Skye McKenna ‘Hedgewitch’ Book Review

Hedgewitch by Skye McKenna © book styling Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2023

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.

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.”

The second book ‘Woodwitch’ has hit the shelves!

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Brené Brown ‘Keeping it Awkward, Brave and Kind’

Brené Brown https://brenebrown.com/ -:- Artwork © Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2023

You Read Jasper Fforde Yet?

The author who pulled me back into reading…

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…

Check out these titles:

Thursday Next Series
   1. The Eyre Affair (2001)
   2. Lost in a Good Book (2002)
   3. The Well of Lost Plots (2002)
   4. Something Rotten (2003)
   5. First Among Sequels (2007)
   6. One of Our Thursdays Is Missing (2011)
   7. The Woman Who Died A Lot (2012)

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.”

I cannot stress enough how readable his books are so visit his website—https://www.jasperfforde.com/

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.

I Hate Poetry or Poetry Hates Me

Poetry is insidious
Subtle words weaving
Verse so perfidious
Cunning and teasing

It twines like string
Snagging each thought
And every cruel thing
twisted and wrought

Sad tales retold
Children cry animals die
Love lost to the bold
And partners who lie

Past battles fought
A punishing word said
Harsh lessons taught
Buzzing in my head

Nightmares surface in bed
He loves me not
He chose her instead
Let them both rot

Poetry churns sentiment
I’d rather forget
So I prefer contentment
Over bitter regret

Kudos to all composers
And each poetry writer
Life ain’t sweet roses
But it will get brighter

Poem © Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2023

Visit palpable poetry
The Lighthouse poems by Tom Alexander

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Sunny Stroll in City Gardens

Cultural Heritage Significance

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.

Hibiscus Garden, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens © Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2023

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.

Marigolds in Brisbane City Botanic Gardens © Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2023

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?

Spot the Kookaburra in the tree City Botanic Gardens Brisbane © Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2023

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.

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Information highlights:
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/council-venues-and-precincts/parks/city-botanic-gardens/attractions

My Strange Experience in Shopping Arcade

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.

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…

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.

Add your memories—

Memories, stories and tales

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.

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

‘Death in the Sauna’ Dennis Altman Book Leak

“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.
https://cloudsofmagellanpress.net/death-in-the-sauna-by-dennis-altman/

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—

ISBN-13:	9780645732801
Publisher:	Clouds of Magellan
Publication date:	May 2023
Pages:	216

Thanks to sources who supplied this information ♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

The Scarlet Stiletto Awards Launch

Women’s crime and mystery short story competition

A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION! LAUNCH OF SISTERS IN CRIME’S 30TH SCARLET STILETTO AWARDS 2023

The idea for a national award for short stories, written by Australian women and featuring a strong female protagonist, was cooked up over a few glasses of wine in 1994 at a convenors’ meeting in St Kilda, Victoria. The purpose was to support and unearth new talent. This has been achieved in spades!

Get in quick for an historic (and enjoyable) occasion – the launch of Sisters in Crime’s 30th Scarlet Stiletto Awards hosted by Angela Savage.

Susanna Lobez and Leigh Redhead will read the winning ‘Body in the Library’ stories from 2021 and 2022.

Date of launch Friday 2nd June 2023
Time 5.30pm (for 6.00pm) until 7.30pm
Venue Melbourne Athenaeum Library
Level 1, 188 Collins Street
Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia + Google Map

Of course, this event is to get writers warmed up for the writing of their own crime short story!

Competition entry details for 2023 will be posted when they come to hand… stay tuned…

Meanwhile here’s a link to some other great writing events:
https://sistersincrime.org.au/opportunities-competitions-and-workshops/

Further event information
Sisters in Crime
Carmel Shute
Secretary, Sisters in Crime
admin@sistersincrime.org.au

Yours in criminal writing,

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward

Snapshot (Phryne Fisher) from DECO Watermark Publishing Ltd and John Sands Greeting Cards

ENTRIES NOW OPEN – READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE:

Scarlet Stiletto Writing Awards Now Open!

AND HERE:
https://sistersincrime.org.au/the-scarlet-stiletto-awards/

Ode to Buttons

Buttons, buttons everywhere,

they’re on this and over there.

They’re on clothes and touch-screens.

They’re on phones and washing machines

They can be found in boxes or jars,

or in neat rows on planes and cars.

Being on the button is good,

pushing peoples, you never should.

Some buttons are big, some are small.

Some buttons do nothing at all,

some are outies others innies,

silly buttons on our bellies.

You may have a cute button nose,

to enjoy the smell of sweet rose.

While buttoned up or buttoned down,

in the rain or strolling in town.

Buttons in all shapes, any size,

having a spare is always wise.

Buttons for eyes on our stuffed friends.

Uses for buttons never ends.

We glue them on paper plates,

making gifts for special dates.

Add string then sprinkle glitter on,

next curly yarn, name in crayon.

Some are toggles, some are switches.

Some like snaps to hold up breeches.

No zippers for me, I prefer,

buttons to hold all together.

Glad to share my buttons with you,

we’re all buttoned up, story through.

Rhyme’s done, time to button my lip,

I’ll say goodbye, have a safe trip.

By Steve Kittell

https://www.childrens-stories.net/poems-and-rhyming-stories/buttons_steve~kittell.htm

Not buttons but bowl of baby mandarins just for fun © image Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2023

Brisbane Arcade 100 Year Anniversary

Almost a century old, Brisbane Arcade celebrates 100 years in 2024. Turn your thoughts into words and post your memories on their website.

Brisbane Arcade © image Gretchen Bernet-Ward 2023

Memories, stories and tales

Quote: “A grand heritage arcade ‘for the people’, Brisbane Arcade is arguably Brisbane’s most cherished shopping Arcade where nearly every visitor has their own special memories of visits to the Arcade over its many decades. Brisbane Arcade’s distinct old world yesteryear charm is enchanting.”

“Today, the iconic Brisbane Arcade is where visitors step into an Arcade steeped in history, memories and timeless elegance.”

I sense that elegance and a certain intimacy every time I walk off busy Queen Street and into the calmness of Brisbane Arcade. And I love the Gallery level!

Soon: I will be posting my own personal (spooky) experience so watch this blog. I am sure if you live and work in Brisbane you will also have some early shopping tales to tell.

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward