Sunday 19 September 2021

Small Forgotten Moments …

 

A wonderful book by Annalisa Crawford … bringing to life those tiny fragments, that rattle around in our minds …



 

… in the book there’s a ghostly undertone to these thoughts that constantly reappear … what do they mean and why, and where are they coming from...

 

 


Annalisa sets Jo, her artist character, working and living in London … before the wheels come off and Jo realises she needs to go back to her beloved Seaton Beach in Cornwall to work at and sort her life out – so much seems to be missing.

 

 

Seaton Beach, Cornwall 
Annalisa lives in Cornwall, where she admits her very active imagination, dances around down at the local beach, devising novels, and in this case deconstructing art works … wondering what the life of the person portrayed would be like …

 

 

Our character Jo, an artist, infiltrates the story … moving us around between reality or a confusion …

 

… black and white portrait sketches appear, then bright colours fill in parts of the draft as Jo draws … each haunting memory comes into being via these art works …

  

… the palette becomes less strident … as each realises pieces of the dream, drawing those snippets of memory to the fore …

 

Saltash Bookstore - The Bookshelf
Her book is a great read and one I recommend.  She gave a wonderful interview to Radio Cornwall about the book … it was a delight to listen to … then there was the recent book signing event at her local Saltash bookshop – the BookShelf …

 

 

Annalisa receiving her prize
I don’t know whether you remember Annalisa came 3rd in the 2015 Costa Books Short Story Awards … so you can see she has writing pedigree.

 

 

Kernow chocolate - I was sent
the 'Cream Tea' bar ... 


I entered a draw for a copy of her book, and some Cornish chocolate … my dream was realised!  Thank you and congratulations to Annalisa …


 

Costa Book Awards

Annalisa’s blog post … she is very self-effacing!

 A Chance to Win ... offered by Annalisa Crawford


Hilary Melton-Butcher

Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

45 comments:

hels said...

I am delighted you won a copy of the book. That proves the draw was legitimate, and not just advertising. Chocolates are an added bonus 😋

Elephant's Child said...

What a wonderful win. Delicious - and enticing.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

What a treat that you got to hear her interview!

cleemckenzie said...

How great to see Annalisa's book here today. My best to her on this latest publication.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Hels - yes it was a great present to win ... I've found bloggers always comply with their prize draw ... and it's a really good read.

@ EC - yes ... fun win and read ... and also that chocolate was so good - didn't last long!

@ Alex - it was lovely to hear Annalisa's interview - she's so self-effacing ... which was an English treat!

@ Lee - I was so pleased to be able to read her book ... a book I'll treasure and let others read ...

Cheers to you all - thanks so much for visiting - Hilary

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Congratulations on your win, Hilary. A good book and chocolates is hard to beat! And Annalisa got some great publicity via your blog.

Liz A. said...

Sounds like a great book.

Debbie D. said...

This book sounds most interesting, HIlary. Congrats on winning a copy of it.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Sounds like an interesting book. I've just finished reading a book about Van Gogh and Gauguin when they shared a house in Arles. There were certainly a lot of forgotten fragments rattling around in those two disturbed minds.

Susan Scott said...

This will not be a forgotten moment Hilary! How lovely to win a copy of her book and chocolates! Lovely review, all success to her. All best, Susan

Mason Canyon said...

Congratulations on your win, Hillary, and thanks for sharing the book with us. It sounds like a most intriguing read. I'll have to add it to my TBR list. Take care my friend.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Sounds like a fabulous read! Congratulations to you on the win. :) Hope you have a great week!

Joanne said...

Very nice review for, indeed, an incredibly talented writer and all around nifty person. I've only known her through blog world, her writing, and an occasional email. She's the best promoter for Cornwall, books, and the sea. I wish her continued success - bring the dreams alive.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Hilary, thank you for this wonderful write up! It's an honour to be featured here today x

Hels - I always honour my giveaways, although sometimes I have to buy a new bar of chocolate because the original gets a little... eaten 😁

John - a lot of artists seem to have carried demons around with them - possibly good for their work but a struggle to live with.

Joanne - aw, thank you. I like 'nifty' 😎

Thank you, everyone, for taking an interest x

Keith's Ramblings said...

With so many fellow bloggers having published works, it's difficult to know which ones to explore! This however has made it a little easier as it sounds right up my street!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ David – many thanks … it’s a fascinating book to read … totally engrossed me – while what’s not to like about chocolate, especially from Cornwall.

@ Liz – the story line certainly makes one think …

@ Debbie – I was very lucky to win a copy … and yes it’s a real treat – I enjoyed the read …

@ John – I expect you mean ‘The Yellow House’ by Martin Gayford … which does sound so interesting – thanks for the link across …

@ Susan – thank you … I hope this review will encourage people to read her book … it’s fascinating.

@ Mason – thank you re the win … lucky me – that’s great if you’ll put it on your TBR list …it’ll be worth it.

@ Elizabeth – it is a very lucky win … as I’m really enjoying the book – and has got me thinking …

@ Joanne – thanks – Annalisa is a very talented writer and delightful person: I loved hearing her interview. She certainly does promote Cornwall – which is wonderful for me … reminding me of all my years visiting my mother and her homes.

@ Keith - it's a great storyline of a book to read ... so hope you'll get it and enjoy the read ...

The dreams and memories expressed here are very fragmented ... but delightfully drawn out into this story …

Thanks for visiting … so lovely to see you here supporting Annalisa with me – all the best, Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Annalisa – so pleased you enjoyed my write-up for your book. Thanks too for replying to your commenters …

You really are an excellent author – lovely to hear your Radio Cornwall interview too – I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Cheers and enjoy your week - Hilary

Computer Tutor said...

What an interesting concept. What a clever mind to come up with this.

bazza said...

When having book titles recommended to me I always take into consideration the person who has made the recommendation. In your case it's a big 'Yes!'.
Sadly, in some cases I avoid the persons advice (it's the same with restaurants).😊
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s instantly intransigent Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

Sandra Cox said...

Both the book and your win sound delicious.

Lisa said...

Lucky you to have won! Sounds an intriguing read!

diedre Knight said...

A terrific review and a delicious win - congratulations to you both!

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

A good win and a good review

Dan said...

That's a great thing to win! Congrats, and thanks for sharing with us.

D.G. Kaye said...

A wonderful review Hilary for what seems an intriguing book I'll have to check out now. Hugs xx

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Jacqui – yes, I think Annalisa’s mind must be an interesting one to explore …

@ Bazza – that’s really kind of you – enjoy the book, it’s a thought provoking read. Oh yes I avoid some people’s advice/ suggestions too …

@ Sandra – thank you … the chocolate flavour remains to be remembered – while the book definitely lingers!

@ Lisa – yes I was lucky … and have enjoyed it …

@ Diedre – thank you to both … the win and the chocolate!

@ Jo-Anne – thank you …

@ Dan – it’s always nice to receive books and be able to explore others’ ideas and story lines …

@ Debby – it’s an intriguing read … that’s for sure. I hope you’ll get to read it … interesting thoughts …

Cheers to you all – take care and stay safe - Hilary

Anne (cornucopia) said...

This sounds like a great book to read.

Vallypee said...

It seems to be a day for Cornwall in my blogland. I've just read two other posts about Cornwall and books. This sounds a great read too, Hilary, and one I'll look up!

Denise Covey said...

Annalisa's book sounds great. Just read an interview with her where she said this was an old story recycled. Fantastic.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Anne – thanks for coming over … it’s a fascinating book, one you’ll be thinking about fairly often – I know I am …

@ Val – oh right … lots of Cornish friends – it’s great for me to be reminded of my happy decades in and out of Cornwall … you’ll enjoy Annalisa’s book … bringing London and Cornwall together as well as reminding us of our heady days starting out in life …

@ Denise – I know … one rescued from the pending scrap pile – brought back to life – it is an enticing read …

Cheers to you three – thanks for coming over … all the best - Hilary

Pradeep Nair said...

Thanks for introducing the book. Your blog post came at a time when I was looking for a new book to read. This one sounds quite interesting. It wasn't available on the digital British Library. But I found a copy on Amazon, and straightaway bought it. Now looking forward to reading it.
Glad to see that you could get a signed copy of the book.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Pradeep - that's great ... you'll enjoy it - it'll make you think ... I don't know how Digital British Library works - I guess it's too recent ... but not at all sure.

Enjoy the read ... and I know later on Annalisa will be interested in your thoughts - cheers Hilary

Annalisa Crawford said...

Thank you for your interest. I hope you enjoy it 🙂

Annalisa Crawford said...

Cornwall is so inspiring!

Annalisa Crawford said...

It was a lovely surprise when Hilary mentioned this post.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Something can always be salvaged from previous projects.

retirementreflections said...

Congratulations on the win! Thank you for this very inticing review!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Annalisa - good to see you here ... it's great to have so many blogging friends interested in your book.

@ Donna - thank you ... the book is a great read ...

Cheers to you both - Hilary

Damyanti Biswas said...

Congratulations, Annalisa, and Hilary, so cool that you won!

This bookis on my TBR--I plan to get to it end of this month :).

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Thanks Damyanti - yes it was a wonderful win ... and so good to know the book is on your TBR list, and purchase list for next week ... enjoy it. Cheers Hilary

Pam Lazos said...

Sounds intriguing, and another reason to visit Cornwall sometime. My dear friend (now deceased) wrote a screenplay set in Cornwall and it totally captivated me. Lots of contrast going on in such a gorgeous place, I think. Have a great day! xox

Annalisa Crawford said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Annalisa Crawford said...

Thanks Damyanti, I hope you enjoy it.

Hi Pam - Cornwall offers so much inspiration.

Yolanda Renée said...

Annalisa is a great writer. I love her books, and how lucky is she to have you in her corner! Love it!

Happy Reading, Hilary!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Thanks Pam - Cornwall is stunning ... how sad about losing your friend - but so fortunate that you were able to read her screenplay - lots of wonderful sites for staging a book, play, or film ...

I hope you can get over sometime ...

@ Yolanda - yes you're right - Annalisa is a really good writer - she holds my attention ...

I don't read as much as I should and now 2022's arrived I must correct that ...

Cheers to you both - Hilary