Back home again today after six weeks in England. It was mainly a research trip for a book, but there was time for pleasures too - the greatest of which was catching up with my grandsons Sam and Jamie who will be fourteen next month. Here are some pictures taken when I met up with them on a school trip to the Imperial War Museum, when we had picnic in the Forest of Dean and also one of Jamie playing the piano.
Hi Liz, Last Chance Cafe - Just finished reading it. You are certainly one hell of a writer, your unerring insight into older women and into men especially Laurence was wonderful. Your characters' comments, fears, passions, and thoughts are very 'close to the bone' for readers like myself marching towards 70 in a few years. Your characters come to life for me. It is strange, I can feel the tears at movies or TV but not books usually however I shed a few tears at Dot's anguish in telling Patrick about his father. Great that Margot started to write.
I hadn't really thought about the sexualisation of little girls deeply, although always found it unnatural and bizarre to my way of thought and used to wonder why anybody in their right mind would want their little girl to be made up and presented in an overtly sexualised adult way. Personally, I've never dressed in such a flamboyant way as an adult anyway, it is pretty extreme. There was some media about this only a few weeks ago.
Keep writing, your books are all gems. I have read five of your books this year so far and have a few to go. Thanks for your insights and lovely characters,
cheers
Dianne
Posted by: Dianne | August 18, 2011 at 12:24 AM
Thanks for your lovely message Dianne, I'm glad you enjoyed the book. There's a lot of concern about the sexualisation of children at present, much of it focused on the recent beauty pageant in Melbourne. I think we need to stay vigilant about this, it's a really worrying trend.
Hope you enjoy the rest of the books.
Liz
Posted by: Liz Byrski | August 19, 2011 at 01:58 AM