The Rattle of the Rosary

When Valma’s father abandons her mother during the Great Depression, her mother is forced to make an agonizing decision. At the tender age of four, Valma, along with her two younger siblings, is placed into foster care, beginning a life of uncertainty and hardship. After years of being shuffled between foster families, Valma, now 14, is bitter, angry, and deeply vulnerable, sent out into the world to fend for herself.

The year is 1943, and World War II continues to rage. Brisbane is alive with activity, its streets bustling with servicemen, including many from the USA. Amid this whirlwind of excitement, Valma, longing for love and connection, meets a man who will leave an indelible mark on her life.

In November 1944, Valma receives devastating news – a blow like a knife to her heart. By 1945, shamed, shunned, and utterly alone, she makes a fateful decision that will haunt her for the rest of her life. Swearing to keep her secret forever, Valma carries the weight of her vow, never fully understanding the heartbreak it caused. But could her secret remain buried forever?

Marie Giess is a retired wife, mother and grandmother living in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Marie is now 79 years old.

In the 1980s, she submitted her first short story to a national magazine, and it was purchased and published in the March edition of 1986.

Through her work, Marie satisfied her desire to write through the development and writing of training manuals, newspaper columns and newsletters. During this time she won a couple of local competitions plus a national award for a community newsletter. Now in retirement, Marie felt it was time to tell her own story, hoping to inspire those who have found themselves in the same position as hers. Amazing things can happen with the help of the internet and some wonderful people.

This book started as a catharsis but ended up a story spanning many of Marie’s childhood years.

This is the author’s first book, but hopefully not her last.

Customer Reviews

5.0

6 reviews

John Gardiner

Outstanding book. This will touch so many people. Marie is an excellent writer. Her book is easy to read, thought provoking and incredibly moving. What could be a heavy read, the author's wonderful sense of humour shines through to guide us through. Well done Marie. This book deserves to be a best seller. Highly recommended read.
Carol Noonkester

The Rattle of the Rosary is a gripping account of Marie Giess' search for her identity. As the child of a troubled mother and an unknown father, Marie longs to know who she is and where she belongs We feel the intensity of this desire as Marie writes with thoughtfulness and tenderness of her search for a father, for better understanding of her mother, and for a stable life. By the end of her depiction of her family's lives, her hardships, and her need to fill in gaps in her family tree, the author finds strength, resilience, triumph, and finally peace.
Kaye

This novella has brought back so many memories. Some sad, some angry at what could have been, should have been, but never was. Thank you Marie Giess for letting me know that I wasn’t the only one who had a similar childhood after the second World War, so long ago, but so vivid in my memory even after all those years. But you have had the courage and perseverance to confront your demons, and write your compelling story. Congratulations and thank you.
Rebecca

I really enjoyed your easy-to-read writing style. The book inspired feelings of sadness and I could easily empathise with the character (you haha!). Nostalgic, thought-provoking but also filled with enough humour to not feel weighed down. This was a pleasure to read, a style which was light-hearted and wasn’t filled with excess information or overboard explanations made the journey (from start to finish engaging and entertaining.
Ainslie

It’s part of who I am isn’t it. I’ve literally read just the first couple of pages and in my head it’s like you are sitting here beside me reading it to me it’s a lovely feeling.
Max

I have received and read The Rattle of The Rosary. What a handsome little book and what a story it tells! You have the right to be very proud of your work - so emotional and well-written. It is certainly a crowning achievement for you. And thanks for mentioning me in several places. It was my pleasure to contribute to your venture. And, it may have been a case of Divine intervention that I took on the task of managing Max Hawkins' internet postings, which ultimately resulted in contact with Carollyn. And the rest is history!

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Customer Reviews

6 reviews

John Gardiner

Carol Noonkester

Kaye

Rebecca

Ainslie

Max

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