In her two creative and celebrated books, U.S. – based Guyanese author Anne Coltman shares her life growing up in Guyana, narrating her struggles, adventures and loving grandmother.
Born in British Guiana, Anne was privileged to grow up in a household which included her maternal grandmother. She is the second of five children and the first girl born to her parents, and was often called upon at an early age to help out with her younger siblings. Anne became fascinated by the myths and beliefs that were a part of child rearing and taught to her by her grandmother.
The author migrated to the U.S. as a young woman with her family and spent her early years having a full career while she and her husband raised their three children – two daughters and one son. She and her husband reside on Long Island, New York.
After twenty-five years in permanent mission at the United Nations Organization she is now retired to devote more time to family and her passion for writing. Anne enjoys writing, classical music, theatre and antiques. She has produced a comprehensive family history as well as a book of poetry, “For the Love of Grandma” and a novel “Scarred with Fortune”.
Practising what she learnt from her grandmother with her own children and then with her grandchildren has inspired the writing of her debut volume of poetry, “For the Love of Grandma”.
“For the Love of Grandma” is a collection of thoughts and experiences that not only preserves a long lost tradition, but also reflects on the drastic change in the role of grandmothers today and grandchildren of this age.
On her website, Anne describes her book as an amusing and informative piece that is a must-read for all ages. It added that the interesting poems about growing up with “Grandma” will touch hearts and is an interesting read for first-time grandmothers. The website went on to say that the book dispels the many hang-ups about becoming a modern day grandmother and affords the opportunity of seeing one’s self as seen through the eyes of their grandchild. Additionally, the book helps children to see themselves through the eyes of their grandparents. The love, understanding, helpfulness and discipline that come with this book will not fail to delight.
The author’s other book, “Scarred with Fortune”, narrates life’s unexpected surprises in a heart-warming story of enchanting entertainment as readers enter the lives of an ordinary family and open the door to their extraordinary world.
Anne takes readers through the life of a young girl from a middle-class family whose parents were very conservative. Her young life was overwhelmed with heartache since her secret love was from an upper-class family with very influential parents. Although their lives took different and unexpected paths they shared a common bond which attracted an evil enemy who threatened to destroy her family.
“Characters Fiona Leighton and Steven Brimm are two teenagers who graduated high school together but their lives took different and unexpected paths. While he enjoyed the freedom of young adult life, she suffered a lot of heartache and embarrassment which had an enormous effect on her as well as her family. This placed her in a compromised position and her life took on a new dimension. Even though they were worlds apart and shared a common bond, Fiona kept her secret furtively locked up in her heart, fiercely guarding her privacy and that of her family,” Anne related on her website.
This novel portrays unrequited love, unexpected romance, heartaches and surprises and secrets waiting for readers to unravel. It will make anyone a believer in destiny as they are drawn into the realm of fate that brought Fiona into contact with the legacy of Steven Brimm in her adult years. When the common bond that linked them was revealed many years later and the secret which she guarded all her life unfolded it opened the door to a world of fortune. “Scarred with Fortune” is another great read for all ages.
For more information on the author visit her website www.booksbyannecoltman.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
