MAGDA’S ODYSSEY
Kawatski’s power of description is remarkable, whether conjuring up a teen trying to hitchhike or a young girl battling hunger, injury, and a hostile wilderness with her little dog. She comfortably sets the scene as Magda decides to venture into the world, alluding to the life of struggles to come. Kawatski brilliantly renders Magda’s fiery nature as well as her vulnerability along with her relentless sense of alienation.
litandcoffee – goodreads.com
MAGDA’S ODYSSEY
I liked the way the author reveals clearly exactly what is going through Magda’s mind as she goes on her journey through this story. I liked the title as an “Odyssey” is very appropriate for Magda’s adventures. The author shows how Magda’s maturity grows as the story progresses and Magda’s thoughts mature very well through to the end of the story. And I enjoyed the extremely exciting ending.
team golfwell, best-selling author
STALKING THE WILD HEART
“Kawatski’s debut novel deals with the damage done to families and the environment, and how such traumas as clear-cutting, extinction, war, and domestic violence are intimately connected. Within this eco-literary framework Kawatski’s poetic eye enriches the novel, evoking the beauty of the woods and making setting one of its key characters. Within this vibrant natural world, the story of Emily is one that faces catastrophe but deals in hope.”
Nancy Holmes, Author, Professor & Poet, University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus
STALKING THE WILD HEART
The protagonist Emily stole my heart, challenged it, broke it, mended it and left it yearning. My nostrils opened wide and I slowed to deep breathing as I read. I read all night and roamed aimlessly in thought for the remainder of the day; being soft with myself. An experience I wasn’t prepared for … deeply moved.
darlene brooks – goodreads.com
STALKING THE WILD HEART
“Deanna Barnhardt Kawatski’s beautifully written novel launches us into the world of her previous memoirs, Wilderness Mother and Clara and Me. She again paints the vivid beauty of nature, this time through the eyes of Emily, a dedicated homesteader. Kawatski captures out hearts, minds, and souls in the aching story of a woman who must save herself from an abusive relationship while pitting herself against corporate ‘stalkers’ who would destroy the wilderness she loves. The story is cast against a setting of such grandeur and awe-inspiring creation, that each page literally turns itself in honour of Kawatski’s riveting authorship.”
Bette Shippam, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia
WILDERNESS MOTHER
“As a child I treasured castaway fantasies ranging from Robinson Crusoe to The Adventures of Perrine. Deanna Kawatski’s true story is even more absorbing. I couldn’t put it down.”
Maxine Kumin, Pulitzer Prize Winner Author of Women, Animals & Vegetables
WILDERNESS MOTHER
“…a remarkable tale told by a strong woman and compelling writer with powerful descriptive skills.”
Catherine Mitchell, Winnipeg Free Press
WILDERNESS MOTHER
“Wilderness Mother is a fascinating account of a true lover of the wilderness. The book describes a lifetime experience that is unique in the modern world.”
Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author of The Hidden Life of Dogs
CLARA AND ME
“Uncovering the soul of a disabled person is the task of years, and one simply beyond the capabilities of many. In Clara and Me, we are reminded that the extent to which we reach out to others and the determination to understand them is the precise measure of our own goodness. Deanna Kawatski’s indelible journey from loneliness to companionship is testament to the wonderful unpredictability of life.”
Matthew Scanlon, former Editor-in-Chief, Mother Earth News
BURNING MAN, SLAYING DRAGON
“Burning Man, Slaying Dragon is at once the story of two young women discovering passion a generation apart, and of a mother and daughter discovering themselves in each other against a background of flame. It is a remarkable synthesis of body and spirit and a deeply moving testament to love’s consuming and sustaining fires.”
Harold Rhenisch, award-winning author
BURNING MAN, SLAYING DRAGON
“Each of the two extraordinary stories in Deanna Barnhardt Kawatski’s Burning Man, Slaying Dragon is a story that I literally could not put down. When this enthralling storyteller weaves the two narratives together into a single book, the effect is as gripping and unexpected as it is important. Another stunning achievement by this best-selling author. Pure magic!”
Alexander Forbes, author of Oranges and after the moon a blue ocean
SAMIRA, THE SINGING SALMON
“Samira, the Singing Salmon tells the story of the life cycle of a BC sockeye salmon in poetic language and song. A lyrical book. Highly recommended.”
Norma Charles, award-winning children’s author