The Green Man
The Green Man, a key element in my novel Another Life, is often represented as a foliate head or leaf mask. It can be traced back to at least the Roman art of the first century CE, where masks sprouting acanthus leaves appear on friezes on Roman triumphal arches and temples. Examples are found across […]
The Creature Behind The Curtains
Memories of a childhood room can haunt you forever. The chapter 'The Creature Behind the Curtains', from my novel 'Another Life', describes fearful recollections from my pre-school years. On summer mornings before my parents and sisters woke, I would explore forbidden downstairs places. These included the front parlour, reserved for special occasions and visitors. One […]
My New Album, to be Released July 2021
So, fifty years after recording it as a demo disc intended for friends and family, my first album is released on vinyl on 5th April. Band members included my schoolfriend, Mike Conn (a songwriter genius), Joy Sarney, who had a novelty hit in 1977 that reached number 26 in the charts and her husband, Martin. […]
The Sunken Land Begins To Rise Again by M. John Harrison
This is the first work by M. John Harrison that I have read; I am impressed. There are many strengths, especially the originality of the language and the creation of an ominous atmosphere. For once, the term ‘brooding’ is apt. Shaw meets Victoria in a pub on a wet afternoon – there is a lot […]
Mr Wilder & Me by Jonathan Coe
When I started reading Jonathan Coe’s Mr Wilder and Me, the thought occurred that the pleasure gained from reading his prose almost makes the story redundant. It did not take long to become fully immersed in this warm-hearted and moving book.Calista, a film composer, reflects upon her life at a time of change. Her twin […]
The Challenges Of Book Cover Design
The cover design of my latest novel, Another Life, has been praised by reviewers, bookshops and readers. Undoubtedly, most of the credit must go to my publisher, Burton Mayers Books, for their creation of a compelling image from an accurate interpretation of the story. Cover design is both an art and a science. The objective […]
Another Life: Blog Tour Reviews
I have recently completed a book blog tour and am delighted to receive so many positive reviews. Here is a selection of the comments... ‘Beautiful writing, scenery descriptions were stunning, Oliver was fantastically written with depth and understanding.’ ‘A book that blends fact, fiction and mythology into a very neatly woven and extremely readable narrative […]
Lyra Has Decided It's Time For Her To Read 'Another Life'
Lyra has decided it's time for her to read Another Life. click here for video