The Daughter of Time

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Josephine Tey is often referred to as the mystery writer for people who don't like mysteries. Her skills at character development and mood setting, and her tendency to focus on themes not usually touched upon by mystery writers, have earned her a vast and appreciative audience. In Daughter of Time, Tey focuses on the legend of Richard III, the evil hunchback of British history accused of murdering his young nephews. While at a London hospital recuperating from a fall, Inspector Alan Grant becomes fascinated by a portrait of King Richard. A student of human faces, Grant cannot believe that the man in the picture would kill his own nephews. With an American researcher's help, Grant delves into his country's history to discover just what kind of man Richard Plantagenet was and who really killed the little princes.

Book Description

Josephine Tey re-creates one of history's most famous -- and vicious -- crimes in her classic bestselling novel, a must read for connoisseurs of fiction, now with a new introduction by Robert Barnard

Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard, recuperating from a broken leg, becomes fascinated with a contemporary portrait of Richard III that bears no resemblance to the Wicked Uncle of history. Could such a sensitive, noble face actually belong to one of the world's most heinous villains -- a venomous hunchback who may have killed his brother's children to make his crown secure? Or could Richard have been the victim, turned into a monster by the usurpers of England's throne? Grant determines to find out once and for all, with the help of the British Museum and an American scholar, what kind of man Richard Plantagenet really was and who killed the Little Princes in the Tower.

The Daughter of Time is an ingeniously plotted, beautifully written, and suspenseful tale, a supreme achievement from one of mystery writing's most gifted masters.

Customer Reviews:

Brain-teaser, brilliant, historical mystery.......2007-06-04

Some say this book is responsible for the renewed interest in Richard III. Whether true or not, it certainly peaked my curiosity.

It's chock full of history. But I have one word of caution: If you know nothing about the Wars of the Roses, the reign of Edward IV or Richard III, I recommend you first read Sharon Kay Penman's THE SUNNE IN SPLENDOUR. Without a good foundation in the history of the times, you'll miss much of the subtle references.

On the other hand, the unveiling of Richard III (biased in favor of the man) appears secondary to the point of the book. Rather, I think Tey meant to call historians to task. If history were written after proper (or legal) interpretation of the evidence at hand, she seems to contend, it might prove a whole lot more accurate.

Five Century Old Murders Solved.......2007-02-15

The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

Alan Grant is in the hospital with a broken leg and concussed spine; he fell through a trap door when chasing a crook. Bored, he asked for some books and prints. One of those prints has the portrait of Richard III. one of the greatest villains in English history according to the legends. Are histories written by the winners to justify their actions? Grant develops an interest in English history in general and the time of Richard III. His Parliament was the most liberal and progressive on record; why was he such a villain? In Chapter 3 it says that Tyrrell was hanged for smothering the Two Princes after being found guilty and confessing. That should pretty much solve the crime.

Thomas More's "History of Richard III" was based on hearsay (Chapter 7). More got his story from John Morton, a bitter enemy of Richard III. Richard III's contemporaries did not mention the murder of the Two Princes, not did Henry VII in his Bill of Attainder after Richard III's death. The conclusion must be that the Two Princes were still alive! In Chapter 8 Elizabeth Mackintosh misrepresents the Boston Massacre, so I question her story about Tonypandy. [The Boston Massacre was real. The troops who shot into an unarmed crowd were tried for murder, and acquitted.] The conversations between Grant and Carradine are used to explain late 15th century history. The Bishop of Bath told of an early marriage of Edward IV that would disinherit Edward's children, the Two Princes and their sister Elizabeth (future wife of Henry VII). Richard III's mistake was to pardon Lord Stanley and Bishop Morton (Chapter 10). Perhaps Richard III was too easy-going with his enemies?

Chapter 11 tells about two Scottish women martyrs in a legend that has never been verified. Why did Henry VII order the destruction of Titulus Regius without it being read by Parliament? Why did nobody speak then about the death of the Two Princes, if it did happen then? The fact that the murder of the Two Princes was never mentioned while Richard III was alive must mean they were still alive. Grant explained who benefitted from their death (Chapter 13). Sir James Tyrrell was well-rewarded by Henry VII until a falling-out in 1502 (Chapter 14). Then he was captured and beheaded without a trial! The story of a confession came later. Those who had prospered under Richard III died when Henry VII took power. [The story about Richard III's "warm heartedness" reminds me of Machiavelli's advice that it is better to be feared than loved.]

Henry VII was the first English king to have a bodyguard (Chapter 15). They tell of the events of 1486, when Sir James Tyrrell received a general pardon in June, then a second in July. Henry VII invented the Star Chamber, the classic example of tyranny. Chapter 16 summarizes the known facts. Grant finds Richard III innocent of murdering the Two Princes (who were obstacles to Henry Tudor). There is a surprise in Chapter 17. Ever since the Stuarts they knew that Richard III was innocent! Horace Walpole wrote about this in the eighteenth century. So why has the vicious legend kept going? Blame William Shakespeare and his play. Just as Hollywood created a "Wild West" of Cowboys and Indians to hide and obscure the real history of the late 19th century America. Grant explains why the mystery about the deaths suggests Henry VII's guilt.

I wonder why there was no print of Henry VII here? Richard III has "quite a nice face, isn't it?" Can you judge a person by their looks? It was the policy of Henry VII to eliminate all rivals to the throne, such as the heirs of York, but few details are given here.

This highly surprising telling...........2007-02-10

...of one of the oldest mysteries in England was thoroughly enjoyable. The story is told in an intelligent manner and seems to logically solve the mystery. Until I read another theory on these two little princes I find more believable I'll stick with this one!

Richard the hero.......2007-01-10

Josephine Tey wrote this in the 1950s, an examination of the place of Shakespeare's arch-villain King Richard III in history, as a detective story of a kind. The attitudes it reveals are dated, and the environment in which the book is set (a hospital) quaint social history. But the story she explores is exciting, challenging and will change your mind about the history you learned at school and never questioned afterwards. My only quibble is that the most famous picture of Richard III, in which he is shown putting on or taking off a ring and in which it can clearly be seen that he has one shoulder higher than the other, which is much referred to in the book, is not the one used on the cover. Read this book, it will change your mind.

Shear delight.......2007-01-04

One of those rare novels that is both entertaining and informative,like the Da Vinci Code. A novel that can be read over and over again. The CD version read by Derick Jacobi hightens the authors brilliance and the readers genius. Highly recommended. You will never tire of listening to them.

Daughters of the Moon: Secret Scroll - Book #4 (Daughters of the Moon)

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The Secret Scroll
The Secret Scroll
Daughters of the moon: the secret scroll book #4
Great Book
Way better than its predecessors

Daughters of the Moon: Secret Scroll - Book #4 (Daughters of the Moon)
Lynne Ewing
Manufacturer: Volo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0786807091

Book Description

Catty has always wanted to find out who her birth mother was, and oddly enough, she has the power to allow her to do just that. When Catty goes back in time, she not only manages to meet her mother, but she also finds out some very disturbing truths about her identity and her fate.

Customer Reviews:

The Secret Scroll.......2006-11-07

This a a very interesting book. If you like stories about girls who have powers. Then this a a good book for you to read. IN this book it is about a girl name Catty. In this book she is trying to find her real mom. While she tries to find her mom she bumps into something strange. A guy is trying give her this little message thing to help her. BUt she still doesn't know that who it is though. So anyways she finds out a little thing about the passage. In the middle of the story she finds out who her mother and all that good stuff.

The Secret Scroll.......2006-10-18

What would you do if you had dreamable powers? Clean your room, get rid of your annoying younger sibling, who knows maybe even same the world? An amazing book named The Secret Scroll is about four girls that have unbelievable powers. The Secret Scroll is part of a series called Daughters of the Moon. In this book one of the characters is named Catty. Catty has never met her birth mother. So, Catty travels back in time (which is her power) to meet her mother. Her mother gives her a necklace that could destroy the evil Atrox. The only trick is she has many people that are working for the Atrox, trying to find her.
I think the book was incredible. A lot of stuff comes up that you wouldn't suspect. I definitely recommend this book.

Daughters of the moon: the secret scroll book #4.......2005-10-24

This is a series of books that are about 4 girls that have special powers. This one is better than the 3rd one for me. each book is about a different girl of the 4 girls and it tells their points of views. i thought this book was a lot more exciting. my favorite one was the 1st one. when the chapters end they just leave you hanging and it makes you just want to keep reading it. you never know whats going to happen next and it makes you really think about it. when you predict something will happen your usually wrong because its hard to guess what will happen next. it was just a really good book to read!

Great Book.......2005-03-08

I read this book over the week-end and loved it. stanton played a great role in this one by the way he went out and helped Catty. The story also introduced a new character but Stanton is still my favorite. The scene at the park was the best with the merry-go-round.

Way better than its predecessors.......2005-03-06

This is the best in the series so far. (I am currently reading the 5th book) Ewing's portrayl of Catty is the most realistic and fully realised. She even comes across well in the other books, her character is always well defined and unconfused. This book also focuses a little more on the technicalities of being a moon goddess than any of the others and sounds far less hokey in doing so. Stanton has a nice featuring role, which is good, because he is the strongest character in the whole series (the most interesting too, that bad boy that needs to be redeemed is always appealing). It is also nice to see a glimpse of another generation of Moon Goddesses and how someone else could be as frustrated with Maggie as I am. I hope this is a sign the rest of the series is picking up in quality.

The Prophecy (Daughters of the Moon, Book 11)

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great book
magnificent!
Heck of a lot better than #10
Catty meets her father
Daughters of The Moon TV Series?

The Prophecy (Daughters of the Moon, Book 11)
Lynne Ewing
Manufacturer: Volo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0786818913

Book Description

Catty almost has her hands on the Scroll and its power to destroy the Atrox, but time is running out. Anyone who sets foot near the cursed parchment will die, and it's about to go on display at the local art museum. Before Catty can steal it, the Scroll is hand delivered to her by a surprising messenger. . . but this gift has strings. In return she must travel to the dark world of Nefandus to finally meet her father, a member of the Atrox's inner circle. There, he awaits her with a tempting proposal. Will Catty succumb to her dark heritage?

Customer Reviews:

great book .......2006-11-02

This book is awesome even though I haven't finished it. Kyle sounds so cool but her dad is so mean. So far it is like he dosen't even love Catty.

magnificent! .......2005-10-05

This book is awesome. I loved everything about it. Since reading book #5, i've been reading like crazy, trying to find other books. When I got this book, I read it in 5 days. It has every factor that makes it a great book. It has drama, love story, friendship, and family values.

Catty and Kyle are my favorite couple, next to Vannessa and Michael. I think it's great when Catty realizes that someday, she has to face the Atrox alone. I hope Kyle could help her. I idolize the way Lynne Ewing wrote all of the Daughters of the Moon books because it makes me visualize what is actually happening in the story. i can't wait to read book 12!

Heck of a lot better than #10.......2005-04-11

I picked this book up last night at the local library, and i finished half of it in 2 hours! This was so much better than THE TALISMEN (sorry maggie)

The Secret Scroll has been sold to the musuem, and everyone visiting it is getting a little sick. Catty and the rest of the Daughters then try to steal it back, to save mankind (of course!) The scene where the girls try to steal the Manuscript back is quite comical, almost a 3 stooges movie.

AND we have another love interest. and he's a bad boy. literally. This book is quite a rollercoaster between one emotion of betrayal and hate to loving that person and wanting to jump down his jeans! i can relate to Catty, feeling a little insecure about herself because all her friends have boyfriends and she doesnt.

The scene w/ Chris and Catty is extremely sad. She meets her father, some powerful Inner-Circle Atrox dude.

I finsihed this whole book in one sitting. it was great. i cant wait to read the 12th book, and she better stop writing her male counterpart series and finish this one. I NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!

Catty meets her father.......2005-03-18

The secret scroll has become an attraction at the art museum. Catty has to steal it before people start dying from the curse on the secret scroll. She almost has it but Kyle stops her. Kyle has his reason for wanting the secret scroll. The book is good but what you think is going to happen doesn't happen so the ending is sad. Catty gets to find out more about who she is, too.

Daughters of The Moon TV Series?.......2004-12-05

I think we should try to make it happen, i think these books are so good that they deserve to make a tv series off of this, if we love it so much we should get out there and say something, i personaly think they could make this series a Teen TV series..Girls think about it....And i have to say Jimena is my favorite, i like her with her gangster self....;)

Daughters of the Moon: The Choice - Book #9 (Daughters of the Moon)

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Book Review -Duaghters of the moon:The Choice
The choice
WOW WOW WOW....
WOW
The best in the series!

Daughters of the Moon: The Choice - Book #9 (Daughters of the Moon)
Lynne Ewing
Manufacturer: Volo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0786808519

Book Description

In a reckless attempt to change the future, Catty drops Jimena into her troubled past-and into dangerous territory for the ex-gang member. As Jimena runs for her life, she is caught by the police and put in jail. There she is further threatened by a new type of Follower with a shape-changing power she is unable to resist. Her only choice is to break out of jail and hide out with a most unlikely ally-her old gang rival, Payasa. Together they have to save the other Daughters of the Moon before Jimena's most terrifying premonition comes true.

Customer Reviews:

Book Review -Duaghters of the moon:The Choice .......2007-03-05

This book is about a sixten year old girl named Jimena,who has to go back to the past,and team up with her enemy to warn her friends from being captured by the Atrox. If I gave this book a rating it would be 4 stars,but I don't think that it would be my judgement that will pursway you to read this book.

Reasons why I would give this book the rating that I gave would be becuase there a lot of plot twists in the story,and there a bunch of dramatic scenes in the story.

The choice.......2005-11-05

A girl named catty accidentally dropped a girl named Jimena into her old trobled past and back into her old gang called 9 street neighorhood. Jimena had ran for her life and had been caught by the police and was put into a jevenile . she had a choice and its to break out of jail and has to hide out with an old gang enme paysa from 4 street .pasya and jimena will both save daughters of the moon before Jimena bad dream comes true.

WOW WOW WOW...........2005-03-05

I LOVED THIS BOOK SOO MUCH!!!Jemena is my favorte Daughter of the Moon. the way she could go from Gang life to a Goddess wow. but this my be well for me it is the ending that i hate because she is no longer a Daughter of the Moon but in 10th book you undersand that she is going away just like that! but now i have said to much.So read this book because you will LOVE IT!!

WOW.......2004-10-01

This book jumps into the action in the beginning but what happenes to Jimena in the end was sad. This book has a twist to it that will shock you a little bit. This book reached one of my DotM top 5 faves.

The best in the series!.......2004-09-09

This is my favorite DotM book. I love how Ewing portrays Jimena and how she has crafted Jimena's personality. Jimena seems like a warrior/goddess which makes this book all the more entertaining. It also illustrates the bonds of friendship the daughters have and the struggle they all endure to destroy the Atrox. I loved this book, and steadily remains at the top of my favorite DotM books.

The General and His Daughter: The War Time Letters of General James M. Gavin to his Daughter Barbara (World War II: The Global, Human, and Ethical Dimension)

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It's a 'must' for any serious, in-depth World War II collection
Straight From the Heart
the general and his daughter
Letters from a Father to his Daughter.
The War Time Letters of General James M. Gavin to his Daughter Barbara

The General and His Daughter: The War Time Letters of General James M. Gavin to his Daughter Barbara (World War II: The Global, Human, and Ethical Dimension)
Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy
Manufacturer: Fordham University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0823226875
Release Date: 2007-03-15

Book Description

James Maurice Gavin left for war in April 1943 as a colonel commanding the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division—America's first airborne division and the first to fight in World War II. In 1944, “Slim Jim” Gavin, as he was known to his troops, at the age of thirty-seven became the 82nd's commanding general—the youngest Army officer to become a major general since the Civil War. At war's end, this soldier's soldier had become one of our greatest generals—and the 82nd's most decorated officer.Now James Gavin's letters home to his nine-year-old daughter Barbara provide a revealing portrait of the American experience in World War II through the eyes of one of its most dynamic officers. Written from ship decks, foxholes, and field tents—often just before or after a dangerous jump—they capture the day-to-day realities of combat and Gavin's personal reactions to the war he helped to win. And provide an invaluable self-portrait of a great general, and a great American, in war and peace.The book's more than 200 letters begin at Fort Bragg in 1943 and continue to December 1945, as Gavin came home to lead the 82nd at the head of the Victory parade in New York. This correspondence constitutes the majority of Gavin's private wartime letters, but except for rare appearances in regimental newsletters, it has never before been published. In her Introduction, Epilogue, and Notes, Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy gives a privileged glimpse of the private man. Edited by Gayle Wurst, the book features historical overviews by Starlyn Jorgensen, a preface by noted Gavin biographer Gerard M. Devlin, and a foreword by Rufus Broadaway, Gavin's aide-de-camp.

Customer Reviews:

It's a 'must' for any serious, in-depth World War II collection.......2007-07-07

THE GENERAL AND HIS DAUGHTER: THE WARTIME LETTERS OF GENERAL JAMES M. GAVIN TO HIS DAUGHTER BARBARA provides an excellent portrait of the American experience in World War II, telling of a commander who at the age of 37 became the 82nd Parachute Infantry's commanding general, and the youngest to become a major general since the Civil War. His letters were written from the field to his nine-year-old daughter Barbara and provide plenty of 'you are there' insights into the realities of combat. It's a 'must' for any serious, in-depth World War II collection, especially libraries specializing in memoirs and writings from participants.

Straight From the Heart.......2007-06-03

This is an absolutely marvelous book. Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy has given us a very personal glimpse of a Soldier's Soldier who led his men from the front and was truly one of the great Generals of WW II. General Gavin's letters reveal the sensitivity and love that he maintained despite the strains of combat and command. One cannot read this book without feeling that you have shared so much of the personal experience as well as the love and devotion he showed to his daughter. It is a book that lifts the spirit and makes you respect the "Two Star Platoon Leader' even more.

the general and his daughter.......2007-05-29

A unique footnote to World War II, and an unusual view of a famous general

Letters from a Father to his Daughter........2007-05-29

There are a lot of books written about World War II and its commanding generals. There are usually written by historians, or participants writing long after the battles. This book is different. There are the wartime letters written by Jim Gavin to his daughter Barbara. They begin in 1943 when Gavin, then a colonel left the states commander of the 505th PIR or the 82nd. At that time Barbara was nine.

There are approximately 200 letters included in the book. They were written on board ships, in foxholes and tents. They do not have the afterthoughts or 'point-proving' of books written later. They are the personal messages of a father to his daughter. They talk about the day to day realities of what Gavin was doing at the time, and about his personal reactions to combat and the war.

The book provides an insight into the man and the times that is rare to find.

The War Time Letters of General James M. Gavin to his Daughter Barbara.......2007-05-13

Excellent insight into the humane side of a great military man. Good reading.

Disobedience of the Daughter of the Sun: A Mayan Tale of Ecstasy, Time, and Finding One's True Form

Average customer rating:

Artful & Significant
Very deep and interesting book
Of Time and Water - an Ecology of Spirit

Disobedience of the Daughter of the Sun: A Mayan Tale of Ecstasy, Time, and Finding One's True Form

Manufacturer: North Atlantic Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mayan | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1556436009
Release Date: 2005-07-22

Book Description

Author and illustrator Martín Prechtel is internationally known for his explorations of ancient folklore and uncovering the lessons therein for modern readers. In The Disobedience of the Daughter of the Sun, he revives a hitherto unknown Guatemalan Tzutujil Mayan tale of the beginnings of the world with a poetic retelling of the story, 28 evocative drawings, and a critical analysis that both enlightens and entertains. Having lived with the Mayans and learned their language, Prechtel authoritatively retells the powerful tale of the Tall Girl who weaves the world in a loom, her parents the Sun and the Moon who repudiate her suitors, and the mysterious man who disguises himself as a hummingbird to lure her away. Prechtel expands this archetypal story with five layers of commentary, each teasing out a different wisdom and revealing its relevance to the world today.

Customer Reviews:

Artful & Significant.......2002-03-14

Much as he does with his paintbrush, Prechtel as storyteller excels in painting a vibrant landscape of words. As he draws out the subtle details of the book's central myth, like the nuances of various hues on a canvas, he pulls us deeper into the bigger picture of this ancient tribal teaching story. Here we are introduced to the concept of the Indigenous Soul.

Prechtel descibes the Indigenous Soul as "...that natural non-human, spiritual origination place inside all beings, peoples, animals, and plants that is older than anything ancestral, past the ancestral greatnesses and sucesses, past the ancestral ruts, prejudices and stupidity."

This story a significant gift--an invitation to recover our own innate indigenousity--that comes from the Tzutujil people and is made possible through Prechtel's artful use of metaphorical language. I encourage those concerned with the loss of native traditions and wisdom to read this story, or better yet to live this story, and help bring the world back to life.

Very deep and interesting book.......2002-01-20

I reviewed an ARC of this book a couple of months ago, and was quite intrigued by the story that was retold by Prechtel, an experienced shaman, or medicine man of sorts. According to the publisher, Prechtel previously published two non-fiction books, but this is his first work of fiction. Although the story starts off as a simple tale, it is soon apparent that there is much more behind the scenes than was evident at first glance. For a wonderful and concise summary of the content, please read the review below this one - I could not have said it better myself, so I won't even try.

The tale is the probably the easiest part - deciphering the several layers of deeper meaning is where the experience becomes much more complex. There are a few passages that come to mind that I have already outlined, and I definitely plan to read this book again in the future. I would recommend that anyone, like me, is not well-versed in complex philosophical thought, read the explanations behind each layer in a couple of sessions rather than all at once. The material is a bit much for the average reader, particularly people that, like me, are mostly used to reading works of fiction, but that should not detract from its appeal. Of course, much of the discussion covers some universal truths, and everyone could stand to pick up some valuable lessons from the book. This is a book that I don't plan to get rid of anytime soon. Check it out, if you dare..

Of Time and Water - an Ecology of Spirit.......2001-12-01

We in the West have at least a nodding acquaintance with the coded language of various mythic traditions - the Greco-Roman, the Norse, the Celtic - but here is something unique. It is a centuries-old story to live by - an ecology of the spirit - told by an ancient people, recorded and interpreted by Martin Prechtel.

Prechtel gathered the Story over years of living among the Tzutujil Maya in Guatemala where he learned their language. Since these people were almost totally wiped out by American-backed death squads in the '80s, this a treasure book.

The Story, then, is of the beautiful Tall Daughter of the Sun (a workaholic) and his wife, the Moon (somewhat of a shrew). Their daughter weaves the world alive on her loom - a womb of creation. She is a being too elevated in her parents' eyes to have a mate because, of course, no man is good enough for her. [Sound familiar?]

Enter the Short Boy - a little man shining with "...a green brilliance, which in the right light sparkled iridescent..." He comes in the morning after her parents have gone to work. They recognize each other immediately as the Beloved. Turns out that he is the son of Hurricane and Ocean (but she doesn't find that out until she is running away with him). When their liaison is inevitably discovered, the Daughter, in her own defense, truly maintains that they never touched. "What they did do for hours was lose each other fast and far inside the other's eyes." [Remember that?] She loves him.

Mother Moon, in a hissy fit and a twirling rage, says.."Love him! Him! How can you love something that can only lick your knees? Well?!! And the Daughter is "...chilled by the winds of her mother's hatred and by the shock of being hated for the first time." [Been there, done that - yet?]

How their arch-enemy, the Northwind, blows all their hopes to smithereens and how the Beloved Daughter of all creation is re-membered into a new form, is the substance of the rest of the story. It has elements of other world myths in it (the gathering of her parts somewhat like Isis gathering Osiris, for instance), but unlike the Norse Baldar myth where all present pass the buck for the god's demise, or the compromise cyclic disappearance and return myth of the Greek Eleusinian Mysteries, all creatures in the Mayan world accept responsibility for their complicity in either precipitating the tragedy or letting it happen. And they all cooperate, with grief, repentance and hope, in an effort to bring the Daughter, who is life itself, back to life in any form.

Told with humor, compassion, mystery and understanding, I wouldn't call this story a myth set in granite. It's an interactive live Story of Life reverberating through time. I read the entire book with the author's five levels of commentaries (aloud in parts. The entire narrative reads like a prose poem). And then I went back and read the Story again, and its world view began to enter my dreams. [No kidding!]

Prechtel's commentaries add layers of understanding. In the first layer, he observes that, "To punish or trivialize the youth for having subtlety of vision is what makes depression an epidemic in modern culture."

"So often the artist is sacrificed for the art and the art is what lives. This story tells us that our art must be sacrificed, turned into a magic that puts us back together in a new way and hatches the world back to life" and that "...living the life of an artist is not as useful as living our lives as a work of art."

In the second layer, he notes that: "In this story-method of learning, we humans become part of the geography of nature, important not because of our inventories or conquests, or chronicles of having been victimized, or our labor-saving inventions that kill this geography, or our egalitarianism or our capacity to get to heaven, but just for having been born and showing up for work, the work of living out our part of the story."

In the third layer, the author talks about indigenous languages that eliminate the verb "to be." I'm still having trouble wrapping my mind around this concept, but as I understand it, "to be" is an abstraction and indigenous people don't distance themselves from the rest of creation by abstractions.

"The brilliant ingenuity of Indigenous language...though often mounted on rails of metaphor, is the way they zoom way past metaphor into realms of undertandings that have metaphor looking rather naive," says Prechtel.

"A ritual can "be" the universe, because the ritual and the universe can be the same thing. In this way our bodies are not metaphors of the Earth; they are the Earth."

Unlike her future in-law, the Sun, whose Time only lives now, the Ocean is nonsequential time, time already done, time to come, time that will never happen, time that could have happened and more, all mixed into one large matrix of Gathered Time." Time and water. "To the Tzutujil there is only one water which rushes, puddles or is captured in a multitude of diverse forms like plant leaves, hot springs, rivers, lakes, ponds, ice, tears and streams, and like the amniotic flood at our births, all this water is trying to get back home to the original mother of life, the Great Grandmother Ocean, the great dream pool."

The fourth layer is a true story in present time that puts it all on the palm of your hand like a Hummingbird and the fifth layer is a perfect round waterdrop - a distillation like brandy from the wine of the Story.

I wish I could give this work 8 stars. Eight would be just about right.

Book Description

Third Fable for Our Times by Carol Lynn Pearson shows the love and bond that is eternal between a mothers and daughters.

Customer Reviews:

a gift to give your daughter, and for daughters to give moms.......2007-06-11

A book that shows the mom or daughter in your life that there is a special bond -even among the differences.

CHARMING!.......2004-05-17

My mom and I, unfortunately, do not see eye-to-eye..... yet this book made each of us choke up. It's a keeper.

For anyone with a daughter, read with a tissue!.......2003-03-25

My mother has always loved books by Carol Lynn Pearson; I think one reason is that she named her daughters Lynne & Carol (and we used to be Pearsons)! By far, this is my favorite Pearson book. Recommended by an Amazon friend, I bought this book for my mother who has always lived thousands of miles from me. As luck would have it, my daughter was visiting me when I started reading this lovely little story. From the very beginning, I knew this book was written about us. The tears started flowing on the first page and didn't stop until the last page of this poignantly written "Fable For Our Times." WILL YOU STILL BE MY DAUGHTER? is actually a parable about an acorn that falls from a beautiful, strong oak. The oak loves her daughter and wants to protect her from pain and disappointment. However, as in real life, we can only hope that our children will have the strength (roots) to persevere.

There is a special bond between a mother and her daughter and this book celebrates that bond. You must read this beautiful keepsake with your daughter, especially if she is going through a difficult time. I now need to buy another copy of this book for my mother. I loved this touching tale and recommend it to all mothers. Put it somewhere handy so it can be read over and over!

Touching and True.......2002-04-24

I bought this book for my mom while on my first vacation away from her in California. I was 18 years old and for quite sometime had been struggling with her issues of letting go. Because of this book I finally understood that she was also struggling with having to let go and I learned to be a little more patient. I think she too realized that although she couldn't always protect me, I would still be her daughter.

The Perfect Mother-Daughter Gift.......2001-12-29

If you have a daughter, particularly one who is on the brink of womanhood and preparing to leave or has already left the nest, this is the perfect book to give her. In other words, if you have a daughter 18 or over, give her this book immediately. You may even want to read it with her, but be warned that you will both shed a joyful tear or two. This short, picture-book for adults tells the story of a mother and child and the lessons they learn. Sadly, even a mother's love cannot protect a child against all life's hardships, but the irrevocable truth still stands: there is no greater love than that of a mother for a daughter and the nurturing love that melds into true friendship as years go by is a shared gift. Treasure this little book as you read it for a few minutes with your own daughter, and hold its message in your heart forever.

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CANCER OF HATE
The Finest Mystery Writer Now Working
Outstanding craftmanship
in an evil time
Outstanding Psychological Suspense Thriller

In an Evil Time
Bill Pronzini
Manufacturer: Walker & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0802733530

Book Description

Jack Hollis had finally steeled himself for what had to be done, the murder of his daughter Angela's husband, David Rakubian. Rakubian was vicious, abusive, deadly, and powerful, and everyone Hollis knew and loved wanted to save Angela from him. After his first attempt failed because Rakubian didn't come home, Hollis put together a foolproof plan. He'd lure Rakubian to his grave with the promise of seeing Angela. It would work: an isolated place, the body easily disposed of, perfect alibis. There was just one problem: The target didn't show.

And when Hollis went to Rakubian's house and found his body, he didn't know who he had to protect. There were too many people among his friends and family who wanted Rakubian dead, and no one was saying a word.

Bill Pronzini, the award-winning author such highly praised thrillers as Nothing But the Night, takes us into the heart and soul of a man pushed to his limits and then beyond them as he fights, first for his daughter and then for his family and his own salvation. With the twists in plot that Pronzini's fans have come to expect, and the author's incisive understanding of the motivations that drive us, In an Evil Time is a compelling novel of human need and stunning suspense.

Customer Reviews:

CANCER OF HATE.......2002-03-17

Jack Hollis has a problem. His daughter, Angela, is being stalked and threatened by her ex-husband. No amount of pleading, restraining orders or talking can keep him away. Jack must do something. After all, this is his daughter. He must protect her and his grandson from this savage animal.

In An Evil Time is a gripping drama of a man forced to lower his code of ethics in order to protect his family. Jack's stress over his daughter's problem catapults him into doing things that would never come to his mind. Out of desperation he goes out to kill this crazed stalker only to find out someone has already done the job for him. Who? Jack suspects his own son Eric who had just as much hate for the man as Jack. Now Jack has to protect his son from discovery.

If you have ever been stalked you can certainly identify with this family. Helpless and hopeless the law is impotent in stopping the harrassment of the stalker. Everyone goes through various stresses and strains until they reach their breaking poing. See a law abiding man turn into a cynical angry time bomb ready to explode. His anger is like a cancer which spreads throughout his family to the point where he makes various mistakes and assumptions that can destroy them.

You will be intrigued by the social implications of stalking upon a family. Pronzini also shows us how psychological pressures can eat away at us to the point where we become the monster that we're trying to eradicate. Find out how Jack tries to rid himself of his personal and psychological demons.

The Finest Mystery Writer Now Working.......2001-07-25

As a mystery writer with my first book in its initial release, I have repeatedly asserted that Bill Pronzini is the finest mystery writer now working. His NAMELESS series is a landmark in modern detective fiction. His recent stand-alone thrillers have been universally excellent, deserving of the nominations and awards that several have received. IN AN EVIL TIME is Mr. Pronzini's most recent thriller. It features Jack Hollis, a good man pushed beyond his limits by pure evil--David Rakubian. Rakubian is the ex-husband of Jack's daughter, Angela. Jack finally makes a difficult decision that a man has to do what a man has to do to protect those he loves, yet he finds someone has beaten him to the task. Jack then, once again, has to struggle to protect those he knows he has to protect. IN AN EVIL TIME is a complex and fulfilling thiller, written by a masterful writer working at the top of his craft.

Outstanding craftmanship.......2001-06-16

Angela married attorney David Rakubian on the rebound from her divorce. She tried to make her second marriage work but failed because David is a sociopath control freak who verbally and physically abused her. When Angela worries about the safety of her son sired by a different person she divorces David to return to the home of her parents where she knows her loving parents, especially her father Jack Hollis, would do anything to ease her troubles.

David begins to stalk Angela and threatens her and her loved ones, but in sly ways so that the police have no proof of his acts. Jack concludes that this animal of a former son-in-law must die before he kills one of them. Jack sets up a full-proof plan, but David fails to arrive at the dead zone. Jack goes to David's home to find that someone already murdered his adversary. He believes a family member killed David so Jack buries the corpse and cleaned the house. Not long afterward letters arrive informing David and Angela that someone knows what happened to David. The miserable cycle begins anew.

Bill Pronzini is a brilliant storyteller who uses his characters to propel forward a taut plot. When Mr. Pronzini provides only a last name of a cast member, he insures that the audience never becomes too close to that player. However, Jack is unique as the audience roots for his success even when he steps over the line. IN AN EVIL TIME is a chilling tale of horror with human monsters that could be living next door.

Harriet Klausner

in an evil time.......2001-06-02

Another great book by a true master of mystery/suspense. I have been a fan of Bill Pronzini for over 20 years and this book ranks very near to the top. (Blue Lonesome is still my favorite) As usual Pronzini takes a plot that has been used many times before and gives it a different twist.

Outstanding Psychological Suspense Thriller.......2001-05-08

Jack Hollis has a problem. A serious problem. Jack Hollis is a regular, middle aged law-abiding Californian, with a good job, a nice house, a loving wife, a son in college and a married daughter named Angela. Angela's second husband is the problem.

His name is David Rakubian. He's an out-of-control, sadistic, control freak. Rakubian believes totally in that line in the wedding vows, the one that says `til death do us part. And he's prepared to demonstrate his commitment by killing pretty much anybody who gets between him and what he sees as his absolute and total right to Angela's body and soul. As a result of the beatings and verbal abuse, Angela and her son by her first marriage, have left Rakubian and obtained a temporary restraining order to keep him away. Threats and confrontations result.

Pushed to the law-abiding limit, as Angela prepares to go into the underground network that protects and supports abused women and their children, Hollis decides his only recourse is to murder Rakubian. This is not something he decides lightly and part of the author's high quality is his illuminating exploration of the agony that besets Hollis while he secretly plans an act so foreign to his being, without stealing interest in the story.

Eventually, after we are treated to an excellent interweaving of characters in his family, his colleagues and his close friends, Hollis sets out to track down Rakubian and kill him. But when he finds the man, Rakubian is already dead and this sets up a turbulent, excruciating effort on Hollis' part to figure out who did murder Rakubian, and to protect that person.

It is at this juncture in the novel we are able to see the genius of the author. There are any number of plausible suspects, from members of Hollis family to his colleagues. Hollis is beset by fear it was someone close and frustration that he wasn't able to protect everyone around him by killing Rakubian first. There are many surprises in this novel and its multiple layers of psychological stress are carefully explored. IN AN EVIL TIME is a novel to be savored. It is a compelling examination of spousal abuse and society's impotence when trying to protect individuals against such horrific pressures. This theme plays against the stresses and strains of communication between husband and wife and between parents and their adult children.

This is a real story about real people, brought to vibrant life by a master story teller. It is fast-paced, cleanly organized and very well-written. Walker is to be congratulated for publishing this novel and for the handsome design as well.

Average customer rating:

Tears for tulips

speculative bubble bound to burst

Hana in the Time of the absent parent

Tulips Everywhere

Hana in the Time of the Tulips
Deborah Noyes
Manufacturer: Candlewick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fiction | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Values | Social Situations | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Ibatoulline, Bagram | ( I ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0763618756
Release Date: 2004-08-19

Book Description

With stunning artwork reminiscent of Rembrandt, this tender tale harks back to the days of tulip fever to illuminate the enduring love between father and child.

Hana and her father used to love to walk in the garden in the evening and play their favorite game — the one where Hana is a Renowned Physician and Papa pretends to faint dead away on the bench. But ever since tulip fever struck Holland, Hana's father has been consumed by greed. Soon he is too busy to walk in the garden or kiss Hana good night or even realize how lovely the tulips are. Even worse, the tulip market is crashing, and now Papa is falling into despair. It's up to Hana — with a little help from the painter Rembrandt, a family friend — to find a way to remind her father of what's truly valuable and bring him back to his family. Luxurious illustrations by virtuoso painter Bagram Ibatoulline bring seventeenth-century Holland to life in this poignant portrait of the persistence of love.

Customer Reviews:

Tears for tulips.......2005-02-09

In the double-wide painting on its cover, a girl stands in a field of tulips. Meeting her serene gaze, you risk losing track of a few minutes - or centuries. Inside are landscapes, portraits and sketches that, likewise, pull you into another time and place. Russian-born artist Bagram Ibatoulline infused these images with the look and feel of 17th-century Holland, the time of the Dutch Master Rembrandt van Rijn. That celebrated painter is the only "real" figure from history who appears in Noyes' story, Rembrandt is the rare adult in Hana's life who remembers friendship in the midst of the materialism that surrounds her.

speculative bubble bound to burst.......2004-10-07

Been to Holland Michigan and San Fran's PIER 39 Tulipmania Festival. Just love those bulbs. This book might be aimed at children but it's truly as beautiful as any bulb. The author does a commendable job describing The great commodity crash of 1637 through a child's eye.

Hana in the Time of the absent parent.......2004-10-05

I loved Hana because I sympathize with her. My Dad is obsessed with his job and never seems to have enough time for me. I even asked him to read this book and he told me he was too busy. This story may be about tulips but it could be about any parent I know. Dr Phil should feature this book on his show. I just want to thank my teacher Ms Miller for giving me this great book to read.

Tulips Everywhere.......2004-09-29

I wanted to cut out all the pictures in this book and hang them on the wall of my room. I couldn't take my eyes off them. I'm not really sure of what the story was about, but I want to say it again, the pictures were beautiful

Average customer rating:

True American Fiction At Its Pure, Unadulterated Best
a flawed novel but a wonderful journey
Good start but goes nowhere after that
wonderful, but...
I really loved this beautiful and disturbing novel.

Bright Angel Time
Martha Mcphee
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Family Saga | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Domestic Life | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Mothers & Children | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0679450084
Release Date: 1997-04-22

Amazon.com

"Mom learned to fall backward into the arms of strangers without hesitating or looking over her shoulder. She learned to fall freely, with her muscles relaxed and her mind open..." So begins Martha McPhee's first novel, Bright Angel Time, a story rooted in the freewheeling, free-falling decade of the 1970s. For Kate, the tale's narrator, life starts to crumble the day of the first moon landing. That is when her father takes off with his lover and leaves his family high and dry. Soon after, Kate's mother, Eve, falls in love with Anton, a man with a smarmy charisma that draws one in even as it invites second thoughts. A hippie pied piper, Anton lures Eve and her three daughters into a cross-country odyssey from New Jersey to a commune in Big Sur. There his own children from a previous marriage join the menagerie.

McPhee captures the era when women's liberation mixed with notions of free love led to sexual license, and Gestalt therapy promised enlightenment. Seen through the eyes of Kate and her two sisters, this is not so much a time of freedom as one of confusion, adult carelessness, and neglect. Kate's steely-eyed view of her parents' world, combined with McPhee's brilliant imagery and deft characterization, makes this '70s-era tale a book for the '90s.

Book Description

This magical novel about three daughters struggling with divorce, dislocation, and the radical new lifestyle their mother adopts introduces an exceptional new author. Bold and wonderfully written, Bright Angel Time is rich in original imagery and humor, with a strong and visceral sense of place.

Customer Reviews:

True American Fiction At Its Pure, Unadulterated Best.......2002-12-29

Bright Angel Time, is without a doubt, one of the best American novels that I have ever read. I could not put it down. Never in all my reading have I felt so strongly about a young author. It is extraordinary how a first novelist could deliver such a gripping story and have such a true real, tragic message. Make sure you have a block of time before you start it because you will not want to stop turning the pages once you have reached the back cover.

Katie is 8 years old. Her parents soupposedly have a perfect marriage until one day her father leaves her, her mother, and her two younger sisters. For several tense months she and her family try to go on with their lives.

Until her mother starts going to therapy with Anton.

Anton is a therapist. He was a Jesuit priest, but is now married to a nun. Kate, her mother and her sisters fall in love with him. He propses, and they move into a camper with his 5 children and they begin a trip across the country. But however, things don't turn out so well.

I loved this book. I wish it could have won many awards and stayed at the top of the bestseller lists like some books that don't deserve or need the praise. I feel this book a must read, and will try my best for it to get the recogniton it deserves.

a flawed novel but a wonderful journey.......2002-11-25

I loved the rhythm of this novel and the voice of the narrator, a child's experience as told by the adult. It begins with one of the most eloquent paragraph's that I've ever encountered. Unfortunately, I felt that certain themes in the book could have been more fully expanded and characters seemed to swim just out of reach. This novel was brilliant at times and at others, it left me wanting and needing further explanation. What happened to Julia with the stranger and the car? Why do some characters seem to vanish every other chapter? The plot runs a strange course of moving forward and backward in time. It is as though the narrator has a lapse of memory or does not know how to tell the story from beginning to end. The haphazard journeys through time produce the sense that you are not fully hearing "either" (ie the pre-Anton or post-Anton) story. On the other hand, the story is told with a candor that makes one feel as though a trusted friend is explaining the bizarre nature of her childhood.
I will read more of this author's works. I know that as she becomes more comfortable crafting books, there will be more depth and cohesiveness to them. With that said, I will eagerly begin reading "Gorgeous Lies" tomorrow. :-)

Good start but goes nowhere after that.......2001-03-30

When I saw this book I recognized the name and wondered if Martha McPhee is related to John McPhee (whose writtings I enjoy reading). The setting certainly seemed John McPHee like, and being trained as a geologist I was intrigued by the Grand Canyon reference. I later learned Martha is John's daughter. It was only a few pages before I got to know and care about the characters. That is perhaps the best and worst of "Bright Angel Time". Once all the characters are introduced the novel goes nowhere. And since we are viewing the action through the eyes and mind of an 8 year old girl the novel goes nowhere in a way that an eight year old would go. The story slowly became tedious to read since the characters remain the same throughout their experiences. I didn't find any of the characters to be likable or redeming in any way. The mother is weak, the father is too uptight, and Anton is too contradictory. But I loved the fact that an eight year old could quote geology! Ms. McPhee does a great job expressing the freedom of the 1960's. I am certainly enviable of those who can live their lives on the road. I found it interesting to look at the comparison of a free spirit against an uptight planner, but with little or no interest in the characters the comparison fall flat. I look forward to more from Martha McPhee. She takes her father's style further into the realm of imagination.

wonderful, but..........2000-06-02

martha mcphee did a good job of her debut novel. it was brilliant; wonderful. her vivid descriptions of the characters and the places made the story seem alive and real, especially kate. kate observes things with the mind of a wistful eight year old, and she made me smile. although i wasn't born in the 60s - 70s, it gave me a clear (if not exact) idea of how life was like and the hippie culture. the ending was a bit disappointing though, a little like the author wanted to finish the book quickly. perhaps she could have said a bit more at the end, or maybe i'm just disappointed because i expected more since mcphee was excellent. her words and sentences are carefully but beautifully constructed, though. the book itself is a bit disturbing and i was worrying about the children all the way, and how they were going to survive in a world of dope and booze and money and sometimes violence and unfairness. but nothing's rosy in life, is it? :)

I really loved this beautiful and disturbing novel........1999-03-26

People complain about the ending of this book. However, I found it far more believable than tying things up in a pretty little ribbon would have been after all the ugly realism that preceded it. Like the ending of the movie Thelma and Louise, the ambiguity is what is so very interesting about it. Because we never learn what happens to the girls we are free to draw our own conclusions from among all the hopeful and painful possibilities. I found myself worried sick about those kids and wishing I could rescue all of them from that deplorable chaos and misguided "love", and I was deeply touched by the way they yearned to embrace it in the absence of any real stability.

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