The New Review (not just of my book anymore *blush*) posted 2/18/2007 10:47:48 AM | 0 kudos what's this?     report abuse tagged: review, sweet surrender, book, poetry

HopelesslyHopeful

The works, times, and loves of Ms Twiggums 0'Shea

What has started out as a simple thing, a quick review of a lovely book, has turned into what will surely be a life long love affair with the new first lady of poetry: Ms. Twiggums O'Shea.

Even her nom de plume speaks of a wit and rhye humor that is well worth the deep thought she forces from her readers. Don't get me wrong, for you can enjoy the ride, simply bouncing along on the tides of her wording but there is much reward to be had by a deeper diving in to the mysteries of her mind and soul.

In my review of her book 'Sweet Surrender' I stated that Twiggums 0'Shea imbues her poetry with an awareness of love, in all it's facets, passed along from the perspective of unrequited self; though requited by self alone.

The book 'Sweet Surrender', whether you look to the soft-cover version which is pure poetry and art or the hard-cover version with it's delightful storybook ending, is a pages long dedication and testament to one man. A testament which leaves one, at the end of an emotional journey: gasping at the strength of feeling, laughing with joy that such love can exist for it gives one hope, and very saddened, not for the woman who writes but for the man written of. . As one review states : Shakespeare had his dark lady, O'Shea has her foolish man.

In some of O'Shea's poems, of more serious scope, one will find a testament of devotion, a longing that transcends the mere flesh and hits you right in the solar plexus of spirit. They will leave you ragged of nerve ending and begging for understanding of loss of love.

Others take a more humorous tone and allow us more incite into the personality of the poet that goes beyond the pain, beyond the need and devotion. One can see a woman of wit and substance, a writer of the finest caliber, and a woman complete as a woman can be who loves without requite.

'Sweet Surrender' , written under the non de plume Twiggums 0'Shea, is a darling book that is well worth one's time to read, to study, and to give to one's own love as a reflection of deeper feelings, tender emotion.

You may find it on Lulu.com at http://www.lulu.com/Twiggums. Pick up your copy today!

However, this tells only a partial story of a far too long unsung talent. Her humor at times brings to mind a certain Monty Python sketch with the most dangerous joke ever written.

I have been warned not to let her read to me while driving down the road for if the story is in humor I may be laughing too hard to avoid a collision, and if it be sad I may be blurry-visioned from the tears. Before I had taken the time to sit down and properly enjoy one of Ms. O'Shea's short stories I had considered this to be hyperbole but now I know it as simple truth.

Ms. O'Shea is a simple woman by her lifestyle and demeanor, despite her talents and intellect that transcend any claim to commonality. When asked who has inspired her vision, she answers humbly that everything that happens in one's life is potentially inspiration but all good gifts come from Jehovah.

This is an author to watch, ladies and gentleman, and I doubt not that goes for any category of literature she cares to take on. Certainly romance, humor, and science fiction have not proven beyond her and her satiric diatribes pointing out the short comings of the world in it's various parts are legendary amongst those fortunate enough to be allowed a viewing.

Too, one must not discount Ms. 0'Shea's other talents for she is a world renowed artist in other respects as well. Her paintings, her digital art, her statuary, and her song writing skills which are well known "secret" throughout the recording industry are almost as equally impressive as the author, the woman, and that writing of hers which has been known to simultaneously be equal to the task of boggling the mind, swaddling the soul, and relieving the pains of a cramped in spirit.

Needless to say, I am waiting with bated breath, for book number two, Ms.0'Shea.

copyright 2007 by Thomas Kralen Used with permission.

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