The morning light struck her wounded heart but she raised her jagged limb and cried unheard “I shall be victorious! For I did nothing wrong, I was defenceless. If I could, I would speak loudly of the man in the dark night who, frustrated that I interrupted his view, tried to killed me with poison. My leaves fell, my smaller branches became brittle. The men in orange vests came with their chainsaws to finish me off. One muttered that I was unsafe, the other heard me sigh in sadness and stopped his brutal machine. They looked at me for awhile then trimmed me down. Orders were orders they said. No human has come back to mourn with me, the birds and insects dip their wings but do not stop. The geckos and ants will return when the poison washes away. I remain undefeated, I will grow again and keep my land green, the air cool, give rest to tired walkers, nesting for birds and adventure for the children who climbed my sturdy limbs. And the rain will nurture my young seedlings. See, they are struggling. It will take a long, long time to regrow, for that is how long it took me to grow. I am older than the man who almost killed me. Nature, my strength, says I can create sturdy limbs, green leaves and be a strong tree once again. I will try. I will outlive him. But today I am tired and my life-roots ache for clean water. I must rest before the first pale buds struggle to unfold.”
Tommy Llewellyn (a name he chose) is a young boy whose entire existence is wiped from the memory of everyone who knows him each year on his birthday, the fifth of January. Fortunately Tommy does not regress to babyhood each time but he grows up and has to start his life all over again to re-establish himself every single time.
A long waitlist for this book at my local library so I considered borrowing an audio book (narrated by Lewis Fitz-Gerald length 10 hours 16 minutes) but downloaded the e-book at the same time as a friend gave me the p-book, saying ‘excellent story’.
This time-slip novel starts off well with a smooth transition, easy to believe, somewhat elegiac, but plenty of compassion. One year old Tommy is sent to a former dairy converted to Milkwood House for lost, abandoned, nobody-wants-them children.
Tommy grows up and the world around him doesn’t know he already had an existence—many in fact. The scenes build, the young (soon to be forgotten) baby/child/teenager/adult matures and his life gradually unfolds amid some dramatic events. The fallout is that everyone around Tommy forgets all about him when his life resets like a bad reboot. Again and again and again. And it also resets the minds of close friends who knew Tommy—even lovely carer Miss Michelle—with no recollection of him nor the circumstances surrounding his ‘departure’.
Four things I must mention: First, I am not sure if this is YA or an adult book and Second, the swearing is a bit distracting and Third, initially Tommy doesn’t rail against his Reset circumstances, he doesn’t tell anyone or try to engineer change. Although he feels like an outcast, he becomes accepting of his strange situation, never tempted to reboot, until one fateful hot afternoon and Fourth, this story is like a modern fairy tale e.g. don’t analyse too hard!
GBW 2023
A bitter sweet experience occurs when Tommy turns fourteen. Something rather ordinary happened to him. Of course, given his unique circumstances, even the ordinary is going to be a problem. Tommy Llewellyn finds romance and falls in love with Carey Price, a girl older than him and he knows it won’t be smooth sailing. He already has a ‘history’ with Carey but she will never remember the true story. And Tommy is not about to tell her the upsetting details of her near death experience because she believes it was creepy Richie Sharpe who saved her life.
Disillusioned, Tommy sinks into the doldrums, a mass of rage and self-pity with a stolen bottle of Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky chaser before winding up in a life and death situation. Will it be hospital, heaven, romance or a chance for Tommy to beat the odds and alter his unique rotating life sentence?
Further questions only answered by reading the book: Does the reader find out what’s going on? Is the ‘evil spell’ broken? Does Tommy take steps towards a normal life? Can Tommy create his own happy ending?
Sneak peek, fast forward and Tommy does get real world experience via ‘former friend’ Josh Saunders. That’s all I’m divulging. The second half of the book is quite moving and while there is romance it is sliced through with angst and violence, pulling out all the stops. You may or may not like the ending…
If we need one, I think the moral of author Thompson’s story is to do little things to be remembered. Good things, leave a legacy of kindness and hope and love. Everyone leaves a mark on this world. Even indirectly, fleetingly, you are remembered for something you have done during your lifetime.
♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward
Author Bio:Michael Thompson has been a successful journalist, producer and media executive for fifteen years. He now co-owns a podcast production company and is the co-host of one of the highest-ranked podcasts in Australia. ‘How to be Remembered’ is his first novel. Thompson lives in Sydney with his wife and two young children.
Similar shades of: Life After Life by Kate Atkinson The Time Travellers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger The House on the Strand by Daphne Du Maurier The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold Labyrinth by Kate Mosse A Stitch in Time by Kelley Armstrong The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton Midnight is a Lonely Place by Barbara Erskine Dandelion Time: Romance Through Time by Nel Ashley The Sleeping Angel by Margarita Morris The Sins of the Fathers by Andy Conway Lost In Time by A. G. Riddle At the Edge of the Solid World by Daniel Davis Wood Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel Mariana by Susanna Kearsley Time Out of Time (YA) by Alex Marchant The Timeslip Series (YA) by Belinda Murrell The Boy Who Stepped Through Time (YA) by Anna Ciddor Making It Home (YA) by Suzanne Roche Playing Beatie Bow (YA) by Ruth Park
Many more I have not yet read or perhaps forgotten…
A great read for the school holidays. Goblin bombs anyone?! It starts off very well, there are exciting bits, scary bits and then mystery takes over. I loved this type of book as a kid, such an imaginative and inventive storyline founded in fantasy and grounded in real life, albeit with a talking cat and nasty little imps. Young Cassandra Morgan is a great protagonist (you can’t say heroine anymore can you?) who meets some pretty big challenges head on.
First there are uncomfortably cruel boarding school scenes but after much trauma, and a train trip, Cassie arrives in the enchanted village of Hedgely which watches over The Hedge that protects England from Faerie. Cassie has a familiar (partner) cat named Montague. She starts witch training school, a bit like Girl Guides, hoping to earn the inimitable pointy black hat. All the while preparing her secret quest to find her missing mother.
Cassie wears a key around her neck, the only memento of her mother.
Rule One is ‘Do not walked through The Hedge alone’. Learning the magic of witchcraft, friendships blossom alongside potions, cauldrons, experiments, incantations and wonky broom riding. But the golden thread is Cassie taking risks to reunite with her mother. She sneaks into her Aunt Miranda’s study, the eponymous and cranky Hedgewitch of Heartwood Hall, searching for information. The background scene-setting is vivid, coupled with Mrs Briggs the housekeeper, Brogan the gardener, Uncle Elliot, goblins, shape-shifters and the ethereal Erl King.
Art illustrator Tomislav Tomic
As an adult I probably appreciate the setting more than an action hungry young reader might until the spooky second half of the book. I have enjoyed magical realism before, e.g. the Stella Montgomery series by Judith Rossell who illustrates her own books. The ‘Hedgewitch’ chapters and full page pen and ink artwork by illustrator Tomislav Tomic are evocative and his Hedgely map is superlative.
Chapter 20 is one of my favourites, ‘The Midsummer Fair’ would be delightful to actually visit. However, with certain chapters I had to curb my jaded adult view because of what I might find stereotyped, a new reader will not. Especially as this is reasonably removed from iconic Harry Potter’s hardship but many similarities can be conjured.
A Book Quote ‘Ignis Fatuus’ Chapter Seventeen “This is a terrible idea,’ croaked Natter. ‘For once, I am in agreement with the frog,’ said Montague. ‘Toad, but look, you can’t go wandering about in there on your own.’ It was a glorious, sunny afternoon and the grassy hill that led up to The Hedge was spotted with buttercups and daisies. The sun was warm on their backs and they were well provisioned for the journey with ham sandwiches, bottles of Mrs Brigg’s homemade ginger beer and a packet of digestive biscuits.” Cassie came with her broom Tantivy once owned by her mother. Rue had her salt Goblin Bombs, just in case.
Hedgewitch by Skye McKenna Welbeck Publishing Group 2022
In hardcover ‘Hedgewitch’ has 403 pages double spaced and I have seen library books where turned pages seem to stop in the middle. I hope this is not the case with this story otherwise the erstwhile reader will miss out on some magical treats “By mirrored moon and shining flower, Over sea or mountain peak, Reveal to me this item’s keeper, For I would glimpse the one I seek.”
On the brink of health and family dilemmas, I was flaying around to get my mind off what was happening, not settling on anything, unable to find something which would give me peace of mind even for a short time. I had lost my way regarding books, those recommended were not my style, and everyone seemed to be pushing their own agenda. Looking at you Goodreads. Naturally all the publishers had Number One Bestsellers. After all, an author has to eat, drink and support a family too. But nothing clicked for quite some time. Until…
Did you hear the drumroll? Or get a soft-fade kind of feeling?
A reverie, down memory lane…
I had a flex-day off work and decided to trot down to the small local shopping centre where the mobile library van parked once a week. Those were the days when you could park because everyone actually went to work in person in the city. Anyway, the mobile library was like a family caravan with shelves and books instead of bunk beds. The updated version is huge with flash modern stuff inside (and out) like a library space ship on wheels.
Sorry I digress. I actually visited twice before I selected a book. Of course my library card had expired so I set that up again. The book I had returned for was The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde, a UK author who, fortunately for me, had already published more books in the series. The one I carefully placed in my carry bag was obviously well-handled so I thought that was a good sign. Please note the bookcover had been artistically distressed. The Well Of Lost Plots (above) is my favourite through the prose portal, although other readers don’t feel this way when it comes to favourites, but I think it suited my Literatech nature.
If I had been in an advertisement for Gold Lotto Pot of Gold I would have had a rainbow encircle me as I started to read. What is going on? Is this bloke off his rocker? This is fantastic! What an oddly intriguing twist! Spec-Ops inside books! Thursday Next is promoted to Detective Sergeant and inducted into SpecOps-27, the Literary Detective division of the Special Operations Network. As you may have guessed I also liked the late Douglas Adams and his Hitch Hiker’s Guide To The Galaxy so perhaps I was already predisposed to Jasper Fforde – anyway he took everything one step further, then another, and soon I was racing along with Thursday Next in Bookworld, a place which is familiar yet different. Not too scary, not too weird, just right. And Thursday’s career and family life grow with each book. From our world to the worlds created inside books, some very well known, with many inventive twists – and humorous twists too. I loved it. Still do!
GBW 2023
The Well Of Lost Plots (above) remains my favourite absurdist fiction story, although now I fluctuate having enjoyed a similar sense of weird comedic novels from UK author Jodi Taylor, her Chronicles of St Mary’s series about a group of disaster-prone historians who investigate major events throughout history… they are very clever, well, not necessarily the historians but the way Jodi Taylor writes them. I haven’t revisited either series in a while… sharpening focus… back to the world inside books…
Jasper Fforde has written other book series for adults as well as teenage readers which I own and have reviewed in the past. Apparently he will have a looong awaited sequel Red Side Story to join his much-loved Shades Of Grey. Yes, ironically published at the same time as THAT book but no connection whatsoever. The blurb says “The long-awaited sequel to Jasper Fforde’s cult bestseller Shades of Grey, set in a world where social hierarchy revolves entirely around visual colour.”
Back again to my discovery story! Pretty soon I had devoured (and reviewed) Jasper Fforde’s subsequent books, starting with The Eyre Affair through to The Woman Who Died A Lot. Love his YA The Last Dragonslayer, a four-part series featuring young orphan Jennifer Strange, and his newer standalone novels are just as quirky, just as enjoyable.
I kept tabs on his works and even purchased merchandise, the black Spec-Ops cap still fits but the t-shirt is a tad small now. I attended his author talks and book festivals here in Australia and, another drumroll please, actually joined a private group chat at Brisbane Writers Festival with drinks and hors d’oeuvre and devoted fans. See blog https://thoughtsbecomewords.com/2019/09/15/brisbane-writers-festival-notes-part-3/
The only glitch was that we were all too tongue-tied to actually chat to him like a real person. I think I said something about his newest standalone (not part of the Thursday Next series) but that was it. I will know better next time 😃
♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2023
“Dream Worlds” panel discussion (left to right) moderator Sarah L’Estrange, guest authors USA Karen Thompson Walker, UK Jasper Fforde, Australia Krissy Kneen. And I purchased each of their books.
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens heritage significance has many aspects. The oldest botanical garden in Queensland is located in Brisbane’s central city on the banks of the Brisbane River. Originally called the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, it was established in 1855. It was among the first places to be listed under the Queensland State heritage legislation back in 1989 and one of the few non-buildings to be included.
The gardens have many attractions. Some of my favourites are the mature trees, native plants, palms, water features, sculptures, winding paths, rolling lawns, a quaint café (with white Ibis) and, of course, beautiful flowers including the Hibiscus Garden (above) and masses of marigolds (below) in circular beds which were attracting the bees.
There is a variety of wildlife including possums at night. I took a photo (below) of a camouflaged Kookaburra. Can you SPOT THE KOOKABURRA in the tree?
These gardens are so different to what I remember as a youngster, they are now lush and green, better planted and more well managed. I love Weeping Fig Avenue and Bamboo Grove but have no current photos. Do you know I have never seen an event at the River Stage! Many events are hosted within the grounds including the spectacular night-time Botanica Light Show in May.
The little house on stilts (above) has significant meaning for our river city. I tried to take a photo of it at night, but it got lost in the evening mist on the mysterious pond.
My photographs (below) show the Gallery Level because that’s where my true story took place. In those days we called it the balcony level but it still has the bespoke, original shops with artisans working in the background as customers window-shop or browse the fine wares on display.
The main photograph (above) was taken entering Brisbane Arcade from Adelaide Street, City. Partially visible lower right hand corner shows Keri Craig Boutique Emporium to downstairs level. The iconic The Pen Shoppe (left) is small yet packed with the most incredible items you could imagine, and not all pens!
From memory, Brisbane Arcade was not as well lit as it is today and the atmosphere always seemed rather sombre with its darker wood and ‘proper’ shop assistants watching their customers, patiently waiting to be called to assist. Even today, nothing ruffles the ambience, no piped muzak or microphoned spruikers shouting about sales, and never discount bins.
If you desired a sophisticated clothing boutique with timeless elegance or a discreet luncheon you slipped into Brisbane Arcade. You hoped it would rain so you could buy that beautiful umbrella or stylish coat. The hustle and bustle of the city faded away and you knew you were somewhere special. Artisan jewellery, watches, ballet wear. And it didn’t get any better than hand-made Darrell Lea Chocolates deliciously displayed for special occasions. Unfortunately they now come from supermarkets, blocked in cellophane wrappers with lurid colours.
Looking towards Room With RosesBespoke Jewellers
Every time I walk into Brisbane Arcade, the elegance, intimacy and history surround me. In fact I feel I am no longer in the 21st century and I love it.
So, where does my spooky story start? As Mary Poppins (Queenslander P L Travers literary creation) aptly says “Let’s start at the very beginning…”
Well, maybe not at the very, very beginning but certainly two young women deciding on where to go for an end-of-term treat. Unfortunately the divinely delicious Room With Roses café was out of our price range.
The idea of a tea-leaf reading Fortune Teller lured us up the polished stone steps to the gallery level and…
Gallery towards Queen StreetFortune Teller was here
My personal reminiscence is of the Fortune Teller, or Teacup Reader, on the upper level, midway along the gallery walk. I cannot recall the woman’s name but even now I get shivers thinking of that cubbyhole café. In 1973, as a Stott’s Business College end of term treat, my friend and I decided on a special tea-leaf reading.
When we arrived, for some reason I declined and just drank my cup of tea and ate a slice of cake. But my friend opted for a reading. I cannot remember the price of afternoon tea (or a reading) but past documents show a jar of Maxwell House instant coffee was 30 cents back then.
Anyway, it was a real pot of tea with leaves and when my friend finished her beverage, the cup was upended into the saucer. The leaves left behind in the china cup were those the mystical woman read aloud. She told my friend that there were “lots of feathers” in the cup, lots of birds. She said that my friend had a trip ahead, she would leave and go somewhere “very important”. I cannot remember all that was said, we were too amazed to speak. My college pal lived on a poultry farm at Redland Bay and she was due to fly to Canberra ACT where she had been successful in obtaining a job in a ministerial office—I will never forget that tea-leaf reading moment.
Memorabilia Time! My favourite umbrella was obtained from the brolly shop in Brisbane Arcade, pale blue fabric with cane handle, and I have gifted many items from the abundant The Pen Shoppe. Around 1975 I purchased (from the chemist shop) an original USA Diamon-Deb metal nail file which I still own and have travelled extensively with it. Another memorable purchase in 1981 was a beaded headpiece for my bridal veil from the wedding shop near Darrell Lea Chocolates. Over the years I have enjoyed morning teas and shopping forays in the delightfully small yet visually splendid shops in Brisbane Arcade and truly believe this glittering jewel will live on for future generations.
“Imagine Agatha Christie parachuting into the heady world of gay saunas and HIV research, and you’re getting close to this delicious, camp and tightly-plotted murder mystery” – Benjamin Law, Writer and Broadcaster.
Death in the Sauna by Dennis Altman 2023
Melbourne-based author and academic Dennis Altman is a giant in academia and the gay rights movement. He has written and spoken widely on sexuality, politics, and culture both in Australia and internationally. With over 17 published non-fiction works up his sleeve, this is Dennis’s first foray into crime fiction.
“I grew up reading Agatha Christie and see murder stories as both elaborate games and a very useful genre for satire. I know of no other crime book that takes place in the international AIDS/HIV world, which I know very well” – Dennis Altman.
Synopsis – Death in the Sauna – On the eve of a major international AIDS Conference in London, the Conference chair is found dead in suspicious circumstances. Tracking down how he died reveals layers of deception, rivalry, and danger for those close to him.
“There could be no better author to take us into this story of secret lives, sexuality, politics and competing agendas. A searing and enjoyable read” Tara Moss, bestselling author.
EVENT: MELBOURNE. Hares & Hyenas and Australian Queer Archives ‘Life and Death in the Sauna’ – Dennis Altman and Andrea Goldsmith + the workers from Wet on Wellington – amazing chat and panel. Pride Centre 31 May 7.00pm EVENT: SYDNEY. The Bookshop Darlinghurst with mystery guest. 6 June – from 5.30pm. info@thebookshop.com.au EVENT: SYDNEY. Dennis Altman in conversation with Sue Turnbull. Better Read Than Dead 26 June 6.30pm EVENT: BRISBANE. Avid Reader Bookshop 25 July 6.00pm Dennis Altman and Myles McGuire. An IAS 2023 affiliated event.
Dennis is available for interview— Please contact: Laura Benson, BENSON PR Website: https://bensonpr.com/
Author Bio:Dennis Altman is the son of Jewish refugees, and a writer and academic who first came to attention with the publication of his book Homosexual: Oppression & Liberation in 1972. His book, Global Sex (Chicago U.P, 2001), has been translated into five languages. Recent books include Queer Wars (co-authored with Jonathan Symons), Unrequited Love: Diary of an Accidental Activist, and God Save the Queen: the strange persistence of monarchies.
Altman is a Vice Chancellor’s Fellow at LaTrobe University in Melbourne, Australia. He was President of the AIDS Society of Asia and the Pacific (2001-5) and has been a member of the Governing Council of the International AIDS Society. He was listed by The Bulletin as one of the 100 most influential Australians ever and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2008.
Publication: “Death in the Sauna” by Dennis Altman—
Thoughts Become Words 