March 7, 2025
Image of monastery on a distant mountain top view from another mountaintop into the valley - TEXT: The Nature of Work Part 5, Alex Barr, Historical Fiction
Published by Alex Barr at March 7, 2025
Categories

The Nature of Work, Part 5

It was just another day, just another plank – neither harder nor easier to lift than most, the nail heads groaning as they were left behind like tiny square-headed sentinels. So, seeing a cylinder in red Morocco leather on the dry earth lying as simply as if this day was entirely foreseen, Yannis was unable to move, heart racing, confused by this intrusion into the normal pattern of his days.
Do you like it?
1 Read more
February 23, 2025
Image of monastery on a distant mountain top view from another mountaintop into the valley - TEXT: The Nature of Work Part 3, Alex Barr, Historical Fiction
Published by Alex Barr at February 23, 2025
Categories

The Nature of Work, Part 3

When the endless labour ahead tormented him, Yannis told himself to remember cycling up long hills when instead of looking ahead to the summit, he panted with desire to reach the top and freewheel down. He looked at the kerbstones and counted mortar joints, and when he rested, he found himself surprised at how far he had climbed.
Do you like it?
0 Read more
February 17, 2025
Image of monastery on a distant mountain top view from another mountaintop into the valley - TEXT: The Nature of Work Part 2, Alex Barr, Historical Fiction
Published by Alex Barr at February 17, 2025
Categories

The Nature of Work, Part 2

“Daughter,” Yannis said sternly, “it is not fitting you come here. Please send another nephew if you have one.” The hint of a smile played around her lips… Apart from the rustle of bougainvillaea leaves and the repetitive song of a mistle thrush, a thick silence descended. Yannis said, “However, you must convey my order for tools. Hammer, crowbar, and bolster. You know what a bolster is?”
Do you like it?
1 Read more
February 12, 2025
Image of monastery on a distant mountain top view from another mountaintop into the valley - TEXT: The Nature of Work Part 1, Alex Barr, Historical Fiction
Published by Alex Barr at February 12, 2025
Categories

The Nature of Work, Part 1                                          

So he allowed himself to imagine the Maker’s delight in working out the orogeny – not just here in the Meteora but in every part of the world – arranging pleats, wrinkles and horizontal bands. The Maker placed a cirque here and a tarn there, ornamenting the work with delicate silver streams, and taking time to decide where to place the treeline.
Do you like it?
4 Read more
August 16, 2023
Her Dangerous Journey book review cover
Published by Rita Mock-Pike at August 16, 2023
Categories

Her Dangerous Journey Home, a Sapphic Novel Review

As a history fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the honest, in-depth historical setting, details, and experiential ways of life depicted in the book. Other history fans, particularly of the medieval period, will enjoy these elements as well. These historical pieces come into vivid clarity through Swanson’s writing in ways that non-historians could never offer.
Do you like it?
2 Read more
Resize text-+=