Testimonials about Gary’s book “The Adventures of the Great Marlo and the Blue Pearl”
Posted on 06/12/2014 on Easons Bookstore
Just finished reading ‘Adventures of The Great Marlo and The Blue Pearl’, the second book by Gary Markwick and I have to say that I loved every minute of it. I read Gary’s first book – ‘Now It Begins’, which is a self-help book, so I was expecting that this book would be similar, but it’s a real departure from his former work. This is a book about the author’s grandfather who started life in the mean streets of Edinburgh, Scotland and ended up as a famous Magician. The book is peppered with information about faraway places and wonderful stories of adventure and discovery. The people that our hero meets as he grows up, cast a magical spell over the young David Galloway Lindsay, filling his head with wonder and enthusiasm which eventually leads David to a career in the field of entertainment as a magician of great ability and power. There are many larger than life famous people who make an appearance in the book – Harry Houdini, The Great Lafayette, and Buddha to name a few. As we go further into the story, we begin to feel the draw of ‘The Blue Pearl’ and without giving too much away, it is safe to say that the line between illusion and reality becomes extremely blurred. I love reading about ‘eccentric and unusual people’ and their life stories, and I found this book satisfying on a number of levels. So, if you want a really good read, I would say suspend reality for a while and settle down to the ‘Adventures of The Great Marlo and The Blue Pearl’.
This book was truly a joy to read! In the description of this book, it states it is a docu-fantasy. This may have been the first docu-fantasy book I have ever read – and if this book is a sample of this genre, I want to read more! The “docu” part refers to the real life story of the author’s grandfather who lived quite an adventurous life. He joined the circus at a young age, and eventually traveled from Scotland, to Canada, to the US; he became a well-known illusionist. I especially loved his drive to get to New York City to visit Houdini at his home. But, interwoven with this factual account, complete with photos, are the mystical adventures of the Great Marko and the magic of the Blue Pearl, and other characters along the way. The spiritual knowledge given to David (the grandfather) has messages for all of us. There is a story within the story, within the story, within the story – very intriguing. I highly recommend this book; bet you have never read anything else like it
Angel Morgan rated it 5 of 5 stars
I read a lot of books. A few leave me cold, but I can usually derive some degree of pleasure from most of them. Occasionally though I will read a book so good that for days afterwards it will still be on my mind, the plot constantly being replayed and the nuances of the characters remembered. Adventures of the Great Marlo & The Blue Pearl is one of them; Adventures of the Great Marlo & The Blue Pearl is absolutely wonderful.
By BC on 11 Jun. 2015 rated 5 of 5 stars Format: Kindle Edition
Jul 12, 2015 Karen Runge rated it 4 of 5 stars
Jul 22, 2015 Mutturaj rated it 5 of 5 stars
Must read book veryone.Thanks a lot author.
What a great tribute to Gary Markwick’s grandfather. Would make any grandparent proud.
Delightful journey through time. Great photos and graphics. Well done!
Looking forward to reading his other books. A joy to read.
What a wonderful read!!! I so enjoyed every moment and I also found it hard to put the book down! It was such a fascinating read with much insight to what was going on at the time. I also felt privileged to be told of this great man’s life and how it all unfolded from a very early age. I would like to thank Gary for taking so much time in compiling this book.
In the write-up on the back cover, it says it is part documentary and part fantasy, however, I did recognise many of ‘magic’ used and so to me, it is more than just fantasy.
I wish Gary all the very best for his future and I can’t wait for another book!!!
Jan 12, 2015 Brenda rated it 5 of 5 stars
This is a book about the author’s grandfather who started life in the mean streets of Edinburgh, Scotland and ended up as a famous Magician.
The book is peppered with information about faraway places and wonderful stories of adventure and discovery. The people that our hero meets as he grows up, cast a magical spell over the young David Galloway Lindsay, filling his head with wonder and enthusiasm which eventually leads David to a career in the field of entertainment as a magician of great ability and power.
There are many larger than life famous people who make an appearance in the book – Harry Houdini, The Great Lafayette, and Buddha to name a few. As we go further into the story, we begin to feel the draw of ‘The Blue Pearl’ and without giving too much away, it is safe to say that the line between illusion and reality becomes extremely blurred.
I love reading about ‘eccentric and unusual people’ and their life stories, and I found this book satisfying on a number of levels. So, if you want a really good read, I would say suspend reality for a while and settle down to the ‘Adventures of The Great Marlo and The Blue Pearl’.