Rowena Kinread's Blog

Inspiring and Practical: A Must-Read for Personal Growth

A Venture to Victory: 40 Lessons to Lead a Victorious Life by Shahid Pervaiz is an outstanding guide to achieving personal and professional success. The book seamlessly blends wisdom, actionable strategies, and motivational insights, making it an invaluable resource for readers at any stage of life.

Each of the 40 lessons is thoughtfully crafted, offering practical steps to overcome challenges, build resilience, and embrace a victorious mindset. Pervaiz’s writing is both engaging and relatable, with anecdotes and examples that resonate deeply. His approach is not just theoretical; it empowers readers to take concrete actions to unlock their full potential.

What sets this book apart is its accessibility. The lessons are concise yet profound, making them easy to implement in daily life. Whether you're looking to improve leadership skills, enhance personal growth, or find inspiration to tackle life's hurdles, this book delivers.

Shahid Pervaiz has created a roadmap for success that is both timeless and transformative. A Venture to Victory is more than just a book; it's a companion for anyone striving to lead a fulfilling and victorious life. Highly recommended for anyone seeking inspiration and a clear path to success.

Inheritance by Philip Tyler is a riveting novel that expertly weaves together the themes of mystery, family secrets, and personal discovery. With a cleverly constructed plot and well-developed characters, Tyler delivers an engaging story that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
The novel introduces us to a protagonist named Sarah, who unexpectedly inherits an old estate from a distant relative. As she delves into the mysteries of her newfound inheritance, Sarah becomes entangled in a web of secrets that date back generations. The author's meticulous attention to detail and intricate storytelling create an immersive experience, allowing readers to accompany Sarah on her journey of unravelling the truth.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its character development. Sarah is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist who undergoes a remarkable transformation as she navigates the twists and turns of her family's history. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. Tyler masterfully explores the complexities of human relationships and brings a sense of authenticity to the interactions between the characters.
The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with the right amount of suspense and intrigue. Tyler skilfully builds tension, gradually revealing clues and revelations that keep readers guessing. The author's ability to create a palpable atmosphere adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative, transporting readers into the world of the estate and its secrets.
While the novel succeeds in many aspects, there are a few minor flaws. Some readers may find certain plot elements predictable, and a few twists may feel somewhat contrived. However, these moments do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Inheritance is a highly recommended read for fans of mystery and family sagas. Philip Tyler's skilful storytelling, combined with a well-crafted plot and compelling characters, make this novel an immersive and engaging experience. Prepare to be captivated by the secrets that lie within the pages of this intricately woven tale.

Geraldine Brooks, known for her masterful storytelling, takes us on a captivating journey through time in her thought-provoking novel, "Horse." Set against the backdrop of war and exploration, Brooks weaves together a rich tapestry of history, human relationships, and the extraordinary bond between humans and horses.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of different characters, each providing a unique perspective and contributing to the depth of the story. From a Roman cavalryman during the height of the Roman Empire to a young Australian soldier in World War I, Brooks skillfully intertwines their tales, demonstrating the enduring connection that exists between humans and these majestic creatures.
One of the standout elements of "Horse" is Brooks' meticulous research. Her attention to detail is evident throughout the book, bringing historical periods to life with vivid descriptions and immersive settings. Whether it's the dusty battlefields of ancient Rome or the treacherous trenches of the Western Front, the reader is transported to these different eras, fully immersed in the characters' experiences.
Moreover, Brooks delves deep into the emotional complexities of her characters, exploring themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the human-animal bond. Through her evocative prose, she effortlessly captures the intricacies of these relationships, highlighting the profound impact horses have had on the lives of those who interact with them. From the horses' role as loyal companions and trusted allies on the battlefield to their significance as symbols of power and prestige, their presence is felt in every chapter.
However, there are moments when the pacing feels a bit uneven. The shifts between time periods can be disorienting, requiring the reader to adjust quickly to new settings and characters. Additionally, while the exploration of the human-horse connection is beautifully rendered, certain plotlines and character arcs could have been further developed to create a more cohesive narrative.
Despite these minor drawbacks, "Horse" remains a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to both history enthusiasts and animal lovers. Geraldine Brooks' ability to transport readers to different time periods and evoke a deep emotional resonance is commendable. Her richly detailed storytelling and exploration of the human-horse bond make "Horse" a compelling read that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
In conclusion, "Horse" is a testament to Geraldine Brooks' skill as a storyteller and her dedication to meticulous research. It offers a poignant exploration of history, humanity, and the enduring connection between humans and horses. If you're looking for a novel that seamlessly blends historical accuracy with emotional depth, "Horse" is a worthwhile addition to your reading list.

1. Do you know anyone with the surname ‘Campbell’? If yes, does he or she have a crooked mouth?
In ancient times the Scottish Gaelic naming tradition often referred to a visual trait. For example, someone could be called ‘The Red’ or ‘The Fair’ after the colour of their hair or complexion. The descendants would accept and use such a name as their own. Derogatory names often originated from a person’s enemy. For example, ‘Cameron’ means crooked nose. Campbell is a Scottish and Northern Irish surname, derived from the Gaelic roots cam ("crooked") and beul ("mouth"), that originated as a nickname meaning "crooked mouth" or "wry mouthed."
The modern medical explanation for this facial curvature is a form of Torticollis (from the Latin torti, meaning twisted, and collis, meaning neck), or "wry neck". A condition in which the head is tilted toward one side, and the chin (mouth) is elevated and turned toward the opposite side thereby producing a "Cam beul" or curved mouth in some cases.
Clan Campbell, historically one of the largest and most powerful of the Highland clans, traces its origins to the ancient Britons of Strathclyde. In my novel ‘The Scots of Dalriada’, the King of Strathclyde, Ceredig, has a ‘squiff neck.’

2. Does the name Finlaggan seem familiar to you?
In ‘The Scots of Dalriada’ Fergus flees with his brothers Loarn and Angus to his uncle Donald on Finlaggan, to escape the attempts on his life by his evil half-brother Cartan. Finlaggan is situated on the island of Islay. It consists of two islands in a freshwater loch, an ideal place to protect the youngsters from their adversaries.
Historically Finlaggan is best known as the centre of the medieval Lordship of the Isles. The MacDonald lords, descended from earlier kings of the Isles, ruled over vast territories in the west and north in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, threatening the Stewart kings’ hold over Scotland. The Lords of the Isles ruled mainland Argyll and the Glens of Antrim, but at its height MacDonald territory stretched up the Great Glen to Rossshire, beyond to Buchan and the Mearns, and south to Greenan in Ayrshire, all of this virtually independent of royal control. The heir to a strong Gaelic and Norse tradition, the Lord of the Isles was one of the most powerful figures in the country with the small islands in Loch Finlaggan a centre of symbolic and administrative importance.
Today however, Finlaggan is most famous for its whisky. Finlaggan is a brand for the Vintage Malt Whisky Company Ltd, which focuses on bottling whiskies from the Highlands and Islands. The brand was designed to embody the spirit of Islay. It is sold worldwide in over thirty countries.


3. Are you superstitious?
Angus, the ship-building brother of Fergus in ‘The Scots of Dalriada’ doesn’t really believe in the mythological creatures called ‘Kelpies’ or ‘Blue Men’, but he learns his verse to freedom just in case.
Scotland's natural relationship with the sea has spawned a variety of claims from sailors convinced they have seen sea-dwelling supernatural creatures.
The strait between the Island of Lewis and the Shiant Isles was known as ‘the stream of the Blue Men’ because it was said to be inhabited by a strange group of creatures.
The Blue Men of the Minch, also known as Storm Kelpies, are said to occasionally prey on sailors making the crossing. Those who are unlucky enough to come across the Blue Men note the distinctive green beards and hair they have, as well as their exceptionally-strong physique. Other historical recordings of the creatures say that they live in underwater caves, while generations of folklore say they can only be beaten by making sure the last word is achieved in a rhyming duel.
Apart from their blue colour, the mythical creatures look much like humans, and are about the same size. They have the power to create storms, but when the weather is fine they float sleeping on or just below the surface of the water. The blue men swim with their torsos raised out of the sea, twisting and diving as porpoises do. They are able to speak, and when a group approaches a ship its chief may shout two lines of poetry to the master of the vessel and challenge him to complete the verse. If the skipper fails in that task, then the blue men will attempt to capsize his ship.
In ‘Superstitions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland,’ John Campbell described a blue-coloured man with a long-grey face that followed boats slowly on the water, never quite in reach. But to others, the Blue Men of Minch are a personification of the treacherous waters they inhabit.

4. Irish legend about the origin of the Giant's Causeway.
Excerpt from 'The Scots of Dalriada'

“Tell me the story about the giant again” Angus begs.
Fergus sighs theatrically but repeats the story. “A long, long time ago there was a giant called Fionn, who lived here peacefully with his wife, Oonagh. Then one day Benandonner, a ferocious giant with red hair and a beard who lived in Caledonia, challenged him to a fight. Fionn accepted the provocation and threw rocks into the Western sea to make a causeway all the way to Caledonia so that the two giants could meet. Fionn crept secretly across the rocks at night so that he could spy on Benandonner and see where his weakness lay. He wanted to know how he could defeat him. But when Fionn reached the other side of the sea and saw how big Benandonner was, he fled back to Oonagh and wanted to hide. Then Oonagh disguised Fionn as a baby and tucked him in a cradle. When Benandonner came and saw the size of the ‘baby’, he thought that his father, Fionn, must be a horrendous mammoth-sized monster. He was so frightened that he ran all the way back to Caledonia, destroying the pathway behind him, so that Fionn could not follow and devour him.”
“And he was really called Fionn just like our uncle?” asks Angus.
“Yes, maybe our uncle was called after him; he’s tall and strong, after all.”
5. The Stone of Scone

The Stone of Scone (Scottish Gaelic: Lia Fáil; also known as the Stone of Destiny; and often referred to in England as The Coronation Stone) is an oblong block of red sandstone that has been used for centuries in the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland. It is also known as Jacob's Pillow Stone and the Tanist Stone.
In my novel ‘The Scots of Dalriada’ Fergus’s grandnephew and high king of Ireland, Muirceataigh, lends Fergus the Lia Fáil for his coronation in Dunadd, Scotland. (This is a recorded legend in a 15th-century chronicle.)
Excerpt from ‘The Scots of Dalriada’:
“But what is it? What does it look like?”
“It is a large and very heavy oblong brick of red sandstone. On the surface there is an incised cross and at each end an iron ring to lift it.”
Setna looks disappointed. “That doesn’t sound very special.”
“Ah my sweet, let me finish, it is special because the stone is magic.”
“Magic?”
“Yes, when the rightful high king of Ireland puts his feet on it, the stone roars in joy.”
“Oh, like a dragon?”
“Yes, but much louder. That is why some people call it ‘the Stone of Destiny’. It has other powers too; it makes the king younger, and ensures him a very long reign.”
Historically, the artefact was kept at the now-ruined Scone Abbey in Scone, near Perth, Scotland. In 1296, during the First Scottish War of Independence, King Edward I of England took the stone as spoils of war and removed it to Westminster Abbey, where it was fitted into a wooden chair – known as the Coronation Chair or King Edward's Chair – on which most subsequent English and then British sovereigns have been crowned.
In 1996, the British Government decided to return the stone to Scotland, when not in use at coronations, and it was transported to Edinburgh Castle, where it is now kept with the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Queen Elizabeth II was the last British sovereign to be crowned upon The Stone of Scone. Read this BBC article written AFTER I wrote this post!
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MY FAVOURITE RECIPE FOR MULLED WINE (traditional Irish)
Christmas is a time of comfort and tradition, but many festivities we now know and love actually originate from our pagan past.
‘When the North wind does blow, and we shall have snow…’
Well the robin may have hidden his head under his wings, poor thing, but the pagan clan chieftains preferred to drink their favourite beverage.

Ingredients for one Irishman, four Americans or two Americans with Irish roots
AdobeStock 468414819 PreviewIngredients:
1 magnum of good quality red wine; 1 ½ tsp. freshly ground nutmeg; ½ tsp. ground ginger; ½ tsp. ground cinnamon; 1 tsp. whole allspice; 1 tsp. whole cloves; and 1 cinnamon stick.

Simmer gently in a large saucepan for one hour, being careful not to boil. Strain through a cheesecloth. Serve warm. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.

Sláinte!