Review for Dear Madman by Edwina Shaw! Edwina Shaw is a rebellious QLD writer, editor, yoga teacher and independent publisher. A 32/5 life path Freedom-seeker, she’s here to open her throat chakra. 5’s are world travellers and ‘doctor/ professor’ types who help others find their voice. My father is also a 32/5 (I was born at his life path age turning point of 32.) Find your life path in numerology
The title, Dear Madman’ has a 38/11/2 vibration, the same as Spirits, Psychic and Healing, wow.
I turned up to Edwina’s Queensland Writers Centre workshop in Beaudesert, not knowing who she was and instantly felt at home. She brought in meditation and ancestral mediumship to help us create memoir material.
Dear Madman took decades to write. It is a confronting look at a child’s murder that shocked the Laidley community and devastated Edwina’s family. The book blends true crime and her reflections in a unique, creative way.
I loved: the incredible quality of the dialogue, the characters are truly vivid. There are tender themes of forgiveness, sibling care and spiritual curiosity. Edwina’s writing is so absorbing, I read this in a night!
I was challenged by: the familiar agony of loss and systematic coverup, the institutional and prison abuse and emotional tension. Edwina’s story of police turning up after her newborn son Teddy died was tough. Many times, the women knew better, but were overruled by men (argh). I wish family pics were included but many were destroyed.
Overall: This book is a triumph of loving truth over censorship. It may just inspire you to explore your family secrets too.
They say, blessed are the cracked for they let in the light (Groucho Marx). My year six teacher Mrs Krauth said that to me when I was struggling and it has stayed with me for decades.
Thank you Edwina for doing what others could or would not do. Your words are Divinely timed medicine. This will heal many inner and outer children.
Follow Edwina Shaw via her website, Facebook (Transformational Writing Retreats) and on Instagram. You can also buy Dear Madman from Andalso books.
Best wishes x 555 Angels!
Sarah
P.s. Edwina has taught in a max security Juvenile Justice Centre, worked with students with severe disabilities, taught English to refugees and creative writing to Forgotten Australians (those who suffered institutional and/or out of home care). Her Soul is strong and true xx
P.p.s I saw an 11:11 cafe (previously known as Mystic Cafe) near Beaudesert library. Went in to buy some crystals and showed the owner my gold-plated 11:11 necklace by Divine Creatures 🙂
#edwinashaw#dearmadman#bookreview#5lifepath#numerology#thenumbersqueen#sarahyip
