Readers Comments

I felt extremely privileged recently when Glaswegian poet David Reilly contacted me and asked if I would review his
 new limited edition hardback book which is available now. I was more than happy to oblige.

Those of you who know of David Reilly’s work will remember ‘Oot The Windae’, in which we travelled on his tramcar of rhyme through his recollections of being brought up in Glasgow in the 1950’s. He took us through his life, a life that lots of Glaswegians can relate to and he expertly relayed in verse stories about the ragman, the coalman, the steamie, the flitting, the polis, the middens and much more.

His new book is also titled ‘Oot the Windae’ but it’s a hard-back edition. You can read all his wonderful 1950’s poems as well as new ones about his memories of the 1960’s. He tells us the story of the ‘Upside Down Year’ and reminds us about the provy man’, swimming in the canal, gathering empty bottles for cash, New Year’s Eve and steak pie at midnight, The Barras, the second-hand bike, the bully etc. It is unbelievable how much he has managed to cram into this book about life in Glasgow in the 50’s and 60’s

I feel very honoured that David Reilly asked me to review his new release, which I can only describe as ‘sheer genius’. He has an extremely rare and wonderful talent in being able to get his message across in verse, reminding us of by-gone days mixed with happiness and sadness. I found his new book every bit as enjoyable as his last one, I was engrossed and just couldn’t put it down, his writing is so vivid and lifelike, it really was a journey back in time. You will laugh and cry as you reminisce your way through this excellent read of emotional turmoil and ecstatic joy. David has captured perfectly, his life and the lives of many Glaswegians during this era and what’s more, it’s all very skilfully written in rhyme.  You can see details on this website

Conni of British Columbia :-
"...Really, Really a good read and as your suggestion I read it as a story....I wallowed in nostalgia. Boy, you did have some traumatic times!!  I could relate to almost everything. Our kids nowadays don't know the half of it, do they? This book will certainly be given to my children and grandchildren to read and hopefully they will gain some insight as how we lived in those days. THANK YOU SINCERELY for writing this book........For anyone born and raised in Glasgow during the 30's to the 50's it's a must read. I'll look forward to the sequel... is it continuing?  Of course follow-ups would sure show the changes made from the 50's on. The book was certainly well worth it David. Thanks again...it's a treasure."

Nancy Cowie, Toronto via Cowcaddens :-
"...Smashing book couldn't put it down until I had finished it, brought back a lot of good memories, although it was in rhyme I read it like a story, So David when is the next book coming oot?  Best wishes Nancy ( the cute chick)"

Eric Martindale, Glasgow :-
"Hi Davy, well done....you managed to give me the full rollercoaster of emotions. From laughter to tears, I was there, all the way. So many memories came vividly back to mind. In a strange quirk of life I'm a Microbiologist specialising in Tuberculosis (TB), from which my Mum's first husband died. Good luck."

Eileen Wafer, Australia :-
"Hi David well I have read otw and believe me it couldn't have arrived at a better time. I was rushed into hospital last Saturday afternoon due to an infection that had started in the tissues on my foot and rapidly spread to the bones in my big toe. They literally had threatened to tie me to the bed until your book arrived, I couldn't put it down and I enjoyed it so much I read it 3 times. 
Word got around so quickly on the ward that I was actually staying in bed as ordered so they all kept popping in to see what I was reading. I loaned it to a couple of the nurses who are Glaswegians and only just got it back minutes before I was leaving this evening. I told them how they could purchase it so hopefully they will spread the word around.
Anyway David, it was just the tonic I needed so thank you very much. I hope this is just the start to a successful literary career and I look forward to reading any future works you have published. If you go onto the GG site give everyone my regards. I was only discharged because I swore to the doctor I would take complete bedrest at home......I will no doubt read otw again. Kindest regards.

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