Ellen is a woman I came to know well during the writing of my third novel Ellen and The Hummingtree. She often puzzled me yet she also had the ability to make me laugh and cry. I grew to love her. And the more I came to know her I began to realize that she truly is a composite of the many caring spiritual women I have known throughout my life. Alzheimer is a dreadful disease and Ellen's victimization is a heartbreak. My writing of Ellen and The Hummingtree comes straight from the heart. I hope you will love her as I do.If, like me, you have known and loved someone who suffered Alzheimer Disease, this is a must-read book for you.
This weekend, Saturday, February 20th and Sunday, February 21st, Ellen and The Hummingtree is FREE in the Kindle Store.
Here is a review of Ellen and The Hummingtree written by my author friend, Phyllis Humby. Thank you, Phyllis.
Reviewed in Canada on August 9, 2013
Ellen and the Hummingtree is an interesting book about a woman of deep faith
who has a unique coping mechanism. She speaks to God. Now, I know you
will argue that many of us speak to God. But Ellen believes God lives inside a
large yellow quartz rock in her backyard. Oh, and of course He speaks to her
too. There's a little hole in the top of the rock. Never mind, just read the book.
It is a collection of well-written stories that weave back and forth through
It is a collection of well-written stories that weave back and forth through
the emotional circumstances of a woman's life. These stories delve into her
relationships as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Oh, and
cousin - I forgot about her cousin Marielle.
In my opinion - only my opinion - the theme of this book is fear. I know that some
In my opinion - only my opinion - the theme of this book is fear. I know that some
of you who are familiar with this book may harrumph at that statement but a book
is very personal. It's interpreted differently by each reader. That's why I love
talking to my first readers. I'm fascinated by the interpretation of my work. Each
person sees something different or relates with a different character.
I digress (as always).
Audrey's character, Ellen, is on her own to raise two children. Fear. Her grandson,
Audrey's character, Ellen, is on her own to raise two children. Fear. Her grandson,
who has a learning disability, is bullied at school. Fear. God lives in a rock in her
backyard. That would scare the crap out of me. (My attempt at humour - I'm sorry)
Ellen has many fears, as do we all. The fear of growing old and senile, the fear of
Ellen has many fears, as do we all. The fear of growing old and senile, the fear of
having to give up a home to live in a facility. Then there is the ultimate fear. Of
growing older and older and older, when all she wants is to re-unite with all the loved
ones that have passed on. You do remember that I said this was strictly my opinion.
Near the end of the book there is a chapter I Need You to Remember Me. I remember
Near the end of the book there is a chapter I Need You to Remember Me. I remember
reading that story, or at least an edited version, some time ago. Please tell me,
Audrey, that this was a published short story at some point. If not, I had an incredible
déjà vu moment. I liked the story the first time I read it - otherwise I never would have
remembered it - and it will remain indelible in my mind.
The last chapter Time to Go Home is melancholy and poignant. I have witnessed
The last chapter Time to Go Home is melancholy and poignant. I have witnessed
death and thought about life after death. I appreciate Audrey Austin's rendering. This
chapter was a fitting ending to a thought provoking book with a unique approach."
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| Cover design: SusanRK of Yuneekpix.com |
Ellen and The Hummingtree is available in both Kindle and Paperback format
exclusively on all Amazon sites for your reading pleasure.
Check it out at https://www.amazon.ca/ELLEN-HUMMINGTREE-Audrey-Austin
/dp/1926614674/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=Audrey+Austin&qid=1613450014&s=books&sr=1-7
Visit my Amazon Author's page at https://amazon.com/author/audreyaustin
