Hello all…


Photos from readers who have read, or about to read my novel.
I love seeing where you are our the world.

PHOTOS FROM BELGIUM, CANADA, CRETE, FRANCE, GERMANY, INDIA, INDONESIA, IRELAND, JAPAN, MAINLAND AUSTRALIA, THE NETHERLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, POLAND, SWITZERLAND, UK, USA and, of course, my home state of TASMANIA

Please send your pic with your given name/s and suggestion for a suitable caption:

Click here:








I like the colour composition in this one!
Maren from Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany writes that A Soldier's Quartet has finally made her want to read in English again. She enjoys the descriptions of the Tasmanian landscapes, the research, humour and warmth that run through the book despite its serious subject matter.
The three-masted barque in the background is the ‘Rickmer Rickmers’, built in 1896 and now a museum ship in Hamburg.




The seasons are changing in the US but Gary from Chicago still braves the snow and takes his Kindle for a walk in the park.



Meanwhile, back at the ranch in Round Rock, Texas ....
Many thanks to Carl who liked the motorbikes pic in the Moto Vecchia Café in Rosny, Tasmania, so much so he had to match it.



Reading and outdoor ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.
Tina says it’s usually mild for this time of year (late February) but this day was a heatwave, a high of 10C.
Oh, Canada. Must say, you do look nice.




Be careful what you wish for!
Nic https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
from Southern Tasmania has a sense of humour. He asked what sort of photo he should submit and I replied: Ah, just something grand and out of this world…




Chrissy from the Huon Valley, Tasmania offered something different: not only the book but also a festive photo to show off her family’s ‘amazing 2023 Christmas tree’.



Des and his wife from New South Wales call themselves AFOLs (Adult Fan Of Lego), and are proud to display 'A Soldier's Quartet' alongside their latest creation.



Great shot from Karen in Morro Bay, California USA. What a backdrop!
I respect the privacy of contributors to this blog, hence only asking for first names. However, I've no doubt many Goodreads friends will recognise who gives us such an infectious smile...



Karen sent in this happy snap from Florida, USA. She reported a shady parking lot offered relief from the heat of the US summer. It gave her the opportunity to catch up with some reading whilst collecting her son from school.




Another photo from the UK. This time from Dave in Manchester.
He writes in that he got through ‘A Soldier’s Quartet’ during his breaks from editing a series for the BBC.



Jakub, from Poland, is travelling around his homeland. He’s grabbed a few minutes to read the book and appears to be in good company – the statue is of Wislawa Szymborska, a polish poet, essayist, translator and winner of a Nobel Prize in Literature - and a cat!



Andy, a Scottish author (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...) took this snap alongside the world famous Forth Rail Bridge. He writes: Completed in 1890, the bridge is considered a symbol of Scotland (having been voted Scotland's greatest man-made wonder in 2016), and is a World Heritage Site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_H...




Marge from the Pacific Northwest, Washington State, USA says she likes to tag pages and make notes on the books she reads. ‘It helps me gather my thoughts and gain a better perspective.’
‘A Soldier’s Quartet, one of Marge’s many summer choices, was no exception.



Atri has submitted this photo from his city of Kolkata, India (formally Calcutta). He is currently further northeast and says he looks forward to starting the book when he returns home.



Matthias (born Wattenscheid, Germany) lives with his young family and works in Japan.
He has sent in a photo of the Tokyo Skytree, known as the world’s tallest tower at 634 meters.



Cat from Tasmania reading on holiday in Colmar, France!
Or as she puts it, an elaborately lame attempt to use an old holiday snap on an ipad to pretend she’s still there, reading in Colmar.
Hey it’s the thought that counts, we’ll pay it!



Michael from Northern California USA, also an author, has downloaded 'A Soldier's Quartet' on his Kindle and says he is looking forward to reading it.
https://www.michaelamclellan.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...




Heidi (originally from Chicago, USA), read this book while traveling and living on three different continents. She finished it in her current home on the banks of Lough Corrib, the largest lake within the Republic of Ireland.

HEIDI’S CONTRIBUTION TAKES ME TO THE MILESTONE OF 100 PHOTOS. GREAT!




This photo and caption made me smile!

Mr. Pear, Jr. enjoying a glorious day in Yosemite along with some worthwhile reading in early May 2022. The background shows Upper Yosemite Falls. He was accompanied by his friend, Michael Voss, who took the picture. Both are from Sacramento, California.

M. Voss is an emerging children’s book author:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...




Sotto, the owner of a cute fury friend named Locky (in the foreground), sent in this photo of their rest period after a long beach walk in Bali with a so-called ‘dog gang’. The taller gang member also seems happy to wait while Sotto catches up with a bit of reading…



Andreas from Jülich, Germany is a keen historian and did, in fact, assist with some of my research.
For those interested, he has his own website on the Reserve Infantry Regiment Nr. 68 from WWI:
https://www.reserve-infanterie-regime...

This photo shows Andreas, with a friend, at the History Association Museum in the neighbouring municipality of Niederzier:
http://www.geschichtsverein-in-der-ge...



‘I bounce back and forth between Montana and North California,’ writes in Steve, who found some sunny calm days beside the Pacific Ocean to do a bit of reading.



Kristine and her friend, Jasper, from North Carolina, recently holidayed in Asheville. They visited Biltmore Estate - built by the Vanderbilt family - where they enjoyed the tulip blooms and a bit of reading.



Paul from Old Beach, Tasmania (originally from Sydney) says he has a special reading spot that overlooks the often-pastel colours of the Derwent River and beyond.



Great! My first blog photo from Canada!
Sent in by Jodi from London (yes, in Canada) who has just downloaded the book and added it to her 'to read' list.



Jeanette loves her work at the at Melbourne Zoo and writes in to say, “Everyone enjoys a good read, including Gabby!”



Quote from the Sebastian: I am reading high above the ground on our terrace on the 14e floor with the view of the city of Rotterdam.
The book, the city view and the Dutchman do go well together, but the clouds in the background do draw you in, don’t they?



Mike, from Midway Point, says, “After a long day bushwalking on the Tasman Peninsula, I’m now relaxing by the campfire with one of my favourite books and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.” Nice!



John has a ‘room with a view’ in Kensington, NSW.
Born in Connecticut, John spent time in other US States, including Hawaii, before moving to Australia.
He says he is an avid AFL (Aussie football) fan but still finds time for books.



My first pic from the Netherlands!
Ingrid has sent in this photo of her beautiful Dutch city of Schiedam, known for its canals, that run through the city centre, its 18th Century gin distilleries and having the world’s tallest windmill.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schieda...



Thrilled to get my first photo from New Zealand!
Andrea writes in from the beautiful art deco city of Napier: “Enjoying this good read on a quiet sunny afternoon.”



Shari from Blackman’s Bay, Tasmania took the time to read and spoil herself with crisps (apparently a well-known medicinal supplement) while recovering from suspected COVID. She reports the book got her through!




Megan from Tasmania has recently arrived in Europe to join her partner, Tim (born Heidelberg). Before heading to Zürich, both were spotted with the book at Tiefberg, the ruins of a medieval castle in the Handschuhsheim district of Heidelberg.



Nice! Another shot from the Simpson Desert!
Pascal (born in Trier, Germany) says he is excited about reading ‘A Soldiers Quartet’ while enjoying the views from the sand dunes at sunset.



Kathryn from Acton, Tasmania is on a family camping holiday and reading books at Richardsons Beach, Freycinet National Park.
https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-...



Paul in the Sierra foothills of Northern California, USA received 'A Soldier’s Quartet' yesterday through Amazon and is eager to start reading!



Anke (born in Mainz, Germany) enjoyed her copy of the book in her new home in the Simpson Desert - enabling this to be the first copy of ‘A Soldier’s Quartet’ to land in the heart of Australia, said to be “… a still-COVID-free place on earth.”



Liz from Howrah, Tasmania writes, “I’m at New Norfolk with my two sisters. After a stroll, I read to them and they were suitably impressed.”



Norbert from Hildesheim, Germany (born Berlin) supplied this photo of the historic market square. In the background (centre) is the magnificently decorated ‘Wedekindhaus’. Dating back to 1598, this building was destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in the 1980s. The façade was reconstructed true to the original Renaissance style.



What a wonderful surprise from France!
Alain is a champagne winegrower from Montgueux near Troyes. He also owns a property near the small French village, a place that features in the storyline of ‘A Soldier’s Quartet’, therefore it is an honour to receive this photo. Alain is standing on the site of an old farmhouse where items from WWI can still be found. To say more would require a spoiler alert!



This is Bessie from Howrah, Tasmania. She is in her 90s, full of cheer and has an infectious laugh. To say more would be a spoiler – it is best to read the book!



A group of walkers known as ‘Gumnuts’ took time out from their usual Tasmanian bush walks to celebrate Christmas at The Springs on the slopes of kunanyi/Mount Wellington.



Three full days of sailing from Hobart to Beauty Point. Joe from Lewisham, Tasmania was one of four who helped crew the boat to Beauty Point in preparation for the Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race in late December 2021. The sail took them along the East, Northeast and North Coasts – 256 nautical miles, mainly favourable south- to south easterly winds with some 2 to 3 metre swells.
It appears Joe seized an opportunity to catch up on some reading!



The book contains details of a string quartet giving charity concerts at an unnamed retirement village in Sandy Bay, Tasmania. Kate sent in this photo showing the façade of St Canice Retirement Village. Could this be the one?



“This storyline reminds me of the WWI poems by Siegfried Sassoon that I studied at school,” writes Lynn from Pontville, Tasmania.



Another photo taken during a Pandani Bushwalking Club walk: Christine from Collinsvale, Tasmania (a place that coincidentally features in A Soldier’s Quartet) was snapped just below the summit of Mt Mawson in the Mt Field National Park.



David writes: “I enjoyed the way ‘A Soldier’s Quartet’ evokes the way the mountain, bush, river and countryside surround Hobart. From my place in suburban Mount Stuart, I have a great view northward toward Mount Direction.”
Great shot, David.



Robyn from Sandy Bay, Tasmania (born New Zealand) - member of the Pandani Bushwalking Club https://www.pandani.org.au/ - was snapped, hidden behind the book, after reaching the summit of Hartz Peak (1254m).



This one sent in from Lynn, enjoying the book and some sunshine on Glenvar Beach near Opposum Bay, Tasmania.



Thank you, Helen and Ian from Bowness-on-Windemere, a town in South Lakeland, Cumbria UK for this stunning shot of Lake Windemere.



Faith took the book on a walk to Lake Nicholls, in Tasmania’s Mt Field National Park, said to be one of her favourite spots.



Sheila, from Nubeena on the Tasman Peninsula, is enjoying reading A Soldier’s Quartet while in hospital. She says, “I’ve just come back from the bushwalk to Collins Cap in the book and I’m enjoying the exercise, literally at least!”



Helga, Karin and Annelies, three Tasmanian friends (all born in Hamburg, Germany) meet weekly with others to talk German. They've bought extra copies of the book to give away to friends and family for Chrismas presents - nice!



What a coincidence! Two shots from Tasmania’s East Coast with those lovely granite boulders arrived on the same day. This one, also taken with a drone (wow!), was sent in by George from Derwent Park.



The granite boulders along Tasmania's coastline, covered with rusty, red-orange lichen, are mentioned in my story. Jeremy, from Bonnet Hill, found a nice one!



Another ‘Baldwin’ spinning a yarn! Joy has the same surname and lives in the same State as the author. Here she is living it up at Piccaninny Point on Tasmania’s Northeast Coast, complete with campfire, spinning wheel and beach close by for those early morning wake-up swims!



“The sun is finally out! Happy Hillwood bees take a well-earned break for story time with Rose.”
Hillwood is a tiny rural community in Northern Tasmania. “In fact, it’s not a town,” explains Rose, “but a place with a hall, a pontoon, a cafe and a rural fire brigade. Clever people sometimes call it a village!” Hillwood sits on the banks of kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary and was marketed to prospective orchardists around 1900 as ‘the land of sunshine’.



Laura from Missouri, USA works at the Kansas State School for the Blind in her neighbouring State. She explains her copy of the book sits alongside two versions of an abacus, an early counting device used by visually-impaired people (and others) from ancient times to the present. A favourite quote hers is there, too: the definition of the word INSPIRE. “An appropriate quote, not only for our work with students here at the school, but also very fitting to the content of your book.”
Thank you, Laura.



Therese's poodle, Bento, sitting in the sun in Hobart with 'A Soldier's Quartet'. “Better not chew this one before my owner has had a chance to read it!”
I couldn’t agree more, Bento!



Margaret from Launceston and Natalie from Scottsdale, Tasmania on a recent trek over the world-renown Overland Track. A great shot of Barn Bluff in the background.
“The picture isn’t from the top because we forgot to take the book with us! Even for you, Colin, we didn’t feel like going back up!”
https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-...




This group from Tasmanian Pandani Bushwalking Club, affectionately known as ‘The Pandani Ladies’, left their walking gear at home to celebrate a birthday near the Cascade Brewery - the oldest continually operating brewery in Australia A spokesperson for the group reported they had wished to take the shot outside in the sunshine but a ferocious Antarctic blast put a dash to their plans and covered kunanyi/Mount Wellington in cloud.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cascade...



Lee-Anne from Glebe, Tasmania says, "What could be better than cosying down for a good read with your cat." And here she is doing just that, with ‘Charlie’!



A great shot of the iconic entrance to Surfers Paradise Beach. Lance from Mermaid Waters, Queensland (born UK) was snapped looking relaxed and captivated by his current choice of book. Nice!



Strolling along the Blackpool Promenade, UK looking for a good spot to sit and read. The landmark Blackpool Tower in the background was buildt in 1894. Photo sent in by Jill.



Margaret, 82, loves mowing her acre of grass at Opossum Bay, Tasmania. One of her daughters recently dropped by and snapped her taking a well-earned break. “I’m up to a good chapter,” Margaret was heard to say. “I’ll finish off the lawns tomorrow.”



“I am an avid reader!” declares Bridget, a nonagenarian from Thornton-Cleveleys, West Lancashire, UK. She loves to read Vera Brittain, Jeffrey Archer, Melvyn Bragg, Ken Follett and Minette Walters, to name a few. So nice to see my book is now on her list!
Photo taken with Marsh Mill Windmill in the background, built 1794. https://www.visitcleveleys.co.uk/abou...



“The wind’s dropped out”, says David, a very keen windsurfer from Clifton Beach who takes his gear wherever he goes - just in case the conditions are ideal. This shot was taken in the waters off Dora Point, Northeast Tasmania. “I’ve come in to read a few chapters while I wait for the breeze to pick up again!”



The Northwest town of Waratah, the Bischoff Hotel, the tin mine and a description of the charming waterfall that flows through the town centre are all mentioned in my story. Therefore, it is so nice to see a copy of the book has made an appearance there! A big thank you to the owners of the Bischoff.
https://www.bischoffhotel.com.au/



Michael from Waldshut-Tiengen, Germany (on the Swiss border) takes his family on a trip to Bavaria.
The book has found a friend in the Rococo Park at Schloss Margetshöchheim, near Würzburg, known for its lavish baroque and rococo architecture.



Graham from Sandy Bay, Tasmania appears distracted during a rehearsal with the Derwent Valley Concert Band!



Barbie from Blackmans Bay, Tasmania meets some friends for dinner at ‘Jack Loves Red’ – beachside dining a stone’s throw from her home. https://jacklovesred.com.au/



Peter with his friend, Gregor. Both are from Franklin, Tasmania and both appear to have a sense of humour: “Gregor wants to know if the second edition could have a few sheep in the storyline. He has ties with Merino Publications, so a book signing during shearing season could boost sales!”



Three Germans riding bikes fitted with French motors (VeloSolex – construction dating back to 1947. The book is optional!).
Dieter, Hans and Uli call themselves the ‘Slow Riders’ and say they get to a maximum speed of around 35 km/h. Photo was taken in Lenzinghausen, a district of Spenge, Germany.



"A picture paints a thousand words," says Kim from Lindisfarne, Tasmania, celebrating his birthday in style at Pumphouse Point, Lake St Clair.
https://pumphousepoint.com.au/



And one from the tropics!
Marguerite from Nightcliff, Darwin Northern Territory says it nicely: With the early morning breeze touching my face, the birds tweeting in the background and before the humidity becomes unbearable, it really is my favourite time of day to sit in my garden reading A Soldiers Quartet.



What this book brings to mind, writes Patricia from Raleigh, North Carolina USA - “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him” - G.K. Chesterton.
This still-life shot is great!



Piet from Roches Beach, Tasmania (born Nibbixwoud, North Holland) thought the mention of Cathedral Rock in the storyline was too good to pass up. He writes that he returned to one of his favourite climbs on a beautiful, but windy Spring Day.
Ah, that view from the summit!



Frank from Hayling Island, UK sent in this photo of Pat on Hayling Beach. A special photo for me, given this is where I was born. Nice! Thank you.


<
Jens (born Pforzheim, Germany), owner of the Charles Reuben Estate at Tea Tree in Tasmania, was photographed at Drink Tasmania Tasting House with the book and a bottle of his ‘Tisco’ - Tasmanian Pisco-style grape spirit. https://www.charlesreuben.com.au/inde...



What a pleasure to receive a photo from Tasmanian distiller, Kristy Booth-Lark. Kristy is one of the few female distillers in the world who owns and operates her own distillery and is a member of the Lark clan, a well-known distilling family in Hobart.
Check out her website: https://killaradistillery.com/



Spoiler alert – the Quarantine Station on Bruny Island is mentioned in the Tasmanian thread of the book. Kathy, committee member of Wildcare Inc. Friends of Bruny Island Quarantine Station, sent in this photo.
https://www.bica.org.au/brunyquaranti...



One from Penstock Lagoon, Tasmania. Bob (formerly of Oregon, USA) visits the area regularly. He reports: Penstock was the 2019 venue for the World Fly Fishing Championships.
Not much time for reading when you’re in search of trout, Bob!



Sharon, from USA (Washington D.C.), seen here attending her daughter's boarding school in Virginia, boasts she is going to recommend this to her book club. How lovely!



Christopher from West Moonah, Tasmania says he keeps the book nearby for when he needs to take a break from his motorcycle repairs. Nice.



Michelle in her garden on a sunny spring day in Launceston, Tasmania. She writes: "I’m enjoying this thoroughly interesting book. Love the morphing of present/past/fact and fiction."



Helen from Acton Park, Tasmania, sitting in her favourite chair… enjoying the book, the view and the company of her dogs!



Christine from Burnie, Northwest Tasmania, says she enjoyed a quiet moment on her balcony with a view of Wynyard and Table Cape in the background.



Lance from Rosetta, Tasmania purchased his new toy, a Roberts 34 named Kiewa, seen here coming upriver from Kettering. Great shot of kunanyi/Mount Wellington in the background. Did he really have time to read? And who's at the helm?



Anne-Marie from Bielefeld, Germany (born France) packed her copy of the book in her luggage and headed off to holiday in Crete!



Gabi from Sandy Bay, Tasmania (born Hanau, Germany) took the book on a walk with the Hobart Bushwalking Club.
https://www.hobartwalkingclub.org.au/



Helga from Taroona, Tasmania (born Hamburg, Germany) has been spending time in her spring garden with the book.



Barbara from Switzerland, near Zürich, reports that she is reading the book on her Tolino e-Reader while enjoying a boat trip on Lake Lucerne. She has skills with pic-collage too!



Günter from Aachen, Germany in front of the cathedral (Aachener Dom), built around 800.



David, an emerging author from the Huon Valley in southern Tasmania, proudly smiling in his mixed orchard of 30 trees, planted 2 years ago.



Oh wow! This one just came in from Hergenrath, part of a German-speaking community in Belgium. Siegfried writes: "Your book is also being read on a Belgium farm!"



Hans from Bielefeld, Germany. "Nice to relax with a good book," he says.
Hold on minute! Is he wearing an Akubra hat and Tasmanian Blundstone boots?



What a great shot of Clifton Beach, Tasmania!
Sent in by Janice during her morning stroll (and read).



James with man's best friend, Piper, relaxing by the pool. Hervey Bay, Queensland.



Andrew from Rosny, Tasmania says he managed to buy the last copy of the first print run in Fullers Bookshop.
https://www.fullersbookshop.com.au/



Sam from Rosny, Tasmania: "Looking down the Derwent River where Conrad spent many an hour!"
Oh yes, that's certainly proof she's read the book!



It has been reported, Barrie from Glenorchy, Tasmania received delivery of his copy (a gift) at the Derwent Valley Concert Band rehearsal and started reading it during the break...



From Nicky, Turnip Fields in South Hobart, Tasmania: "Reading is much more enticing than weeding when you have a good book like this to read."



Karen, from Caveside. Taken beside the Meander River in Deloraine, Tasmania.



Karen and David generously hosting an Oktoberfest in Austins Ferry, Tasmania.



Sonja, manager of Deloraine Creative Studios, Tasmania exhibiting some of her own creations!
https://www.delorainecreativestudios....



Belinda from Rosny, Tasmania has spent some time holidaying at Verona Sands.



Ingrid from Howrah, Tasmania enjoying the sun at Richmond. Background shows the Richmond Bridge, oldest stone span bridge in Australia.



June from West Hobart, Tasmania says she stocked up on gifts for friends and family at Hobart Bookshop.
https://www.hobartbookshop.com.au/



Alice from Howrah, Tasmania with her Kindle version of the book at Pedder Wilderness Lodge in Tasmania's World Heritage Area.
https://www.pedderwildernesslodge.com...



Natalie from Moto Vecchia Cafe, a family-run business in Rosny, Tasmania, thought she had some free time to start the book. Then some happy customers arrived!
https://www.facebook.com/motovecchia/



Alan says he was delighted to collect his copy from the Northeast Harbor Post Office, Maine USA.



"A fine read and the mighty Derwent River make for a perfect wind down from work." - William from Moonah, Tasmania.



Samuel, from inner city Hobart, Tasmania.
Looks like he has found something intriguing...



A room with a view! Peter from York, UK says he took the book on holiday to Keswick, Cumbria - the lake district. The mountain Skiddaw, a 930m climb, grandly dominates the background.



Leeane from Deloraine, Tasmania taking her well-earned lunch break at the Creative Studio!



Steve takes the book to dizzy heights at the Bellerive Yacht Club, Tasmania.
https://byc.org.au/