It is sad, of course, to forget. But it is a lonely thing, to be forgotten. To remember when no one else does.
Far from being invisible, obscured, and fIt is sad, of course, to forget. But it is a lonely thing, to be forgotten. To remember when no one else does.
Far from being invisible, obscured, and forgettable, this is one of those special books that comes around once in a while that is so memorable, enduring and one to be savoured.
A book with some poignant themes and messages that will evoke strong emotions in many readers and it certainly created a lasting impression. The mental images, the many meaningful quotes and messages that this book delivers so convincingly are now indelibly printed on my mind. A book that will get under your skin, have you question so much like the definition of free will and freedom, love and need as well as remembering, legacy, and the right to choose. A book that will get you in the feelers certainly at the end if not long before. It’s about ‘time�!!!!
Do you know how to live three hundred years?� she says. And when he asks how, she smiles. “The same way you live one. A second at a time.
A lyrical and captivating story about a girl who was destined to be forgotten when she dared bargain with her soul as she danced with the devil to a song that would last three hundred years.
Tormenting, lingering, magical, irresistible, and sad but beautiful. A great combination, and I would have traded my time with many books had I known this story and writing was this good and unforgettable. Simply Stunning.
The Plot
For a book where memories don’t last long, this is one unforgettable, deep, warm, and intense story where one girl’s soul is exchanged for immortality or until she surrenders her soul to the devil. And the price she must pay? centuries of being loved only by Lucier but also taunted by him to surrender. But to live her life means centuries of living with a curse of being forgotten by everyone she meets.
Reluctant to succumb to the devil, and surrender her soul, Addie decides to embrace life and travels to France and England in different timeframes. She lives through wars and centuries of change that witnesses rebirth and revolution but as people come and go, there are two constants. Lucifer needs her and no one will remember her. So with a poignant message ‘be careful what you wish for�.
However, the unexpected happens and someone does remember Addie, a boy called Henry, who is to become her passion, her friend, and her reality. However, can they be together with the promises already made and souls forfeited for something they both thought was worth bargaining for? Who knows!!! But all they can do is live for the here and now�. And in the end she asks herself...
Were the instants of joy worth the stretches of sorrow? Were the moments of beauty worth the years of pain?
and the answer... Always!!!
Review and Comments
The storytelling is unique which keeps the reader dangling between fantasy and reality through evocative and relatable themes of love, loss, loneliness, hope, and despondency, but the writing is so enchanting it doesn’t feel melancholic, even when it’s sad.
Even the slow burn at the start felt deliberate because we were meant to savour those moments, embrace this sense of longing, and lament over what was at stake, but also inevitable. Other readers have found this too slow at the beginning and whilst I still enjoyed I could see why they would have a problem. Pages 100 - 250 could have been condensed but when the writing is that delectable I didn’t mind - in fact I enjoyed. Second half of the book is faultless in my opinion.
As an extraordinary odyssey that was to span three hundred years, the reader is treated with a snapshot of real historical events and eras mixed with the fantastical threads to the story which brought a depth and richness to the book.
All the characters were likeable, even Lucifer, who was such a magnetic and alluring character. Addie herself was adorable and possessed all the determination, tenacity, and intelligence to make the reader admire her as a character and then all the love, hope and vulnerability that would make the reader love her as a person.
However, it was the fateful, possessive and magical relationship between Lucifer and Addie that made this an all time favourite.
Dine with me,� Luc says as winter gives way to spring. “Dance with me,� he says as a new year begins. “Be with me,� he says, at last, as one decade slips into the next�.
Although Henry was an excellent book character. I was personally more invested in the relationship between Luc and Addie. The chemistry was palpable, teasing and flirtatious which had me enjoy the scenes when Luc put in an appearance enticing Addie to surrender to him. Was it her soul or love he wanted? Who knows !!!
”I am stronger than your god and older than your devil. I am the darkness between stars, and the roots beneath the earth. I am promise, and potential, and when it comes to playing games, I divine the rules, I set the pieces, and I choose when to play�.
A truly expansive and magical story that is brilliantly crafted, perfectly executed, and richly imagined, but beware because the ending is very sad, although it should not have been written differently. This was in fact right for the story even though I found myself welling up inside.
Mysterious? yes but discernible and visual also. Contemplative but also fateful and conclusive. A book that aroused deep emotions, particularly at the end, and with a writing style that turned ordinary themes into something extraordinary. The book was magical with a touch of reality which is why it has landed so well with many readers. A book I will not forget and one that is indelibly imprinted on my mind.
After reading this book here are my three little words “…large enough to tip the world. ‘I remember you�.�
Exquisite, tormenting, mysterious and intense. Be careful what you ask for next!!!
”The vexing thing about time,� he says, “is that it’s never enough. Perhaps a decade too short, perhaps a moment. But a life always ends too soon…� so you had better live a good life�...more
Coming to the end of my first full year on GR and closing 2022, I wanted to select the final few books from my favourite authors this year, and of couComing to the end of my first full year on GR and closing 2022, I wanted to select the final few books from my favourite authors this year, and of course it would be hard to move past Kevin Ansbro, whose writing style and imagination just works its magic on me every time.
Eclectic, clever and even absurd at times, this collection of stories is possibly my favourite book of short stories I have ever read. Why? It touches on so many emotions, life lessons, themes, interesting characters, and a wide range of tales with significance and purpose. Whilst possessing a dizzying array of characters, like the Minoatur’s son, the mermaid, ghosts, nymph’s, shapeshifters, all of which are superb, it is the emphasis on ‘meaning� and ‘choice� that fascinates me through themes of love, greed, passion, and betrayal.
Once again, we see the accomplished wordsmith, because Ansbro is so vividly descriptive that you are guaranteed to be captivated, amused, entertained, and even prodded emotionally. The balance between powerful messages and humour is amazing, so nothing ever feels flippant nor overly sentimental. I chuckle a lot, with the impish dialogue and often wonder how he comes up with these books, but he just does.
So, if you want to treat someone at any time then look no further than this wonderful book of short stories that I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending. A fabulous collection that will entertain, draw you to the many messages as you embrace the themes and tales that are written by the ultimate wordsmith. An author who possesses such a wickedly imaginative mind. What more can I say about these stories. Magical, tormenting, lingering, reflective, irresistible, and sad but also beautiful.
I will be rereading and adding some reviews throughout 2023 on this collection. There are so many and so different it cannot be done in one go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Wow! You’re the fabled nymph I have heard so much about,� he gushed in wonderment. The beat of her diaphanous wings whined louder than those of a hundred mosquitoes and her iridescent toes skimmed the water around him. “If you promise to be kind and loyal to me, handsome, I shall consider you my friend,� she said airily.�
And one of my favourite type of comments, with that all important counsel�
“A woman is like an ocean, sir, beautiful to look at but dangerous to cross.�...more
I loved, loved, loved this book and 5 stars for a Fantasy, Thriller and Romance all wrapped on in another fabulous story that will take you on an exotI loved, loved, loved this book and 5 stars for a Fantasy, Thriller and Romance all wrapped on in another fabulous story that will take you on an exotic trip to Thailand.
A journey through time and a voyage of discovery for the readers as we are treated with three very different and separate storylines that start to connect whilst all the time play a story of contrasts. One common thread however, is how consequence and karma is stitched into the story where good is pitted against evil and endangers the living in more ways than one, as bad luck also threatens good fortune. A dark fairy tale for adults where Ansbro combines the fantastical with the thriller and elements from the spiritual world � it shouldn’t work but of course it does.
As an author I feel Ansbro brings his own brand of magic to ‘Magical Realism�, and once again we are taken on an exhilarating but heartening ride from east to west. A fast paced story that adds colour, culture and opportunity but with some very important themes of love, grief, death, disability where consequence plays an important role in bringing together the different threads.
As a reader you will enjoy the journey and the destination.
The Plot
If I told you this story involved a sea creature � the magical part, then some may switch off but just think consequence and it is an adult fairy tale after all. Just like the ones we read as children but only for grown up’s with adult themes!!!
The sea creature has been condemned to the depths of the ocean for having killed the monarch’s best soldier despite being on a ruthless mission himself. Back in Norwich Calum meets his childhood friend Hannah when we learn both were attracted to each other but never made it work and we are left wondering will the romance blossom this time round.
Meanwhile the humble but dependable Sawat who himself was survivor of the 2004 tsunami and one of the few to actually see the Kinnara is destined to cross paths with Calum with some far-reaching consequences for both as fate plays its hand. This is where the themes of opposites and consequence plays out the most. Read and find out!!!
Review and Comments
I am a huge fan of authors that vividly describe the surroundings, the people, and their actions and Ansbro does this brilliantly. A gifted writer and storyteller who combines humour with empathy and uses the full palette of colours to conjure up the right images.
I also like new ways to deal with heavy topics or use magical realism and humour to soften the heavy themes without losing their significance and making the story sound flippant. Done well, the message or moral of the story is often more impactful rather the preachy parables and fables. Another plus is the characterisation. I do love that Ansbro portrays the flawed and human characters really well and introduces enough characters without the story feeling overcrowded.
For anyone who wants something different, a beautiful dose of magical realism, a thoughtful and considered use of important themes with some depth and just a fabulous and beautifully written story then treat yourself to this wonderful book or spoil someone else. It tis the season!!!
I was fated to love this, and I did. Wonderful, exotic, creative and totally immersive.
“A book should grab you by the lapels and kiss you into tomorrow.� And this one will....more
“Better to be slapped with the truth than be kissed with pretence.�, and its better to feast on a book that offers a banquet, than to dine on a story “Better to be slapped with the truth than be kissed with pretence.�, and its better to feast on a book that offers a banquet, than to dine on a story that offers only nibbles of flavour.
‘The fish that Climbed the Tree� is a banquet of flavours, colour, tastes, and experiences, and once again, the perfect blend between illusion and the harshness of reality, as Henry� story unfolds after the death of his parents and his journey through life.
The Plot
Henry suffers the loss of his parents at a young age which forces him into learning life without really having had a chance to live in it. However, with a determination to bring about justice for his Mum and Dad, Henry encourages a newspaper to write about his parents� story that will force the powers that be to re-open the case.
There is nothing morbid about this book, instead it is a wonderful journey that dips into magical realism to tone down the harshness of grief whilst presenting a story of how Henry survives and learns about life. For example, we have an under the sheets peek of Henry’s first sexual experience, which was lighthearted, endearing, and witty, and when he wins the prestigious ‘Young Fictioneer Short Story Competition�, which was happy, reflective, and told us Henry was surviving. Although there are some darker moments like being bullied at school and then as an adult was savagely attacked and faced death. With some words of wisdom by his new guardians, Henry is advised
“Rather than simply being the fish that swims to the shore, you have to believe that you can be the fish that climbs a tree.�
Review and Comments
Affecting, humorous, and even profound, but what makes this a standout novel is Kevin Ansbro’s style of writing, which is just for me. Not that any of you can’t share and bask in the humour and wit, but I love it, get it, and want more of it. Here is why -
1. The vivid descriptions add so much colour and context to the story. I feel I have no work to do when reading this authors books because the images and storyline in the book are written with such clarity and relevancy � I feel as a reader I have no work to do. Spoiled hey!!!.
2. I love the use of adjectives that bring sentences and words to life. Kevin Ansbro does that better than most, and possibly at this time I can’t think of anyone who does it better.
3. Overall, there are lots of associations and connections to known people, places, phrases, words that I feel I’ve travelled decades, to different places and met such interesting characters, such as Socrates, Martin Lurther King, and Lennon. Add to that Kevin’s own brand of prose and wit and you have a festival of imagery and a feast for the eyes. Here is are some examples;
“The Taj Mahal, along with its central canal and geometric gardens, folded in on itself and disintegrated into the vastness of the galaxy. Florence and Ulysses, touched by the kiss of Heaven, once again found themselves within the corridor of the Aurora Borealis, walking on nebulae and heading toward a mesmeric phosphorescence of celestial light�.
“Driven by literary aspirations beyond his years, Henry dived into an ocean of spectacular creativity, creating downtrodden characters worthy of a Victor Hugo novel and displaying a gift for personification that Charles Dickens might have envied�.
What I would say is that you have to like or enjoy magical realism to fully appreciate this story. My first time reading books in this genre � I can only say I ‘read� the words, now I can live the story, but it does require suspending disbelief and putting yourself in a bubble where everything is possible.
However, for me this is Magical Realism at its best. An odyssey of flavours, a feast for the senses. A story of good and evil, loss and hope, but ultimately one of survival. A delight to read, primarily because of Ansbro’s writing style, and adopting one of authors phrases, Kevin Ansbro “…is as natural to writing as a dolphin is to swimming.�
“Procrastination is the thief of time.�. So, my recommendation � don’t delay picking up a copy....more
“Emotions are just surface ripples. Underneath is a river called life and that’s where the brave ride the current�
And 5 stars for a book ‘so original “Emotions are just surface ripples. Underneath is a river called life and that’s where the brave ride the current�
And 5 stars for a book ‘so original it touched the senses�, a perfect blend of illusion and reality that the author uses to portray the mental anguish of an abused and talented girl as we are taken through her journey, her mental torture and survival. We hear music and then silence. We feel despair yet embrace hope but underneath the emotions we don't always see the current of life people are trying to ride, and it was this balance that swept me away with this and Catch the Moon, Mary.
Can good come from evil?.
With the devil taking centre stage in Paradis Inferno, this incredibly unique story comes to a dramatic but triumphant conclusion, as the Mary we were first introduced to in ‘Catch the Moon, Mary�, learns to reconcile the events of the past as she struggles to reunite herself with her music that holds too many painful memories. However, with the help of a very familiar adversary - the devil and in a new role is at hand with his own agenda but let’s call it assistance, as together they create a symphony of life.
An original score, that deals with very real themes of abuse and emotional stress, but also redemption, forgiveness, and healing. This is Mary’s song, as the chords from this and the earlier books are strung together with such powerful lyrics and melody. A feast for the senses. A song for the heart. Music for the mind, and poetry for the soul. And on a scale an easy 5 stars from me.
The Plot
Following the abuse Mary suffered at the hands of her father, in ‘Catch the Moon, Mary� and her divine encounter with Gabrielle, who leaves her pregnant, Mary decides to close this chapter of her life and also the music that had such strong connections to the pain and hurt she suffered at the hands of both. Music that had given her world-wide acclaim.
Decades later, Mary is asked by Stanas Vedil (the devil) to you and me, to play again because he wants to possess her talents, and so begins a story of seduction, as the devil attempts to entice Mary through worldly indulgences. Yet the contemplative and unforgiving Mary has been scarred too much to fall foul to his offer of guilty pleasures, but she does give way to something!!!.
Review and Comments
The exchange between the devil and Mary is incredibly well written, comic but also profound, intense, and poignant, and it is through this exchange that we see Mary’s fragility, maturity, and her ultimately coming to terms with herself. Although the journey is by no means simple nor assured.
What it did highlight for me is just how in touch Wendy Waters is with the human psyche. Her understanding of the effects, trauma and heart ache felt by suffers of abuse really comes through in the book, with warmth and sensitivity. To use magical realism to tell a story involving age-old issues of abuse, stress and depression in this way was incredibly clever, imaginative, but also courageous, because I feel it is a very hard balance to get right.
So, expect a very different way of dealing with abuse, forgiveness and redemption because this is magical realism where mental health and emotional stress is at the core, but it never feels dark, nor flippant, overplayed or understated. A masterclass in sensitivity.
There is a hypnotic but angelic touch to Wendy Waters writing style that just captivates me from the moment I open her books. I would be highlighting the whole book to mark up the phrases, quotes and messages that touched me. A beautiful writer.
Recommendation - This is a trilogy and loved every minute reading the three books. Personally, I also loved the continuation of Mary’s story from the first book. So, I would have enjoyed all 3 in the order written but book 3 feels like the sequel to book 1 and the continuation of Mary's story. However, this is not a standalone book you would need to at least read ‘Catch the Moon, Mary� first.
Some of my favourite quotes (although there are a huge number)
“Humanity’s problems still stemmed from ignorance of self rather than stultifying wealth or crippling poverty. If only they understood the power of self-knowledge and its gift of renewal and independence, they would halt the parade of dominance that passes for power�.
“Patterns arise out of the energetic pictures created by ideas. These patterns become material expressions of life and yes, they can seem to be pre-ordained but that’s an illusion. Religion interprets these patterns as God’s plan. Science quantifies them as formulae. They’re both wrong. Life is expressed in the moment through the combination of imagination and faith.�
“Reflection of the social hierarchy. Powers-that-be trying to buy a stairway to heaven. But in the final analysis, God is life. You want life’s attention? Shine.�
Adopting the perfect blend of illusion and reality, this is a magical realism novel that allows us into the world of one emotionally damaged yet talented woman. Allowing us into her world, to feel, to witness the mental anguish and emotional stress caused by victims of abuse. A story that offers contrasts between good and evil, that is heart-breaking but also uplifting in the right places. A story that is about readjustment, forgiveness, and healing and also balances that with some entertaining dialogue, particularly between Mary and Stanas Vedil - so in the right places!!! A story told with such heart and in an elegant writing style that is so beautiful you are transfixed until the end.
Unique but with some well-known themes, sobering yet enlighenting, but totally absorbing and immersive and a 'musical' composition that will play on in my head for a long time to come. Simply stunning, and one of my favourite books.
I can’t wait for Wendy’s next book. _________________________________
Thank you to the author Wendy Waters for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review....more
4 stars for a very Russian story but a universally appealing book which demonstrates that the power of imagination has no boundaries, and much can be 4 stars for a very Russian story but a universally appealing book which demonstrates that the power of imagination has no boundaries, and much can be achieved through literature as the author unleashes a stinging satire on Russian life at the time of Stalin, but with humour perfectly woven into a very profound story.
There have been many reviews of this book and a wide range of opinions as once again we are presented with a very unique novel that draws us into the world of magical realism that forces us to think and interpret what the author was actually conveying as he wrote this ingenious book. The reader must suspend disbelief, read between the lines, and embrace the many themes but most of all this book will require your undivided attention. A complex novel sometimes confusing but oh so clever.
Unique, incredibly accomplished, and strongly evocative - both macabre and hilarious, dark yet enlightening, and magical but with very real themes.
The Plot
The Master and Margarita has two main time periods; Jerusalem at the time of Pontius Pilate during the trial and subsequent death of Christ and in Moscow in the 1930s, where Satan first appears at Patriarche’s ponds as Professor Woland.
Whilst the two men (part of the Moscow elite) discuss Ivan’s writings and the possibility that Jesus did not exist, Woland appears accompanied by Behemoth, a large black cat that walks on his back legs; Hella, a female vampire; and Azazello, a hitman. Even more mysterious, the strange visitor informs the men that he was there the time of Jesus� trial and goes on to make a prophecy that Berlioz will be decapitated before the day is out. Meanwhile Bezdomny’s hysteria when relaying the days events, and demise of his learned colleague, see him incarcerated in a mental institution for the mentally insane, despite being a poet and writer which only adds to the suspicion surrounding him.
Part two introduces Margarita, the Master's mistress, who refuses to give up hope for her lover. It is this love story that features heavily in the second half with the adoring Margarita committing to the devils wishes to have her beloved ‘Master� freed and so willingly succumbs to his power.
All the layers and multiple threads start of converge in this second half and what can sometimes feel like random and bizarre events turn out to be quite poignant and incredibly symbolic.
Review and Comments
This has been described as a masterpiece, a literary giant, but for me this book stands out for its uniqueness in revealing the injustices in a Stalinist Russian and let’s the reader witness the destruction of an open and free society, not through political rantings but through magical realism that exposes censorship, absurdness, and cowardice through humour.
So why the 4 stars? I didn’t really connect with the story of Pilate and the last days of Christ. Whilst I understand what the author was trying to achieve this didn’t work for me personally. Plus, I enjoyed the second half of the book more when we got to Magrarita who the book takes its title from.
Whilst not a criticism, I paused reading and did some research to reacquaint myself with Stalin’s Russia to understand the social, political, and religious critique at that time, and it was only then that I would say I fully appreciated the brilliance of this novel and for all it represented.
Despite not enjoying all aspects of the book, this is still a very worthy 4 stars; a true work of art and a feast for the senses and the mind. The story is highly imaginative not just with the story but how the story was told. The vivid descriptions of the times, place, people, and emotions was superb, the use of magical realism, humour, and irony to expose the blind acceptance of people in a Stalinist Russia was also very clever, poignant, and relevant - even today.
From the ridiculous to the sublime and the magical to the farcical the author goes to the extreme in painting a surreal picture of a political system that prohibits people from speaking out, and in doing so we experience the mix of good and evil, courage and cowardice, and intellectual curiosity curtailed within a rigid system - and herein lies the beauty of this book. A book that is the definition of magical realism. A book that pushed all the boundaries at the time, and above all a wonderfully unique book that holds the bar high for originality.
Food for the mind, brilliant imagery, superb storytelling, and great satisfaction for this reader - And to one of my favourite quotes.
“What would your good be doing if there were no evil, and what would the earth look like if shadows disappeared from it? �...more
What more can I add to a review of this fabulous book.
When I first read ‘In the Shadow of Time� I was only getting into ‘Magical Realism� but now withWhat more can I add to a review of this fabulous book.
When I first read ‘In the Shadow of Time� I was only getting into ‘Magical Realism� but now with a greater appreciation for this genre. I can say I enjoyed even more the second time round.
Time is of course an important aspect to the novel but allows Ansbro to bring alive and encapsulate themes of love, death, relationships, purpose, perception, self awareness and the living for the future and does this in such a clever way that keeps you on your toes, wanting more and feeling so satisfied that you invested the time in reading this very special book.
Apart from the delicious prose, wonderful characters and themes I just loved how the story was told and the threads came together. I think this really is ingenious storytelling and what a way of conveying the importance of life, love and time.
The morals to the story and messages about ‘life� are also worth a mention because this never feels preachy in Ansbro’s books so when they do land they are impactful but also bring a smile to your face that only Kevin can achieve. Love this authors books.
If you can play with ‘time� in your mind then this book will give you a ‘magical� experience for ‘real�. It is ‘Magical Realism� at its finest.
Clever, witty, immersive, wonderfully themed, beautifully written, and brilliantly constructed.
I just love this authors writing style and with some laugh out loud moments and an important reflection of ‘time� I can say this is one of my favourite books.
Terrific and I will read again.
—ĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔĔ�
With Magical Realism, Time Travel and a wonderful imagination, Kevin Ansbro has created a book that captivates, draws you in and keeps you hooked to the end. A really beautiful story for what it achieves, the storyline, the lives that are made better through acts of love and kindness, without being overly sentimental or emotional and a Time Travel book that I actually enjoyed.
The story is told in three time periods and set in England, Mexico City, and the Silkeborg Forest in Denmark, and involves an abundance of intriguing characters. A spiritual and mythical girl Luna, Maria the housemaid, Pabloa the artist and Hugo’s friend and ‘chief tormentor�, Vincent O’Toole, who joins Hugo in his first journey on the time machine. However, central to the story is Hugo Wilde, a gifted assassin that works for MI6, but a gentleman by all accounts, and Sofia Ustinova, an astrophysicist and cosmologist and wife to Viktor who is killed by Hugo paving the way for a passionate and tempestuous relationship between the two, which later develops into something much stronger as they play their part in shaping the lives of the people they encounter � in multiple time periods.
Apart from a lovely story, the writing style worked a treat for me. What I took most of all from Kevin Ansbro was the perfect introduction to magical realism. Yet it is the humour that stands out in the book.
One of my favourite moments in a book that possesses humour and tongue in cheek dialogue is when Sofia says to Hugo.
“Are you really arrogant enough to believe that every beautiful woman you meet will fall into your arms, Mr Wilde? Do not think for one second that you can have your way with me".
To which Hugo replies . “Are you so conceited and arrogant that you would class yourself as being beautiful?�.
I could not stop laughing. This kind of sharp wit really appeals to my sense of humour and was one of the standout qualities in the book.
For it's writing style, pace of storytelling, its portrayal of quite unusual characters, and time travel that worked seamlessly, I have rated this at 4.5 but rounded up because I had some laugh out loud moments, in a book that doesn’t try to be a comedy, instead it was the story and the writing style that captivated me so much....more
Margaret M - (having a challenging time
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