Book Publishers
M.J. Mathews’ story — sometimes humorous, sometimes sad — ranges across the day-to-day life challenges, in the mid-twentieth century, met by an Australian citizen and her remarkable Collie dog, Sheba. The Memoir is an accurate, comprehensive reflection of that era as lived through the experiences of a working class Queenslander and her canine companion. The further I read, the more memories the narrative evoked and I was drawn back in time by the familiar dialogue and descriptions of how people lived, worked and ate — a cameo of past social history. The book is absorbing reading!......Perry Langdon, retired Telecom/Telstra Technician, Qld. The second instalment of M.J. Mathews’ A Necklace of Memories has arrived and it is certainly worth the wait! Picking up where the first left off, this book continues M.J. Mathews’ recollections of her life in Brisbane in the mid-twentieth century. Strand Two: Sheba’s Story, plus…maintains her trademark emphasis on the animals that she has encountered and that have enriched her life; this time pride of place goes to the Scotch Collie dog, Sheba. It is Sheba that is the unifying link in this series of ‘selective memoirs’, though the book is not just about this wonderful creature. Woven into and around Sheba’s Story is a tapestry of people, events and places that bring alive the social milieu of the city of Brisbane in an earlier, friendlier and less hectic incarnation. This book is a celebration of ‘ordinariness’, though, in M.J. Mathews’ hands even the ordinary things of life become tinged with extraordinariness and shot through with wonder…….Mark Gosling, Teacher/Librarian, Qld. Lovers of animals will love this book: the story is touchingly told through the interesting device of dialogue, rather than straight narrative, so that the lives of the people intertwine with the life of the central character, Sheba, as strands of a necklace might. Not only does it provide a moving tribute to an obviously adored canine companion, but the Author’s affinity with such diverse creatures as spiders and snails, as well as the ‘furry’ kind, shines through, making this a rich composite of natural and human inter/intra-actions. The cultural context is well-explored, covering both personal and social history of those pre-technological times. Altogether, a worthy addition to the local history and memoir literature. Dr. James G. Lergessner, Author of several books on the early days of Bribie Island, Qld. A Necklace of Memories: Strand Two. Sheba’s Story, plus…is a wonderful account of the bond between a dog and its owner that shows how a dog’s brain is easily a match for our own with its ability to remember people and places better that we are able to. The book nicely illustrates the lifestyle in Queensland in the mid-twentieth century while creating an exhilarating storyline. ……Felicity Miller, Year 11, Morayfield State High School, Qld. This book starts where the previous one left off and we are immediately introduced to Sheba, M.J. Mathews’ new puppy. Sheba is the focal point of the story and a truly special animal. The relationship of love and devotion between human and dog is very touching. M.J. Mathews is a true animal lover, for only a true animal lover could show such commitment to one dog. Even during the conflict with her husband, after he shows his true colours, she still maintains the same love and devotion she has always shown. All in all a great read which I could not put down. A ‘must have’ for all true animal lovers. ……Samantha Nicholls, Year 12, Morayfield State High School ,Qld I found Sheba’s Story, plus…spectacular, with just the right mixture of humour, seriousness, and excitement. If I had to describe the book in one word I would say it is ‘adroit’ — Absolutely Dazzling with a Range Of Impelling Tales. The story is one which everyone who has ever owned an animal (and that’s basically everyone, whether it be fish, dog, cat, horse etc.) can relate to and enjoy, and a story which really highlights the intelligence of the non-human creatures surrounding us, furthermore their bravery, dignity, and most importantly their unconditional love for the people who care for them. I loved the book and couldn’t get my nose out of it. I hope there are more to come later on!......Hannah Hollis, Year 12, Morayfield State High School, Qld. Strand Two: Sheba’s Story, plus…is an easy-to-read nostalgic look at Queensland in the mid-twentieth century — how times have changed! It is a delightful look back at the life and society at a time when moral standards and respect for others were at a much greater level than today. Life seemed to move at a much slower pace and people in this book enjoyed their spare time together with no I.T. age to steal them away into cyberspace. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, Strand one: The Way Things Were but I think this second one is even better. Not easy to put down!......Louise Gregory, Burpengary Writers’ Group, Qld. M.J. Mathews’ easy-to-read narrative, Sheba’s Story, plus…, takes the reader on a memorable journey to another time and other places. For those who remember, it brings nostalgia — for those too young to remember, it brings education. The journey also teaches us that we do not travel alone. Along the way, both human and non-human life impact on us in varying degrees and Sheba’s Story is an inspirational one that will touch your heart and soul……Karen Frederiks, Business Woman, Caboolture, Qld.
As a sequel to Strand One, The Way Things Were, this gentle Memoir continues to string together anecdotes in which non-humans have most of the spotlight and the humans... Read more about “A Necklace of Memories Strand Two: Sheba's Story, Plus”