ABC Books

Book title: Twelve Golden Gifts by Spiri Tsintziras

Reviewer: Lathalia Song 

Author Spiri Tsintziras offers ‘Twelve Golden Gifts’ is this new hybrid novel, working in the space between memoir and self-help. Readers are gifted with rich detail, first and foremost are the depictions of food: salmon, steak, colourful veggies flavoured by garlic, olive oil and heat. No, this is not a recipe book, although I did wish to know more!

As the reader, you are invited to Spiri’s friends & family tables, as Spiri and her husband George navigate caring for their elderly parents through lockdowns, dementia and care home transitions. There’s even a helpful list of tips at the end of the book for carers of elderly parents, that explain the specifics of how to navigate medical administration, and to assist supporting our elders with dignity. Whether a carer or not, this book is a warm and honest portrayal of love and the transformation we all must go through.

To accept help and change so graciously is one of gifts discussed, and is exemplified by beautiful lines of prose such as: “The poor house of language is too small for your remarkable spirit,” and “The capacity to see the absurd, to find the silliness even in the grimmest circumstances”.

Images from the book, the mosaics of memory of the characters, stay with you long after you stop reading: The warmth of arms wrapped around waists and shoulders; holding memories of sewing machines and the aunty’s fish and chip shop; an overripe box of passionfruit from market after foraging with mother and aunty; veggies and fruits to share with always more than planned for guests.The story shows how life continues on after death as a thousand acts of courage, and it was a privilege to be welcomed into this story.

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Reviewer’s bio:

Lathalia Song is a teaching artist/poet, writer and advocate. Previously an editor, designer and copywriter for various design agencies. Her hybrid works are found in Streetcake Magazine, Harpy Hydrid Review, Levatio, The Minison Project, Lothlorien Poetry Journal, Authora Australis, Moss Puppy and Moon Cola zine. Editor for Authora Australis.

Her illustrated poetic fables, ink designs are abstracted and screenprinted at flywaterleaflight. Sharing the joy of creativity each year at heffalumpdezign. A mid-career designer/copywriter and illustrator swivelling into fine art and creative writing.