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Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to read and review my work. It is the greatest accolade you can give an author and I truly appreciate everything you do to support my writing journey. xxx
Reviews for the pinstripe prisoner
THE SOCIETY OF WOMEN WRITERS NSW
THE PINSTRIPE PRISONER, WINNER OF THE FICTION AWARD 2022
THE PINSTRIPE PRISONER, WINNER OF THE FICTION AWARD 2022
"I'm the Pinstripe Prisoner locked behind the bars of a façade I've created."
So states the main character of this well crafted book that wastes no time engaging the reader in a strong storyline that moves easily between South Africa and the United Kingdom. In so doing, it portrays characters whose flaws. hopes and fears are those experienced by us all as we go about the business of our daily lives, maintaining the superficial masks and personas that are all too commonplace in today's modern world.
One of the strengths of this book is the momentum which is sustained by its well paced plot development. A night out together results in a life changing event for two young brothers both at the cusp of establishing successful careers. From this pivotal plot, the action is quickly framed by brutality, injustice and racial inequities that characterise post apartheid South Africa specifically and the rest of the world generally. The world of these young men mirrors, for many, the real world context of today, with its sibling rivalry, competing values, and the ever present question: who am I?
The narrative is well served by the use of first person, and a balanced use of flash back insertions. Both keep the reader focused on the underlying issues of why Simon is determined to maintain an assumed identity, and the necessary complications that ensue as he navigates the struggles of his new life scenarios.
Characters are developed with skill, each one gradually revealing diverse traits and backgrounds that add to the emotional depth and complexity of the novel. Tensions that arise in social and workplace situations are believable, and lack any obvious presence of contrivance. The reader is left in no doubt of the emotional burdens carried by the main character. However, it is not until the latter part of the book that the real reasons for this, as well as their wider implications, emerge, and in so doing give the underlying issues of honesty and truth real substance in this quest for a life not shackled to a past that cannot be changed, nor readily forgotten.
The novel is constructed with balance and a consistent sense of purpose. Historical references are pertinent, and, more importantly, not used as 'padding' or a vehicle to give the reader an unnecessary history lesson. The writing style is direct and does not stray from the central premise of the book.
Interestingly, when Simon is finally able to see beyond "the bars" of his imposed limitations, the advice he is given echoes a theme. He is told simply "Life is too short to mess around. Don't let your future be overshadowed by your past." Cliched though it may be, it is an awareness of this universal truth that propels the book to a conclusion that is both affirming and liberating.
The author is to be commended for writing an eloquent book of thought provoking relevance. It left the reader waiting for the next chapter...
So states the main character of this well crafted book that wastes no time engaging the reader in a strong storyline that moves easily between South Africa and the United Kingdom. In so doing, it portrays characters whose flaws. hopes and fears are those experienced by us all as we go about the business of our daily lives, maintaining the superficial masks and personas that are all too commonplace in today's modern world.
One of the strengths of this book is the momentum which is sustained by its well paced plot development. A night out together results in a life changing event for two young brothers both at the cusp of establishing successful careers. From this pivotal plot, the action is quickly framed by brutality, injustice and racial inequities that characterise post apartheid South Africa specifically and the rest of the world generally. The world of these young men mirrors, for many, the real world context of today, with its sibling rivalry, competing values, and the ever present question: who am I?
The narrative is well served by the use of first person, and a balanced use of flash back insertions. Both keep the reader focused on the underlying issues of why Simon is determined to maintain an assumed identity, and the necessary complications that ensue as he navigates the struggles of his new life scenarios.
Characters are developed with skill, each one gradually revealing diverse traits and backgrounds that add to the emotional depth and complexity of the novel. Tensions that arise in social and workplace situations are believable, and lack any obvious presence of contrivance. The reader is left in no doubt of the emotional burdens carried by the main character. However, it is not until the latter part of the book that the real reasons for this, as well as their wider implications, emerge, and in so doing give the underlying issues of honesty and truth real substance in this quest for a life not shackled to a past that cannot be changed, nor readily forgotten.
The novel is constructed with balance and a consistent sense of purpose. Historical references are pertinent, and, more importantly, not used as 'padding' or a vehicle to give the reader an unnecessary history lesson. The writing style is direct and does not stray from the central premise of the book.
Interestingly, when Simon is finally able to see beyond "the bars" of his imposed limitations, the advice he is given echoes a theme. He is told simply "Life is too short to mess around. Don't let your future be overshadowed by your past." Cliched though it may be, it is an awareness of this universal truth that propels the book to a conclusion that is both affirming and liberating.
The author is to be commended for writing an eloquent book of thought provoking relevance. It left the reader waiting for the next chapter...
Margaret Wick, Judge, The Society of Women Writers NSW Book Awards, November 2022
REVIEWS FOR RETROSPECTIVE
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REVIEWS FOR PUNCH AND JUDY
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Punch and Judy is an expressive, hard hitting and intense form of contemporary poetry from Kelly Van Nelson. Punch and Judy represents the second poetry collection release from Australian writer Kelly Van Nelson. Although deeply serious in tone, this is a creative and theatrical collection that will draw in both fans of the poetry field and new readers to this emotive form of writing. Within the form of a progressive poetry collection, Punch and Judy dissects the rise and fall of a hurtful relationship. A barrage of emotions follows as Kelly Van Nelson traces the origins of a toxic relationship from the early days of attraction, to the progression of the relationship, to its eventual demise. Along the way we the see the puppet master gain full control of this relationship, with devastating consequences. With themes of domestic violence, suppression, cohesion and control, Punch and Judy treads difficult ground. By releasing a collection of this subject line, Kelly Van Nelson hopes to open up essential conversations and thought patterns in regards to domestic violence. Punch and Judy, published by Making Magic Happen Press, represents Kelly Van Nelson’s second foray in the poetry field. Now that I have finished this collection, it is clear that Kelly Van Nelson is quite the figurehead in terms of contemporary Australian poetry. I found Punch and Judy to be not only very lyrical and expressive, but also realistic and in touch. I was really forced to slow my reading down with this one and take in every word, line and poem. It was a refreshing change to adjust my reading style for this collection.
I profess to knowing very little by the way of poetry and the different techniques, as well as styles adopted by accomplished poets. With little background experience to go on, as I think my last encounter with a poetry collection would have been my high school English literature examination text, I am not sure I am completely qualified to oversee a review of this very raw collection. However, what I will reiterate is that Kelly Van Nelson’s writing is powerful, moody, targeted and emotive. Every word has been carefully selected and each separate poem has been thoughtfully produced. I was amazed at the sheer variety in terms of the different formats Kelly Van Nelson experimented with throughout her collection. There are lengthy and highly emotional poems. Then there are short, sharp and cutting poems that strike at the heart. Kelly Van Nelson also plays around with different formatting styles which really made me stand to attention. I valued every poem in this collection, each seemed to have a strong place to bear in the overall message of this book. There is an overarching and penetrating gaze offered into the stages of relationship within Punch and Judy. The collection begins with the infatuation stage, until it eventually becomes toxic and oppressive. Although this is a dark and bleak look at a very negative relationship, we witness moments of courage, hope and ultimately resilience. Overall, I admired the way in which this very turbulent take on a modern day relationship was presented in the device of various different poems, across three key areas – Tangled Strings, Puppet Master and Cut Loose. All the while the imagery cuts deep, for the reader to see, appreciate and take on board. In this world of increasing domestic violence, continual images of toxic relationship breakdowns, unacceptable attitudes in relation to sexism and negative behaviours, it is high time that a progressive collection such as Punch and Judy is released in public sphere. Keynote literature such as Punch and Judy can help to lead the way in terms of breaking down barriers and it can work to change public perceptions in regards to relationship challenges. |
REVIEWS FOR GRAFFITI LANE
WRITING WA
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