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Kevin Ansbro

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Kevin Ansbro

Goodreads Author


Born
in Kamunting, Malaysia
Website

Twitter

Genre

Influences
Salman Rushdie; Charles Dickens; Gabriel García Márquez; Louis de Bern ...more

Member Since
June 2015


I was born of Irish parents, and have also lived in Malaysia and Germany.
My formal education was at Hamond's Grammar School in Swaffham, and at the Norfolk College of Arts and Technology (Stephen Fry being a much more famous former student).
I write in the magical realism genre, meshing otherworldliness into the harshness of our real world. I also like to handcuff humour and tragedy to the same radiator.
Perhaps incongruously for an author, I have a background in karate and kickboxing and travel extensively - particularly in the Far East.
I'm married (to Julie) and currently live in Norwich, England.
Stuff about me: I'm a foodie and an avid reader who values good manners, love and friendship above all else. I am constantly putting my foot in i
...more

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Kevin Ansbro .
"That was far easier than I thought it would be," chirped Millie Brady on the morning of her tenth birthday as she held her step-father's hand and wa…more
.
"That was far easier than I thought it would be," chirped Millie Brady on the morning of her tenth birthday as she held her step-father's hand and waited for Mother to return home from the supermarket.
The scream that escaped Agnes Brady's throat didn't come immediately: the first thing she noticed was the rare smile on her daughter's face; then she saw the axe, a bloodied party dress and, lastly, the wedding ring on her husband's severed hand.

.(less)
Kevin Ansbro I'm a frequent visitor to Thailand. I adore the country and love its wonderful people.
Whenever I'm ferried into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in a ta…more
I'm a frequent visitor to Thailand. I adore the country and love its wonderful people.
Whenever I'm ferried into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport in a taxi, I always marvel at the bronze statues of mythical creatures that line the route into the terminal. These statues depict the half-bird, half-human Kinnaree, much-loved in Thai folklore.
And it was there that the nucleus of an idea began. By the time I'd paid the cab fare, I was already planning a storyline that could involve these celestial beings.
The male of the Kinnaree are known as the Kinnara, hence the title of my groovy novel, which is essentially a teeth-rattling thriller wrapped in a burrito of magical realism.(less)
Average rating: 4.43 · 674 ratings · 495 reviews · 5 distinct worksSimilar authors
Kinnara

4.39 avg rating — 192 ratings — published 2015 — 4 editions
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The Fish That Climbed a Tree

4.48 avg rating — 168 ratings — published 2018 — 4 editions
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In the Shadow of Time

4.31 avg rating — 133 ratings — published 2021 — 3 editions
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The Minotaur's Son & Other ...

4.54 avg rating — 102 ratings — published 2019 — 3 editions
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The Angel in my Well

4.47 avg rating — 79 ratings — published 2014 — 4 editions
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More books by Kevin Ansbro…

'The Minotaur's Son'

.
I am completely blown away by Tri's beautiful artwork depicting a moonlit scene from 'The Siren's Call' —the opening tale in 'The Minotaur's Son' anthology of short stories. 😻

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Published on May 05, 2024 01:47 Tags: bats, cats, fables, fabulism, fantasy, magical-realism, mermaids, mystery, sci-fi, short-stories
Now Sleeps the Cr...
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The Moor's Last Sigh
Kevin Ansbro is currently reading
bookshelves: currently-reading
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Kevin’s Recent Updates

Kevin Ansbro made a comment on his review of Ordinary Grace
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
" Lisa - OwlBeSatReading wrote: "‘Far too wholesome for my liking’ 😂 that really made me laugh, probably because I can relate! 🙃"

Thank you, Lisa! 🤩
...more "
That's Not My Shark by Fiona Watt
" So pleased that you continue the tradition, Lisa. Wonderful review!
: )
"
That's Not My Shark by Fiona Watt
"Always a winner for my grandchildren, the ‘That’s not my…’ series of books is celebrating its 25 year anniversary and we were delighted to be sent the latest release!

‘That’s not my Shark’ ticked every box as these books always do. We’ve quite the co" Read more of this review »
Kevin Ansbro made a comment on his review of Lucky Jim
Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis
" Ray wrote: "Your review is on the mark - funny in parts, but seriously dated."

Very kind of you, Ray. Thank you!
...more "
Kevin Ansbro made a comment on Ray’s review of Lucky Jim
Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis
" It was of its time, for sure. You have succinctly, and deftly, captured the book's quintessence, Ray. ...more "
Kevin Ansbro and 1 other person liked Ray's review of Lucky Jim:
Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis
"A delightful little comedy on academic life in 60s Britain. It trundles along without being particularly profound but there are some funny parts.

Definitely of its time, everyone smokes constantly and phone connections were much more involved back the" Read more of this review »
RJ - Slayer of Trolls
Dubliners by James Joyce
" RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "Thanks, Kevin. I'm reading a couple books right now that you really liked. This one and My Family and Other Animals by G ...more "
Kevin Ansbro rated a book liked it
Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis
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I was drawn to this, Kingsley Amis's debut novel, because it has been described as a "literary tour de force" by aficionados far cleverer than I.
Moreover, the blurb promised "A brilliantly and preposterously funny book". So, before I'd even touched
...more
Kevin Ansbro and 1 other person liked Avni's review of In Cold Blood:
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
More of Kevin's books…
Quotes by Kevin Ansbro  (?)
Quotes are added by the Goodreads community and are not verified by Goodreads. (Learn more)

“A book doesn't come alive until it is being read.”
Kevin Ansbro

“Though soulmates aren't looking for you, they will find you.”
Kevin Ansbro

“We are what we eat,
and we are what we read.”
Kevin Ansbro

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Topics Mentioning This Author

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Aussie Lovers of...: This topic has been closed to new comments. Currently reading/Just finished! CLOSED 7147 734 Dec 31, 2019 07:03PM  
A Good Thriller: * Can 1,750,000 Pages Be Read In 2019? 1132 267 Feb 17, 2020 01:44AM  
All About Books: June 2020 - What will you be reading? 15 21 Jun 30, 2020 11:12AM  
English Translati...: * Denmark (Greenland) (Faroe Islands) 4 625 Apr 21, 2021 08:08AM  
Aussie Readers: This topic has been closed to new comments. Recently Purchased/Acquired book/s - part 2 6886 886 Dec 30, 2021 10:11PM  
“Focus on an ocean of positives, not a puddle of negatives.”
Kevin Ansbro

“Books are the flung-open windows to a parallel universe.”
Kevin Ansbro

“A life without friends is like a sky without stars.”
Kevin Ansbro

“A book should grab you by the lapels and kiss you into tomorrow.”
Kevin Ansbro

“Prejudice wears a variety of hats, none of them becoming.”
Kevin Ansbro

1278 Thailand — 623 members — last activity May 11, 2020 11:42AM
Thai bookworms, Thai readers, Thai writers, Thai stalkers(?), Thai "pass by"-ers, Thai lit nerds, Thai consumers, this is the place for you. Pretty mu ...more



Comments (showing 1-25)    post a comment »
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Thasanya Hi Kevin,

Thank you for accepting my friend request! I absolutely adore your reviews :)

I am glad to know there are other people on this planet who have experienced the magic of Gerry Durrell's 'My Family and Other Animals'-  I haven't had the pleasure of meeting many who have. Have you read the rest of The Corfu Trilogy?

Very best,
T


message 24: by Kevin

Kevin Ansbro Adrian wrote: "I see you are winning the poll to be September's book of the month in the "Evolution of Sci Fi Group" with "In the Shadow of Time". Ooh you are now ahead, cos I voted for you. 😊

Best of luck Kevin"


Thank you, Adrian!
My apologies for only just seeing your kind message. I only recently found out about In the Shadow of Time being voted 'Book of the Month' - a real honour, I must say!


message 23: by Adrian (last edited Jul 21, 2023 09:12AM)

Adrian I see you are winning the poll to be September's book of the month in the "Evolution of Sci Fi Group" with "In the Shadow of Time". Ooh you are now ahead, cos I voted for you. 😊

Best of luck Kevin


message 22: by Meghhnaa (last edited Sep 09, 2022 09:38AM)

Meghhnaa  (On a Review-Writing Break!) Kevin, this is not a question but a post on your adulation. I admire the way you draw parallels and similarities between books. You are extremely well-read. I learn a lot from your zeal and avidity for writing and passion for books. I went through one of your books, and must say the world, should get ready to welcome a majestically, magically realistic author, Kevin!


message 21: by Kevin

Kevin Ansbro Rosh wrote: "Hi Kevin, thank you so much for accepting my friend invite. It is such a privilege for me. I am not as active on Twitter (still trying to get my footing there) but I definitely hope to interact with you a lot more through GR. Have a wonderful day ahead!
💐
📚
😊..."


Hi, Rosh, it's a privilege for me too! : )
And if you would like any help regarding Twitter, please don't hesitate to ask.
Warm regards,
Kevin
: )


Rosh (On a partial break till June 2) Hi Kevin, thank you so much for accepting my friend invite. It is such a privilege for me. I am not as active on Twitter (still trying to get my footing there) but I definitely hope to interact with you a lot more through GR. Have a wonderful day ahead! 💐📚😊


Tamar...playing hooky for a few hours today Hey there Kevin, I hope you are having a feverish and productive burst of writing!


message 18: by Kevin

Kevin Ansbro Maliha Tabassum wrote: "Hey, Kevin! Thank you so much for accepting my friend request. :) Love your reviews so much!
Happy reading and reviewing! <3"


You are so very welcome, Maliha!
And thank you for your kind words! : )


Maliha Tabassum Tisha Hey, Kevin! Thank you so much for accepting my friend request. :) Love your reviews so much!
Happy reading and reviewing! <3


message 16: by Kevin

Kevin Ansbro Dollie wrote: "Wow! I just went through your read books & I believe you've read more Dickens than anyone I know! LOL. I've read them all. I love his stories. I read them in the order he wrote them..."

Thank you, Dollie!
I am a huge fan of Dickens: I read Oliver Twist aged eleven and went on to read at least twelve more of his through my pre-teens and teens. I adore his descriptive imagery (he and Gerald Durrell were my earliest writing influences - latterly, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Salman Rushdie).
I like the sound of your mother! I attended a school that threw a profusion of classic novels our way, and later studied English literature at college, where we were required to read at least one classic novel a week.

I'm pleased to have made friends with you, too, Dottie.
Hope you and yours are keeping safe!


message 15: by Dollie

Dollie Wow! I just went through your read books & I believe you've read more Dickens than anyone I know! LOL. I've read them all. I love his stories. I read them in the order he wrote them. The Pickwick Papers first. I laughed so much. And then Oliver Twist! One of the saddest story ever. I cried while reading that one. And you like Classics! My mother taught Literature and I inherited her love of great writers. I'm so glad to have made friends with you. Hope all is well with you and yours.


message 14: by Kevin

Kevin Ansbro Margitte wrote: "Hi Kevin, best wishes for the new year as well as your new novel! Your literary insight, expressed so eloquently, always lights up the day.

I aacidently deleted your comment on my 2018 book overv..."


Best wishes to you too, Margitte.
I shall see if I can remember what I put and reinstate it. : )


Margitte Hi Kevin, best wishes for the new year as well as your new novel! Your literary insight, expressed so eloquently, always lights up the day.

I aacidently deleted your comment on my 2018 book overview. Instead of replying to it, I made it disappear. Sorry about that. My iPad and I still nedd to understand each other better :-))


✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) I don't mind at all, Sarah, watch me all you want, but don't expect me to share my plankton - I'm a shellfish bastard! ; )

p.s. I've been reading your 'stuff' and your zero-tolerance style is right up my street!


Oh no, you don't! Get your filthy hands off my dinoflagellates this minute, young man! If you don't want to see what my zero-tolerance style looks like up close, that is.


message 11: by Kevin

Kevin Ansbro ✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) wrote: "The crustaceans are watching you."

I don't mind at all, Sarah, watch me all you want, but don't expect me to share my plankton - I'm a shellfish bastard! ; )

p.s. I've been reading your 'stuff' and your zero-tolerance style is right up my street!


message 9: by Kevin

Kevin Ansbro Leila wrote: "Thank you for reading my review of 'Paw Tracks at Owl Cottage Kevin. Much appreciated."

Gosh, it's the very least I could do, Leila, after your kind review of Kinnara!


message 8: by Leila

Leila Thank you for reading my review of 'Paw Tracks at Owl Cottage Kevin. Much appreciated.


message 7: by Kevin

Kevin Ansbro Kimber wrote: "Thank you for adding me as a friend, Kevin!"

You are most welcome, Kimber. Thank you for reading Kinnara!


message 6: by Kevin

Kevin Ansbro Larry wrote: "Thanks for adding me as a friend, Kevin! I had wanted to add you but since it didn't appear I could, I settled for "following." I feel so much better now! :)"

Yes, this is something that I never previously realised.
I just assumed that people who followed me, but didn't friend me, didn't want to friend me!
I now feel terribly guilty that they might think me stuck-up!
Thank you, Larry. I feel so much better now too! : )


message 5: by Larry

Larry H Thanks for adding me as a friend, Kevin! I had wanted to add you but since it didn't appear I could, I settled for "following." I feel so much better now! :)


message 4: by Kevin

Kevin Ansbro Nancy wrote: "Hi Kevin, thanks for the friendship and for your very thoughtful answer to my question. My Family and Other Animals sounds simply delightful and I'm now eager to find a copy. When I ..."

That's great, Nancy!
It really is a delightful book, and I was surprised to discover that it didn't seem at all 'dated.' In fact, I enjoyed reading it more as an adult, than I did as a child. Would love to know your thoughts...
Pleasure to 'meet' you also.


message 3: by Kevin

Kevin Ansbro Stephanie wrote: "Thanks for the book recommendation! I think my daughter will like it. :)"

Good to hear Steph.
For some reason I don't always receive notifications when people message me! : ((


message 2: by Nancy

Nancy Hi Kevin, thanks for the friendship and for your very thoughtful answer to my question. My Family and Other Animals sounds simply delightful and I'm now eager to find a copy. When I was a child, I always enjoyed reading about wild animals and foreign countries.


Stephanie Thanks for the book recommendation! I think my daughter will like it. :)


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