Reviews

"34 Poems that will touch your heart or tickle your chuckle muscles."

John Hannam. Broadcaster, Journalist and Author

I willingly answered Martin Kelly’s request to read this book of poems. Initially, it was more of a friendly gesture for a man I have held in such high esteem for many years. Could Martin really reach me with his poems? Could I really break away from reading my endless chain of autobiographies? For Martin’s sake, I would really try.

I was so glad I did. Over the years I have followed the success of Martin’s family with great personal pleasure and enthusiasm. I’d certainly shed tears of pure delight at their notable achievements. Now it was dad’s turn. Could he really write poems?

Thankfully, life is always full of surprises. Suddenly I discovered a new dimension in the life of Martin Kelly. I quickly enjoyed the fun and wit in poems about parrots, maggots and the delightful Cry Baby, before being noticeably moved by the quality of his more serious work, all written from the heart and with more than a hint of honest personal feelings. Poems that really make you stop and think.

I hope this is the first of many such books.

(John Hannam has a regular column in The Isle of Wight County Press and Theatre critic for The Stage, hosts ‘John Hannam meets…’ on Isle of Wight Radio and is the author of 'I was a Stage door Johnny')

John Byrne. Broadcaster, Columnist and Author

I've always believed in short forewords-after all if the book that follows is worth reading the quicker you get to it the better. And if it isn't worth reading it doesn't matter what I say in the foreword, you'll find out the truth soon enough anyhow. In this case, though, both principles apply, the book IS very much worth reading and you're going to find a lot of truth as you read through it.

Of course since this is Martin Kelly's book sometimes those truths will come in deeply moving words drawn from very real personal experience...and sometimes in wonderfully light-hearted whimsy that reminds me of the great Spike Milligan. So please don't hang around this foreword bit a moment longer. Turn to the poetry and get ready to dive into a world of bright ideas from one of the brightest lights I know.

How bright of you to have picked up a copy!

(John Byrne is a broadcaster, career columnist for The Stage newspaper and author of over 40 books including Writing Comedy and The Seven Secrets of Successful Performers).