- Title: Enscribing the Heavens from This Side
- Author: Ina Hamilton Hart
- Print Length: 186 Pages
- Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
- Publication Date: September 3, 2016
- Sold by Amazon, LLC
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1530407133
- ISBN-13: 978-1530407132
- Formats: Paperback
- Goodreads
- Genres: Memoirs, Biographies, Poetry
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book*
In the author’s words:
“Calling words her legacy, Ms. Hart has compiled a collection of posts from her Cronechronicler blog. The collection is a celebration of embracing change, aging gracefully, and the elegance of small moments of a life well-lived. Sprinkled with haiku and serendipitous meanderings, this book is for curious and delighted readers. This compilation covers almost two years of daily posts and chronicles past journeys to Europe, Cuba, Mexico, and Ghana.”
My Recommendation:
I was captivated by the name of this novel because of the unique spelling of the word “Enscribing.” I was interested to find out if this was a purposeful change or an accident as the usual spelling of the word is “Inscribing.” I pondered what exactly could it mean. When I questioned the author, she said, “Enscribe” is a technical term for code writing and actually fits writing across the broad sky.”
And, that is the essence of Ms. Hart’s writing. At the beginning of Chapter One, she includes a quote from David Whyte:
“Sometimes everything has to be enscribed across the heavens so you can find the one line already written inside you.
Sometimes it takes a great sky to find that small, bright, and indescribable wedge of freedom in your own heart.”
What follows is the joyful celebration of a life well-lived. This is the journey of a woman finding herself and understanding her purpose in our amazing universe. She shares that at the age of fifty-five, she made the decision to be known as an “original.” No longer does she want to only do what everyone expects of her. Instead, she intends to discover the person she has become.
So, in the summer of 2014, with the help of her grandson, Ms. Hart began her own blog called Crone Chronicler. She set out on a writing journey to discover her inner muse. Discover she did!
Ms. Hart skillfully weaves a unique blend of humor and wisdom throughout this novel. She writes in the style of a memoir, chronicling her many travels to England, France, Cuba, Mexico, and Ghana. Between these glimpses into the past, she sprinkles Haiku and poetry reflecting her interpretation of the present.
This was the perfect evening read. I loved her reminisces which were filled with love, self-discovery, and family. This collection is also an official celebration of a woman who has found herself and rediscovered her writing talent. It just goes to show that we can recreate ourselves at any age. I can relate to that, and I bet you will too.
My Rating:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 4
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Author, Ina Hamilton Hart
About Ina Hamilton Hart:
At age seventy-five I moved to be near two of my three sons and their families. I intended to spend time getting to know and enjoying my grandchildren who live here. I didn’t expect to create a new life for myself as well. For the first time, I have space and time to let my old gift of writing flower and to make new friends with whom I share the absurdity of aging.
You can find Ina Hart on her blog, Crone Chronicler, at cronechronicler.wordpress.com
Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com
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