I invited people to write their own reviews for M. M. Kaye's books, and one has been submitted!!!! Big thanks to Jan who wrote this excellent review of Moon of Other Days.
Moon of Other Days - M. M. Kaye's Kipling
(Published in 1989 by Salem House Publishers) "Moon of Other Days" is a selection of M. M. Kaye's favorite Kipling verses. The title was taken from Kipling's verse "Moon of Other Days" which is included in the book. What makes this book unique and, in my opinion, more enjoyable are Ms. Kaye's notes and sketches in the margins. The annotations outline the settings, recall her memories of the places and events in the verses, or explain why a particular verse was selected.
The sketches are remarkable and the few which are in color (pastels–perhaps watercolor?) are breathtaking. Fans of "The Far Pavilions" will appreciate the sketch of a silver statuette of Wally Hamilton, V.C. fighting his last fight in the outer courtyard of the Kabul residency. The statuette now stands in the Guides Mess in Pakistan where the Guides are still going strong. The original life-size statue may be found in the National Army Museum in London. Those who have read M. M. Kaye's autobiographies will immediately recognize Angelina Sugar-peas, the small brown monkey, in one of the sketches – ‘And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wabbling back to the Fire.'
A final point of interest is the illustration on the dedication page which is from an original oil painting by Major General Goff Hamilton CB, CBE, DSO, Ms. Kaye's husband, to whom the book is dedicated.
The following is printed on the back cover of the dust jacket:
‘I defy anyone to read The Road through the Woods and not be charmed by it, to resist The Love Song of Har Dyal, or be unmoved by Edgehill Fight. This personal selection of Kipling's verse is by a life-long admirer of his work. They were not chosen for literary merit but for a variety of reasons which can be found in the margins of this book. I suppose you could say the main reason was sentiment. Or if you like, just love. So go ahead and give yourself a treat.' M.M. KAYE
Thank you again Jan! If anyone else would like to submit a review, please e-mail it to me at sarah.olmsted@gamil.com. Click here to return to the main page.