Read books online - Memories of Glory: A Novel by Elizabeth Marcus Wolfe

HarperCollins Wrote

It is very difficult to approach a ‘coming of age’ story, and write in such a way as to not appear clichéd, but Elizabeth Marcus Wolfe has made a remarkably strong case. In ‘Memories and Glory’, the journey from childhood to adulthood is dealt with in a unique way; the six children in Glory’s family are used to explore various different facets of growing up. The reader is also able to understand more about the pasts of Glory’s parents and their families, allowing adult tensions to be explored too. A compelling feminist take on life dominates, but the feelings of the important men in Glory’s life are not left uncovered. The memories she recalls do not depict a clear straightforward story, rather each is a part of a puzzle which in the end paints an often brutal but fair conclusion on life.

The first few chapters are a little slow (a point which I will return to shortly); character development is highlighted rather than plot progression, but Glory is set up well as a whimsical day-dreamer. She lives in an alter-world, and her intelligence and desire to be elsewhere helps build a strong picture of her imagination. Gradually it becomes clear that the world she fashions for herself is an escape from the harsh life that she has had to lead. As a protagonist she is wonderful; her suffering is a result of both her surroundings and of universal teenage trauma: I found her hugely accessible.

The use of dialogue, and the focus on different characters in each recollection, allows the reader to build a strong concept of each family member, and their relationships with one another. This is a vibrant read, and no connection is left unexplored. Friendship, as well as sibling rivalry, is beautifully drawn out, and each character is individual, with no adolescent being allowed to become ‘archetypal’. The characterisation could be tidied, however. The author should be careful to avoid ‘unnatural’ human behaviour, particularly in relation to speech and contemplation. For instance, in the first chapter, Joyce directs a coherent monologue at her coffee mug. However, in reality, when people talk to themselves it tends to be broken and brief – indeed, when people engage in conversation with each other, it often follows a similarly irregular patterns.

The novel is strong but not without its issues; there is work to be done before this could be considered a truly marketable proposition. Firstly, I felt the author needed to build a stronger sense of place – both location and time – and to do so from the very first chapter. This is crucial if you want your readers to become immersed in the lives of your characters; it will also give an additional dimension to Glory’s state of detachment from this plane.
The lack of clear structure also needs to be worked on. The focus on character development, whilst valuable in its own way, does mean that little takes place, and for a commercial read, you need keep the reader engaged consistently across the narrative. This doesn’t necessarily involve high-drama, however. The author clearly has a gift for wit and charm, illustrated in the passage where the family go blueberry picking, and this could be employed earlier on to make even typical domestic scenes more captivating.

The role of “Mother Nature”, of fate and fortune, is an interesting theme and one that gives an interesting dimension to the family’s attitude. The family approach life with a ‘deal with it’ attitude and it seems that every time anybody makes a mistake, life hands out retribution. It would have been interesting for the Jewish background of the family to have been made clearer from the beginning; it is an important component to their identity, but is not broached until the storyline is well underway. It adds an extra dimension to the spiritual aspect of ‘Memories and Glory’, which is vital in forming the reader’s perception of the characters. This spirituality is engaged in the poignant and poetic observations Glory makes on the world around her. But on top of this, it will also help to construct the sense of place – this time in culture and history – I referred to earlier.

This novel would appeal to readers – predominantly female – with an interest in historical fiction, but also many who are simply looking for compelling characters and an interesting character arc. Although measured at times, it is an enjoyable and easy read. However, YA is a particularly challenging and unlucrative market. The historical and cultural elements here could help the novel garner a wider readership, but first the author needs to address the issues of dialogue, setting, and in particular, the need to immediately engage the reader.

Elizabeth Wolfe wrote 734 days ago

HarperCollins Wrote:

It is very difficult to approach a ‘coming of age’ story, and write in such a way as to not appear clichéd, but Elizabeth Marcus Wolfe has made a remarkably strong case. In ‘Memories and Glory’, the journey from childhood to adulthood is dealt with in a unique way; the six children in Glory’s family are used to explore various different facets of growing up. The reader is also able to understand more about the pasts of Glory’s parents and their families, allowing adult tensions to be explored too. A compelling feminist take on life dominates, but the feelings of the important men in Glory’s life are not left uncovered. The memories she recalls do not depict a clear straightforward story, rather each is a part of a puzzle which in the end paints an often brutal but fair conclusion on life.

The first few chapters are a little slow (a point which I will return to shortly); character development is highlighted rather than plot progression, but Glory is set up well as a whimsical day-dreamer. She lives in an alter-world, and her intelligence and desire to be elsewhere helps build a strong picture of her imagination. Gradually it becomes clear that the world she fashions for herself is an escape from the harsh life that she has had to lead. As a protagonist she is wonderful; her suffering is a result of both her surroundings and of universal teenage trauma: I found her hugely accessible.

The use of dialogue, and the focus on different characters in each recollection, allows the reader to build a strong concept of each family member, and their relationships with one another. This is a vibrant read, and no connection is left unexplored. Friendship, as well as sibling rivalry, is beautifully drawn out, and each character is individual, with no adolescent being allowed to become ‘archetypal’. The characterisation could be tidied, however. The author should be careful to avoid ‘unnatural’ human behaviour, particularly in relation to speech and contemplation. For instance, in the first chapter, Joyce directs a coherent monologue at her coffee mug. However, in reality, when people talk to themselves it tends to be broken and brief – indeed, when people engage in conversation with each other, it often follows a similarly irregular patterns.

The novel is strong but not without its issues; there is work to be done before this could be considered a truly marketable proposition. Firstly, I felt the author needed to build a stronger sense of place – both location and time – and to do so from the very first chapter. This is crucial if you want your readers to become immersed in the lives of your characters; it will also give an additional dimension to Glory’s state of detachment from this plane.
The lack of clear structure also needs to be worked on. The focus on character development, whilst valuable in its own way, does mean that little takes place, and for a commercial read, you need keep the reader engaged consistently across the narrative. This doesn’t necessarily involve high-drama, however. The author clearly has a gift for wit and charm, illustrated in the passage where the family go blueberry picking, and this could be employed earlier on to make even typical domestic scenes more captivating.

The role of “Mother Nature”, of fate and fortune, is an interesting theme and one that gives an interesting dimension to the family’s attitude. The family approach life with a ‘deal with it’ attitude and it seems that every time anybody makes a mistake, life hands out retribution. It would have been interesting for the Jewish background of the family to have been made clearer from the beginning; it is an important component to their identity, but is not broached until the storyline is well underway. It adds an extra dimension to the spiritual aspect of ‘Memories and Glory’, which is vital in forming the reader’s perception of the characters. This spirituality is engaged in the poignant and poetic observations Glory makes on the world around her. But on top of this, it will also help to construct the sense of place – this time in culture and history – I referred to earlier.

This novel would appeal to readers – predominantly female – with an interest in historical fiction, but also many who are simply looking for compelling characters and an interesting character arc. Although measured at times, it is an enjoyable and easy read. However, YA is a particularly challenging and unlucrative market. The historical and cultural elements here could help the novel garner a wider readership, but first the author needs to address the issues of dialogue, setting, and in particular, the need to immediately engage the reader.

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Darkwinglord wrote 862 days ago

This is a vibrant and rich book, Elizabeth. It absorbed me right from the pitch and spat me out around chapter 14. You work with so litle and manage to achieve so much! Descriptions, setting, dialogue, they all come together in a seamless blend of storytelling.

Glory, as an MC comes across exactly as you've painted her; a period daydreamer. It's not hard to relate to her, (we see them everyday these days), and that's because you've done such a wonderful job in fleshing her out. Her interaction with the other characters is not only highly believable, it's as if one is standing right next to her.

With the cadence you have set up, and even though it's not my usual genre, I can easily become addicted into reading more.

It's a little wonder this book has promoted itself to the position it's in. Deserved so.

I wish all your dreams come true with this.

Warmest Regards
Andrew

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J.Adams wrote 936 days ago

I was enthralled with Memories of Glory the first time I read it, several months before the Great Authonomy Shake Down of October 27th. The shake down has me re-reading my favorites so I can re-support the best books here, and Memories of Glory is one of the very, very best books I've ever read, on or off of Authonomy. Elizabeth, you have written an insightful, soulful masterpiece. Memories of Glory (and the double meaning of the title is brilliant) takes a hard, honest look at life and all the childhood pain that is in the mixture of what makes so many of us who we are as adults. Your writing style is magnificent -- it is nearly lyrical, poetic, in its beauty.

I wanted a happier ending for Gloria, as you know! But the world is not populated with Glinda and other good witches from out of the North, and maybe happier endings in the real world do, indeed, mean appreciating - as the song "Shady Grove" says, "peaches in the summer time, apples in the fall." You are absolutely right, there are so very many things to enjoy and appreciate that are real.

Elizabeth, I wish you so many wonderful things with this masterpiece! I really, really do!
Judy

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chuckgnx wrote 946 days ago

Elizabeth, an absolutely hypnotic read, made me keep going and going, even though I am not usually a fan of "women's stories." Normally I like adventure, power, etc., but you have presented real live people here and a heroine who surely deserves a better life -- the intellectuals of this world (we writers) can feel the depths of her despair, and want things to work for her, a special woman. Best,
Backed.

Chuck -- Marshal;l Warren -- "Sunrise, Sunset" a novel of Power, Politics, Mother Earth, Sex, Money. 42 chp.

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Simpko wrote 1028 days ago

Fabulous. Superb writing that somehow flies straight from the page to the depths of the gut, by-passing eyes and brain. I felt like the words were speaking to me rather than me having to read them.
Superb work and deserving of great things.
Baz

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made wrote 218 days ago

This will definately be made into a film

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Adam Thurstman wrote 332 days ago

Dear How to Fail Supporter,

Here at the How to Fail support team we have been greatly encouraged by the developing lack in failure of our book’s progress, thanks to the ongoing support of all our members. You’re support too has not gone unnoticed. Please let us make you fully aware of our gratitude and thanks for all your kind efforts and everything you have done in continuing to partner with us.

It’s is our hope, dream and wish that soon everyone will be able to know how to fail, in a way that they have never known before; so that others will only be able to look on in awe at what a complete mess they have made of their lives.

Yours faithfully,
The team

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Jennwith2ns wrote 334 days ago

I'm captivated by the concept. Although I don't identify with Glory's personality at all, I do identify with living most of my teenage years inside my head, in a dream-world peopled with mythological and historical characters. Also, I grew up in Massachusetts and dreamed of England (ended up living there, too, for a bit), so that part is personally recognisable.

I do kind of feel like there's a lot of jumping from idea to idea here; I realise there has to be a little of that just by the nature of the story. However, I believe that there are some places where even a jump could be handled a little more smoothly; for example, in Chapter 2, Glory's getting ready to visit her grandmother, and then she starts thinking about her "exquisite" friend, and then you say, "Back to Boston . . . " The return to the previous topic, handled that way, reminded me of some of my junior high creative writing projects, kind of surprising and jarring me.

However, I agree that your approach to a coming of age story is really unique, and I'd certainly read the rest--and I am, in fact, backing this book.

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Adam Thurstman wrote 336 days ago

What about me, everyone I know has just died and I've only got seconds to live, please back me!!!
Only kidding, everything’s fine; relax!

I saw you comment on 'How to fail' and and wondered if you wanted to help me back it again, it's so funny. If so it's on my book shelf.

Adam

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leelah wrote 654 days ago

Oh this is something. I feel myselfs going back to savor words and phrases - that is good sign for a book that seems to be mesmerizing. You are painting images and landscapes, my dear Elizabeth - and since i do not like reading at the PC I look forward to the book being published.
Oh this joy of having found a true writer. exquisite feeling.

Leelah Saachi

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Darwod wrote 719 days ago

Have only read the first chapter. I'm new here and thought I'd check to see what is considered good. Liked it a lot and will finish it. Glory is a realistic teen. I like how we see her as she sees herself and as others see her. So realistic for her to be critical of her Mom's housekeeing but never think to help herself. The scene with the trucker was scary, and I'm assuming gives us a hint of Glory's future problems. I wanted to tell her to be careful, not wear miniskirts when its freezing or opentoed shoes. It took me a little while to figure out that Glory was thinking about herself but once I caught on, I was fine.

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CMTStibbe wrote 733 days ago

Very well done! I am really impressed. You have worked hard for this and your talent shines through. Claire ~ Chasing Pharaohs.

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Elizabeth Wolfe wrote 734 days ago

HarperCollins Wrote:

It is very difficult to approach a ‘coming of age’ story, and write in such a way as to not appear clichéd, but Elizabeth Marcus Wolfe has made a remarkably strong case. In ‘Memories and Glory’, the journey from childhood to adulthood is dealt with in a unique way; the six children in Glory’s family are used to explore various different facets of growing up. The reader is also able to understand more about the pasts of Glory’s parents and their families, allowing adult tensions to be explored too. A compelling feminist take on life dominates, but the feelings of the important men in Glory’s life are not left uncovered. The memories she recalls do not depict a clear straightforward story, rather each is a part of a puzzle which in the end paints an often brutal but fair conclusion on life.

The first few chapters are a little slow (a point which I will return to shortly); character development is highlighted rather than plot progression, but Glory is set up well as a whimsical day-dreamer. She lives in an alter-world, and her intelligence and desire to be elsewhere helps build a strong picture of her imagination. Gradually it becomes clear that the world she fashions for herself is an escape from the harsh life that she has had to lead. As a protagonist she is wonderful; her suffering is a result of both her surroundings and of universal teenage trauma: I found her hugely accessible.

The use of dialogue, and the focus on different characters in each recollection, allows the reader to build a strong concept of each family member, and their relationships with one another. This is a vibrant read, and no connection is left unexplored. Friendship, as well as sibling rivalry, is beautifully drawn out, and each character is individual, with no adolescent being allowed to become ‘archetypal’. The characterisation could be tidied, however. The author should be careful to avoid ‘unnatural’ human behaviour, particularly in relation to speech and contemplation. For instance, in the first chapter, Joyce directs a coherent monologue at her coffee mug. However, in reality, when people talk to themselves it tends to be broken and brief – indeed, when people engage in conversation with each other, it often follows a similarly irregular patterns.

The novel is strong but not without its issues; there is work to be done before this could be considered a truly marketable proposition. Firstly, I felt the author needed to build a stronger sense of place – both location and time – and to do so from the very first chapter. This is crucial if you want your readers to become immersed in the lives of your characters; it will also give an additional dimension to Glory’s state of detachment from this plane.
The lack of clear structure also needs to be worked on. The focus on character development, whilst valuable in its own way, does mean that little takes place, and for a commercial read, you need keep the reader engaged consistently across the narrative. This doesn’t necessarily involve high-drama, however. The author clearly has a gift for wit and charm, illustrated in the passage where the family go blueberry picking, and this could be employed earlier on to make even typical domestic scenes more captivating.

The role of “Mother Nature”, of fate and fortune, is an interesting theme and one that gives an interesting dimension to the family’s attitude. The family approach life with a ‘deal with it’ attitude and it seems that every time anybody makes a mistake, life hands out retribution. It would have been interesting for the Jewish background of the family to have been made clearer from the beginning; it is an important component to their identity, but is not broached until the storyline is well underway. It adds an extra dimension to the spiritual aspect of ‘Memories and Glory’, which is vital in forming the reader’s perception of the characters. This spirituality is engaged in the poignant and poetic observations Glory makes on the world around her. But on top of this, it will also help to construct the sense of place – this time in culture and history – I referred to earlier.

This novel would appeal to readers – predominantly female – with an interest in historical fiction, but also many who are simply looking for compelling characters and an interesting character arc. Although measured at times, it is an enjoyable and easy read. However, YA is a particularly challenging and unlucrative market. The historical and cultural elements here could help the novel garner a wider readership, but first the author needs to address the issues of dialogue, setting, and in particular, the need to immediately engage the reader.

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markwoodburn wrote 734 days ago

Well done in getting your book to the desk. An informative and enlightening review. Mark

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cutley wrote 735 days ago

I keep being told that the HC review has been made public, but it's still not there. I would love to read it, but of course accept you have the right to keep it private.

Whatever happens, I do wish you the best of luck.

Charles

P.S. When I was in this position I had made a resolution to make the HC review public whatever it said. I clicked the button to make it public before I read it. That, I think, is the easiest way to approach these things.

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Closet Writer wrote 736 days ago

Where did you post your HC review? I can't find it.

SC Dwinnell, "Never Let Him Go"

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Frank James wrote 812 days ago

Hi Elizabeth,

I read you previously before the voting system was mucked up. I liked it then and I like it now and am BACKING you all the way. Good luck for the future.

Frank James (The Contractor)

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Judge Jeffreys wrote 815 days ago

As I am new to commenting on this site, I wanted to read the books that had made it to the desk. I read up to chapter 6. I found the first couple of chapters a bit slow and hard to get into, but that's probably just me. This deserves to do well. Good luck.

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Lee J. P. wrote 822 days ago

Congratulations on this wonderful work of yours Elizabeth. I wish you great success and may all your dreams come true. Please let me know if you'd be willing to back "Out Of Orleans" and it is in serious need of professional editing. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

Lee

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Lee J. P. wrote 822 days ago

Congratulations on this wonderful work of yours Elizabeth. I wish you great success and may all your dreams come true. Please let me know if you'd be willing to back "Out Of Orleans" and it is in serious need of professional editing. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

Lee

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Rhonda9080 wrote 834 days ago

What a powerful and moving story! Wow! Superb characterization! I just read on and on, when I'd set out to just take a peek! Vivid description without overkill! This is going on my bookshelf as soon as I get a space. I highly recommend!

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celticwriter wrote 837 days ago

Hi Elizabeth. How are you doing? What's the next step in the process for you? :-)

blessings,
jim

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Michael Croucher wrote 838 days ago

I love the pictures that you paint with words; vivid, compelling and rich. Your mc is someone that many can relate to and she draws us into the story very well. I've thoroughly enjoyed what I've read so far, and I look forward to reading on. In the meantime, based on what I've read, I'm rating this book highly.
Michael Croucher (Bravo's Veil)

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SRWENT wrote 841 days ago

Hi Elizabeth, This chapter 9 brings back some great memoies for me

Thank you!!

Richard A. Wentworth

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Walt Alexander wrote 842 days ago

Hi Elizabeth, I thought Glory was in trouble with the truck driver-narrow squeak. So she was always wanting to be someone else-we all do, I think ay some point in our lives. that was a narrow escape for Davey in the burning car. Penny did a marvellous rescue. Had me on the edge of my seat.
I'm not sure I am qualified to review your book. It's really for younger people and I'm not in that category. However I did enjoy the chapters I read. you write well and it's good writing. You hold the reader. You've had some very good reviews and your rating can't get any higher. Congratulations on being selected for review by HC. Good luck with it.
Backed & shelved. Best Walt.

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Bec C Simmonds wrote 842 days ago

Well done, you got there.

Bec (Find Mark)

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EmilyJean wrote 845 days ago

I just discovered your book on the editor's desk. Just reading the beginning and end, it's obvious why it's there. Beautiful, powerful prose. Memories of Glory definitely deserves to be in print!
Best wishes,
Emily VanLaeys
Burning the Bridge to Hell

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Phyllis Burton wrote 846 days ago

Hello Elizabeth, Have just read some of your wonderful story. You are a great story teller. Have you ever been to Sherwood Forest or Camelot? I really love the last line of chapter 1...'Only the vast sea of time held the answer'.I wish you every success with this as you approach the ed's desk. I would buy it... I rate it highly and will place it on my SHELF, I promise you. Remind me tomorrow, if I don't...
Would you be so kind as to take a look at my story PAPER DREAMS, or A PASSING STORM? It would be really appreciated.
Best wishes and good luck

Phyllis Burton

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GinoStine wrote 847 days ago

I really like the story and how well you've written the character, the dialogues and the descriptions!!
I think it is a very promising story!! You're a very good writer Elizabeth

I hope you achieved great things with this book :)

Take care,

Gino.

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Intriguing Trails wrote 848 days ago

compelling

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2penny wrote 849 days ago

Hello Elizabeth, I began on authonomy only recently. By luck, I started with your book. Since then, I've been cruising around and reading other authors. I might have read only a few pages or a chapter of others' books. I'm not a science fiction fan but I could see why Jim Darcy is rated number one. Jane Hersey is talented too. But, many others weren't as good. I now have a basis for comparison. Initially I rated you a five but I feel compelled to boost the rating up. I think your book is a six. Best wishes. 2penny

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tomewriter wrote 849 days ago

Hi,
Will have a read as soon as I can. Best wishes.
Janell (tomewriter)
Speed Trap

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Shawn Hendricks wrote 852 days ago

Not sure where you are going with "the Memories." Is it a poem?

Is "Glory the Ancient" a command like, "We must glorify the ancient one," or "Glory, the Ancient" as name and title?

If poetry, it might work as open verse. If not, then there are punctuation issues.

"I'd have been Queen of all England..." makes no sense to me in this context.

After reading, "the Memories," I am not hooked.

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Jacoba wrote 852 days ago

Dear Elizabeth,
Have seen this oh so many times on the charts and I've finally had chance to read some of your story. I'm impressed by the wonderful narrative and the tone of your tale. I like the constant references Gloria makes to imagining herself a queen or movie star. What young girl didn't do that. I see that you are tettering on the brink for a review and I know what hard work it is to get there so I'm happy to support you in your efforts. I believe this is a good story that merits a professional critique, so I'm happy to back you until the end of the month. I will explain to the one I have to move off my shelf. I'm sure he won't mind, as I'll put him back up at some stage. Cheers to you, and if you ever get a moment to take a look at my book, I'd appreciate the comments, I'm not necessarily worried about the backing, but would be interested in your thoughts. Cheers Jacoba

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Jacoba wrote 852 days ago

Dear Elizabeth,
Have seen this oh so many times on the charts and I've finally had chance to read some of your story. I'm impressed by the wonderful narrative and the tone of your tale. I like the constant references Gloria makes to imagining herself a queen or movie star. What young girl didn't do that. I see that you are tettering on the brink for a review and I know what hard work it is to get there so I'm happy to support you in your efforts. I believe this is a good story that merits a professional critique, so I'm happy to back you until the end of the month. I will explain to the one I have to move off my shelf. I'm sure he won't mind, as I'll put him back up at some stage. Cheers to you, and if you ever get a moment to take a look at my book, I'd appreciate the comments, I'm not necessarily worried about the backing, but would be interested in your thoughts. Cheers Jacoba

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Katie_Hall wrote 852 days ago

I love how you write. Being inside Glory's head is interesting, the third person explains something and then she does it in her own way that makes it so uniquely her own thought and it drives the book. I'm excited to read more of this.
Katie

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Laura A. D. wrote 852 days ago

Looks like your story is doing awesome! Congratulations! :o)

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Linda Lou wrote 852 days ago

an interesting idea for when we all seek to escape life in general LLL

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Linda Lou wrote 852 days ago

an interesting idea for when we all seek to escape life in general LLL

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Bruki's Keeper wrote 854 days ago

This book is amazing! I have only heard tales of the 60's from my father and grandmother, but this book totally brought to color and reality the attitude, style, and hip of that era! I loved reading it! It was funny, interesting, and engulfing as well as educational (for me)! I was drawn in easily, and actually felt I was there with Glory in the story! Awesome book! I hope it gets published!
Kathryn ~The Dragon's Son~

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Idea Girl Consulting wrote 854 days ago

ive backed your book ..

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SusieGulick wrote 857 days ago

Dear Elizabeth, You give me happy tears. :) ;( I'm so blessed that you are helping me. :) ;( May God bless you more that your ever dreamt or imagined, a million times back. :) Love, Susie :)

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2penny wrote 858 days ago

This is a 5-star book.

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2penny wrote 858 days ago

This book, the characters and plot grabbed hold of me and never let go So beautifully written. I didn't want it to end. Elizabeth, you've done a superb job of making the characters come alive brilliantly. Best wishes

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barrefly wrote 858 days ago

I grew up in the Sixties. Here is some advise, "Glory, toast your bread and put butter on it before you add the sugar and cinnamon." 8>)

I'm a novice writer, so no critiques other than I'm enjoying reading it.

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Marie Crist wrote 859 days ago

Glory is such a great character. Her drama and personality reminds me of one of my favorite characters, Anne of Green Gables. Love her!

Marie

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Neville wrote 860 days ago

Memories of Glory.
by Elizabeth Marcus Wolfe

Have backed this book a long time ago.
Pleased to come back to it again.

You have a fine character in Glory, always day dreaming and captivated by English History. Her mind is full of it.
Her mother Joyce, also comes across strongly. She knows how to put her foot down when it’s needed, even if the housework is somewhat neglected.
I rather liked ‘The Golden Slipper’ store run by Madame Helena.
You describe very vividly the contents of the store and the pleasure derived by the youngsters when making a purchase.
The reader is taken through the early teenage life of Gloria. You cleverly show the trauma of passing from child to womanhood by the use of flash back memories, a nice idea.
Your book is a compelling read once started, difficult to put down even if dinner is on the table so to speak.
I have really enjoyed your book Elizabeth, and wish you all the best on your way to the Publisher – it won’t be long, I’m sure of that.

I have given this book a High Star Rating and happy to shelve it.

Kind regards,

Neville THE SECRETS OF THE FOREST – THE TIME ZONE.

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celticwriter wrote 860 days ago

Here we gooooooooooooo! (You're doing better than me! I keep slipping.)

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Reverb&Rhyme wrote 862 days ago

I'm so excited that you're in the top five!!!!

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Darkwinglord wrote 862 days ago

This is a vibrant and rich book, Elizabeth. It absorbed me right from the pitch and spat me out around chapter 14. You work with so litle and manage to achieve so much! Descriptions, setting, dialogue, they all come together in a seamless blend of storytelling.

Glory, as an MC comes across exactly as you've painted her; a period daydreamer. It's not hard to relate to her, (we see them everyday these days), and that's because you've done such a wonderful job in fleshing her out. Her interaction with the other characters is not only highly believable, it's as if one is standing right next to her.

With the cadence you have set up, and even though it's not my usual genre, I can easily become addicted into reading more.

It's a little wonder this book has promoted itself to the position it's in. Deserved so.

I wish all your dreams come true with this.

Warmest Regards
Andrew

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Old Bob wrote 862 days ago

Hi Elizabeth. I read your first chapter and I find your writing reminds me a little of Thomas Wolfe. Your writing is great, your voice is terrific and your dialogue seems true. There seems to be so much extra description and back story, though, that it slows things down (for me). This was the way they used to write, but I think today people are looking for something more streamlined. I have the same problem and am constantly trying to tighten up my first chapter.

I'll tell you what; I'll star your book 5 stars and will watch it the rest of the month. I'm on the site every day. If you look like you're starting to slip, I'll put you on in place of BEHIND THE HOOD. Hope that works for you.

Best of luck.

Old Bob
A PLACE IN LIFE

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ed_larel wrote 862 days ago

I don't much read historical fantasy, but this stood out as one of the more interesting reads I've had in a while. I appreciate your use of metaphors as well as the way in which you structured the novel.

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femmylovecraft wrote 862 days ago

Elizabeth, sorry I only now come around to write a (shallow) comment on Memories of Glory after having already backed it. You are a very good writer and I really hope that your HC review will be positive and your excellent book soon published. I enjoyed reading large parts of it, you have an very personal and accessible style of writing. Great story, interesting MC, well-fitting in the period. The only thing that surprised me was that it is not ticked in the YA genre. I think this would also be book for the YA audience. Lots of success with Memories of Glory. Femmy

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Debra wrote 863 days ago

Not much I can add to the comments. I'm sure it's all been said already. I do love the short pitch for this. Best of luck with this. I hope you get a fabulous review from the ED!

Debra

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Charmain wrote 863 days ago

It's a wonderfully written story and certainly would help young ladies as they struggle through life seeking for something that will make them great, I give this story five stars, good luck!

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Memories of Glory: A Novel

Elizabeth Marcus Wolfe

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