FROG HEAVEN - 7 5-STAR REVIEWS

REVIEWS FOR FROG HEAVEN


Mr. F. Parker

5.0 out of 5 starsEmpathy for the Human Condition

19 April 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

The stories in this collection have all been published elsewhere in the past but this is the first time they have been offered in a collection. I am glad that Ms Cameron chose to do so.

What I most like about the collection is the empathy with which MS Cameron draws the characters with which she populates her stories. There's Zara, a woman camped in the woods near a cottage occupied by a couple escaping from urban life. Reminiscent of Alan Bennett's 'Lady in the Van', this story ends with a touching twist.

In the title story, a recently widowed woman is struggling to come to terms with her grief as she watches her toddler son. Washing up plays a key role in two stories, acting as metaphor for the problems faced daily by women. All but one of the central characters are women and these stories deal with their relationships with men and the other women in their lives; as carers, wives, mothers, daughters, girl friends. The exception concerns a boy rejected by his parents and enduring a series of placements in foster homes.

Reading these stories one cannot help but feel, not only that Ms Cameron understands the human condition, but that she has a wonderful way of conveying that fact to us, her readers, so that we, too, are able to share her understanding.

Zoe King

5.0 out of 5 starsA delightful collection

24 May 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

In this delightful collection, Janet Cameron brings us the many vagaries of the human condition; people lost in their own lives, or in the lives of others. The characters come to such life that we feel the author must have met them, or others like them. The same is true of setting. The sea plays a role almost throughout, beautifully captured in its various moods, so much so that I felt a little cheated when we moved to the woods for Zara's story.

Overall, the touch is deft, with much going on beneath the surface. If I have reservations, they are that one or two of the pieces would have benefitted from the light touch of an editor, and one or two from a longer treatment. Zara in particular lends itself to a far longer story, the main character (and her premise) is so engaging,and we learn so little of her backstory, that I found myself wanting more!

ann perrrin

5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

20 April 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Love this woman's stories very well written. So where is book two....hope it will be soon.

Robert John Alan Howard

5.0 out of 5 starsAnother excellent book

3 July 2019

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Having read Ms Cameron’s books covering Philosophy, fiction (the Minx) and now, What category is Frog Heaven? I shall call it “Life”, I am amazed at the scope of her writing.

Most helpful customer reviews on Amazon.com

Amazon.com: 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 reviews

John

5.0 out of 5 starsThese short stories offer thought-provoking, glimpses into the complexities ...

28 April 2016 - Published on Amazon.com

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

These short stories offer thought-provoking, glimpses into the complexities of human relationships. They transported this American reader seamlessly into the British landscape and psyche, complete with brooding rainy days and quirky care-worn characters. The entire collection can be read in an hour or less, or the stories can be savored one at a time as time allows. Time well spent.

Maria H Blanco

5.0 out of 5 starsDelightful

23 March 2016 - Published on Amazon.com

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Janet Cameron crafts beautifully developed characters and vivid imagery in this collection of short stories, as she deftly maneuvers readers through gritty textures, to surprise endings, and down the winding bends of memoir. Nearly as much poetry as prose; Cameron's language --alternately sharp and flowing, compassionate or lilting-- spins woolen, nubby and silken yarns that make you yearn for more.

dernhelm

5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent Collection of Stories

3 August 2016 - Published on Amazon.com

Format: Kindle Edition

I enjoyed reading all the stories in this book.

Janet Cameron has a smooth style that makes reading a pleasure. Each story is quick and snappy but has a depth that makes it compelling. Most of them raise a sense of unease, as though there's a sinister punchline coming. Even when the implied doom never materializes, there's always a twist at the end. All the stories are well crafted.

Anyone who loves words will appreciate the beautiful prose and vivid imagery.