This book came to me as a gift.
It had been donated by the author, Danyah Miller, as part a Crowdfunded
campaign, SPACE FOR STORYTELLING, which I’d supported. Discovering the seven secrets of storytelling was
to be my reward for making a contribution.
In this book Danyah generously shares with us her knowledge
and insights built up over many years as a parent, from working with families,
with children in schools, in the theatres, and from so many wise women that she
has encountered.
Danyah passes on her secrets to us through the medium of
story. She introduces us to the Dale
family, Darinka and Adam and their three children. At the beginning of the book
they are struggling to manage work and home life. One day they meet Dorothy, an
older woman who offers them understanding, advice and practical support.
Gradually Dorothy gives them the reassurance and confidence to create their own
spontaneous stories and to see the transformations they can bring. The depiction
of the family feels real, Adam struggles, the children don’t always get on, and
things don’t always work out.
The Seven Secrets has its own chapter which is explored
through situations that the Dale family encounter, e.g. Chapter One – A Welcome
Stranger: The First Secret – Imagination,
Chapter Four- In Search of Treasure: The
Fourth Secret-Puppets and Props, and Chapter Seven - One Step at a Time: The Seventh Secret-Confidence.
At the end of the chapters there are games and activities, an
information section and recommended reading. The beginning of each chapter is introduced
with a line drawing black-and-white illustration by Kate Bunce. My favourite is
the drawing of the den.
Danyah
says, ‘I believe that sharing
spontaneous stories, on a daily basis, is a simple, satisfying and successful
way to reconnect with yourself and with each other. The story games included in
this book will enable you to share stories easily and effortlessly, creating
harmony, positivity and peace.’
I devoured this intelligent and magical book in one day and
will keep it on hand for reference for many years to come.
The crowd funder was successful and from September SPACE FOR
STORYTELLING will create an affordable space for storytellers, actors, authors,
stand–ups, poets and anyone who uses spoken word as part of their practice. https://londondreamtime.com/
Hawthorn Press
www.hawthornpress.com
ISBN: 978-1-912480-86-9
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