Bladesong
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The Hashashins/Assassins - the Isma’ili Muslim sect
the troubadours - Jaufre Rudel, Marcabru, Cercamon, Peire Rogier from the Auvergne, Raimbaut d’Aurenja/Raymon of Orange, Guiraut de Bornelh
Persian poets - Omar Khayyam, Sanai
In charge of the Templar Commandery at Douzens - Peter Radels, Master; Isarn of Molaria and Bernard of Roquefort, joint commander
My recommendations, if you would like to read another of my books:-
Someone to Look Up To
If you are a dog-lover, try Someone to Look Up To. Based on true stories. It’s a dog’s life in the south of France.
From puppyhood, Sirius the Pyrenean Mountain Dog has been trying to understand his humans and train them with kindness...
How this led to divorce he has no idea. More misunderstandings take Sirius to Death Row in an animal shelter, as a so-called dangerous dog learning survival tricks from the other inmates. During the twilight barking, he is shocked to hear his brother’s voice but the bitter-sweet reunion is short-lived. Doggedly, Sirius keeps the faith.
One day, his human will come.
If you want to read about my life in France, try bestselling How Blue is my Valley. Humorous travel/autobiography about my first year living in Provence and how it compared with Wales.
‘Laugh out loud... such a vivid picture of fields of lavender, sunflowers and olive trees that you could almost be there with her.’ Living France Magazine
The true scents of Provence?
Lavender, thyme and septic tank.
How can you resist a village called Dieulefit, ‘God created it’, the village ‘where everyone belongs’. Discover the real Provence in good company ...
If you like food and France, try A Small Cheese in Provence
‘If I were to currently recommend a cheese book to you, I would choose this one... the photography is beautiful and there is passion in the recipes. It makes a fantastic gift.' Samantha Milner recipes.com
From the author of the bestselling memoir How Blue is My Valley comes another irresistible invitation to join her in Provence, this time to discover everything you want to know about cheese and its place in French life. How to choose it, serve it and cook with it. Recipes range from traditional tapenade to original British/Provençal fusion such as Big Franglais Breakfast and Pizza Gallois, all illustrated with step-by-step instructions.
Beautiful colour photos throughout take the reader into Provençal landscapes, street markets and conversations, food history and verse. The celebration of cheese in French and English includes the godlike goatherds and a charming poem in homage to the ravioli of the Dauphiné region, translated from the local Occitan.
You could say it's good, ravioli well made
topped with some gruyère extra thick-laid.
A flavour of France, even for those who don't cook; food for the brain as well as the table. Why was goat cheese sent on an Apollo space mission? What should you wear if elected to the Guild of Olive Brothers? What is the connection between France's biggest cross-country car rally and the Picodon cheese? Entertain yourself and your dinner companions with fun facts aswell as recipes that are tried and tested.
Award-winning writer and photographer Jean Gill has lived in Provence since 2003. Her articles and photos of French food and lifestyle have appeared in France Magazine and Living France Magazine.
If you like romance, try Snake on Saturdays.
‘One of the best books I’ve read this year.’ Nicolle, goodreads
Helen Tanner lives alone and likes it that way. She runs her own business, spends her evenings out with friends, and tries to think as little as possible about the tragedy she has left behind. Until, that is, a dark-haired vet walks into her shop and into her life.
Her first unpromising encounter with Llanelli vet Dai Evans turns into a tumultuous affair which brings about irrevocable changes for both of them. Dai becomes closer to his farming family, and helps them through the BSE crisis, while Helen is forced not only to consider a new future, but to face up to a troubled past.
If you like biographies and true war stories, try Faithful through Hard Times.
‘A most unusual military history book. There are few military non-combatant accounts of life in the Second World War, fewer still from an Other Rank. Based on words and feelings recorded at the time it is probably unique.’ - Don Marshall, Military History Enthusiast
This is not a WW2 memoir. It is a riveting reconstruction from an eye-witness account written at the time in a secret diary, a diary too dangerous to show anyone and too precious to destroy.
The true story of four years, 3 million bombs, one small island out-facing the might of the German and Italian airforces - and one young Scotsman who didn’t want to be there.
If you like Young Adult that works for adults too; if you’re left-handed or know a leftie, try On the Other Hand
A mix of gripping story with fascinating facts on left-handedness. Everyone should think left-handed - or so 14 year old Jamie thought when she tied her hand behind her back for a day-long protest in school, against persecution of left-handers over the centuries. Her best friend Ryan publicised their cause with a new series of articles in the school magazine but just when their campaign is going well, Ryan’s Mum drags him off from Wales to live in America. There he faces bullying at its most deadly and Jamie has to live from one email to the next to know whether her friend is coping. Teachers’ resource materials available free from www.jeangill.com/
Jean Gill’s publications
Novels
Someone to Look Up To (The 13th Sign) 2015
A dog’s search for love and understanding
The Troubadours Quartet
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
The Llanelli Saga
Book 2 San Fairy Anne (lulu) 2010
Book 1 Snake on Saturdays (Gomer) 2001
Jamie and Ryan Books (middle grade)
Book 2 Crystal Balls (lulu) 2010
Book 1 On the Other Hand (Dinas) 2005
Non-fiction/Memoir/Travel
How Blue is my Valley (lulu) 2010
A Small Cheese in Provence (lulu) 2009
Faithful through Hard Times (lulu) 2008
4.5 Years - war memoir by David Taylor (lulu) 2008
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) 1988
Translation (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