World Book Day Contest Winner

Posted on March 7, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Thank you to the people who dropped by and answered the question in my post for World Book Day. We have a prize winner who will receive a copy of Hitler and Mars Bars.

The answer to the question was The Boy In The Striped Pajamas and Hitler and Mars Bars.

Nelly was the first person to answer the question. She gave me the names of the two boys in the books that featured German boys as the main characters rather than the names of the books. Although she didn’t give the answer in the format I was looking for, she did have the right idea so I will accept it. Nelly, please email me this week with your postal address and I will send you a copy of Hitler and Mars Bars. If I do not receive your address this week then the prize will be awarded to the second person who correctly answered the question.

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World Book Day Contest

Posted on March 5, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Today’s World Book Day in Britain and Ireland. Since one of the aims of the day is to encourage children to read, children in fiction will be the focus of this post. I’ll tell you a bit about some books that feature a child as the main character. The ones I’ve chosen are all set during World War II. Some of them are adult books, others are children’s and there’s also some that cross the age barrier.

 

Don’t forget to answer the question at the end of this post for a chance to win a copy of Hitler and Mars Bars!

 

Is childhood always a happy time? Not necessarily, especially if you grew up in Europe during the 1940s…Let’s look at some novels featuring children in World War II Europe:

 

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

Set in Germany, Death narrates the story of Liesel Meminger whose mother sends her to a small town to escape the impending war. But she does not escape; the war’s destruction follows her. She and the other residents of the town encounter all its horrors. When she learns to read her love of the written word has a profound effect on her life, helping her to cope with her circumstances and be a compassionate human being. Death finds her humanity disturbing.

 

The Boy In The Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Set in Poland, this novel tells the story of nine year old Bruno. His father’s appointment as Commandant at Auschwitz Concentration Camp brings the German boy to live at this isolated place. Lonely and bored, he secretly befriends a Jewish camp detainee, Shmuel. His loyalty to his friend has an unexpected and devastating effect on his entire family’s lives.

 

Hitler and Mars Bars by Dianne Ascroft

Set against the backdrop of Operation Shamrock, a little known Irish Red Cross project which aided German children after World War II, the novel explores a previously hidden slice of Irish and German history. It is the moving story of Erich, a German boy growing up in war-torn Germany and post-war rural Ireland. He dreams of finding his mother. He yearns for a family who will love and keep him forever. He learns his brother is his ally not his rival. Plucky and resilient, Erich courageously faces the challenges his ever changing world presents.

 

Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli

Set in Poland, during the early years of the war, this novel follows a street child who adopts the false identity, Misha Pilsudski, a Gypsy from Russia. He escapes Nazi attention as he struggles to survive but ends up living in a Jewish ghetto. His attempts to help Jewish friends escape the German resettlement plan result in him being shot by the Germans and left for dead. A farmer rescues him and he spends the rest of the war working him. Unable to settle anywhere, he wanders restlessly for many years before finally settling with his long lost daughter and her family.

 

Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Set in Paris in 1942 and the present day, this novel follows the stories of ten year old Sarah, who is caught in the round up of Jews in Paris’ Vel d’Hiv area, and Julia Jarmond, a modern day journalist, who is researching the events of the Paris roundup that sent Jews to Auschwitz. 

 

True story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy

Set in Poland, this novel tells the story of an eleven year old Jewish girl and her younger brother who are sent into hiding by their father and step mother to avoid capture by the Nazis. Helped by courageous villagers, they struggle to hide and survive in a forest. Parallels are drawn to the classic fairy tale. 

 

WIN A COPY OF HITLER AND MARS BARS!!!

 

QUESTION:

 

Name the two books mentioned in this post that have a German boy as the main character.

 

The first person to correctly answer the above question will win a copy of Hitler and Mars Bars by Dianne Ascroft. Post your answers in the Comments section after this post. The winning entry will be contacted.

 

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Book giveaway for World Book Day

Posted on March 4, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

World Book Day is celebrated tomorrow in Britain and Ireland. Since one of the aims of the day is to encourage children to read, I will tell you about some books that feature children as the main characters. They are all set in World War II. Some of them are adult books, others are children’s and there’s also some that cross the age barrier. Check in here tomorrow to find some interesting books you or children you know might like to read.

 

I will also give away a copy of Hitler and Mars Bars to the first person who correctly answers the question at the end of the post.

 

So stop by here tomorrow to get some ideas for books to add to your reading list and for the chance to win a free copy of Hitler and Mars Bars.

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Great New Book Site for Readers and Writers

Posted on February 21, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Where has February gone?! It’s almost the end of the month and I’ve rarely been here at all. I seem to have done more reading than writing this month. And I’ve still only made a small dent in my reading list…

A couple days ago I was given the link for a new website that is interesting for readers and writers alike. If you’d like to find something to read besides what’s on the bestsellers list in most book shops then this site is worth a look. You’ll even find at least one Irish title on their pages. Check it out:

http://bookeventcenter.ning.com/page/all-books

Happy Reading!

Dianne

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Groundhog Day – Has anyone seen him yet?

Posted on February 2, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

I guess I have a few hours yet to wait – until sunrise in Canada. But why am I waiting for sunrise in Canada when I live in Fermanagh? Because I need to know what the groundhog will do.

 

Today’s Groundhog Day in North America and I want to know whether there will be 6 more weeks of winter or not. If it’s a bright, sunny day and the groundhog sees his shadow when he emerges from his burrow this morning it will frighten him. He’ll scurry back inside and then it’s 6 more weeks of winter. But if it’s a bit of a cloudy, overcast day he won’t notice his shadow and will stay outside. Then we’ll have an early spring. I guess there’d be a better chance of an early spring if he lived in Ireland…

 

But why should any of this matter to me when I live in Ireland? Well, I’ve always trusted the groundhog to tell me when spring will come. Are you perhaps sceptical about his abilities? Do you wonder why Canadians trust a small furry creature to predict the seasons? The Irish have believed in the magical powers of fairies and leprechauns for generations. So why can’t a Canadian believe in the special intuition of groundhogs?

 

So, if anyone sees that groundhog, let me know!

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Vulpes Libris Review

Posted on February 1, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

This week Vulpes Libris, in their review of my novel Hitler and Mars Bars, describes the book as a “quirky but ultimately winning story” that “captures the essence of post-war rural Ireland quite beautifully”.

Read the full review at http://vulpeslibris.wordpress.com/2009/01/30/hitler-and-mars-bars-by-dianne-ascroft/

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A belated Happy New Year 2009 from Ireland

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

January, the first month of the New Year, is a time of reflection for many people. My birthday also falls this month so, for me, it’s doubly so. In January I have the milestone of another year added to my age – and the beginning of the last year of my fourth decade – as well as the beginning of a new calendar year. So I reflect on my life – where I’ve been and where I’d like to go. And, since Ireland is my adopted country, as I have many times before, I consider whether I made the right decision. Is this where I want to be? People often ask me why I came here and why do I want to stay. Both questions are hard to answer but the latter is the most relevant now …

 

How do I explain my attachment to Ireland to people who don’t know it? I think many people see Ireland as a mystical place. The landscape in many parts is beautiful yet desolate. Misty hills and fields inspire us to dream. Maybe that aspect suits my creative nature.

 

In my novel, Hitler and Mars Bars, I write about day to day life and people struggling to make a living in rural Ireland after the Second World War. But even describing these rather mundane aspects of life, it can be hard to capture places and people accurately – especially the Ireland of sixty years ago – for people who aren’t familiar with it.

 

Worldwide mass communication didn’t encroach on people’s lives in that generation. They were more interested in stopping for a chat with their neighbours on the way to the creamery than rushing to catch a subway so as not to be late for work. They knew all their neighbours and expected to see friendly faces wherever they went whereas I never expect to meet anyone I know when I walk down the street and I am initially distrustful when I meet a stranger.

 

Even though that Ireland is largely gone now, I re-create it when I write about it and I love to step back into that world. Although I could re-create it sitting at a computer anywhere, it helps to be in the places I write about – even if they have changed.

 

But, why do I stay in modern Ireland, besides to help me write about the country as it was sixty years ago? I’ve lived in Ireland for nearly two decades. I speak the same language as everyone else here and I’m married to an Irish man but my cultural background differs from those around me. It’s not just my Canadian expressions when I speak – I still think like an urban Canadian. With my fast paced, impatient city background, I find many of the country people around me, especially the older ones, see the world differently than I do. So, even though I live here, in some ways I am an outsider and I have to get into a different mindset to write about it and create believable characters and places – and to understand and live with my friends and neighbours.

 

So, why do I stay? I stay because I like the people and the place. And the slower pace of life has a positive effect on me. It helps me to take time for the things that are important – friends, family, life. As 2009 begins I’ve decided I made the right choice for the coming year.

 

Happy New Year 2009 from Ireland!   

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Last week of Hitler and Mars Bars Virtual Tour

Posted on December 22, 2008 by Dianne Ascroft

I don’t know where the last 2 months have gone. It’s been so busy – and so much fun – on virtual tour with Hitler and Mars Bars. I’ve lost count of how many interviews I’ve done and I’m amazed by the range of topics I’ve written guest posts on – everything from different breeds of brown spaniels, Remembrance Day, Halloween, how to research historical fiction and how to invent Irish place names.

Judging by the comments written on the sites I’ve visited, readers have been intrigued by Hitler and Mars Bars. I hope many of them will read the book – I’m sure they will enjoy it.

And now we are at the last week of this virtual tour. Today the novel is being reviewed by Writers Block Reviews blog and I am writing a guest post on the same site tomorrow explaining the meanings of some Irish words and expressions. There’ll be a contest for a free copy of the book so be sure to stop by.

Then I will finish up on Christmas Eve with a guest post about Irish Christmas traditions.

So, please join me for one more week as 24/2 – my two month Virtual Book Tour, beginning and ending on the 24th (October and December) – continues -and draws to a close. I’ve visited a variety of websites – being reviewed, answering questions and posting guest blogs and the last week will be just as varied. I do hope you can join me! 

 

This week’s tour schedule:

 

Dec 22– Writers Block Reviews blog – Book Review – http://writersblockreviews.blogspot.com

Dec 23 – Writers Block Reviews blog – Guest Post: Speaking English Like The Irish – http://writersblockreviews.blogspot.com

Dec 24 – Bay City Rollers Pen Pal Reunion blog – Guest Post: Some Irish Christmas Traditions – www.myspace.com/bcrpenpalreunion

 

Contact: Dianne Ascroft, author of Hitler and Mars Bars (ISBN: 9781425145910)

Email: dianne_ascroft@yahoo.co.uk

Website: www.geocities.com/dianne_ascroft

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I found a Christmas gift for every day of the year

Posted on December 20, 2008 by Dianne Ascroft

What do Brian D’Arcy  and I  have in common? I’m sure you’ve never given this any thought before and don’t have a clue…You probably aren’t interested either but I’ll tell you anyways….We are both awed by Glenveagh National Park  in Co Donegal.

 

See for yourself:

 

“As a book lover and fellow writer, what is the must see spot that you would recommend anyone visiting Britain?

One of my favourite places is Glenveagh National Park in Donegal. Its own website describes it as ‘a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes’. It combines all the magical features of Irish landscapes and is precisely the kind of place that you referred to as mystical – the quintessential Ireland. For a writer, it is worth seeing and allowing it to inspire you.”

Newgreatbooks.blogspot.com interview with Dianne Ascroft, 23 October, 2008

 

“Glenveagh is a wonderful place to visit. A fantastic castle, beautiful walks, stunning views and an amazing history. Manicured and wonderful gardens, 22 acres in all, golden eagles and red deer.

     When our wee pilgrimage group got there, we went to the lake shore. We paddled our way to the rocks sitting at the side of the lake. The only sound that could be heard was the lapping of the water. There are no birds in Glenveagh because the eagles drive them out….”

Through the Year With Brian D’Arcy, 16 October entry

 

Through the Year With Brian D’Arcy wouldn’t be my usual reading choice but when I was unexpectedly given a copy, I thumbed through it and found that I had to keep turning the pages. It really impressed me. It’s the type of book that is usually called a devotional or inspirational one – and I wouldn’t describe myself as a religious person. But Father D’Arcy’s religious beliefs are subtly and sensitively expressed.

 

Thoughts and reflections on spiritual and secular topics are a good way to describe the book. Some of the writings are by Father D’Arcy and others are by influential philosophers and thinkers through the ages.

 

This diverse collection touches on many areas – cultural, political, social and religious ones are all included. Helpful hints are interspersed between wise quotes. 

 

Father D’Arcy isn’t afraid to tackle social issues and discusses abuse in relationships, bullying, patients’ rights, mental health, growing older, bereavement, alcoholism and suicide. He discusses the secular angle, offering practical help and advice, and also considers the Church’s response to social problems. It’s refreshing to see practical suggestions and spiritual insights without religious platitudes.

 

I was surprised and pleased to see that he also tackles practical topics such as how to recognize a stroke, how to survive a heart attack if you are alone, how to help cancer patients, how to cope with grieving, how to cope with depression and how to deal with arguments sensibly.

 

The book will make you laugh as well as think. Father D’Arcy’s seems to enjoy the lighter side of life and this shows in some entries. He quotes Barbara Holland  on how it is impossible to take yourself too seriously while wearing a bathrobe, considers whether airport security is the new purgatory and wonders whether more umbrellas or spectacles are lost worldwide.

 

As a christian and a Catholic priest some of his thoughts naturally pertain to religion. He expresses his thoughts on spirituality, putting belief into practice, the future of the church – criticising failures and suggesting ways to move forward – and imparts wisdom from such diverse religious figures as Martin Luther, Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama.

 

I had to check the 19 January entry (because it’s my birthday!) and on that day he quotes from William Ward, saying “Our words can cut or comfort, hinder or help, harass or heal, injure or inspire…” I think the words in this book are the latter choice in each of these comparisons.

 

Although you can glance over bits and pieces of this book any time of year, as a new year approaches it’s a perfect time to begin reading it and/or to give it to someone else. I’ve already given a copy as a Christmas gift – and I’m keeping mine too. It might be clichéd, but, there really is something for everyone in it. It made me laugh, cheered me, made me think – and reminded me why I love Glenveagh. That’s my kind of book!

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Asda or Tesco? Where’s the best place for books in Enniskillen?

Posted on December 19, 2008 by Dianne Ascroft

It’s Tesco’s in Enniskillen on Saturday, 20th December, between noon and 4pm. That’s where you’ll find the Fermanagh Authors’ Association  selling the newly published Fermanagh Miscellany 2 as well as members’ own works. If you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift this year, you won’t want to miss it.

 

Meet the authors and get signed copies of their works – or get them to sign a copy of Miscellany 2 for you. It’s only £4.99!

 

Miscellany 2 features writings by John Cunningham, Bryan Gallagher, Vicky Herbert, Dermot Maguire, Seamas McCanny, Sean McElgunn , John Reihill, Brid Reilly, Dianne Trimble and others. There’s everything from poems and short stories to factual pieces about Victoria Cross winners from Fermanagh, St Molaise and links between Fermanagh and Texas.

 

No matter what your reading preference, there’s a good chance you’ll find something that will appeal to you amongst the members’ own works. Bryan Gallagher, Winston Graydon, Sean McElgunn and John Reihill each vividly recall life in the forties and fifties in Co Fermanagh while Dianne Ascroft’s historical fiction, Hitler and Mars Bars , set during the same era, draws readers into the events of the little known Irish Red Cross project, Operation Shamrock.

 

Vicky Herbert brings Crom Castle and its inhabitants to life as well as sharing some fascinating Fermanagh stories told to her by local people. You can also learn the Fermanagh lingo in her book, Just Hashin’, a collection of regional sayings. Want to get the inside story of local government? Then check out Irwin Brown’s My Working Days With Fermanagh County Council 1941-1973.

 

If you think that a picture’s worth a thousand words, John Cunningham’s Fermanagh In Sight, Volumes 1 & 2 is for you. Interesting narrative combined with stunning photos make it well worth a read.

 

Whatever your reading taste, drop by Tesco’s tomorrow to see us, have a chat, browse and find some great books. And don’t forget to get your purchases signed!

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