THE
AUTHOR
RK’s mother bequeathed her an old, green tin trunk. It was filled with family photographs but little family history. Her mother had begun a search for more information about her ‘mystery’ grandfather, Charles Alexander. She had discovered he was from Marienwerder in Prussia. Rhonda has continued her mother’s search resulting in the publication of a research book, Prussian Charlie, and a novel, The Green Tin Trunk.
RK also delved into other branches of her family tree. A second novel, Whispers on the Wind, is the result of this research. It contains twelve fictionalised stories focusing on the women she came across in this research and who emigrated to Australia in the 1800s.
A third book was published early in 2014. The Shaking Sails is a companion piece to Whispers on the Wind. It contains stories of blokes on boats - ship builders, mariners, navigators crew members and passengers in the 1800’s. The Shaking Sails is based on recorded events in family histories.
RK’s interest in genealogy continues.
R K WILLMETT
REVIEWS
“I did not expect that I would find it at all interesting, being as it was the history of someone else's family. I found it enthralling, however, and hard to put down. I found myself looking forward to bed time to catch up again with Louisa and the intricacies of her life. I particularly loved the way it was written. You absorbed yourself so thoroughly into the characters it was almost as if you were channelling Louisa. You had the words and style of speaking in that era just how I imagined people spoke so that it appeared to me that Louisa was controlling the book and you were just the scribe. I would recommend this book to anyone as an absorbing read.”
- (Ann 14/02/13)
“RK manages to tell the story of her ancestry in a unique way. I liked the way it went from past to present as her family's history emerged.”
- (Carole Tarlington 24/12/12 Canada)
”I couldn't put it down!!! I was a glutton. Read it last night, reluctantly putting it down after midnight, finishing this morning. It was a wonderful read. Will read it again when there is a break in the schedule. Yes, you are definitely gifted. And, yes, I love to read, especially mystery fiction with history in the background. I think you have many more stories in you. What's next on the docket? Can't wait!”
- (Christina, 24/03/10 USA )
”I didn't sleep until about 2.00am this morning and have had a very productive day doing almost nothing because I just have to read what happens next - I'm already up to Chapter 16.”
- (Judith, 22/03/10)
”I thoroughly enjoyed "The Green Tin Trunk". Could relate to many of the places in the story ... Dunolly, St. Arnaud and Alexandra.”
- (Di, 05/03/10)
“I really enjoyed the book. I read it in two days. I could not put it down.”
- (Robyn, 08/02/10)
”You are to be congratulated. What a read! I couldn't put it down, finished it in one day. Couldn't even catch a meal. I really loved it.”
- (Ian, 27/11/09)
”You have told quite a story and in relation to the Jerilderie connection, in your own words, a work of fiction based on recorded and researched (facts) events, have been carefully woven. Congratulations and well done.”
- (Laurie, 13/09/09)
THE GREEN TIN TRUNK
“I stayed up last night and could not put the book of twelve stories to sleep. Slept in this morning but well worth the read. I am probably not a good critic as I am a genealogical addict. Please keep telling your stories. I only hope that my scribblings are half as good as your books.”
- (Lorraine, 15/02/2013)
WHISPERS ON THE WIND
“I have already had so much fun reading them EVERY morning since they arrived in the house. Yemi LOVES books and she has really taken to The Rubbish Truck, The Rocky Docky Bridge, Two Turtles, The Little Steam Train and Train Days. Obviously you can see a theme in her selection. She is going through a train/car stage and loves making the sounds while I read her the books. One of my favourites is Mike and His Shadow. I read them all to her - because of the size of the books she can easily pick up and turn the pages herself.
The Little Steam Train is now no.1 at our house - in fact she is now very much in love with all things to do with trains. I've begun regularly taking her down to Nudgee & Northgate to watch the trains arrive (just like Train Days). Today we went down to the parklands so she could see the QR Diesel engines in action.”
- (Eric, father of Yemi)