“Reading this book made me feel like I was watching my own past. Not only did I connect with the character but I understood the point of view from my ex-husband. It made me think about what I did wrong and work to improve myself.”

Jessica Winkler
Professional Kiteboarder & Instructor
http://www.jessicawinkler.net

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“When a marriage ends, it stirs up a multitude of emotions, not only in the couple but also their families and friends. ‘Hiraeth Phoenix’, explores these emotions from Phoenix’s and Hiraeth’s perspective. Written in poetry and prose, this is a poignant, yet easy to read story. It is like reading diary; the observations and emotions are honest and intimate.

Packed with emotion, this short read is hard to put down, it draws you in and lets you relive Hiraeth’s and Phoenix’s love story, through their eyes.
Accusations, complacency and desperation give way to acceptance, forgiveness and hope. The author cleverly uses poetry to reinforce the messages implicit in the previous chapters of prose.

This story is original and realistic and worth reading.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.”

Jane Hunt
Author
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“Hiraeth Phoenix is such a compelling and moving read. It is the type of short story that keeps you engrossed from beginning to end and is one you can typically get through if you have a 2 hour domestic flight to kill. For anyone who has had to deal with the painful process of the break up of a significant relationship, it accurately captures the emotions and roller coaster ride which ensues during such a journey. The author cleverly brings the voice of both parties to the table in a very honest rendition of what happens, which both acknowledges and validates in a way each party’s feelings and experiences. It brings with it a type of full circle journey and closure, which could bring comfort and a sence of being understood to its readers who find themself on this path. A rare find in the world of unspoken realities that exist when we lose the person we once loved deeply…”

Dr B. Peens
Clinical Psychologist
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“Hoe gereeld word die kleurryke spektrum van liefde in swart letters vasgevang?

Kan die bloei-, blom- en kwyntyd van ’n liefdesverhouding tussen bladsye bewaar word?

“Hiraeth Phoenix”, ’n puik liefdesroman, slaag ongetwyfeld daarin om die glans, glorie, treur en trane van die liefde te verwoord.

Die geheim van ’n verhouding lê opgesluit in die subtitel van die digitale boek: “Every story has two sides”.

Juis dáárom is die uitleg van die boek besonders: In die eerste gedeelte van die boek kry die leser die geleentheid om vanuit die manlike oogpunt die saak te bekyk.

Emosiebelaaide beskrywings, verwyte en herinneringe sal lesers ’n volmaakte prentjie van die verhouding gee – uit slegs één kant van die verhouding.

In die tweede deel, waar die leser in die vrou se skoene staan, word die meer volledige prentjie met haar vertellings en sienings oor die verhouding geskets.

Soortgelyke gebeure, waarmee die man gewroeg het, word bespreek. Dis alledaagse gebeure waarmee enige verhouding, een of ander tyd, gekonfronteer word.

Regdeur die verhaal wroeg die leser met die gedagte of hierdie twee afsonderlike weergawes en belewenisse, weer in een verweef sal word.

Sal hierdie komplekse verhouding soos ’n Phoenix uit die as verrys?

Wat hierdie boek nog meer besonders maak, is die 16 gedigte wat tussendeur die verhaal toelig en ondersteun. Komplementerende, gevoelvolle en taalryke digwerk sal lesers se hartsnare roer.

Pragtige digkuns bekoor die verhaal en bied lesers die geleentheid om terug te verwys na kosbare, emosiebelaaide oomblikke in die boek.

Die taalgebruik in die boek is ryk, beskrywend en keurig. Dis indrukwekkend hoe die skrywer daarin slaag om die twee wêrelde perfek te verwoord – soos ’n man óf vrou sou wou.

Die debuutroman van hierdie opkomende skrywer is op Amazon beskikbaar.

Hiraeth Phoenix is ’n spogstuk wat beswaarlik neergesit kan word. Nog nooit was dit so waar nie: Elke storie het inderdaad twee kante.”

Aldu Duminy
Writer for Jip on Network24