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One Sixth of a Gill: a collection of short reads Kindle Edition

3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 66 ratings

A fantastic array of wonderful prose, from bee-keeping to Top Tips on Dogs! A FINALIST and highly recommended.' The Wishing Shelf Awards
Finalist in the SpaSpa Awards

Perfect for holidays! Five-minute reads. Meet people you will never forget: the night photographer, the gynaecologist's wife, the rescue dog. Dip into whatever suits your mood, from comedy to murders; from fantastic stories to blog posts, by way of love poetry.
Fully illustrated by the author in black and white; Jean Gill's original photographs are as thought-provoking as her writing. An out of body experience for adventurous readers. Or, of course, you can 'Live Safe'.

Not for you
the blind alley on a dark night,
wolf-lope pacing you step for step
as shadows flare on the walls.
'A rare treat' - J.G. Harlond, author of 'The Empress Emerald'
'An eclectic mix - quite unputdownable' - B.A. Morton, author of prize-winning crime novel 'Mrs Jones'

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The collection reminded me of a box of scarves we had in ballet class when I was young, all different shades and hues. I loved hunting through them and I guess that's what I'm trying to say about this collection. There is something for whatever mood you find yourself in.'Karen Maitland, author of 'The Vanishing Witch'
'Even her three-liners bristle with acerbic truth. She uses only eleven words in 'Wedding Cake' to cut matrimony down to size.'
- Derek Rees, The West Wales Guardian'A fantastic array of wonderful prose, from bee-keeping to Top Tips on Dogs! A FINALIST and highly recommended.' The Wishing Shelf Awards

'So much variation in style and all equally brilliant.'
Karen Maitland, The Vanishing Witch

'A rare treat' -
J.G. Harlond, author of 'The Empress Emerald'

'An eclectic mix - quite unputdownable' -
B.A. Morton, author of prize-winning crime novel 'Mrs Jones'

'Brings out feelings you didn't know you had.'
Claire Stibbe, The Detective Temeke series

Praise for 'The TroubadoursQuartet'

'By far the best historical fiction I have read this year! -
Rabia Tanveer, December 2015, for Readers' Favorite

'Believable, page-turning and memorable.'
Lela Michael, S.P.Review

'Historical Fiction at its best. Rich in historical detail, this novel brings alive all aspects of medieval life from the political undertones of the high-born pursuits of hunting and jousting tournaments, to the simpler occupations of the peasants, like bee-keeping... A superb ending.'
Karen Charlton, the Detective Lavender Mysteries

'Exquisitely written historical fiction.'
Elizabeth Horton-Newton, View from the Sixth Floor

'Wonderful! If you love historical romance and adventure, you must pick up this series!'
Autumn Birt, The Rise of The Fifth Order

'I like a book that makes my heart race and 'The Troubadours' did exactly that. It's a great story.'
Molly Gambiza, A Woman's Weakness

'A stunning masterpiece of tangled alliances, conflicting loyalties and tested love.'
Kristin Gleeson, the Celtic Knot Series

'As soon as I finished this novel, I longed for the next in the series and can't wait to read more from this extremely talented author.'
Deb McEwan, Beyond Death

'Jean Gill is the master of historical intrigue.'
C.M.T. Stibbe, Chasing Pharoahs

'One of the best historical novels I've read in a long time.'
Paul Trembling, Dragonslayer

'Fascinating history - the plot was terrific.'
Brian Wilkerson, Trickster Eric Novels blogger

From the Author

Perhaps even more than previous books, this one is written from the heart in a way I didn't expect. If you read it, I think you'll know which parts I mean.   Jean Gill's publications
NovelsNatural Forces
Book 1 Queen of the Warrior Bees: one misfit girl and 50,000 bees (The 13th Sign) 2019The Troubadours Quartet
Book 4 Song Hereafter (The 13th Sign) 2017
Book 3 Plaint for Provence (The 13th Sign) 2015
Book 2 Bladesong (The 13th Sign) 2015
Book 1 Song at Dawn (The 13th Sign ) 2015

Someone to Look Up To: a dog's search for love and understanding 
(The 13th Sign) 2016
 
Love Heals
Book 2 More Than One Kind (The 13th Sign) 2016
Book 1 No Bed of Roses (The 13th Sign) 2016
 
Looking for Normal  (teen fiction/fact)
Book 1 Left Out (The 13th Sign) 2017
Book 2 Fortune Kookie (The 13th Sign) 2017
 
Non-fiction/Memoir/Travel
How Blue is my Valley 
(The 13th Sign 2016
A Small Cheese in Provence 
(The 13th Sign) 2016
Faithful through Hard Times 
(The 13th Sign 2018
4.5 Years - war memoir by David Taylor 
(The 13th Sign) 2017
 
Short Stories and Poetry
One Sixth of a Gill
 (The 13th Sign) 2014
From Bed-time On 
(National Poetry Foundation) 1996
With Double Blade 
(National Poetry Foundation) 1988Translation (from French)
The Last Love of Edith Piaf - Christie Laume 
(Archipel) 2014
A Pup in Your Life - Michel Hasbrouck 2008
Gentle Dog Training - Michel Hasbrouck 
(Souvenir Press) 2008

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00MQKQQAA
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The 13th Sign (November 1, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 7.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 157 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 2955010103
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 66 ratings

About the author

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Jean Gill
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Jean Gill is an award-winning Welsh writer and photographer living in the south of France with two scruffy dogs, a beehive named 'Endeavour', a Nikon D750 and a man. For many years, she taught English and was the first woman to be a secondary headteacher in Wales. She is mother or stepmother to five children so life was hectic. Join Jean's special readers' group at jeangill.com for private news and exclusive offers.

Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
66 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book has a charming collection of pieces with their own charm and warmth. They appreciate the variety of writing styles, including short stories and poems. The author's writing style is described as creative and not afraid to take risks.

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4 customers mention "Charm"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's charm. They find it a remarkable collection of pieces with its own warmth and message. The short pieces add variety and make it an enjoyable and easy read.

"Jean Gill has assembled a remarkable collection of pieces that will alternately make you gasp, fret, smile, laugh and ponder...." Read more

"...I will say, however, that nothing disappointed me. Each piece had its own charm, warmth (sections on Pyrenean Mountain Dogs), message, and/or smile..." Read more

"...The short pieces add such a nice variety and makes this an enjoyable and easy read." Read more

"Delightful collection of interesting reads. Great book to stimulate your mind or just to relax and enjoy." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's writing style. They find it interesting, with an enjoyable mix of short stories and poems. The author is described as creative and not afraid to take risks.

"...seek out more of her work as I am sure I will be surprised and delighted by the tales." Read more

"...And what I found was a wonderfully creative writer, not afraid to take chances in her compilation of short pieces and poems...." Read more

"A fascinating mix of written works. There's a little something for everyone: poetry, blogs, short stories...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2015
    Jean Gill has assembled a remarkable collection of pieces that will alternately make you gasp, fret, smile, laugh and ponder. The depth of her writing is impressive, especially given the poetic nature of the work. It is difficult to pull off, but Jean has done it.

    I love when stories don't end the way you expect, and I even more enjoy when you don't understand the story completely until the last line or two. Jean is a master of this.

    I certainly plan to seek out more of her work as I am sure I will be surprised and delighted by the tales.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2014
    One Sixth of a Gill is an eclectic mix of writing, a veritable stew of short stories, poetry, brief essays, blog entries primarily reporting on the canine members of the author's family. Because of this mix I found my interest varied widely. While some of the blog reports were absolutely heartwarming, such as the rescue of the dog nicknamed Lou, the incidental reports on dog breeds were too specialized for this reader.

    However, Gill's tribute to Lou's passing was really wonderful and was written so as to be applicable to any friend, any species. She describes her two dogs simply "being present" together.

    When he [Lou] was ill, especially as he became worse,
    she'd [Blanche] come in from guard duty and lie near him,
    facing him, so they could look at each other. (loc 880)

    And she adds:

    If 'quality of life' (lack of) is the touchstone for
    choosing euthanasia, then surely quality of life is
    equally the touchstone for living. Not some construct
    we call time. Not some linear motion. Lou was not chasing
    the future. He was running because it was wonderful to run.
    And for a while, we ran together. (loc 886)

    She also provides a quote from Mark Rowlands (from The Philosopher and the Wolf) that says in part: "The most important way of remembering someone is by being the person they made us--at least in part--and living the life they have helped shape."

    One of my favorite stories is titled The Big Issue and it is---a dog story. But more than that, it is also the story of a young boy and his parents and a beggar and how they all interact. I loved it. There were other stories that struck me too but this stood out for me.

    I would like to see Gill put together a collection of pieces all on the order of the tribute to Lou and the story I mention above. I have a feeling it would be very good.

    A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2015
    This is an eclectic mix of musings from an author, poet and storyteller who has a lot to say, and says it well.
    Once you've got the book, you will understands my thoughts on some of its chapters. Here goes:
    "Clearing Out"--Well, i found that one just CHILLING!!
    "Welcome Home"--I understood fully the feelings of Ms. Gill as she recounted this one
    "Trying It On"--Cute!
    "Live Safe"-- Should i, now????
    "You Don't Bring Me Flowers"--A surprise!!
    "The Interview"--An example of why Ms. Gill's descriptions really hit home
    "Refined To The Bone"--I don't think there is a woman Out There who would not be able to relate to these sentiments!!!!
    "Going To The Dogs"--This was almost a mystery!! I absolutely could not see this one coming! The masterful way Ms. Gill has of leading you one way, then it turning out to be another in reality is not something you want to miss!!
    "Jailbait"--Two words: "Uh Oh!!!!"
    "The Photograph"--I was completely jarred at its end--"You're no Drandle!!!!"
    "Struck Down in Anger"--This one was heart-wrenching!!!!
    The Welsh Love Spoon was only to love!!
    "Shot in the Dark"--So what's REALLY important????
    "Why Did the Little Boy Kiss the Glue"--The last paragraph really GOT me--Honestly, i felt as if i were still that little boy REGARDLESS!!!!
    "Dogs Digging Eachother"--This one had a nice message.....The part on page 113..."When someone dies...." so very true--especially as a dog-lover myself....but it can apply to anyone we love....and that last paragraph....i am not sure if the quote came from Mark Rowlands(which matters not)--touched me deeply....
    "The Collector"--Now THIS was something i could relate to!!
    "Nostalgia"--I found the comparisons of today's morès to those of the 12th century quite facinating....and it is quite a challenge to ask to hear from Others about what has changed most in THEIR lifetimes!!!!
    "Drawn From Your Eyes"-- This spoke to me in ways that were profound and personal--a MUST read!
    "The Big Issue"--VERY helpful to have the Editor(ess??) explain what the significance of the title was!. I found this bittersweet, yet realistic. I enjoyed the storytelling and its content....and felt for the eleven year old!!!!
    "Someone Else's Kitchen"--Now who HASN'T felt like that at times???? You do not have to be a domestic....it only has to be YOUR turn for dishes and/or laundry for you to be able to relate!!!!
    "Can Do"--Illustrates to a "T" the author's gift with words...one has to read it to get my drift--Plus, it was very affirming.
    "Park Statue"--Whimsical!!
    "Not What You Think"--Best sentence: "What you want and what you should do have never been best friends...." I loved the upbeat, positive look into the future and the sexual part, which started as a kind of out-of-body experience and ended up with a concrete PERSON, Michael....
    "A Taste of Honey"--This one shows how the author is interested in exposing herself to new experiences and things--which makes her writing all-the-more interesting and personal.
    ""John"--"Aristotle's Nine Categories"--applied to her loved one--beautifully and simply conceived.
    I realize this "review" is untraditional, to say the least. It is meant to whet your appetite for Ms. Gill's book....and also meant for you to form your own opinions and ideas about her writing, her style and her subjects. I have purposely been somewhat cryptic(unless one has actually READ the book) so as to entice you to buy the book and read it for yourself. The entries each pretty much stand on their own, and can be read in many sittings--or all at once, if that is your pleasure.
    I hope my Review has been helpful and encourages you to give this book more than a meander--it is well-worth it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2015
    It only took the beginning short pieces and the poem, Silk, to seduce me into Gill’s world. And what I found was a wonderfully creative writer, not afraid to take chances in her compilation of short pieces and poems. I could scan through again and list my favorites, but I believe those choices are best left with the reader. I will say, however, that nothing disappointed me. Each piece had its own charm, warmth (sections on Pyrenean Mountain Dogs), message, and/or smile as I paced myself through the mind of this author. I do not hesitate in recommending this collection.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2015
    A fascinating mix of written works. There's a little something for everyone: poetry, blogs, short stories. I particularly enjoyed the story of Lou's adoption and integration into the author's family. As well, the pieces that dealt with culture and writing historical fiction were really interesting. Then, there's the piece "Going to the Dogs" that is just a little disturbing and still hangs with me.

    I can definitely see why this compilation of pieces was named a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. The short pieces add such a nice variety and makes this an enjoyable and easy read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2019
    The stories didn't hold my attention

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Geoff Nelder
    5.0 out of 5 stars The poems are sublime, the tales are like poems
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 1, 2015
    At first glance this is a collection of stories, poems, blog pieces and articles but when you plunge into it a WOW factor kicks in. The poems are sublime, the tales are like poems. The blog pieces are interesting, especially the ground-truthing, as we remote-sensing nerds call it, of the 12th century history. Dog aficionados will find their bowls chock a block. In Going to the Dogs we have a fine lyrical narrative eg ‘the mirror had always been an untrustworthy friend... sniggered behind your back.’
    This eclectic collection could be described as a literary e-magazine, one you can pick up and relish twenty minutes at a time, on the bus, a waiting room, when a spouse is nagging... and be oblivious within, allowing the world to spin on by.
    Some poems are thoughtful translations while others are originals such as Park Statue, which culminates with ...
    And if one night she smooths her hair
    and twirls her skirt and dances barefoot
    will the locked gates tell the stars?

    My favourite is a poem Struck Down in Anger, Ward 39
    Sample:
    I have
    told them my name,
    the month, the year, the season;
    listened to the words ‘table’ ‘apple’ dog’;
    subtracted sevens from a hundred
    till they grew bored at sixty-five
    ...
    I know these tests for independent capability and dementia and I, like the woman in this poem, desired to escape the well-meaning, healthy, yet strangling confines of an institution. I was blues and twos ambulanced in the early hours to Lodgemoor (isolation) hospital near Sheffield having been struck down by a mystery virus. I couldn’t swallow and breathing became less than optional when my landlord checked on me. Two days and armfuls of penicillin later, I was fine—except that I was in a single-bed-glass ward, not allowed anything to read, nor visitors because they didn’t know what I had. After a week, the termination of my residency was far into the antiseptic mists of time so I planned my escape. With no shoes and no coat I traipsed across Ringinglow Bog to a road and blagged a ride on the number 51 bus into the city. They might still be looking for me although as that was in 1970 I somehow doubt it.
    If only, in that ward, I possessed a copy of One Sixth of a Gill I would have been content to stay.
  • Claire Hamlisch
    5.0 out of 5 stars The omnibus
    Reviewed in France on May 1, 2015
    A French reader wrote:
    I came across this very peculiar book of Jean Gill: "One sixth of a Gill". I must admit I don't actually understand the title. However I was curious to get acquainted with this unidentified object. Soon the word "omnibus" occurred to me and I thought it could fit.

    As a book it comprises a large number of different stories but also, as a bus or a train, it conveys the reader-passenger from one stop to the next, offering glimpses of a diversity of landscapes. Some stops are incredibly brief (the short poems), others are prolonged (the blog posts for example) and leave enough time to get familiar with the scenery. Some stations are a bit weird at first sight, they take you back to the Middle Ages, others plunge you right in the middle of our everyday contemporary life (Jailbait). The journey is full of surprises. The illustrations help to grasp the singularity of each landscape. (Some are really hilarious, I liked the provençal version of the Grant Wood painting...). To match this kaleidoscopic trip, a rich, flexible style follows suit so that, by the time one reaches the terminus one feels one knows and wants to know more of the person at the wheel. This omnibus has a talented driver.
  • Lynne E. Jones
    3.0 out of 5 stars Different
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2020
    An odd mish-mash full of poems and blog entries that seemed more like an author's journal than a book.
  • Mea
    5.0 out of 5 stars Un livre à déguster
    Reviewed in France on December 7, 2014
    Très jolie collection d'oeuvres, ce livre de Jean Gill. On peut déguster les histoires courtes, les poèmes et les images à son rythme. Je me suis régalée !
  • Claire Hamlisch
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book to return to
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 28, 2014
    I've read One Sixth of a Gill several times and each time found new passages and images to enjoy. I especially like her prose that often feels like poetry. For example: a person thinking about her life and looking in her closet: "She ran her fingers along the fabric of her life." The photos of Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are wonderful. The pieces about dogs reminded me of her delightful book "Someone to Look Up To" in which I thought the dogs spoke as in a Greek chorus. The autobiographical snatches made me think of her earlier book "How Blue is My Valley", which I also enjoyed. Some of the illustrations have an endearing childlike quality and I love the silvery look of some photographs. The way Jean Gill plays with words in crosswords or in patterns or images on a page is fun. Some of her writing is incredibly intimate and beautiful. For example: "Alsace wines taste miraculous of water, the drops we kissed below your hat"... Claire Hamlisch

    A Swedish friend added: "An unusually delightful collection of prose and poetry in short and short-short texts. with a bonus for those of us who love our friends of the animal kingdom. Jean Gill here presents us with yet another serendip.

    A British friend wrote: I read One Sixth of a Gill with delight over Christmas. Loved the dog stories especially and the poetry is very creative. Nice to be introduced to writers in this way.
    One person found this helpful
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