When someone puts their heart and soul into a piece of creativity, whether it’s a book, a painting, a piece of music or a new dish for dinner, it’s always gratifying for them to have positive feedback. Of course, you can’t please all of the people all of the time and very often it’s tricky even to get a glimmer of satisfaction out of some of the people, so most of us recognise that if something is successful and people really like it, it’s a cause for celebration.

Consequently, it was a real boost for me when A Glass Darkly launched and a number of early purchasers on a variety of platforms, including in print, said some rather nice things about it. To say that I am delighted that folks read the book is on one level; to say that they liked it is on another; and to say that they have given the time and effort to review it is, frankly stratospheric. As the reviews were posted in a number of locations, I thought I would share some extracts with you here. And, if you think that might encourage you to read the book, it’s available from Amazon in print and Kindle format, from Apple Books in their digital format and from a variety of EPUB outlets which you can find here.

Enjoy the comments:

Wonderful read 

Eyelashes have had to be removed as some parts are weepy, and already startled [my partner] with an out loud laugh. 

A profound look back at how grief can affect life and accessing the past can move you forward. With a fantastic love story embedded, what a discovery. Thank you Nick (IP)

I read it non-stop! 

This is a tender tribute by a vulnerable little boy to a loving family. Beautifully observed. I just wanna pick that little boy up, give him a hug and say, “It’ll all work out in the end.” (RH)

A thoroughly good read!

This book gives a heartfelt insight into the author’s family history and the impact it has had on the development of his own character and how he views the world. His resulting philosophy on life is heartening and brings a fascinating story to a positive conclusion. (AL)

A personal comment to the author

I think you’ve started for me a line of thinking that will affect my attitude to life in the future. (PS)

Coming to terms with childhood tragedy

Loved the very British feel to these memories. It spoke to me about the loneliness of an only child, and being an orphan. The past really does feel like another country and the child is definitely the father of the man. Those of us of similar age were often educated by people who were adults before the second world war and they wanted to produce stoic, dutiful and resilient citizens. Sometimes they were brutal and believed that children brought up in a loving environment needed ‘toughening up’ and ‘rough’ children needed punishment. The ‘sink or swim’ approach tended to isolate children who couldn’t always cope. (CP)

Emotional memoir

In his deeply moving memoir, Nick offers readers an unflinching look into the effects of losing both parents at a young age. This book is not just a recounting of events; it is a exploration of grief, resilience, and the complicated journey of navigating life without the guidance of parents.

From the very first page, Nick draws you into his world, filled with raw emotions and poignant reflections. His narrative is one of authenticity, where he captures the confusion and heartache of sudden loss, allowing readers to feel his pain as if it were their own. It’s a heartfelt journey that intertwines moments of sorrow with flashes of hope and healing.

What stands out in this memoir is not just the tragedy of loss, but Nick’s ability to articulate how this pivotal experience shaped his identity and worldview. I thank Nick for sharing his journey. (JE)

Thought-provoking and an enjoyable read.

A lovely read, and very meaningful for me. Coming up to the ‘Big 7’ is a good time to reflect on one’s past and contemplate what might be next. Nick’s book helped me to see some new and positive perspectives. I found the final part (“A Search for Meaning”) particularly thoughtful. (NH)

A truly touching memoir.

With the patient skill of an archaeologist, Evans brushes away the dust and detritus from a boyhood beset by misfortune, exposing the mosaic beneath. The book offers a penetrating insight into the numbing effects of inarticulated grief that will resonate with anyone who has also known loss at a tender age. (NH)

© 2026 Nick Evans

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