Featured

WELCOME!

On By Annika PerryIn Writing

A warm welcome to my author website and blog.

I’m overjoyed that my childhood dream of becoming a writer has been realised and I am the published author of two books … with more yet to be released.

Enjoy learning about my books. They are available in both paperback and Kindle format.

The blog below features my short stories and poetry, as well as a wide range of book reviews and travel and nature related articles. Please take a look around – I’m sure you’ll find lots to delight you!

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” Toni Morrison

‘My True Final Letter’

On By Annika PerryIn short story, Writing53 Comments

The eighth day of Februari 1587. My Majesty, Cousin Elizabeth, They will say that my last letter is the one to Henri, my dearest brother-in-law, King of France. We are close, but not the way we were at times, Elizabeth. The letter to him will be about the final housekeeping for my staff, it will become my last political act, ultimately my testament to the future. The inner truth resides within me, my dear cousin. I know, how can I think of you as dear after your cruelty these past decades? Years that are inherently bent and twisted, distorted beyond any recognition. Every year became a lifetime yet fleeting and gruelling. I wake on the four-poster bed, the heavy drapes a cocoon from my life, my fate, my death. The majestic red material in tired folds, the red blood of martyrs. Do you want to make one of me, cousin? Cousin, what a sweet word of family. The familiar, a close relation and we know each other well. Don’t we? As I open my eyes in the morning, the dreams of our childish giggles echo into the bedchamber. Do you recall the games of tag, darting between the roses in the gardens, around the lakes? Of course, being older, I often let you win. Maybe I should have overruled you already then? My kindness has perhaps become my downfall. Those were the times of joy, before the tragedies in our lives, when our chortles bubbled up to life-affirming laughter. ‘Most unladylike,’ our guardians reprimanded us, as once again we ran away to play on the manicured lawns. The day you sequestered me in castle after castle, year after year, you banished the laughter out of us, out of our people, our country. As a sovereign, I thought I would one day visit these illustrious habitations, just never as a regal prisoner, wanting for nothing, wanting for everything. We never stood a chance, your majesty. History has ruled our every step even before our conception. Blame! What a simplistic, naive concept, and I don’t hold it in any regard. None lies with you. Yet the fault is all yours. I hold you close in my heart, dear cousin. I hate you with every fibre of my being, you contemptuous Queen. My legacy will haunt you and your England forever. This, Elizabeth, is my last letter to you and to you alone.  It may not survive me but it is writ. Yours grievously, Your Cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots

©Annika Perry

‘My True Final Letter’ was inspired by an article about Mary, Queen of Scots’ actual last letter on display at the National Library of Scotland. Why would her final writing be to her brother-in-law when surely her cousin, Elizabeth, Queen of England, must be first and foremost in her mind? 

For over two decades, Elizabeth had kept Mary as an enforced ‘guest’ across the country. Mary reigned as Queen of Scots from 1561 to 1567. However, she was forced to abdicate and flee to England after a rebellion by the protestant Scottish lords. Elizabeth, Queen of England, felt that her cousin threatened her position, yet for years managed to keep her alive in captivity. However, in February 1587, Mary was implicated in a plot to overthrow Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth’s ministers insisted she sign her cousin’s death warrant. 

Note: Photographs from the National Library of Scotland

The Cave

On By Annika PerryIn #books, Books, Goodreads Reading Challenge, Writing89 Comments

‘Where do we go from here?’ the woman in red asked again. ‘I just want a little bit of sunshine.’

Didn’t they all, thought Mira, straining her eyes in the dark, damp cave. The walls seemed to be closing in on the four of them. Wearily, the straggly group edged their way forward.

‘The swim to the other side will be easy,’ Neil had promised and dared them in equal measure hours ago. As if! One friend, or rather acquaintance, had been swept away. Hopefully to safety, prayed Mira, but even that offered little consolation to them.

‘I said, where do we …’

‘For God’s sake, Julia, can’t you stop moaning? For once, a single act of kindness and consideration wouldn’t go amiss,’ retorted Neil, guilt and exhaustion clawing at his spirit.

After the calamitous swim, which took them far from their intended beach nook, they’d struggled onto some rocks and found a cavernous opening in the mountainside. Would this be their salvation? They continued to scramble over stones and spiky rocks, accruing scrapes and cuts.

‘There’s something about Mira,’ mumbled Petra, the Norwegian exchange student whom they’d all met at the fresher’s week. Petra gave voice to all their musings. Mira who barely said a word, and rarely showed any emotion, hung with them at every opportunity. What was it with her? No one believed Mira would come with them on the trip to the island off the Cornish coast just for the summer. Perhaps she had been convinced by the woman with all the answers aka Julia. 

‘We can find the missing pieces of our lives,’ Julia had declared, selling the well-being aspect of the holiday heavily. The only pieces were the fragmented friendships, Mira thought. The island home quickly became a toxic and smouldering place with arguments and verbal abuse scattered far and wide. Mira retreated further inside herself, if that was possible. Petra had taken on the role of the housemaid; she seemed chained to the kitchen as she skivvied away. Julia had shown her true colours, her privileged upbringing ensuring she never lifted a finger to help.

Mira sought refuge in the butterfly garden, where the others quickly discovered her. Her quiet demeanour meant she soon became, unwillingly, the secret collector. Stoner Julia revealed that she hadn’t been clean a single day of term. Petra, an orphan, thought of herself as nobody’s child while Neil battled his embarrassing emotions of a boy between teenager and adulthood. No doubt they all would soon think more about their lost colleague and at last truly talk about the real stages of grief.

Hours passed in agonised silence as they trekked onwards through the caverns until the sudden wild call from Mira of all people.

‘Look,’ her arms waving madly, pointing ahead. ‘Light!’

At the midnight hour, the four stopped to rest in the magical beam of moonlight from a gap above them.

‘See, over there. See what the light touches,’ exclaimed Mira. 

Exhausted, they all took in the heavenly sight of a purple hibiscus, lit up to all its glory and behind it, a crevice, just wide enough for a person, which led onto a beach. Freedom.

The End

@Annika Perry

The Cave was inspired by book titles of some of the books I read last year as part of the Goodreads Reading Challenge 2025.

I was happy to lose myself in 76 books and in the story above 22 titles, as shown in italics, are featured. Overall, I read 25,360 pages and the longest book was 528 pages long and the shortest 114.

Enjoy perusing the images of the book titles I’ve read and below are a list of my five-star rated books as well as my non-fiction read books.

My 50 Read Fiction Books for 2025 – 4 & -3-Stars

My 5-Star Read Books for 2025

‘To read it to voyage through time.’ Carl Sagan

My 5-Star Read Books for 2025

  • ‘The Women’ by Kristin Hannah
  • ‘Wild’ by Kristin Hannah
  • ‘The Bookbinder’ by Pip Williams
  • ‘Weyward’ by Emilia Hart 
  • ‘The Woman in Red’ by Diana Giovianzzo
  • ‘A Borrowed Path’ by Imogen Clark
  • ‘Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver’ by D. Wallace Peach
  • ‘The Wind Knows My Name’ by Isabel Allende
  • ‘The Forgotten Book Club’ by Kate Storey
  • ‘The Phoenix Ballroom’ by Ruth Hogan
  • ‘The Light a Candle Society’ by Ruth Hogan
  • ‘By Any Other Name’ by Jodi Picoult
  • ‘The Book of Fire’ by Christy Lefteri
  • ‘There’s Something About Mira’ by Sonali Dev
  • ‘The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris’ by Evie Woods
  • ‘What the Light Touches’ by Xavier Bosch
  • ‘The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse – The Animated Story’ by Charlie Mackesy
  • ‘About the Real Stages of Grief: A Journey Through Loss’ by D. G. Kaye

‘When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature.’ Maya Angelou

My 9 Read Non-Fiction Books 2025

  • ‘The Joy of Wintering’ by  Erin Nimi Longhurst
  • ‘Nobody’s Child’ by Kate Adie
  • ‘Grief is the Thing with Feathers’ by Max Porter
  • ‘Friendaholic’:Confessions of a Friendship Addict’ by Elizabeth Day
  • ‘Wise Up: Power, Wisdom and the Older Woman’ by Barbara Scully
  • ‘Consolations: The Solace Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words’ by David Whyte
  • ‘The Boy Between: A Mother and Son’s Journey From a World Gone Grey’ by Josiah Hartley, Amanda Prowse
  • ‘Walden or, Life in the Woods’ by Henry David Thoreau
  • ‘About the Real Stages of Grief: A Journey Through Loss’ by D. G. Kaye

‘What a miracle it is that out of theses flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world. Worlds that sing to you, comfort you and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean, they show us how to live and die.’ Anne Lamott

A full list of my read books in 2025 is available by clicking here.

Happy Reading in 2026!

Finally, as promised, an update on my book nook craft kit build. It is coming on apace and below is just one of the many completed interior items. As we have a grandfather clock in our house, inherited from my husband’s parents, this smaller version feels special to me too. 

Pictures: Cave image courtesy of Yogeshhire  at pixaby.com The living room bathed in sunlight with bookshelves is an ai generated image courtesy of FREEP!K.  Remaining images copyright Annika Perry.

Happy New Year!

On By Annika PerryIn #books, Writing131 Comments

Firstly, I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year! 

My blog last year unintentionally languished without a single post, a situation that crept upon it unexpectedly as time flew by. I felt pulled away by the days, weeks and months. Never would I have expected to be AWOL for a whole twelve months and I’m thankful to break this hiatus at the start of this year. I plan to be back on a regular basis and look forward to reconnecting with friends and to meeting new bloggers as well.

There’s never been a Christmas where book presents did not feature and this year was no exception. I was kindly gifted two fascinating books (hints do help!😀) and already I treasure these tomes.

Like so many, I was captivated by Elizabeth Gilbert’s ‘Eat Pray Love’ book of 2006; her physical and spiritual journey of self-discovery and love resonated deeply within me. The book was complete, a wholesome ending … or so she and the readers thought.  After an amicable divorce from José, Elizabeth Gilbert embarked on a new albeit  destructive and addictive relationship with her hairdresser. The book is ‘about love and loss, addiction and recovery, grief and liberation’ and her ultimate search for peace and freedom. I look forward to delving into her story.

‘Words’ by Susie Dent promises to be an enjoyable and knowledgeable daily read, as for each day of 2026, a quirky and unusual word is explained in detail. The author is a renowned lexicographer and etymologist. As a human lexicon, she has been on the popular British TV word game ‘Countdown’ for over thirty years as well as being an author. 

Her latest book describes the history of quirky and unusual words. After all, who knew the word Bluetooth stretched back to a tenth-century Scandinavian King! Furthermore, it introduces the reader to unknown words including, ‘depooperit’ and  ‘whangdoodle’ as well as explaining foreign expressions such as the Norwegian ’gruglede’. Susie Dent will more than fulfil her promise to give the reader a daily ‘linguistic vitamin shot’! I will relish this medicine! 

I’ve never excelled in any type of craft. My attempts at knitted scarves zigzagged to oblivion. One summer as a child I nagged my gifted grandmother to teach me to crochet before she finally caved in and agreed to give me a lesson. Bless, she knew me only too well and after a frustrating ten minutes, I thanked her before scuttling off to play. One Christmas to everyone’s surprise, including mine, I won the class award for best decorated Christmas hat. My invention of a mortar board ladened with colourful gift-wrapped parcels proved an instant hit. A success resoundingly obliterated by the worst ever Easter hat of garish yellow feathers flop!

Imagine then my wary excitement upon opening a present of a book nook. This miniature magical bookstore, complete with books, lighting, chairs, tables will rest between my normal books creating a warm and cosy addition to my literary world. There is only one issue — it is a craft kit! 

I smiled hesitantly at my husband’s trust in my abilities in this speciality, tempting me into this world through my passion of books. Loath to read instructions and usually of the I’ll-work-it-out-along-the-way school, this time I am, for once, reading the detailed booklet followed by watching a couple of explanatory YouTube videos. This time, I feel prepared, this time I’m optimistic and I am keen to begin my journey into this craft. I will post progress of my build and hopefully it won’t be too long until the finalised project is in place, tucked and illuminated neatly between two precious books.

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Heading picture courtesy of Pixaby. Work art by FreeFunArt at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/oracleridge/everwitch 

‘Jewel’ & ‘Gem’

On By Annika PerryIn #BookReviews, #Oskar's Quest, #TheStorytellerSpeaks, Children's Books, Short Stories, Writing

Last week I was blessed to read so much about gratitude and thankfulness, to listen to music celebrating thanks, to see art featuring colourful pieces for the season. As my American friends celebrated their Thanksgiving, there is equal gratitude for so much in my life. As a writer this takes the form of joy and gratitude when someone picks up one of my books, a gratitude and joy doubled when someone takes precious time out of their lives to write a review. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who have read my books, for those who have had an opportunity to review them. Thank you to the new people finding my books, sharing about them. It means so much.

So it is with deep gratitude, I share the latest two reviews of my books ‘Oskar’s Quest’ and ‘The Storyteller Speaks’. 

With Christmas so close for many of us, or perhaps for other special occasions, I hope the books may tempt you or as a present for a loved one.

Comments are closed for this post.

Oskar’s Quest Review

A charming picture book about friendship and facing your fears – 5.0 out of 5 starts

A lovely little jewel of a book. Oskar is considered to be a bird who is afraid of adventures, but when he finds himself on an island that needs help, he bravely faces the scary Drang to not only save one of the island’s residents but also to create an unexpected friendship. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is a warm and joyful book about friendship and facing your fears. The simplicity of the story and the delightful illustrations will appeal to small children so that they absorb its message. I found the book uplifting and it left me with a smile.

HarvestingHecate (Andrea Stephenson)

Many thanks to Andrea Stephenson for her review. Andrea is a gifted published author who currently is seeking representation for her two magic realism novels for adults, Explore the magic of her world at her wonderful blog of Harvesting Hectate: Thoughts on life, writing, creativity and magic where she evocatively captures the natural world around her through her mesmerising and beautiful writing. 

The Storyteller Speaks Review

Storytelling in a voice that doesn’t scream at you to make you more anxious – 5.0 out of 5 starts

The Storyteller Speaks by Annika Perry is a gem of a book. Just look at the cover to get an idea of what’s inside. In one phrase, kind language!

I listened to the digital version of this book many nights in a row, each time completing the entire collection. Each time more mesmerized than the last.

It’s a collection of short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. Many stories are of struggles and disappointments, some tragic and very sad, like A Green Cage with its still prevalent tragic miscarriage of justice and the Sofia! story that you’ll just need to read for yourself. I gravitated a lot to the Role Playing story which comes after the Sofia sad story. Role Playing is beautiful with an uplifting ending. Perhaps my favorite but then again they all are extraordinary.

The constant in all of them is the softness of the author’s words to tell the stories. This created a special connection with me as I went through the many relationships of the characters in the collection. Great storytelling.

Perry’s work is palpable—you can tell the kind language arises from a kind place and so you come to care for the characters right away: they breathe life into every story; the dialogue is smooth and realistic, and I was happy with the order in which each story is presented.

This book of powerful stories, poetry, and soft language won my heart and I’m sure it will win yours if you’re ready to read powerful stories that don’t scream at you.

I hope to read many more books like this by this author. Satisfied customer. A resounding five-star rating.

Selma in Japan

Thank you so much to publishes author Selma Martin for her review. Selma shares her joy of poetry, writing, reading on her thoughtful and welcoming blog Selma. Do explore her work, thoughts, book reviews and so much as she ‘wishes you miracles’. 

FASHION FAILURE

On By Annika PerryIn Creative Writing, Writing135 Comments

I must have been my mother’s despair! Herself a fashion guru, ahead of even the latest styles and modes, going to work in shocking striped hot pants, heading out to the dance floor with the wide-flared black and white skirts – she was, and still is, the epitome of style and elegance. A gifted seamstress along with all her abilities she had a daughter with whom to share all things clothes!

Seriously, I let the side down. With my head in a book anything like lifting knitting needles was just too much hard work. In school all my attempts during enforced needle work classes were abysmal unfinished failures. Why, oh why, I begged the teachers couldn’t I do woodwork, hammer away, use a wrench, I could only dream of the joy of handling a saw. It was not to be.

Weekends were a race to be dressed. In a hurry to go out and play adventure games in the fields and woods I would throw on anything to hand. The garish ill-matched combinations have me squirming in shame now. Luckily, my mother soon found a compromise to unsightly dressed me as on Friday evenings she left out my weekend play clothes. Next morning I would quickly pull them on; the short battle of contrition was over. 

While my teenage friends spent hours, which felt like centuries, trawling C&A and BHS, I’d peel away and ensconce myself in a book shop or two. Perhaps even Woolworth’s records would pull me in and of course, I had no resistance to any stationery shops. Yet the glamorous displays of shoulder pad blouses and bright pink jumpsuits, did not tempt me at all. Not that I was totally immune to clothes by then.  

As a child and huge fan of American TV I treasured my black and silver bomber jacket from the States, often wearing it inside. My pleading looks during one shop for trainers ensured I had the most beautiful white Nike pair with the softest of red trims. I’m sure I cried when they finally had to be given up after one too many holes appeared.  

Before university one particular store visit is still vivid in my mind. In the colourful Benetton shop a blouse and jumper combination caught my eye, so pretty (I did wonder at this strange sensation to an item of clothing but went with it!). I longed for them but it was just too much. Wasn’t it? Thankfully my mother was equally smitten with the tops. Decades later the blouse still hangs in my wardrobe. The jumper worn thin, holes in the elbows, lasted twenty years. Value for money or what!

Over the years my attitude to clothes developed and became more refined, enjoying the style of modern fashion but at all times comfort is imperative. Even on business trips I would have a pair of practical boots to go with my suit as I headed around a sawmill!

My mother is still as chic and fashionable and were this ever to change I would worry indeed. For now, I am thankful for the occasional gift of one of her clothes, as well as  borrowing some for special occasions (weddings etc) before returning them to her expansive wardrobe.

No longer the despair, my mother is happy to help with all things fashion to her eager student daughter — albeit many years later!

@Annika Perry, November 2024

A young me wearing my black and silver bomber jacket inside the house while my guinea pig and cat rest on my lap – they were the best of friends!

Many thanks for the inspirational prompt by Esther Chilton to write about fashion. A gifted writer, copywriter and writer tutor, Esther shares about the craft of writing, books, inspiring prompts, author interviews, humour and so much more on her lovely blog here.

The Embrace

On By Annika PerryIn Art, poetry, Writing159 Comments
'Bronzed-coloured modern art sculpture of mother and child, mother's head turned towards mine as I embrace them both, my head resting on mother's shoulder.'
The Embrace

Yesterday I hugged a mother and child
The arms unyielding
The bodies cold and unrelenting
Yet such warmth in expression
A soulful tenderness in their closeness 

A unique embrace, where the usual 
Do not touch
Replaced with 
Please hug me

Art is for all
Art is not remote
To be viewed at a distance 
Art is life
Art is all our lives.

@Annika Perry, October 2024

My poem above was inspired by The Mother and Child sculpture by Henry Moore (1932) which is one of many wonderful, striking and thought-provoking pieces of art at the innovative and eclectic art museum of the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich, East Anglia. Originally a private collection by the Lord and Lady Sainsbury it was later donated to the University of East Anglia in the specially built museum. The collection is part of a desire to allow visitors to emotionally connect with the pieces (I did!) and enhance the belief in the ‘living life-force of art’.

Personal Note

Many thanks to everyone for your lovely comments on my last post and I was looking forward to returning here in September, Alas this became impossible. Tragically there was family bereavement as well as a devastating cancer diagnosis of a close family member. Along with the practical busyness of such news, emotionally I had to hunker down and slowly find my equilibrium. For now, my posts may be rather more erratic, my comments not as timely a I would wish. My heartfelt thoughts are with so many of you going through difficult times.

View of sunrise mist in a Swedish forest, August 2024

AN ENCHANTED WEDDING (in the Scottish Highlands)

On By Annika PerryIn Writing148 Comments 
AN ENCHANTED WEDDING (in the Scottish Highlands)

A Lone Bagpiper calls us
Its unique tones 
drifting across the loch
Clambering up the majestic mountain 
Skittering over the manicured lawn.

Gently herded by the music
the wedding guests gulp down
remnants of welcoming champagne,
late-comers gaze longingly 
at the table of filled flutes.

A winding path leads us
down to the loch
onto the lawn.
Nail thin stilettos 
pierce the grass
jammed into the turf.

Traversing a wooden bridge
the rope railings swing
merrily to the steps 
of the hundred people.

Ahead looms a steep woodland path,
the sunlight playing
chase with the shadows
of the conifers.

The Piper urges
us upwards and onwards,
decorative hats
bob up and down
enjoying their rare outing.

Below, stragglers pause 
on the bridge
for photos.

Quiet conversations burst  around me, 
friendships in their infancy.
The tender chit-chat of
‘How wonderfully unusual.’
‘Aren’t they lucky with the weather?’
‘Is it much further, do you think?’

To the last question, it isn't! 

From the soft gloom
the guests step forth,
pausing in awe.

We have entered 
The Land of the Fey!

In the bewitching sunny glade
an officiant dressed in a white robe
stands behind the wildflower-decked table 
patiently waiting for the hoard to settle.

A fiddler stands to her left
the light lilting music
bidding us to our slightly sloping seats,
Bride’s guests to the left, groom’s to the right.

A packet of crushed 
wildflower petals for confetti 
rest on each chair.

Enchantment swirls 
around us all,
hushed whispers of
wonder in this 
haven of natural mystique. 

The guests at this
Inspired church of nature
stand as one.

The most spiritual of ceremonies
Begins.

Holding the hand 
of her chief bridesmaid’s mother
a sprite of a flower girl leads the way.
Not a dry eye
as the father walks his daughter
up towards the front.

In the full traditional Scottish garb
the groom takes the hands
of his soon-to-be wife.

A touch of the Celtic lores 
weaves its magical
influence over the ceremony.

Two tartan bands
are bound across 
the couple’s joined hands.
Literally tying the knot!

In the ancient custom of 
Love, friendship, trust and honesty
A quaich is passed between the two.

The two-handled silver cup
filled with symbolic 
whisky and honey.
They drink, 
their union becoming 
more profound.

Two readings, both from the world 
of literature, resound across the 
gathering, across the trees,
the loch.

‘The Perfect Moment is now.’

It is! All our hearts are full.
The legal marriage vows are exchanged
sealed with a bountiful kiss.

It’s time for celebrations 
in honour of the 
newly married couple
To start with abundance!

©Annika Perry, August 2024

Below is one of the beautiful and inspiring readings from ‘The Thief of Time’ by Terry Pratchett:

‘Wen considered the nature of time and understood that the universe is, instant by instant, re-created anew. Therefore, he understood, there is, in truth, no Past, only a memory of the Past. Blink your eyes, and the world you see next did not exist when you closed them. Therefore, he said, the only appropriate state of the mind is surprise. The only appropriate state of the heart is joy. The sky you see now, you have never seen before. The perfect moment is now. Be glad of it.’

Join me for a quick look at the magical walk to the ceremonial glade.

The Lone Bagpiper leading us down the hill to the loch & lawn
And across the wooden bridge!

Below are photos of some of the local stunning scenery, as well as the rabbits in the Beatrix Potter Garden and image of a quaiche.

For the rest of August I will be in Sweden and as many of you know the holiday homes there, in the midst of the forest, are not connected to wifi. Although I look forward to answering comments on this post via my hotspot connection I will otherwise be taking an extended blogging break until September. Wishing you all a wonderful, peaceful, and healthy August! 

Heartwarming Review of ‘The Storyteller Speaks’

On By Annika PerryIn #TheStorytellerSpeaks, Book Review, The Storyteller Speaks89 Comments

In the midst of attending a magical family wedding in the highlands of Scotland I was overjoyed to see this beautiful review of my book ‘The Storyteller Speaks’.

Even while recovering from Covid Thomas Wikman’s diligent dedication to reading and reviewing never faltered and he read my book during this time! With warmest thank to him for this wonderful, incisive and detailed review.

I am honoured and deeply touched by his kind words and here are just a couple of sentences from his review.

‘The author’s ability to portray emotions without using superlatives is remarkable. I could feel for and sympathize with the characters with ease. A few skillfully descriptive words were all that was needed.’

Please read the full review by clicking on the link here.

Furthermore, please do take some time to explore his engaging and personable website which features not only his own book, plus multitudes of his other book reviews but also numerous articles on Leonberger dogs as well as scientific essays and the occasional informative posts about beers!

The Behemoth

On By Annika PerryIn Creative Writing, short story, Writing123 Comments

Huffing and puffing the monster roars towards him, the dragon festooned in belching smoke clouds. The sunny day is soon obscured with the sooty darkness.

On the railway bridge the five-year-old boy ducks up and down, jumping with sheer excitement and terror. He holds fast to the iron-wrought railings seeking safety from the exposed platform below.

As the behemoth nears him a terrible howl explodes through the landscape and he’s shaken to the ground of the bridge, as ringing seems to pierce his eardrums. 

Here it comes, he mutters. His vision soon clogs with dirt and soot, the sticky blackness settling on his hand-knitted tank-top, on his shorts; his legs and arms quickly covered with an impressive layer of dirt. Even the thought of his mother’s despair fails to halt the epiphany of the occasion.

With his eyes agog, his mouth forms a perfect O-shape then he takes a deep breath and holds it as the beast passes beneath him, beyond him.

Shouting in exultation he suddenly coughs, yet he never take his eyes away from the roaring monster. He swivels and absorbs the magic of this surreal world, far removed from his family and friends. Just the beast and him!

A loud screeching of brakes cuts through the drama, his comforting sense of isolation crashes down with reality as the train comes to a stop at the station ahead and people swarm out.

Alas, the extraordinary scene slowly dissipates yet he remains enveloped within the ethereal cocoon of his first zenith of train experiences.

©Annika Perry, July 2024

image: created on bing.com using AI technology

The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: A Book Review

On By Annika PerryIn Book Review, Book Reviews136 Comments

Maybe I should start this book review by clarifying that I’ve never owned a dog! I do like them and enjoy their presence when visiting family and friends. So why did I pick up this book about Bronco, a Leonberger, which is one of the world’s biggest dogs?

What I do love is stories and Thomas Wikman’s book is a terrific series of stories about one of the most affectionate, friendliest and gentle giant of personalities – Bronco. He just happens to be a massive dog, sometimes even mistaken for a bear!

The author is a natural storyteller and his fluid conversational writing style pulls the reader immediately into his family world and their dogs (yes, there are more than Bronco!) A family who care deeply for each other and their pets. It’s a book about character, perseverance, enjoying life to the full, of kindness and of giving. A book that encompasses love and warmth.

‘The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle’ is a terrific combination of storytelling of the life of Bronco along with factual expert information.

The book explores how Bronco came to the family (there is drama in that alone!), with hilarious and laugh-out-loud tales of his antics as well as some of his heroic deeds. Bronco was a superhero as he rescued two escaped hamsters — by putting them in the cheeks of his mouth! Luckily quick thinking Claudia, Thomas’s wife, performed CPR and they recovered. There were a few hilarious incidents when Bronco proved just too strong on the lead then on one occasion he successfully scared away a nighttime prowler as well as saving the life of another family dog. Bronco was a gifted escape artist and the scientist Thomas, not seeing any way this was possible, decided the dog had discovered ‘quantum tunnelling’.

The book is also a detailed and superlative reference and resource book for any owners or prospective owners of Leonbergers. The information includes the history of this rare and unusual breed, medical conditions etc in separate chapters as well as information panels regarding their care, diet, etc. Even as a non-dog owner, I found these all interesting and always enjoy learning something new. For example, Leonbergers were a favoured breed for many of the royal courts in Europe at one time and it was mind-boggling to read that after World War Two there were only eight Leonbergers left in the whole world. The medical conditions include many I recognise from human diseases and illness and not something I would associate with dogs. My learning curve was steep when reading these facts.

The numerous photos of Bronco (and some of the other dogs) are adorable and I was smitten with the captivating and beautiful illustrations which are interspersed throughout the book and these capture many of the humorous moments perfectly!

illustrations by Naomi Rosenblatt

The addition of a small quiz was a welcome surprise and even this non-dog owner didn’t disgrace herself — although not quite acing it!

Just as Bronco becomes an integral part of the family he also became an important member of the local community. At one stage he proved too popular with the football players’ at the daughter’s local matches. Poor Bronco was asked to leave as the players attention was not on the game. The sense of community extended to the Leonberger groups around the globe and the Leonberger Health Foundation International awarded him the treasured Grey Muzzle Award, which is given to any Leonberger aged 12 by which time Bronco was a veritable canine centurion. 

The chapters regarding Bronco’s failing health are particularly poignant and moving. By now the Bronco had won a place in my heart and I was tear-eyed as I read of these difficult times for him and the family. 

‘The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle’ is a gem of a book which shines bright with humour, love and positive energy, the stories carrying the reader away with them while the expert facts are fascinating and informative. A book I highly recommend. 

Finally, it should be noted that the author is donating his proceeds from book sales to the Leonberger Health Foundation International, an organisation that supports research aimed at improving the health of large dogs.

NB. With many thanks to Thomas Wikman for the kind permission to feature photographs from his book in this review.

About Thomas Wikman

Thomas Wikman is a retired automation, robotics, and software engineer and inveterate dog lover who emigrated from Sweden to the United States, where he and his wife raised three children. Their cherished Leonberger, Bronco, crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2020. The Wikmans live in Dallas, Texas, with their two dogs—a pug and a miniature Australian shepherd.

Do take a look at Thomas Wikman’s engaging blog, Leonberger Life which features amusing and heartwarming stories about their late Leonberger dog Bronco, as well as other Leonbergers. It also has a lot of information about the Leonberger breed, the history, care, training, Leonberger organizations, etc.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Publisher: Thebes Press

Available: Amazon UK  Amazon US plus others, please check the author’s website.