read her work. You will be transported to a world where life is examined from a poet’s point of view, where you live in vignettes so real that you can’t help but love and care for the characters.
I have read all of Poznansky’s work, but this book resonated more deeply with me than all the previous titles, which I truly enjoyed. I suppose it is because I am an inveterate romantic. I ached for the young, “flashback” characters to come together. I shouted at them to wake up and smell the coffee when they missed opportunities to get together, and I reveled in the sweet endings when they finally connected.
The atmosphere of the 1940s is beautifully portrayed, and on a secondary level only to the (mostly) unrequited love story, it was my next treasured experience while reading this book. I loved the sounds and sights of the era, the music, the cars, and the lifestyles so well depicted. It was a fascinating dip into the life of those dynamic times.
If you are aching for a lyrical read, for something above and beyond the usual offerings in the field of fiction, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Uvi Poznansky’s The Music of Us.
--Aaron Paul Lazar
November 20, 2015
Intimacy by Don Warrick
Today I have the pleasure of presenting the gifted narrator of my romance novel, The Music of Us: Don Warrick. Don is an actor who spent his entire life presenting the written word, and is second to none in his storytelling. He is a musician of many skills: teacher, performer, conductor, and recording artist. And he is an audiobook publisher. One day, he took the advice of his son, a writer, and found himself on the ACX page. Many days later he came up for air, realizing that he found the place where all roads converge.I asked Don to give me a glimpse of his work, and was delighted to get his article, Intimacy, which to me reads like poetry. It reveals so much of the fire within.
Let me share it with you:
Intimacy
by Don Warrick
There is a feeling, when you have tapped into the absolute emotion of a character and share it with an audience. It is the moment of transcendence when you become two. The words of the author, based on their most intimate imaginings find reality in your voice, your mind, your body. You become their character, and by extension you become them. When you find this nexus and stand naked in this light, you realize there is very little else in this life that approaches this kind of intimacy.
I don’t think I could narrate audio books if I had not spent lots of years on stage. I had the rare chance to look the audience in the eye, and hold their beating hearts in my hand. Intimacy.
This is my grail. This is my secret. And it is not something academic or theoretical that you can teach (I have tried). It is strictly experiential. It’s kind of one of those “when you find it, you will know” kinds of phenomenon.
Last week, I got a facebook note from someone I worked with on stage 20 years ago in Colorado. He wrote:
“Don Warrick! You were the Man of La Mancha with the Longmont Theatre Company sometime around '95. I was one of the prisoners and your long haired tap-dancing horse.
Your comedic timing, charisma, and ability to read the audience were all inspiring, but your singing voice and your intensely passionate emotions onstage were heart-stopping. I remember a few performances when I was huddled under a "prisoner shelter"(a low ledge of some sort) with the other prisoners, and the entire theatre was silent except for your voice, because we (the audience members as well as all of us onstage) were so entranced by the concentrated, amplified, laser focused, soulful, pure humanity that you were channeling. There were times I forgot I was on a stage, watching a character who was supposedly fictional. I definitely wasn't the only one. Sometimes I would suddenly remember I was in a play, and I'd look around at the other prisoners, or even steal a glance at some audience members, and it looked like everyone was forgetting to breathe. You had 100% of their attention.
I just wanted to let you know what a positive influence you had on my life back then. I was a teenager, with the usual emotional troubles and insecurities that tend to come with that time period, and you served as a role model of something solid, strong, fearless yet vulnerable, and thoroughly inspiring, especially to someone whose biggest goal was to overcome stage fright and make an audience truly FEEL.”
I don’t share this very personal message with you because I want or need to bolster my own ego (however, I am an actor so I know I have a big one) but since I am writing about intimacy I needed to share this with you. I haven’t even shared it with my wife or my best friend.
This is why we do what we do. Why you write. Why I act. Because for the briefest of moments we can transcend who we are and inhabit not just a character, but the minds and hearts of all who are listening.
What I really love about producing audio books is that as an actor I get to inhabit the lives of your characters for more than a couple of hours. My relationship with you is the most intimate of relationships. I alone have climbed inside your head and stood with your lovers and your demons. I have let your tears roll down my cheek, locked in a tiny little box in my basement, in front of a microphone and a script. Just the two of us.
Intimacy.
The Music of Us, audiobook editionComing soon...Wait till you hear Don's voice as LennyAnd as Natasha!Don Warrick's Website
AudioBooks:A Family Affair: Summer (Truth in Lies, Book 3) by Mary Campisi The Betrayed Trilogy: Boxed Set By Mary CampisiFlying With The Enemy: Memoir of a Young Cadet by Oleg V. OksevskiThe Song of Kings Book by R J ChanceChristmas Past by Julie Elizabeth PowellFigments by Julie Elizabeth Powell13 by Julie Elizabeth PowellLost Shadows by Julie Elizabeth Powell
Artistic DirectionDayton Playhouse, Dayton OhioCentral Ohio Professional Theatre, Columbus OhioCovered Bridge Theatre, North East Maryland,
PerformanceA Little Night Music - FredrickKiss Me Kate - PetruchioMack & Mable - Mack SennettMan of La Mancha - Don QuixoteSound of Music - Capt. von TrappSouth Pacific - Emile DeBequeSweeney Todd - SweeneyThe King and I - King of SiamTwo by Two - Noah The Grand Duke - The Grand DukeHMS Penafore - RalphPirates of Penzance - The Pirate King The Merry Widow - Danilo The Mikado - Nanki Poo Orpheus - MercuryLes deux aveugles - PatachonDie Fledermaus - EisensteinGianni Schicci - GerardoLa Boeheme - ParpignoLa Traviata - Georgio GermontMarriage of Figaro - Don BasillioThe Impressario - Herr EilerA Lion in Winter - HenryLend Me a Tenor - Tito MerrelliMedea - Jason Oleanna - JohnOn Golden Pond - NormanPlaza Suite - Jessie KipplingerThe Odd Couple - Felix The Rainmaker - StarbuckZoo Story - Jerry Brigadoon - Tommy AlbrightCamelot - ArthurCandide - CandideJacque Brel - Player Convenience - AbeFantastics - El GalloGodspell - JesusGuys and Dolls - Sky Masterson
November 18, 2015
WWII Beautifully-Told, Heart-Wrenching Love Story
B. J Robinson is a prolific author who writes in several genres from romantic suspense, mystery, contemporary romance, historical romance, Christian and inspirational romance, children's stories, and young adult. I am thrilled to find her review of my novel, The Music of Us:
5.0 out of 5 stars WWII Beautifully-Told, Heart-Wrenching Love StoryByB. J. Robinsonon November 18, 2015Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
A love story between a United States Marine and a young concert pianist from the time they met during WWII in the 1940's until the 1970's. Alzheimer's disease makes for thought-provoking experiences. Description is vivid and makes you feel like you're going through everything with the characters. A beautifully told, well written WWII romance with real-life complications during that period in time. The author is a wonderful written who brings the reader into the story world and doesn't let him, or in this case her, go. If you enjoy WWII romances, you won't want to miss this one.
5.0 out of 5 stars WWII Beautifully-Told, Heart-Wrenching Love StoryByB. J. Robinsonon November 18, 2015Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
A love story between a United States Marine and a young concert pianist from the time they met during WWII in the 1940's until the 1970's. Alzheimer's disease makes for thought-provoking experiences. Description is vivid and makes you feel like you're going through everything with the characters. A beautifully told, well written WWII romance with real-life complications during that period in time. The author is a wonderful written who brings the reader into the story world and doesn't let him, or in this case her, go. If you enjoy WWII romances, you won't want to miss this one.
Without the memories, is it still life?
In my debut novel Apart from Love, I described a son, Ben, who comes back home, rebels against his father, and reveals a family secret: his mother, Natasha, previously a renown pianist, had succumbed to Early-Onset Alzheimer. My new novel, The Music of Us, takes Natasha a generation back, to the beginning of WWII, when she falls in love with her future husband, Lenny.
The story is told by Lenny. In 1970, he can no longer deny that his wife is undergoing a profound change. Despite her relatively young age, her mind succumbs to forgetfulness. Now, he goes as far back as the moment he met Natasha, when he was a soldier and she—a star, brilliant yet illusive. Natasha was a riddle to him then, and to this day, with all the changes she has gone through, she still is.
The series as a whole gives voice to several characters who are witnessing the same events, each one interpreting them from a different point of view, which gives rise to conflicts and eventually, to wonderful resolutions.
So, what is the meaning of the title of the series, Still Life with Memories?
This expression captures the longing we have for the past, which is symbolized by cherished objects. In my upcoming novel, The Music of Us, this expression is used twice, in two conversations between Natasha and Lenny. The first conversation is in 1942, when she longs for the home she lost and the vase of flowers that reminds her of the anniversary gift her Pa gave her Ma. And the second conversation, this time in 1970, is a reprise, which takes on a bitter sweet meaning, because at this time she is about to lose her memory, and therefore is in danger of losing who she is. Here is the first time this expression is used:Once the crowd thinned out Natasha said, “So just like me, you too are going through a change.” “I am.”“For me, it feels as if I’ve been expelled not only from a physical building but also from my past, from my childhood.”“Don’t I know it! It’s hard to think that someone else is taking your place.”“I miss home. I miss every little thing, every object in it, because it reminds me of what happened, of little tokens of affection that come back to me, like the crystal vase, which Pa brought for Ma nearly ten years ago to mark their anniversary.”“When I came to Summit for our first date I saw it, set there on the dining room table.”“It used to capture the light so brilliantly, Lenny! I used to put fresh flowers in it every Friday. D’you know the secret of a perfect arrangement?”“Tell me.”“It’s the spiral, where each new stem is slanted against the previous one. I would choose the best and biggest bloom for the center and arrange the other flowers at an angle around it, mixing the shades of white, pink, and purple and creating a wonderful dome of flowers.”“Oh, Natasha, I can just imagine it.”“Then I would stand back and enjoy looking at it, thinking what a beautiful painting it would make, with the lovely shapes of orchids, spray roses and Asiatic lilies brushed upon the canvas.”“What would you call it?”“Still life, with memories.”
And just for comparison, here is the second time:
I put my pants on, go to the kitchen, fill a small pot with water and bring it to a boil for the eggs. Meanwhile I squeeze grapefruit juice into two glasses and wait for the two slices of bread to pop out of the toaster. I set two plates on the table, one each side of the crystal vase. It is the same vase her Pa bought for her Mama to mark their anniversary a generation ago. I had been too drained to think about it until last night, when on a whim I bought bouquet of fresh flowers in lovely hues of white, pink, and purple. Why did I do it? Perhaps for old times’ sake. By now I have stopped hoping to surprise my wife with such frivolities, because she pays little attention, lately, to the things I do. So for no one in particular I stand over the thing, rearranging the orchids, spray roses, and Asiatic lilies as best I can, to create an overall shape of a dome. And then—then, in a blink—I find myself startled by a footfall behind me. A heartbeat later I hear her voice, saying, “Lenny?”I turn around to meet her eyes. My God, this morning they are not only lucid but also shining with joy.In a gruff voice, choked, suddenly, with tears, I ask her, “What is it, dear?”And she says, “Don’t forget.”“What, Natashinka?”“I love you.”Spreading my arms open I stand there, speechless for a moment. Without a word she steps into them. We snuggle, my chin over her head. She presses it to my bare chest. I comb through her hair with my fingers. And once again, we are one.Then she points at the vase.“For you,” I say. “Looks like some old painting, doesn’t it?”“Still life,” she whispers. “With memories.”Then Natasha lifts her eyes, hanging them on my lips as if to demand something of me, something that has been on her mind for quite a while. Somehow I can guess it. She is anticipating an answer, which I cannot give. Instead I kiss her. She embraces me but her eyes are troubled, and the question remains.“Without the memories,” she asks, “is it still life?”
★ Love reading? Get this series ★
Still Life with Memories
Volume I & II, woven together: Apart from LoveEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume I: My Own VoiceEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume II: The White PianoEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ SmashwordsPaperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: iTunes ★ Amazon ★ Audible
Volume III: The Music of UsEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&Noble
“Liberally salted with buttery smooth prose & fascinating insights”
