Rick Law Posted 20 May , 2018 Share Posted 20 May , 2018 (edited) Two book launches for Flowers of the Forest. The first is in Bolton, Ontario on June 2, 1-4 pm, and the second is at Fort York Armoury, Royal Regiment of Canada, Toronto, June 10 , 2-4 pm. Don’t miss it if you are in the area. The book is available online at https://www.amazon.co.uk. or at the website https://www.flowersoftheforest.ca. Edited 6 September , 2018 by Rick Law out of date title Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted 20 May , 2018 Share Posted 20 May , 2018 (edited) Details from Amazon.co.uk,as that would help. I am unclear what this book is- is it a novel???? Is it heavily stylised biography, with invented diction?? Or what? Flowers of the Forest Kindle Edition by Richard M Law (Author) Farquhar McLennan was a phenomenal soccer player and a generational athlete.He was also a private in the 58th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. In the summer of 1915 he embarked on a journey into war along with his two best friends. It was not just a journey of longitude and latitude, but also a transformation of youth into manhood.The starting point was a place called Paradise. The destination was a place that could be called anything but. The Great War was turning Europe into blood and rubble, and the trio of friends felt called to serve King and Country.The route was perilous and it was not always clear who the enemy was. It was the beautiful game that provided relief and distraction, and more importantly, cohesive teamwork to help the 58th Battalion in their quest to defeat the German foe.The ferocious and bloody battle at Sanctuary Wood was the ultimate test of their courage and skill."The shelling did take up the whole afternoon, and finally ceased just before sunset. It was terrifying. It was deafening, and by the time it had stopped my nerves were a bloody mess. I thought back to the fireworks at the Canadian National Exhibition. I would never again be inspired by any damn fireworks display. I needed to re calibrate by sense of awe." Edited 21 May , 2018 by Guest Links removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulgranger Posted 21 May , 2018 Share Posted 21 May , 2018 I would say it's a fictionalised biography. McLennan was real, he was KIA 23 June 1916, and he was in the 58th Bn CEF, but the quoted passage doesn't sound very Great War; 'II needed to re-calibrate my sense of awe'. Bit too modern a phrase, I'd say. Still, it's only £3.47 as a Kindle 'book', so not much to shell out to find out if it's any good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted 21 May , 2018 Share Posted 21 May , 2018 1 hour ago, paulgranger said: I would say it's a fictionalised biography. McLennan was real, he was KIA 23 June 1916, and he was in the 58th Bn CEF, but the quoted passage doesn't sound very Great War; 'II needed to re-calibrate my sense of awe'. Bit too modern a phrase, I'd say. Still, it's only £3.47 as a Kindle 'book', so not much to shell out to find out if it's any good. Fair enough- in monetary terms. But history is all about it being right. History with invented bits is fiction. And nary the two can meet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Filsell Posted 21 May , 2018 Share Posted 21 May , 2018 (edited) What, pray, is a "generational athlete"? not a term I have heard before - or understand Edited 30 September , 2018 by David Filsell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kath Posted 22 May , 2018 Share Posted 22 May , 2018 ? ? ? https://tachiai.org/2017/12/04/comparing-the-great-ones-the-lasting-impact-of-generational-athletes/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Law Posted 30 May , 2018 Author Share Posted 30 May , 2018 (edited) The author here. My apologies for any misconceptions. The book is a historical/fiction novel. Pte Farquhar McLennan is my great uncle, who was killed in action at Sanctuary Wood, June, 1916. I would venture to say that the book is historically accurate as I relied heavily on the 58th Battalion diaries and on several history books on the CEF and the 58th. The story follows the three young Scottish friends from attestation to battle. Michael Schumacher is an example of a generational athlete. I hope you give my book a read. There is a website for the book that features photos and articles that relate to the story. https://www.flowersoftheforest.ca It is a very unique story with some very unique characters who get themselves into “jackpots” that young men are prone to. cheers, Richard Edited 30 May , 2018 by Rick Law Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonraker Posted 30 May , 2018 Share Posted 30 May , 2018 7 hours ago, Rick Law said: ... It is a very unique story with some very unique characters who get themselves into “jackpots” that young men are prone to. Interesting contrasting definitions of "jackpots"! In Britain, very few young men get into jackpots as we understand them to be, but they do in the transatlantic sense. Merriam-Webster Good luck with your launches and sales. Looks quite a chunky book. Moonraker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Law Posted 30 May , 2018 Author Share Posted 30 May , 2018 (edited) Thank you. Edited 30 May , 2018 by Rick Law Mistake Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Filsell Posted 30 May , 2018 Share Posted 30 May , 2018 Kath, Thanks see, people one has never heard of : ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Law Posted 30 May , 2018 Author Share Posted 30 May , 2018 Michael Schumacher? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulgranger Posted 30 May , 2018 Share Posted 30 May , 2018 1 hour ago, Rick Law said: Michael Schumacher? David's comment was in reference to Post 6 above, I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Law Posted 11 July , 2018 Author Share Posted 11 July , 2018 (edited) The two book launches managed to sell all the books on hand. The launch at the Royal Regiment of Canada was a smashing success, with all of the books being sold within minutes. The Royal Regiment perpetuates the 58th Battalion CEF in the Armoury. Many thanks to the Regiment for the opportunity. We also commemorated the Battle of Mount Sorrel the same day. Edited 11 July , 2018 by Rick Law Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Law Posted 10 August , 2018 Author Share Posted 10 August , 2018 I would love to get some feedback from anyone who has read this book. I have a thick skin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted 10 August , 2018 Share Posted 10 August , 2018 42 minutes ago, Rick Law said: I would love to get some feedback from anyone who has read this book. I have a thick skin. Good luck- Hope you have what the navy toast allows- a willing foe and sea room. At least you have been straightforward in what is fact and what is fiction-I hope your book makes your chap much better remembered. Thick skin not necessary-I will look out for reviews, though apart from David Filsell, they may be a little wanting this side of the Atlantic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Law Posted 12 August , 2018 Author Share Posted 12 August , 2018 Thank you The book appears to be selling well in the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted 13 August , 2018 Share Posted 13 August , 2018 Wow- Now that is an achievement- As a retired bookseller, I can tell you that anything Canadian is usually a non-seller in the UK. You have obviously broken the jinx!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Law Posted 13 August , 2018 Author Share Posted 13 August , 2018 A very strong Scottish content and some UK locations. Bramshot, London. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Law Posted 2 October , 2018 Author Share Posted 2 October , 2018 (edited) Readers Comments; "Brilliant book. I read it in three sittings. Loved the Niagara on the Lake stuff. A fellow getting hit by lightning. The football politics and the fear of fear, and loss." - Adam Saunders - Royal Regiment of Canada Available online at Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon ca, Amazon aus, Amazon nz, B&N, iBooks, and Indigo. Edited 6 March , 2019 by Rick Law Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Law Posted 28 December , 2018 Author Share Posted 28 December , 2018 (edited) The website https://www.flowersoftheforest.ca has just exceeded 7000 hits in less than a year. Check it out. Edited 28 December , 2018 by Rick Law Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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