PORTRAITS OF A SMALL PEASANT.

Hi Phil, I've read the lot now, and I must say, this is one of the most wonderful books on this site. I was laughing and crying and laughing again, and the stories just kept coming one by one, giving a real image of what life is about. It's a pity, there's not more. I actually forgot the time and my surroundings, and was immersed completely. The writing may sound straight-forward, but really, it is highly skilled in many areas, involving emotions, thoughts, memories, morals and hopes, giving us a life in a certain light of human purity, with fun and enjoyment interchanging with minutes of sadness and tears. This is brilliant!!
Highly starred and already on my shelf.
Ame
Wolfmother

Hello, Phil-

You posted just enough to make me crave for more... much more. You left this reader tantalized by thoughts of how Philip's love affair with Helen might unfold. He was just seventeen and had been pining after her since he was fifteen and finally her lips brushed against his, then full on. Wow, great stuff. The entire seven chapters sparkled not only with a memoir worth telling the world, but with writing that justified the telling. The imagery was rich and the action vivid. You began when Philip was five and subtly filled in his first five years before moving ahead with his life in riviting fashion. Six stars and a spot on my shelf when there's room.

Best of luck with this,

Dan Carroll
SlumAuthor

{Portraits of a Small Peasant} – Philip Allsop
This is a delightfully written book; everything a biography should be, and I love the snapshots you give into your life – the standalone quality of each chapter is perfect, indeed a portrait :)

I particularly like the image you set up of Mother being God in chapter 1; this is so powerful and emotive, and made me think back to your pitch ‘I had the best Mum a boy could have.’ The tone of voice you use, alongside your descriptions of your Mum and your actions together, really convey this feeling.

I also love the vivid images you paint of the world in which you grew up; everyday life is depicted imaginatively and with clarity. Small touches like the sights and smells of the harvest festival and the songs in church, the ‘sea of pain-making weeds, razor sharp gorse wrapped around my ankles…’ and the portrayal of the gypsy lifestyle bring these personal experiences to life. You also capture emotion well – I loved ‘I felt crimson inside, as if caught getting out of my bath’ in chapter 3 :)

Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to continuing! High stars :) have a lovely day!
Cara
p.s. Thank you so much for your support of ‘Dawn of Destruction’!

Oh this is lovely
The descriptions of your childhood are so vivid I felt that I was there. And I half longed to be hop-picking with you and your family. Moments in this tale gave me goosebumps. You always seemed to see the best in a life that was far from easy and the friendship's between the boys were heart warming. There are a few points that require a bit of editing but nothing that detracted from a beautifully told tale.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I will be reading more.
Highly starred and on my shelf
I wish you all the best
Kirstie
The Girl who Ran with the Wolves

Hello Phil
Thanks for sharing this story, what really resonated with me was the relationship Philip had with his mother. He waited for his mother patiently each week, he knew it was only for a few hours, but the love between them both was strong... You immersed yourself in his childhood world, describing people and places in a perfect manner... it was authentic and heartfelt.

My favorite part was the first encounter with Rose, at ten years of age, he was aware of her beauty and also his own feelings, perfectly articulated...

Although the story was dark at times, there was little anger, as long as Philip was with or near his mother, he was happy...Your sense of humor lifted the mood and was real...

The story and dialogue flowed perfectly, the descriptions of the places and people jolted me into Philip's world, not just as an onlooker but part of his soul...

I am not an expert but this book would be a welcome read for people all round the world... Your cover is eye-catching and I hope to pick this up at a bookstore one day.

I wish I could give it 600 stars, but for now I give it 6...

Good Luck with this powerful, heartfelt story..

Thanks
FC

Hi Phil,

I'll be honest and say that from your pitch alone, I might not have read your book but when I sampled a few of the other reviewers' enthusiastic comments, I thought I'd be missing out if I didn't.

When I was reading, I could imagine what it would be like listening to you talk; how, given the chance, you would reminisce. Clearly you write from the heart and this gave me a strong insight into your character. Your style is easy to read and has the unpretentious air of a journal, although to my mind, it would be helped along by a rigorous edit for punctuation. If I had to suggest one other thing that might also help the flow, in my opinion it would be to check for places where you use the same adjective or description in the space of a couple of sentences. In the first chapter, twice in quick succession you mention 'dark, blonde hair.' The second time it didn't add anything to the picture for me but did slow my progress. The same thing happens when you are waiting in the big hall in the Boys' Home; three times you mention the 'soft light' to the extent that it felt unnatural. However, these are things that if you agreed, could easily be put right.

Lovely story telling.

Tiara

What a specifically selection of important parts of your life diary.
The era, the events.
Very well wtirren, with some phrases of accents in it. So real.
A non- fiction, 6 stars.

Phil, I read all nine chapters of 'Portraits of a small peasant' and thoroughly enjoyed it! It is very endearing, your passionate memories obvious, the writing a truthful, autobiographical tone. There is some really nice imagery eg; 'like black ebony mushrooms' and a turkey the size of an ostrich! Some good 'characters too - Aunty Ocean? What a great name! I instantly wanted to know more about her. I enjoyed the early years of your recollections, but it is Helen's introduction to the story that really brings the novel to life. Perhaps you can add more about Helen, snippets probably, after fifty plus years, but worth considering. The voices within your storyline are effective, I liked the 'trog's' phonetics. There are a few minor typos such as 'Are Mums not amazing [? and start new sentence]. The need of a question mark '... weren't I[? instead of !] I would also convert to numerics any dates [1955 & 1956]. As a rule within writing, use alpha for 1-99 and numerics for larger numbers. I would also explore the usage of 'Mum', especially in the first Chapter. Sometimes it would be better as 'my mother' or ''mother', I think. I probably wouldn't capitalise 'Mother' either.

I am going to keep your work watchlisted and intend to read more when it is posted with a plan to move it to my bookshelf when nearer completion. High stars also, Phil, it's important that you get your recollections down on 'paper' as we are all the better for reading them! best regards, Andrew Esposito / Killing Paradise

HI Phil - I have finished reading. You have written a very lovely, nostalgic story. I have not heard, “Drunk as a skunk” in a very long while. Oh my god, that turkey. Very funny...having said that. I must say you are heavy-handed with comers and semicolons - for example you could use a full stop, instead of a semicolon in these sentences. My arm was around Nicky’s shoulder. He was crying ….The months were now empty. They drifted by. It was a very bad time for me. It gives more impact…just a suggestion since you have a very good story there. I have errors in mine too. But I can’t do anything about that yet, as my book will lose its position. Good Luck. Regards Jeannette M. Cafe After Closing

Read more tonight, Phil….delightful sense of humour, wonderful imagination that only a child could have - a run in the field, suddenly became an Olympic arena. Also enjoyed the after school, trog confrontation- well done!! Tea time. Ha!!. Love all that I have read so far. Would like to continue but it is getting late. more tomorrow evening. Jeannette Maree Cafe After Closing

Dear Phil, I am reading your book and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Arriving at the Home at age 6, Matron and making the cart strike a familiar cord. I look forward to reading more, tomorrow night. Jeannette Maree –Café After Closing

I am so much enjoying this. It's enllghtening and enjoyable and a positive read, in definite contrast to some of the 'misery memoirs' currently doing the rounds. Well done!

Hi Phil,

An excellent work, congratulations, it sounds very honest.

The painterly nature of your writing is superb and we feel that you are a loveable chap, and we easily engage with the pleasure it is to imagine the world through your eyes.

I certainly had no idea that you would write like this from your pitch; I don't know if this matters or if it's just worth noting.

Your pitch almost makes me think of short stories, whereas we see that it builds into a stronger narrative as we progress with you from six years old through to adult hood.

At the same time I love the aspect of your writing that I could take just about any paragraph almost and have a lovely snipped of writing, which would stand alone and not be at all fragmentary.

Interesting, but I wonder why you gloss over twelve to fifteen; is there such a thing as an ordinary twelve to fifteen year old?

Hmmm... or is it that we can't remember those years as vividly because we were all hormones and tension....

I guess if you wanted to add things or change anything it might be to add a little more reflection or historical context, I don't think you'd have to add much text to add a huge amount of richness to your tales.

For instance, my Mum and Dad were telling me about the ladybird plague last night, I mean, I had no idea, carpets of the things apparently.

It all adds to the scope for younger folks like me and the nostalgia for the young at heart!

Thanks very much for a delightful read,

Kit

Hello Phillip,
I'm enjoying the heck out of reading your book. Great nostalgia, beautifully and thoughtfully written. My imagination is busily occupied visualizing the situations and personalities. Very skillfully written and I am anxious to read more.
Glad to put this on my shelf.

Dyangray
("9 in 'Forty-Nine")

Phil, have read the first five chapters and have been transported away! Your voice comes through so clearly I could imagine you sitting their reading it aloud. this is a wonderfully written memoir of your life so many wonderful scenes! Very highly stared and praised. Karen.

Dear Philip,
You can' t do hat I've been a serious bookworm all my life! so I'm eagerly lookthis! Please where is the rest? you must understand that I've been a serious bookworm all my life and now you are leaving me hanging in the air!
On ch 6 I'd like to ask.if one says 'probleebo' or 'probleemo?'
Ch u nearly took me out; but you have a gift to write about Tubby's death without that in your face blood andgore This is my favourite ch as you skillfully take the reader away from the sadness of death to a new relationship no doubt one that would help to overcome your grief of losing a friend.
You finished the book on a very high note and I'm absolutely giving you a top star rating which is well deserved in my very humble opinion.
Thank you for a heart warming candid story which leaves the reader begging for more.
Kindest regards
Maretha /African Adventures of Flame,Family,Furry and Feathered Friends
.

Dear Philip,
You can' t do hat I've been a serious bookworm all my life! so I'm eagerly lookthis! Please where is the rest? you must understand that I've been a serious bookworm all my life and now you are leaving me hanging in the air!
On ch 6 I'd like to ask.if one says 'probleebo' or 'probleemo?'
Ch u nearly took me out; but you have a gift to write about Tubby's death without that in your face blood andgore This is my favourite ch as you skillfully take the reader away from the sadness of death to a new relationship no doubt one that would help to overcome your grief of losing a friend.
You finished the book on a very high note and I'm absolutely giving you a top star rating which is well deserved in my very humble opinion.
Thank you for a heart warming candid story which leaves the reader begging for more.
Kindest regards
Maretha /African Adventures of Flame,Family,Furry and Feathered Friends
.

Dear Philip,
thank you for having sent me a message yesterday,if not I might've taken longer to find your book,being a fairly 'newby' to the site.
I loved the story and found something that had me giggling in every chapter. I imagined going down that staircase or downhill on the cart. In your and my generation children could amuse themselves with inexpensive things, even at the risk of breaking necks and limbs! your book brouht back fond memories of my own care free childhood.
May I ask can we have a ghost story or two thrown in somewhere? I would like to hear a Gypsey version.
Your descriptions of hops/apple picking is delightful. You described life lived at it's best - close to nature and people who grow on one. I'm busy with ch 6 now, rated and watch listed 'Portraits.." in the mean time. Will be in touch again.
When you have time and can read my book I'd really appreciate your comments.
Thank you again for a most enjoyable book!
kindest regards
Maretha/African Adventures of Flame,Family,Furry and Feathered Friends

Phil, I thought I'd stop by your book first before delving into the reads I owe. You are an artist not only with brushes, but with words. I read your stories and know your paintings and there is rich beauty in both. I thought, what if you combine for publishing to create a unique kind of book with photos of a painting along with a story of your youth? Ah, I can visualize it.
Until soon,
TDonna

I thought the first chapter was a little choppy, with the flashbacks to the time's with mother. The memories themselves were fine, but if you could find away for the transitions to be smoother I think that would help.

The second chapter, once the storytelling becomes linear, is a lot smoother to read.

For all the unpleasantness of the circumstances, the story has an incredible uplifting vibe to it. Not sure how you managed that but very well done. The home and the boys have a terrific spirit about them, something most modern homes probably would not.

I think a memoir of this kind is a tricky proposition, ususally you either need to be famous or have a very distinctive hook or great tragedy to tell. Having said that, the tone and touching nature of these stories is really well done and I certainly enjoyed reading it.

Phil, what a lovely addition you have uploaded here! Yes, this is soo good, I hope you'll write more.
Ame

What a tender, beautifully descriptive chapter of what I call eternal moments. Thank you for uploading ch 9, at last. You are right, it brought me tears of joy. And you were both so very young. It read very well, and you shared such a candid account of intimate moments. You already know how much I like your writing style! You hooked me with emotional depth and every chapter maintains the reader in a close connection with you. It's beautiful! Keep the chapters coming, Phil :)
TDonna
(No Kiss Good-bye)

Still reading and enjoying. I spotted a few minor grammar mistakes do you want me to mention them? reminds me of Laurie Lee so far- very evocative

Cyrus

This work absolutely strikes a chord with me, I was packed off to boarding school, also at six years old-mine was a nightmare from the start. Your style and pace are just great, however, for me it's the sub-text that wrenches out your heart and punt kicks it over the fence. A real delight to read and I shall return to this shortly (on a coffee break).
I want to read this book slowly and apply the attention it deserves. Well done.

Side note: I lived for five years in France and my favourite summer wine will always be ice cold Vinho Verde and I reckon a good Dao stacks up against the best Bordeaux.

all the best

Cyrus- Hellion 2 ( you may enjoy the war themes in this tale)

Hi there, Philip.

As I mentioned, I've read the first two chapters and really enjoyed your sun-drenched nostalgia. The first chapter is particularly lovely. I read it expecting disaster at every turn, as so often autobiography is based around a string of misfortunes and it was nice to be able to relax into such a happy tale, (so far at least!)

Here are the small notes I made as I read.

Even had they cared to look, THEY could not possibly know the turmoil

To me she was God. IF I had to be left
-add FULL STOP in middle

I was in safe hands and would stay still quietly waiting, however long that WAS.

There were clear, happy memories of Saturdays
- comma

The tool they used for this, would you believe IT, was a horse
- add first comma and IT

look at our little buddy. Ivy’s gunna kill us,”
full stop in middle

So there I was sitting high up on a horse and cart with TWO very large G.I.s,

Aunt Ivy was not amused. With a large towel and great vigor she rubbed me down. HER front fire was...

Mum would reach out, HOLDING and chiding me
- comma and ING

“Albert you are about the same age AS him?”
-unless this is a regional mannerism I don't know

“Hello Phil,” Albert said. “We’ll be having tea...
- full stop after said as the two sentences don't run on, e.g - "My name is John," he said. "I'm pleased to meet you." as opposed to "I've just realised," he began, "we don't have any milk."

I followed Albert to the washroom that was much like the one at my last school but A LOT cleaner.
- to avoid repetition

was all white so very clean; and there was the Master sitting at a large table.
-clumsy sentence, revise

“Nearly six, Master Sir.” I LOOKED down at my feet. THEN slowly, with an upward glance, I caught his piercing gaze. BY pure instinct I held it, waiting.
-comma when naming the person you're addressing
-Full stop after speech when there is no dialogue tag
-I've broken this sentence down into shorter ones to clarify the meaning. I must say it's rather a dramatic description and I was expecting something big to follow.

Matron came to me, taking my hand SHE said, “He’ll...

Looking at me, Reg said,
- comma after me.
-also you repeat "Looking at me" a few lines later.

On hills far away, the sheep grazed and green fields rolled away into
- two "away"s

confused, organised panic
-comma

sitting on the grass, warm sun, the heavy scent of canvas AND the lightest of breezes that gently brushed young bare shoulders, made it the happiest of times.
- comma after grass, sun and shoulders.

black boot traveling at light speed wraps around YOUR eyes and nose.

I whispered to Albert, “Bloody bums, the bugger's wagging his tail.”
- apostrophe, also I didn't understand why you said "bloody bums"

He had gone that morning; I WOULD HAVE GOT upset if I knew he had to go,

His Home had come down
- small h on home

Of course these are all very minor things and I'm only pointing them out for your sake rather than as a reflection of the quality of the writing. Overall I think you could find some ways to keep the forms of your sentences simpler without sacrificing the beautiful description but that's a subjective issue of style.

I'll read the later sections you recommended when I find a gap in my ridiculous reading schedule.

Thanks so much for backing me, you're a star.

best wishes

Benedict

Writing Biography/Memoir is not an easy thing but you have done it so fantastically that makes me to read more of it. A hooking story which deserves to be termed as excellent. Highly starred.

Hi Phil,

I told you I'd read your work! I am many things, but never a liar :)

I think your strongest points, and this is probably one of the most important in my opinion, is your ability to evoke emotion. I'm not sure if it's because I'm a mother, and could relate to the sadness of leaving my son in someone else's care, or if it's the fact that the narrative is largely through the eyes of a young boy, but I'm choking up as I'm typing this. It's a powerful thing, being able to stir up feelings like that, and not many people have that.

The descriptions, particularly of the mother, were beautiful.

The only drawbacks, as far as I could tell, were the grammer and punctuation mistakes -- fixing those should be relatively simple. They weren't so serious, though, that it made me want to quit reading (that has happened to me on this site more often than you'd believe.). Little things like missing commas and semi colons. No big deal.

Another thing I liked from reading your pitch is that you said you had the best mom anyone could ask for (or something along those lines) which is really refreshing to me. I'm so used to reading these miserable memoirs about shattered existence and how it's all my parent's fault -- it certainly made for a welcome change.

High stars, and best of luck.

Melissa

Hi Tojo.
Read all the stuff you posted at one go. It reads like a warm intimate diary. Poignant too. Gradual progression up the social and economic scale. Death of Tubby, then the love story with Helen. All beautifully written. Given your easy readable style you could write volumes of your story and still leave everyone wanting more. Top stars and a place on my shelf as soon as I have some room. Congratulations. Eric

Read the first two chapters of this and had to stop. Was enjoying it so much I realised I wanted to wait till I had more time to come back and read the rest at a pace at which I could savour it. I was drawn irresistibly into your childhood, loved the feeling I had of being there in that time and place. Admittedly, it’s a time I have a weakness for, but I couldn’t help feeling your wonderful job of putting me there came from you knowing the time. In other words, it didn’t read like a ‘researched’ attempt to create the forties.

By enlarge, I don’t like memoirs, but to be fair and not prejudge books here, I do sometimes click to the opening of one and start reading to see if the writing grabs my attention. Yours did. It’s one of a few bios here that has. I look forward to finding time to read the rest. An unexpected reading pleasure.

I loved this. It took me a while to get into it (though it was still enjoyable) and I did spot some punctuation things. For example, a comma needed in 'I was afraid, so alone.' Comma after short trousers. Full stop after little buddy in the bit with Eddy. After that I'm afraid I just got into the story and became useless as a proof reader. It's so very real, not an easy childhood but not a misery memoir, just gentle and amusing and touching. I was born in 1950 and this has a real feel of the '50s to me. It absolutely spot on.
Lovely. On my watchlist and lots of stars. My shelf is over booked but it will find a place there in a week or two. I'm learning a lot about writing from books like this, mainly that I don't have to force the drama to make it interesting.
P. S. is Helen going to say she expecting a baby at the end? Oh, go on, tell us.

Hello Phil,
Read the first 5 chapters today.
Fluid flow, evocative settings and always very tender. Rare that you read these memoirs and lose yourself in the 'present' of the story without mentally scanning ahead to see where it is all going. The reader is initimately engaged with the MC right from the off and you maintain that bond throughout.
i was particularly interested in your depiction of the Gypsies as they feature in my story.
Lovely read.
Thank you,
John
Dropping Babies.

Hi Tojo,
lots to like here. Great title,beautiful descriptions, good characters, a sense of place and time. I guess as it is a true story the only problem for me is that it meanders a little bit, as a reader you're not quite sure where anything is going or what is going to end up being significant or not. But I haven't read a lot of memoir, so it might be that it's acceptable for the genre. From what I understand you almost have to shape real life to fit a narrative, e.g. "rags to riches", "bad boy made good", "tortured genius", then your memoir has a natural story arc even though it's true life. And that is what makes you want to read on.
Hope that makes sense. For me it needs a bit more sculpting. But you've had great comments so far so what do I know?!
Lots of stars from me.
All the best,
Sharda.

Extremely poignant - rather you than me! but I am so sorry that it happened to you , everybody should have the right to a normal family life, but it does not always happen that way , as we all know . But on the other hand it has not killed you and I would imagine that you learn a lot of valuable lessons early on - correct me if I am wrong , that is terribly easy for me to say. I enjoyed reading what you wrote very much and shall look forward to reading the next chapter . Watchlisted and starred . Would you be able to look at the first chapter of my novel ' A Buccaneer' which is set amongst Pirates in the 17th century , with best wishes from Strachan Gordon.

Ah, Phil - would you leave us there with those words? I loved this; your style is off the wall, poetic - exactly suits your material. It could be written as lines of an epic poem. I've worked with travellers, and it's inspiring to read about the positive aspects of gypsy life as you describe them. Highly starred, and thanks for telling us your story - Frances K

Hi
I have enjoyed reading your first couple of chapters. I like how you have begun your book right in the middle of a pivotal moment in your life. It grabs the readers attention straight away and is heartbreaking at the same time. I enjoyed reading your vivid descriptions.
Best wishes

What a story you have to tell! "I now know how to put into words my feelings of that afternoon" - I guess that's what memoir does - it's a good way of putting it.
Your punctuation needs looking at (often missing commas)- sometimes it's hard to spot our own mistakes, so maybe you could show it to someone you know and they could help with that? Be careful of clichés too like "went by like a dream" though I do like your original way of putting some things, like e"contrary to what is thought about the 60s, girls that most men married were not the kind of girls that did anyting like sex in the first weeks of dating". I think this is surprising and refreshing.
Hope this does well for you!

What a great story. You tell it with ernest passion and I enjoyed every second. I like that it is a true story--it makes it that much more interesting. Great job & high stars. Lacy

I began my read on authonomy this morning with more of your beautiful poems. Thank you, Phil :)
T.Donna

I love it..."stealer of hearts." As a dog lover, I know that feeling too well :)

"'I am the harp, you are the breeze,
I come for you only to please,
Gently flow through my heart strings,'
'Play me.'"

Beautiful, tender, deep, soothing, intangible and yet touching my heart.
T.Donna :)

Phil, I've read through chapter 2 so far. This is a heartfelt memoir, and your prose is poetic. I love the line about boys in 1948 not crying, but hurting in silence. The grammar isn't perfect, it could use a heavy edit especially in the way of commas, missing and unnecessary, as well as some run-on sentences. Chapter one was a little hard for me to follow, as Phillip is left alone and drifts back and forth between present and memory. I think the transitions could use a little tightening up, and there is not much flow to the memories themselves, for example, the memory of the ride with the American GIs is not really connected with the other memories of your mother. I'd like to see a few more memories of her, and maybe understand a little better the family you lived with before coming to the home, why you lived with them and why you had to come to the home.

I think you could flesh out the time when you are living in the home, show us more of how you and Albert grow to be good friends in those two years, how the other boys become a surrogate family, what are your feelings toward Matron and Master. There are two years here during such formative years of your life, and you do a lot of telling about the camping holiday and the silver pieces at Christmas, but I feel like there should be more. Let us see you forming bonds with the other boys, Matron caring for you, Master teaching you (I have to assume he was in charge of lessons, as you don't really include that aspect of the home).

This is a beautiful start, with some editing issues, but I feel like this is only the tip of the iceberg. To really grab your readers and help them relate to your story, you will have to show what is under the surface.

I hope this is helpful.

Phil,

I came back today for a few more chapters because I simply could not stay away! :) I really felt for you on the dance floor with Helen. You have a tremendous way of painting little pictures throughout your writing. I loved: "barely four foot nothing...," "thin scorched ankles," "a full gypsy was I," and "trundled around the streets." Really great writing. You have given us tiny 'portraits' of a rich, deeply meaningful life. Amazing stuff.

Faith Rose
Now To Him

I just finished Chapter 6. I am really enjoying the writing and the vernacular! It gives a really good sence of the time and the situation. I felt sad when you left the Matron tho! I am eager to read more!
Mindy
The Wishing Place

Phil, reading about mud reminded me of the mud baths in Romania. You write about it with such joy, I smiled throughout remembering how I reacted every summer when mom expected me to be plastered and wait in the sun to dry up. The first poem, 4 just small words, touched me to the core. Beautiful!
T. Donna
(No Kiss Good-bye)

Dear Philip,

I've read only two chapters, and I am completely captivated with your story. This is a beautifully written memoir and leaves the reader with so much to glean from each "turn of the page." The glimpses into your young boyhood touched me deeply...from Matron and Master, to the boyhood friends (esp. Albert), to Christmas and holidays in the tent, and of course to Mum. You had so many deeply emotional lines; I was especially touched by: "Boys in 1948 did not cry openly, instead, they hurt slowly in silence." I am keeping your book on my WL and look forward to reading more. A beautiful piece of art.

All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

Phi, another chapter of poems that took my breath away. The broken guitar, the day I died, the whisper on the wind. I sighed and pondered the beautiful thoughts you impart!
Donna :)

Ah, Phil, the poems are sweet fragrant balm for my heart :) Especially For Evermore (For Helen) -- that kind of love happens once and how fortunate are we to have it, however brief on this earth, for all eternity in spirit.
T. Donna
(No Kiss Good-bye)

Backed on the basis of thousands of years of cool rules.

richard

Hi Phil,

I've made my way through all the chapters uploaded. I loved every word of it.
I know it sounds cliche but I really felt as if I was there with you.

With it being a true-story the characters are natural, quirky and interesting and the dialogue flows very well.
There is an almost hit of fiction in your narration, phrases and descriptions, though, which compliment it all very well and spurs the reader to continue reading.

I like how you use christmas as a sort of milestone throughout. From the conversation with Albert about christmas and the pantomime all the way up to the beers and small chicken and finding out you would be a brother.

On the whole, this is a very well constructed book. It's full of emotion and clearly very personal to you. And I applaud you for writing this!

I can't offer any criticisms. I was so utterly absorbed by the story, I failed to keep my eye open for them.

six starred! It'll remain on my watchlist to put on my shelf shortly!

Cheers,
Adam

Only read 2 chapters so far but am loving it, feel like im going back in time with you and living your life with you, (if that makes sence to you), will read more later.
Backed for sure;
Alison

Only read 2 chapters so far but am loving it, feel like im going back in time with you and living your life with you, (if that makes sence to you), will read more later.
Backed for sure;
Alison

Only read 2 chapters so far but am loving it, feel like im going back in time with you and living your life with you, (if that makes sence to you), will read more later.
Backed for sure;
Alison

This memoir is pure pleasure to read. Your writing flows with such ease, it transported me alongside you through the experiences of discovery, growing, loss, and love. Absolutely beautiful!
T. Donna Robison
(No Kiss Good-bye)