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Freelance Unsolicited Review

5 Pillars of the GypsyBy Lesley Fletcher 5 Pillars of the Gypsy is a book of poetry and abstract art. Ordinarily I would write a review telling about the book, the plot and the author. 5 Pillars of the Gypsy is no ordinary book. It hits me on a personal level so that is how I shall write the review.

The Art – I don’t particularly care for abstract art but some of Lesley’s work struck a chord with me. My favorite is Mixed Emotions. This painting brings to mind autumn leaves whirling in the breeze on a warm Indian Summer day. The gray background seems to portend the coming winter.

Another I like is Enchanted Forest where ghostly spirits seem to be emerging from among the trees. In the lower right hand corner is a figure seemingly bent forward in the direction she is turned. However if one looks closer, there is a second face where she is looking back over her shoulder.

Lesley is a master at subtle hidden meanings in her paintings using fine white lines that seem to disappear until one studies the paintings. Is the figure in the center of Swallowed a human head or an erect penis? Very thought provoking.

Sea Of Good Wishes is a beautiful painting that imparts a feeling of goodwill.

The Poetry – Lesley writes poetry that hits one in the heart, mind and soul. While her writing is spiritual it is not directed at any one religion but rather all religions. It celebrates love, life and peace, touching the heart and uplifting the soul.

Lesley herself is the Gypsy as one can read in The Gypsy Restored, the finale of the book. This is a book that one can return to for peaceful succor and soulful healing. The combination of art and very good poetry touched my heart and awakened soul to soar through mystic clouds of love and peace.

By Ruth Ann Hixson, Freelance Reviewer

Five Star ***** Amazon Reviews

AESTHETIC AND MEANINGFULL, May 7, 2012

This review is from: 5 Pillars of the Gypsy (Paperback)

I enjoyed this collection of poetry more than any I have read previously. Some of the poems are musical and had an incantatory effect on me.

Leslie has adapted a beautiful style of writing poetry. She uses a bit of the traditional style and a diverse technique of writing.

All of the poems are easily interpreted and many are heartwarming.
I’d like to give you an example from two of my favorites:

Lone Dancer

With her music
And her memories
Clearly all exposed
Of her gracefulness of movement
From her head right to her toes.

The Mission

Childish thoughts please stay with me,
With those I will not falter,
Sadness, jealousy and grief,
Just stay inside the water.

I look forward to reading more poetry written by this very talented author.

~Rebecca Scarberry

The flow of Gypsy took me through life’s changes., May 2, 2012

Jean Ann French (Mukilteo, WA)

This review is from: 5 Pillars of the Gypsy (Paperback)

5 Pillars of the Gypsy spoke to me like no other book has before. Each story moved me along my life’s path, including the highs, the lows, and introspection.

5 Pillars of the Gypsy, April 27, 2012

Mary M. Forbes (Rocky Mountain Wilderness) –

This review is from: 5 Pillars of the Gypsy (Paperback)

A beautiful collection of poetry and illustrations. This book is a ‘keeper’. Ms. Fletcher’s words are both poignant and touch the heart. This is a book I will read and re-read each time learning more about life.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

Hearing with the Soul, April 26, 2012

Kathleen Boston McCune “Kathleen Boston McCune” (Prairie Village, Kansas)

This review is from: 5 Pillars of the Gypsy (Paperback)

How beautifully written your poetry is, reminding me of Elizabeth Barrett Browning with a touch of Aristotle thrown in for perception. Well done you.

Received via Email

“I stayed up late last night and read your book in its entirety. I was shocked at how easily I understand your thoughts about. God and the human condition faith and love. The fairies stuck with me among others. This book should be a personal and spiritual GO TO guide –

thank you for writing and thank you for your friendship!” MTA

“This book should be savoured like fine chocolate”, “Les, you’ve definitely reached another level… Keep on Les, you do what you are and are what you do… bravo” SA

“Les, you can’t find your passport, you can hardly manage money, you lose your phone and wallet so many times and yet – YOU have the ability to bring a room full of men to tears with your words… I just don’t get it” – MD

- Oh ye of little faith – When the winds of change blow in the right direction and you catch the scent not just for the pleasure but for the reality – Then capture the moment and ride with current to bring you to your destiny (Lesley speaking)
Response 🙂
- So nowadays you talk in verse only? lol anyways its 3 am here. Just finished with 5 pillars of the Gypsy! was so engrossed…nw its over :(( I still cant believe you have created this masterpiece, m feeling so honoured, humbled, amazed & inspired after reading this and the fact that i know you!! What i read was so different, so ingenious, so creative and spiritual from what i have ever read till now.. I cant thank Mark Zuckerburg enough for inventing facebook! Hadnt it been him, i would have missed 2 most awesome creations, You and Pillars of the gypsy.
  
  From Pillar 1, the Soldier, Promise, Emergence, Time, Legacy all so deep and wonderful…
  From pillar 2 – when i started reading ‘NOW’, it touched my heart in a big way. I felt like its so related to me… I have memorised it
  
  Start of the Understanding, “I am an Oxymoron” per se is so unique and the whole verse is so well illustrated and the end ” We are oxymorons too, In an elaborate web of hate. We are oxymorons …absolutely, just like you… We find we hate the haters too”… wow. Simply wow.
  
  Then not going into details more. the Sea, Fall & Rise, the Mighty Unicorn(along with the “into the mystic” artwork), the Healing (mermaid portrait is simply gorgeous) & the Gypsy(all of it) with that mixed emotions artwork is again wow.. these all were my favourites….. Which i m sure if i read again will learn something more. Seriously m awestruck. Congrats. Anyone who knows you would be proud of you! PV

I just finished 5 Pillars of the Gypsy and it was poetry that spoke ‘to me’. I say that because most poetry doesn’t. I felt the flow of the book take me through life’s changes and the highs and lows. My favorites are: Flame, Understanding, Fall and Rise, The Angel Path, and The Healing. I felt like “The Gypsy Continues” could have been MY story. Thanks, Lesley, for a beautiful book. JF