What can I say…. a review is a wonderful thing.

 
Inaka: Child’s Eyes by Gerard Brindley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Inaka: Child’s Eyes is one of those rare and remarkable inspirational books that uses beautiful language and a simple narrative to suggest a profound truth and to examine the human condition. The narrative is built around the journey motif and employs a significant twist towards the end.

Whilst the text is light and whimsical there is a depth and warmth to the narrative that is beguiling and reminiscent of Johnathon Livingston Seagull and The Little Prince.

This is a very physically beautiful book that looks, at first, like a personal journal or note book. It’s cover is plain, which contrasts starkly with the lavish design and beautiful photographs embedded in the text. The photographs anchor the narrative in the world of nature and seem to represent the protagonist’s imaginative and exacting observation.

A 20 minute CD is also included with the book. This is such a brilliantly unique recording that I have nothing that can easily act as a reference point. It begins with a soundscape of a warm summer’s day and moves quickly into lush world music. The dramatic reading then begins with the lone voice of the protagonist: Inaka. Various actors bring the characters to life and the music changes style throughout the recording to reflect the mood and events. I found this aspect of the book both emotionally powerful and original. The author also claims that the CD was broadcast into space from the Goonhilly Earth Station on November 11th, 2009.

In the short time since discovering Inaka: Child’s Eyes I have purchased copies for a large number of friends. Unfortunately, these seem to only be available through the publisher’s web site: http://www.inakaproject.com . The reaction to this gift, though, has always been positive and I always feel as if I have shared a beautiful secret.




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After over 2 years of giving thanks for all of our blessings, it is time to move on and change the focus and aims of the Inaka Project web site. You may notice that the “give thanks” blog site has now been closed down. There were a few requests to keep some of the videos from the site. So, here they are.

I was teaching my class about comedy and politics when I came across this scene from The Great Dictator. I was stunned by his eloquence and by the contemporary need for this message.

I am thankful for those people who use their power and fame for the good of others.
As Charlie Chaplin once said “I can’t help it. I’m for people”

I was lucky enough to be sent this video by my good friend Tracy. It made me stop and appreciate how lucky I am and the responsibility we share to make the world a fairer place for all.
Give, share , love, laugh, assist, strive, smile

And then there is this amazing version of a Dr Seuss classic:

Oh the places you’ll go……

I have had the absolute pleasure over the last 2 years of playing music with Marco, Daryl, Syd and Tracy for The Long Goodbyes. It is a long road putting an album together, but there is no better feeling than sitting back and listening to a track and having that goose- bump moment. The process has definitely slowed my writing down and kept me away from this web site. So rather than share a story as we approach Christmas I thought that a song might be better.
“Mikey” was written over 2 weeks and recorded in Cantamar Studios in Huskisson one Wednesday night. We only had a stationary video camera, but a lot of love, good microphones and a circle to sit around in and just play it all together. So here it is, without overdubs. Just a simple song, Tracy’s beautiful voice and some random shots from the night. If you are an animator and want to have a go at the next song just contact me through the web site.
11 sleeps to Christmas in 2011!