Rain Stones by Jackie French
25th Anniversary Edition. Harper Collins Publishers, 2016 (First
published in 1991). ISBN 9781460753170
(Age: 9 - adult) Highly recommended. Themes: Short Stories;
Australian stories; Vision and Blindness; Aboriginal traditions;
Mythology; Ecology. Jackie French is a prolific story weaver with
every one of her books a testament to her great skill with words;
Rain Stones is where she started as a published author. These
stories have not lost any of their power and intrigue with age. And
as a collection of short stories it stands as a great reminder of
the craft of the short story - leaving the reader wishing they could
follow the next chapter in the life of the characters or see the
next twist in the plot. I loved each of the stories, all connected
with the thread of the Australian landscape, but I especially loved
the Afterword where Jackie French reveals the genesis of this book
and her career. She is the Australian J. K Rowling in that she began
her writing career to stave off poverty and to enable her to provide
for her child as a single mother. But we also see how a true
storyteller can overcome difficulties and create a masterpiece with
meagre ingredients, but with great passion. It's a pity I am not a
movie maker, because Jackie's story and her Rain stones
stories would make a wonderful Aussie film. This is also a book to
share with children who battle with learning issues or have come
from difficult circumstances, as Jackie French proves that from
these seeds can grow opportunities. And learning to see 'story' in
the dreams and environment around all of us is part of Jackie's
story for aspiring writers. She has had 140 books published, and I
have read many of them . . . . there is not a single story that
would disappoint! (And to think that her first manuscript created on
her type-writer from the tip (without the e-key) was so disgustingly
presented that the publishers laughed at its presentation . . . .
and yet the story won them over, as it will for you.)
Highly recommended for aged 9 - adult, and lovers of Short Story.
Carolyn Hull