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Child Witch Kinshasa
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Mike Ormsby
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Eep! Quick, Mike, edit your number out of your post, okay?I'm gonna pop it into my phone now and will text you as soon as I hear. If it's closed I should get a call before 6:30.
Thats brilliant! Patti - my cover picture on facebook is still from our trip to Dubai last year...
We need another trip, GL. Beach next time.
And lots of cocktails.
Not a muslim country then...
Patti you should probably delete the post with his number in it
Father Frank told me the abscess on his leg was "caused by too much contact with Satan", and has since passed away, it seems.I pity him (and others) for believing that, it's not their fault if they don't know any better but it's horrifying all the same that it is happening and to poor defenceless kids who can't do anything to protect themselves. Will have to get your book although I'll probably have to read it in short goes if it's upsetting. I want to go out and rescue all the kids and build a big house where they can live happily and safely with me (while trying to educate the adults & parents too)
Jud (Disney Diva) wrote: "Patti you should probably delete the post with his number in it"Done.
Another 5-star Amazon review for 'Child Witch Kinshasa', below: ***
'Chi Walker' says:
"Mike Ormsby has written a compelling story about the phenomenon of child witches in Congo. I found the book engrossing and difficult to put down. Ormsby gave a balanced view of the social and historical environments that have contributed to children being accused of witchcraft and the horrifying punishments they endure.
The book drew me in on several levels. I work in media development and it’s not often that one encounters a main character (hero?) with the occupation of journalism trainer. Also, as someone interested in disability history and culture, the aspect of impairment being used as “evidence” of witchcraft or evil was of interest. This unfortunately has been a practice in many cultures in history and continues in many parts of the world today.
I also liked the way Ormsby handled the juxtaposition between the experience in Africa and the journalist’s family back in the UK.
Would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in Africa, journalism, disability or just a good story."
****
All I can say is, that certainly makes up for a freezing day here in snowy Baku!
www.childwitch.com
Patti (baconater) wrote: "Jud (Disney Diva) wrote: "Patti you should probably delete the post with his number in it"Done."
Thank you Jud & Patti.
Jud (Disney Diva) wrote: "Father Frank told me the abscess on his leg was "caused by too much contact with Satan", and has since passed away, it seems.I pity him (and others) for believing that, it's not their fault if th..."
***
Jud, trust me, despite the subject matter, Child Witch Kinshasa is not 'upsetting', in the 'relentless misery' sense.
Most of it is adult POV work/travelogue, spliced with Huckleberry Finn-style adventures from a kid's POV, and, crucially, the POV of a loyal but increasingly impatient wife in the UK, holding the fort.
Out of 500 pages, it contains only two short scenes that might make you think 'Yikes', and they are not gratuitous or overstated; that's not my style. Several reviews say the book is funny (a recurring theme in reviews of my other work). This one sums it up and is why I keep it at the top of my site, and btw, 'pain' here does not mean physical, but more 'frustration':
"Mike's spot-on - the realities of life in a not-so-developed African country, the peculiarities of the aid industry, the pain and pleasure of media work. His dry wit makes serious subjects not only palatable but page-turner-ly. Definitely worth a read for anyone willing to step a tiny bit out of our rich-world comfort zone. Did I say funny, too? And literate. And funny (if anything about the Congo can be funny)." Eric S. Johnson, 5 stars, Amazon.com
more reviews: http://www.childwitch.com/reviews.html
***
And, Jud, spoiler alert: although the pace is brisk and easy, the story builds gradually to several climaxes (if that's not an oxymoron), the most significant of which (in part 2, Child Witch London, due March), reveals that, actually, the real problem for our characters is not in Africa, but in the blinkered minds of white, middle class Brits. Point being, you know how some folks think Heart of Darkness = 'savages in Africa', when it fact, Heart of Darkness = 'ivory merchants from Europe'? Well, that's where I want to take you. When you're ready to come. But first, you get to travel around Congo. Yippee. They're lovely folks, by far my favourite African country (I've spent five years living/working in Africa, and Congo is still my fave place, because of the people, whose joie de vivre is .... relentless!
You can read three quick chapters (POV Frank, Dudu and Ruth) here: http://www.childwitch.com/samples.html
or, try 50 pages (the usual Kindle 10% free deal) here:
http://amzn.to/1i27dY2
Have a good w/e and thanks for your interest. I appreciate it.
Mike
www.nicoarobooks.com
Jud (Disney Diva) wrote: "I'll definitely take a look mike."Jud,
Matondi mingi!
You'll find out what that means in the book : )
Mike
www.childwitch.com
Jud knows some Swahili, don't you cutie?You been out on the streets at all Mike? There's been at least three fender benders outside my flat on Khagani. You'd think there would be enough traffic to clear the ice, but nope.
The car park beneath my flat is a skating rink. Had to walk like a penguin when I went out earlier.
Have you managed to reschedule your author visit yet or will you wait to do that til next week?
This is my last week covering P3T. :( Unfortunately, I'll not be able to fit in a reading from you as I've got so much that the munchkins need to complete before their class teacher returns. :(
Patti (baconater) wrote: "Jud knows some Swahili, don't you cutie?You been out on the streets at all Mike? There's been at least three fender benders outside my flat on Khagani. You'd think there would be enough traffic t..."
Hi Patti,
And how is Jud's Lingala?
I'll reply to the non-book stuff by email.
Mike
Jud (Disney Diva) wrote: "I know Swahili?"Hakuna Matata!
Karen (Kew) wrote: "What do you know! I've just done an author search for you on amazon and find that I downloaded Never Mind the Balkans, Here's Romania last year! Will now bump it up the queue of my T..."Thank you Karen! Trumpet time: That book is a consistent #1 best seller on Amazon, for Travel/Romania, even though, or perhaps because, it's not about places; it's about people ; )
Hope you enjoy. Please review, if so?
Multumesc ; )
Mike
Greetings book lovers, I hope you are well. Spring is in the air, yippee (at least in Baku).
Quick update...
My first novel 'Child Witch Kinshasa' has earned 9 reviews, on Amazon, all 5 star, from happy readers; if you are among them, thank you for taking the time and trouble! I do appreciate it.
So far, four book clubs have selected the book for their next read (two in Baku, one in Washington and one in LA).
Senior UNICEF staff in Congo have read it (closely, judging their responses) and will post our Q&A on their site. I'll add a link here.
Radio Romania International recently broadcast an interview I did there in December. Romania is my adopted home, my first book was set there, and I'm sort of a local. Broadcast in French & English too.
Did another 'author visit' in Baku, this time to BIS (Baku International School), presenting a slideshow for primary pupils about my Eco- book for kids, 'Spinner the Winner' (and 'Child Witch' for older kids). Quite an interesting location - a Soviet-era former local government building, with a vast auditorium and underground bomb shelter! Great atmosphere - staff and and kids dressed in bizarre gear for 'Wacky Tacky Day' (maybe that why they invited me? Shock horror).
These days I'm v. busy on final copy edit of 'Child Witch London', due out March 1. That's the second and concluding part of my novel. I'll have an announcement next week about a special offer.
What am I reading? 'Black Garden' = Alex de Waal's in-depth look at the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Essential prose, given my current location. Time magazine described it as 'Brilliant'.
I'm also reading nice messages on Facebook, about 'Child Witch', including this one, from a stranger who sounds like a new friend : )
"I am SO ENJOYING your book, and promise to post a review when finished - it is a really great read!! Well done you!"
OK, that's all from the sports-desk.
It's almost the w/e, I hope you have a nice one, whatever you do.
Mike PS. Oh, my birthday too last week. Hello, fellow Aquarians!
Hello from sunny Baku, I hope you are all well. My novel, 'Child Witch Kinshasa', is on free download from Amazon, Feb 27 > March 3. http://smarturl.it/childwitch
Recently a '#1 best seller' in African Lit. It has 19 reviews, all 5-star. E.G...
“Funny, literate, page-turnerly. Did I say funny, too?” Eric, China.
"Engrossing story, loved it.” - Chi, USA
“Thoroughly gripping, well-informed, a fantastic read.” Gary (www.whrin.org), UK
“Taught me so much. Real literature; reminds me of Faulkner.” Ndiaga, UNICEF Congo
“Two worlds, both exquisitely observed, collide.” Mark, UK
“Great story, perfectly paced… an eye-opening novel.” Steven, UK
“The dry humour will grab you. A must read.” Hayley, UK
“Why isn’t this a film?” Tim, UK
“Superbly done.” Nigel, UK
So far, so good. I’m relieved my 10-year labour-of-love is winning readers and I do hope you’ll join them, on a ride through Congo, with ‘Frank Kean’, and ‘Dudu' the streetwise little ’sorcerer’ who needs a home.
If you like the book and could post a review, on I'd be grateful!
'Child Witch London', the concluding volume, will be available early March.
Have a good weekend, and happy pages, whatever your taste.
Thank you,
Mike
Patti (baconater) wrote: "Jud (Disney Diva) wrote: "I know Swahili?"Hakuna Matata!"
HA!! I do know Swahili :o)
My Romanian is better though, twice as good actually.
Here is the 22nd 5-star review, across all platforms, of my first novel 'Child Witch Kinshasa'. The review is entitled 'The Congo Unbound'. "This compelling novel could not be more authentic -- the characters are clearly drawn; the principals are imperfect, as disarming as they are charming, just as in life, The plot is a compelling page turner -- never strained, without jarring coincidences. Ormsby paints a true picture of a country in utter, hellish chaos. The ending signals a sequel -- Dudu's fate hangs in the balance. Child Witch Kinshasa is a must read."
Arline Pacht, Washington DC, Amazon.com.
Good going. Downloaded by the way; just need to find time to read it now.
David wrote: "Good going. Downloaded by the way; just need to find time to read it now."Thank you David, for downloading the book. I hope you enjoy DRC!
Here is the 23rd 5-star review of 'Child Witch Kinshasa'..."Full disclosure: I know the author. But that has no influence on my opinions of this book, which is a superb read. I've never been to Congo, but I've worked for years as a media trainer. This book so perfectly captures what it's like for a foreigner to teach journalism in a developing country—I'd never before found that in a novel. And the story so brilliantly paints a picture of life in Congo, I can sense it. The main child character, Dudu, pulled me in. I feel I know him, and I didn't want the book to end. The good news is: a sequel is on the way. Can't wait!" KJC http://amzn.to/1f8e7aI
Greetings book lovers, I hope you are well. I've been very busy travelling to the UK, where I did lots of press (BBC, Bay TV, local radio and press etc) and also six 'author visits' to schools, hard work but great fun. Heading back to Azerbaijan soon, planning two events to launch 'Child Witch Kinshasa' in Baku. The novel has just received its 30th '5-star' review on Amazon...
"I found 'Child Witch Kinshasa' a fascinating read. It gave me insights into African issues I knew little about: the phenomenon of children accused of sorcery and their tragic lives, rural beliefs, child soldiers, the UN involvement. Superstitions, humanity and lack of it blend with questions about the work of NGOs and consultants and the role of journalists in war-torn areas. Dudu, the boy accused of sorcery, his friend Kilanda, journalism trainer Frank and the other characters in the book seem real, are real to me, and I believe this is the main strength of Mike Ormsby’s writing. I cannot wait to read the second book." (Alina Wolfe Murray, March 23, 2014)
If you are curious, you can see all the reviews here:
http://www.childwitch.com/reviews.html
I hope you'll read the book and add yours some fine day.
Have a good week,
Mike
Latest interview, re- Child Witch Kinshasa. Great questions from Eli Badica, a reader/reviewer who is clearly serious about books, writers, and her craft. English is not even her native tongue! Amazing. http://bookaholic.ro/interview-with-m...
Greetings book lovers, I hope you are well. Quick update from sunny Baku..
My novel 'Child Witch Kinshasa' has received 40 x 5-star reviews across Amazon/Goodreads (plus 2 x 4-star and 1 x 3-star) since publication (Dec '13). I hope you'll add an opinion, one day.
Three book clubs have selected the book as their spring read, including a group of well-read ladies in Baku. I recently attended their regular meeting, where their sharp questions and deep interest in the subject greatly impressed me. An honour, for any author.
Here's a recent TV interview about the book. The French reporter, Gaelle Legrand, read the book in English. Impressive!
http://www.baytvliverpool.com/vod/?vi...
Thank you and bye for now.
Mike
Hello everyone,Thank you for your deep interest in 'Child Witch'! I hope you are enjoying it. 40 x 5 star reviews so far. Here's an interview on BayTV:
https://www.goodreads.com/videos/6439...
Happy pages,
Mike
UK Amazon Kindle Forum
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Do check your thread in the morning, eh? I'll let you know if school is cancelled. I'd hate for you go in if there're no kids there!