Uvi’s Comments (group member since Apr 09, 2012)

Uvi’s comments from the The Creative Spark with Uvi Poznansky group.

Wow what an amazing review! Thank you Debra!

★★★★★ A Shining Light!, September 11, 2013
By debra (WILSON, NC, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

In A Favorite Son, Uvi Poznansky presents in her brilliant lyrical style the account of Jacob and Esau, Rebecca and Isaac, adding flesh to the bones of an ancient story and breathing new life into the characters you thought you knew. Anyone who knows this biblical story will recognize Poznansky's extraordinary imagination as she fluidly spins desert yarns, weaving spellbinding moments, creating dramatic images, and engaging every sense.

That lentil stew...to die for! So "scrumptious, so lipsmacking, finger-licking, melt-in-your-mouth good!" that you can't help but empathize with poor Esau. Well, almost. If he weren't so gruff and primitive and impatient - "Give me. Give me now!" - compared to his more sophisticated brother, the mama's boy...

And Rebecca, stuck out in the middle of nowhere in her silk garments and snake skin heels and jasmine perfume, is to the wasteland what Lisa Douglas was to Green Acres: an unhappy camper. Thus her goatskin scheme, and "the meat becomes a love offering... and the old man will bless his favorite, the one he trusts."

Exiled from the circle of warmth he'd always known, Yankle is forced to listen, really listen, to the desert, and feel the void, the silence of God. In this poignant scene he sees the vision for which he is celebrated far and wide - an unforgettable moment.

I'd encourage Uvi to write more such biblical accounts, convince us further just how human these characters are, show us their flaws, their hopes and dreams, take us deep into their psyches and allow us to know them more intimately, as she has here. More. Give us more!

Get ★★★★★ A FAVORITE SON:
★ Audio ★ Print ★ Ebook ★

Just finished reading Twelve Months of a Soviet Childhood: Short Stories. Here is my review:

Twelve Months of a Soviet Childhood is a charming collection of twelve short stories, one for each month of the year, completing a cycle of time that harkens back to the author's childhood in her homeland, and to her rich Russian culture. To enrich our experience and make it even more vivid, the author, Julia Gousseva, offers not only the stories but in parallel also the reference material for them.

For example, she precedes the story 'January: A New Year's Party at the Kremlin' with tidbits of historical notes about the Czatina Alexandra Fyodorovna, who brought the idea of decorating a pine tree from Germany. From this the author pivots right into the story as seen from her eyes as a young child. The dialog with her older cousin Dmitry is quite telling about the regime at the time: "There are hidden cameras behind that mirror," he whispers, "to watch for stuff. And I don't like when people watch me. Or control me. "I like to be independent."

Each one of these childhood memories is told in a refreshingly honest manner, and you can get a feel for the Russian soul simply by the temperature and locale of these vignettes: "February: Sunshine above the Clouds," "March: Meeting My Best Friend," "April: Swimming in Gorky Park,"May: The Swamp Spirit," "June: A Real Gentleman," "July: The Hedgehog," "August: The Music Box," "September: The First Day of School," "October: The Witch Club," "November: House Repairs," and "December: New Year's Tree," which brings us full circle to the beginning of the year. To offer any more than these titles would be robbing you of the delightful experience and of the Russian soul, which is celebrated in this book. I highly recommend it.

Five stars.

James DiBenedetto, the author of Dream Student (and other books in this series) currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). I am honored that he posted this review for the audiobook edition of A Favorite Son:

★★★★★ Beautiful and Haunting, September 11, 2013
By James Dibenedetto "starkllr"
Amazon Verified Purchase

(note: this review is of the audiobook edition of "A Favorite Son" narrated by David Kudler)

Uvi Poznansky's "A Favorite Son" is a modern-day retelling of the story of Jacob and Esau, one brother tricking the other out of his birthright. But it's also so much more than that.

The author's prose is simply beautiful; she paints intricate and emotionally resonant pictures with her words, drawing us into the Biblical/modern world that she's created. We see everything from the perspective of Yankel, who seeks to claim the position of firstborn and favorite son from his twin, Esav - and who learns the true cost of his desires.

I can't praise the writing enough; the author has an incredible voice and a sharply observant eye (it's no surprise that she's a visual artist as well).

As for the audiobook aspects, the narrator, David Kudler, did a wonderful job. His reading of the story was perfectly done; he captures the voices of all the characters, making them not only distinct but memorable. His delivery perfectly complements the author's tone, making the audiobook a real treat.

I highly, highly recommend this book.

Get ★★★★★ A FAVORITE SON:
★ Audio ★ Print ★ Ebook ★

Yay! Just discover the first review for the audiobook edition of Twisted (on Audible.com)! Check it out:

Overall ★★★★★
Performance ★★★★★
Story ★★★★★

"Enchanting"
Would you consider the audio edition of Twisted to be better than the print version?
As I love to read, it is difficult to compare, but I have enjoyed every second of hearing it.
Twisted is perfect for narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?
I love the wife of Job in I Am What I Am.

What does Heather Jane Hogan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience
if you just read the book?
Her narration was perfect.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Definitely, I laughed.

Any additional comments?
As I mentioned earlier, Twisted is well suited as an audio book with its four artistically
described tales. The recording quality was outstanding.

Customer review

Reparations
Poem by my father (translated by me)

You're asking me to put here in writing, once more,
All that I lost, my esteemed counselor?
To list in detail, then describe and refine
And bring two witnesses tomorrow to sign?

My father's gold watch--I could just hear the sound
Had three lids that were shining
Reflected in it I could see us, standing around
All faces aglow and rejoicing.

The watch also had a heavy gold chain
Coiled twice over, over his vein
The tips of its hands gave a hint of a spark
Shooting green glow, right into the dark

It ticked, counting years for each girl and boy
Marking seasons, holidays, morning and night
I remember Sabbath candles flickering with joy
Sparkling brightly, like starlight.

You're asking me to record, on paper to pour
All that I lost, my esteemed counselor?

There was an old synagogue my grandpa had built
Burning scrolls, flying ash, dying spirit
Ancient Torah aflame, letters lifting, all gilt
Thou shall not kill, shall not steal, shall not covet

There was my sister. She was delicate, tender
In her eyes I remember a twinkle
Her name was Batia, my beloved little sister
She grew up--and then--it was simple:

She grew up and married, gave birth to a son
with a blue glint in his eyes, and a dimple
And blond hair, like a pure 'Aryan'--
The murderers, they threw him right into the Nile

There were aunts, there were uncles, boys and girls in our midst
The murderers decreed: they should not exist

You're asking me to record, on paper to pour
All that I lost, my esteemed counselor?

I demand to return, reopen that door
Find parents and sister, each girl and boy
Back there in that synagogue, with that spirit of yore
Sabbath candles aflame, father's voice filled with joy.
It's not property I ask for, not mere pieces of land--
Hebrew school, friends around, all of us in one band
With hope that inspired to survive, to withstand.
Bring the murderers to trial, that is what I demand.
You will not understand; it's of no great import--
I demand that which had been cut short

HOME is now available on Amazon--and at a reduced price!
Take a listen:
✿ Audio ✿ print ✿ ebook ✿

Christian Ashley is an author of Historical Romance, Paranormal Fiction, and Erotic Fantasy. All of her Historical Fiction novels to date, Rose of Gwynedd, In Daddy's Arms, and Dignity, came to her through dreams that evolved with ample research into the historical period being presented. I am truly honored that she posted this review for Twisted:

★★★★★ Exquisitely Warped - I loved it!, September 7, 2013
By Christian Ashley (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Twisted (Paperback)
The unique, artistic, intuitive and often humorous weaving of reality and alternative realities is phenomenally embedded within the collection of tales in TWISTED. Incredibly bent around mythology, theology, her art, and her poetry, Uvi Poznansky has created yet another masterpiece!
APART FROM LOVE was absolutely brilliant, and A FAVORITE SON was captivating and explored the meshing of worldly paradigms. In TWISTED, the satirical portrayal of Job's wife in, I Am What I Am, was my favorite, and I enjoyed reading it again - aloud to my husband who laughed as I had when modern times intertwined with the biblical.

If you have missed my Launch event for the audiobook edition of Home, here is a glimpse of what happened:











★★★★★
" Written in an elegant style, this publication contains
both poems and story-like sections of prose.
It's lyrical, expressive, and poignant"
Treat yourself to a gift
★ Audiobook ★ Ebook ★ Print ★

Just discovered a new review for A Favorite Son:

★★★★★ Great, September 5, 2013
By Terina Killings - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: A Favorite Son (Paperback)
I am very satisfied.
This book reminds me of my love of words. The mastery of sculpture in every emotion let me the reader see that I am the words of the Arthur as I remembered my humanity blowing freely from this artistes every stroke.
I have related and smiled at a dimension of perspective. I finished satisfied as though I dined with the Arthur and the characters realizing we all have dined here before. Uvi is a special Artist and she is leading the way into the art of thought. May her trail blaze ever more until the end of night is meet.

"For the longest time, my old man sits there, utterly motionless, in the midst of bells being shaken and bongos being beaten by unsteady hands. Only the top of his head, gripped tightly in his fingers, is visible to me between this sagged shoulder and that, in the back of the crowd.
And it is not until the end of the song—when everyone sitting in the divide between him and me has joined in an intoxicated, disorderly chorus, singing loudly, I've tried to explain, bei mir bist du schoen—that the next line makes his hands fall, suddenly, into his lap.

I've tried to explain, bei mir bist du schoen,
So kiss me, and say that you will understand.

It is at that phrase, and say that you will understand, that I see him wincing. Having sensed, somehow, the weight of my gaze, his jaw clenches. My father turns his head abruptly, to pull himself back from view—but not before I realize, to my complete shock, that he is awash in tears."

Ben in Apart From Love



★★★★★ bookreview:
"A feast for the armchair psychologist.
Reveals insights that can touch and frighten each of us"
Listen to voices of Anita and Ben:
★ Audiobook ★ Ebook ★ Print ★

I’ll be yours, you’ll be mine
Bring a flower, uncork the wine
Come home tomorrow, don’t be late
We’ll have our moment, we’ll have a date!

Our Home event is fast coming to its high point (Fri 09/06 @ 2:00pm PST.)
Don't miss the Grand Finale!

☻ We’ll celebrate with bread, wine, cheese, desserts... Virtually delicious!
☻ I’ll be nnouncing the 3 front-runners of the WRITING CONTEST, plus--
☻ Surprise!--a wildcard winner, picked by me out of a hat, plus--
☻ I’ll be announcing the winner of the RAFFLE



★★★★★
" Written in an elegant style, this publication contains
both poems and story-like sections of prose.
It's lyrical, expressive, and poignant"
Treat yourself to a gift
★ Audiobook ★ Ebook ★ Print ★

Treat yourself to a gift: My ★★★★★ fabulous ebooks have been reduced to a third of the regular price--they are only $.99 each--only until the Grand Finale of the HOME event:
★ HOME ★ TWISTED ★ A FAVORITE SON ★ APART FROM LOVE ★

I invite you to read the lovely entries by writers and poets from around the world. The theme is "Longing for a place we can no longer reach", in celebration of Home.

Then cast your vote for your favorite entry in the writing contest!

Renee Pierce Williams is the author of the five-star rated, GCBA-nominated book, Buck the Good Doog. Born and raised in Georgia, she began her seventeen-year career at Aflac, where she held positions in both the Marketing and Legal Documentation divisions of the company. I simply love her ★★★★★ review of my poetry book, Home.

★★★★★ "HOME" is where the heart is..., September 3, 2013
By Renee Pierce Williams - See all my reviews
This review is from: Home (Kindle Edition)
This is the second book I have read by the multi-talented, poet, artist and author, Uvi Poznansky. After the passing of her father; author, poet and artist, Zeev Kachel, Poznansky stumbles upon years of his unpublished poems, plays and stories. She spends a year translating his works from his native Hebrew to English.

This is a father-daughter collaboration by two very gifted artists. Both share the very unique and rare gift of capturing their reader by painting their characters with a pen. If you have lived, you or someone close to you, has experienced some of the darkness this life has to offer. Poznansky does an outstanding job of translating her father's pain and loneliness into relatable works of art.

This book is both a lovely tribute and another fine display of talent.

Just finished reading Love Advice for the Dog of Action and Other Funny Stories.. Here is my review:

From references to our modern life to fairytales that recreate a prehistoric world, these vignettes written by Oleg Medvedkov are more than simply ha-ha funny. They are thought provoking. The motto, "Keep your pants on. If you don't have pants, disregard" seems like an instruction written for a software program. It brings a smile to my lips exactly because it is expressed in such a matter-of-fact, dry manner.

My favorite is the first vignette, Coin Toss. "I let my words hang menacingly in the air. The dragon under me shifted restlessly." It is a fairytale set in a prehistoric forrest. The hero, sitting astride a dragon and planning to carve a kingdom for himself, negotiates with trolls who are surprisingly clever, to the point of annoying him as they refuse to give in to his bullshit. The story explores the nonsensical aspect of faith, and the path to leadership in this seemingly primitive society, which stands, perhaps, for our own culture.

I imagine the author sitting astride a dragon and planning to carve a kingdom for himself, a kingdom all his own where he gets to test our perceptions, turn them inside out, and get away with it somehow, because his writing is done with hilarious, wacky humor.

Five stars.

If you are reading Home I will feature your image at the top of my blog, in the new slideshow feature at the top right.

Here's how:
Got Home? Your image here

Kelly Samarah is an indie author, painter, and music lover who writes Horror, Supernatural and Fantasy. Currently has published Thorns of Glass and Beneath the Blood Moon. I am honored that she invited me to her website for a spotlight feature. Check it out here:

Author Spotlight--Uvi Poznansky

Just finished reading An Ill Wind Blows.
Here is my review:

Reminiscent of the cyclone in the land of Oz, An Ill Wind Blows takes you a step higher, as if on steroids... As the ghoulishly dark cover suggests, this is no children's story but rather, it is dedicated to the child in all of us.

Recounted by Arletta Trimble, the story sweeps us into a whirlwind of whimsy, mixing up fantasy and reality, creating quirky characters such as zombie piranhas, ghosts, an alien, a witch, an axe-wielding elf, mad stalkers, a root monster, and a the ill wind itself, and bringing them to life in the most delightful, fun ways. Here is how Arletta introduces herself: "It isn't that I'm Snoopy like some people think. I'm just naturally curious. Which tends to make me prone to an abundance of problems, because following your nose can be a dangerous proposition."

I found it fascinating that the story was written in response to a challenge to draft a novel in thirty days, for which the author, Lori R. Lopez, won the Vicious Novel Writing Month award. The frenzy with which she conjured things up lends itself to the theme of the book, and makes An Ill Wind Blows a dynamic read.

Five Stars.

It is an odd feeling. Have you ever faced it? Being dead to someone you envy; someone you miss, too; someone who knows you intimately and, even worse, has the chutzpa to occupy your thoughts day in, day out. It grinds down on your nerves; doesn’t it?
Trust me, being dead to your brother is not all that it is cracked up to be, but it does set you free—oh, don’t act so surprised! It frees you from any lingering sense of obligation. Brother, you say to yourself. What does it mean, Brother? Nothing more than a pang, a dull pang in your heart.
You have betrayed him. Accept his hate.

Yankle in A Favorite Son

Are you a member of Audible? Love biblical fiction? Boy are you in luck! As part of the launch event Home, I am announcing a RAFFLE to win a FREE audiobook download of my audiobook, A Favorite Son!

Here's how:
Win a FREE audiobook in this RAFFLE

James DiBenedetto, the author of Dream Student (and other books in this series) currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). I am honored that he posted this review for the audiobook edition of Twisted:

★★★★★ Fascinating, Powerful and Beautiful, August 30, 2013
By James Dibenedetto "starkllr"
This review is from: Twisted (Audible Audio Edition)
Uvi Poznansky's "Twisted" is collection of four short stories and a poem that, collectively, are very difficult to describe. Each of the four tales is "twisted" in its own way:

"I Am What I Am" is the story of Job's wife and her fight to rediscover her name; "The Hollow" is a very brief tale of perception and reality; "I, Woman" tells (possibly) a version of the story of Adam and Eve; and "The One Who Never Leaves" gives us the perspective of an apartment-dwelling cat.

The prose is both beautiful and powerful; the author (who is also an artist) paints with words as deftly as she might apply paint to a canvas, and with the same care and precision.

The stories themselves are all wonderful. I found the tale of Job's wife the most affecting, personally. The author mixes sly humor in as well, especially in "The One Who Never Leaves" and "I, Woman." All four stories are quite moving; the author has great command of emotion and uses it to full effect.

The narration, by voice artist Heather Jane Hogan, is every bit as good, and as powerful, as the prose. The narrator uses her voice expertly; the voice of each of the four stories is completely distinct, but never overpowering the words. She expertly conveys emotion and mood, and the way in which she voices several distinct characters (both male and female, human and otherwise) is amazing.

She's also, quite simply, a pleasure to listen to.

I could not recommend this work more highly; it is truly wonderful and not to be missed.