A remarkable biography with a novelistic style that portrays the life of an ordinary mother and reveals the extraordinary character within.
Fascinating, wistful, humorous, woeful, lyrical and deeply moving; a portrait in words sustained by profound love.
This is a true story told in two voices; one of a mother, Dorry, and the other of a daughter, Bern. Dorry talks out her story in Bern’s presence. She wanders along her life path and tells it all as she remembers. Her mind often wanders from incident to incident without any special attention to the sequence in which these incidents happen.
During Dorry’s conversations, Bern relives her own childhood and reveals her view of her world in a stream of consciousness that is hidden and very private. She tells her own story in this way.
In the telling, the reader becomes involved in worlds that often relate to the same incidents from very different standpoints. Both protagonists are drawn one to the other because they see commonality in the intricacies of their relationships with Hugh, husband and father, and the six other children in the family.
5 out of 5
A wonderful, beautiful, gift of a book - such honest and evocative writing, full of courage, compassion and humour. I especially enjoyed Bernie's poetry. Thank you for writing this book!
Review by: Ann Wigley on 12th March 2009
5 out of 5
this is an excellent book about the journey of two people towards wholeness through our ordinary and often broken world. It is told with an honesty that is often startling. Both Dorrie and Bern face the vicissitudes of life with ingenuity and total lack of bitterness which is both challenging and inspiring. Life in Botswana in the middle of the last century is described with sensitivity and in graphic detail that invites the reader to experience the warmth of the soil., the delight of the rain, the beauty of the trees and he refuge they give. the only complaint is, it ends too soon. Hopefully Bernie will provide us with a sequel!
Review by: Fr Wilfried Joye on 12th March 2009
5 out of 5
Bernie Mullen portrays the characters in \'The Bow End of Rain\' in a way that makes one glued to what she shares with us. One admires her courage to share with the reader not only the sunny but also the shadow side of the members of her family, especially Dorry, Bern and Hugh. She does that in a style that is easy to read and as clear as water from a fountain. Her poetry is the fruit of a natural talent. Her mastery of the language gives her a pallet to paint with words the deepest movements of her soul in a beautiful, striking and colourful way. To acquaint oneself with a writer and poet of the caliber of Bernie Mullen is a must. I give her a 10 out of 10 for \'The Bow End of Rain\'
Fr Wilfried Joye artist-priest
Review by: Sr Wendy Beckett on 12th March 2009
5 out of 5
Bernadette Mullen looks with unflinching love and honesty at her life's journey. She grasps all and sees all as a way to God. Her acceptance does not come from herself but from her awareness of God's love and it infuses the same awareness in every reader.
Sr Wendy Beckett Quidenham UK
Review by: Wendy Truebody on 12th November 2008
5 out of 5
This was a story that I just couldn't put down, I did read it twice. Bernie your mom was one amazing lady, and as can be seen, by the writing of this book, the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree. It brought tears,anger,joy and compassion.I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
Review by: vee bergstrom on 4th November 2008
5 out of 5
i laughed, i cried, i felt sad, i felt happy. i was transported to another time and place in the most awesome way. what a wonderful book. i read it in one sitting and experienced ever trial and tribulation with dorry. well done to the author.
Review by: Dennis Tucker on 3rd November 2008
5 out of 5
They say ...the truth will set you free. To the all the girls... "may you fly high, feel the sun on your wings, the wind on your tails and now forever, smile as the road ahead is forever unhindered. There are no barriers to what you can do with your freedom".
A delightful insight into family affairs that will teach us all at least a few lessons. A MUST READ.
Review by: Jan Dryden on 25th October 2008
5 out of 5
This is a book of such searing honesty and courage. I laughed, I cried, I winced and I held my breath with dread. Bernie's capacity for loving shines through. Extraordinary.
Review by: Terri Money on 13th October 2008
5 out of 5
When I fifnished this book I wanted to start at the beginning again because I didn't want it to end, it made me laugh and cry. I loved it. Brilliant!!
Review by: Liza Mason on 13th September 2008
5 out of 5
Bernie, I have just finished your book. I am moved almost beyond words. You have taken me to another place. You have given me the desire to hold every human being in compassion. Thank you.
I have written an article on the book for our local news letter in Quidenham UK.
Review by: Sr Deirdre Corfe on 30th August 2008
5 out of 5
Bernie: I have just finished reading your book and wanted to tell you that I thought it magnificent; a real page-turner and very brave and beautifully written. Page after page of real lyricism. Please write another...
Review by: John Peill on 27th August 2008
5 out of 5
A very readable book. Bernie's honesty and integrity shines forth as she deals with some very difficult family situations. The Sonnet-like verses throughout the book are superb, the book is worth buying for them alone.
Review by: Gill Mackintosh on 12th August 2008
5 out of 5
Could not put the book down! Well written and enjoyable.
Review by: Candy Bonello on 30th July 2008
5 out of 5
This book leaves one with a sense of the authors integrity and courage in telling her story with such honesty. Her lack of judgement or recrimination fills my soul with admiration. Her ability to love through adversity gives me hope for humankind. Thank you Bernie for showing me the bow end of life. You have inspired me.
Review by: Barbara Smith on 28th July 2008
4 out of 5
A really touching story of a family who came through much adversity but above all else had a strong survival instinct instilled by a very strong mother.
The title is very aptly named.
Review by: Sylvia Kemp on 26th June 2008
5 out of 5
The Bow end of Rain is a very engrossing story which I loved. The characters are so well depicted in this real life, sad, funny and really touching saga
Review by: Ron Lakey on 16th June 2008
5 out of 5
The story of a strong lady with amazing faith who fought for her children. A great book written by a deeply spiritual woman who has experienced the highs and lows that life sends her way.
Review by: Dorothy Lakey on 11th June 2008
5 out of 5
A beautifully written book touching all the emotions. Dorrie's faith and endurance shines through and the laughter brings the needed relief many times. A book I will always treasure. Dorothy Perth
Review by: Wendy Hartley on 8th June 2008
5 out of 5
As a friend of the family I found it very interesting , but sad and also so sorry that Dorry had such a hard life but also had some much happiness through her many daughters. Dorry and Bern are both wonderful people as are the other family members.
Will read the book again.
Review by: Pete Mullen on 7th June 2008
5 out of 5
A brilliant read. I could not put it down
Review by: Trish Mortimer on 7th June 2008
5 out of 5
A true story told with honesty and love. Truly the best read I have had for a long time.
Review by: Cathy Wishart on 6th June 2008
5 out of 5
This book is truly a snapshot of the human condition captured by a very talented and honest Author. As “no 7” – (the youngest of the seven children in the book) I am obviously emotionally involved, but - I have to say - it is a privilege to belong to this anger, pain, honesty, humor, endurance, deceit, security, excitement, acceptance, happiness and most of all unconditional love. I found the first few pages hard to read but then could not put the book down and got a few surprises along the way. Well worth a read.
Review by: Jean Lakey on 4th June 2008
5 out of 5
This book is one of the best books I have read for a long time, I could not put it down.
Jean Lakey, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Review by: Hugh Madden on 4th June 2008
5 out of 5
A beautifully written book. Very real and very sad but heart warming.
I found it hard to put down.
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