TJM PUBLICATIONS
Email Address: tjm@timothymark.plus.com
What
people have written.... Some extracts from readers'
comments:
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Mr.Ratnam gave me your novel "Chusan". I never imagined that a missionary-priest could write such a
fantastic novel. The suspense and thrill maintained chapter by chapter would
never allow a reader to have a break (Tamils' flattery?). I have found a golden rule in your book: "Telephone
calls should be as brief as possible and as long as necessary".
Your reflections on the socio-political, cultural and religious scenario
in the 60s in
But
I could never compromise with the idea of taking the role of a secret agent of
HMG by a priest who has to be in the service of the
If
the Indian bomb would be a threat to the world peace and would result in an
ultimate possibility of a world wide nuclear holocaust, what about the bombs
produced in
However
I like the unexpected and exciting ending of the story. The situation in
which the helplessness of man has been portrayed is radical but
convincing. I am reminded
of real persons identical with the characters of the novel - James
Mortimer with Timothy Mark and Fredrick Gnanamuthu with George Gnanamuthu and
so on. I really admire your skill of
writing novels. Rev G.Paul
Vasanthakumar, 11.09.02
Chusan is a novel for the discerning reader -
one who appreciates the author’s meticulous attention to detail, both in the
vivid portrayal of the characters in the story and the descriptions of the
geographical and cultural background of
The methodical introduction of
the characters at the beginning of the book enables the reader to engage with
the West Europeans and Indians (Tamils) alike, in a real way. Such characters
as Professor Anbu Amirthiraj
and Jayaprakash are not dealt with superficially but
come over as authentic characters in their own right. I particularly identified
with Reverend James Mortimer, who was of course one of the central characters,
along with Felicity Palmer-Smith, in this political intrigue.
As with many
good ‘Agatha Christie novels’ the author introduces
an unexpected twist at the end of the story. I enjoyed reading this novel very much;
however, I have one question, namely "When are you going to write your
second novel?" Brian Clewes, Sheffield,
09.06.02
Male authors often "get it
wrong" when trying to assume a female point of view, so our heroine,
Felicity, a feisty writer of women's social history who just happens to be the
daughter of the British Deputy High Commissioner, comes as a pleasant surprise.
Deborah Fisher, Tregolwyn
Book Reviews, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, 10.3.2002
The Unexpected! Tense! Mystery!
Bravery! Adventure! These are a few words to describe a gripping read. Chusan provides an insight into Indian customs,
and the conflict of duty, love and spiritual belief. Mervyn
and Eirwen Audas, Penarth,
South Wales, 3.3.2002
Mr Mark's first novel Chusan is an immensely readable and enjoyable
book. His deep knowledge of the traditions and culture of the Indian people,
set against a background of intrigue and romance, make for very fine reading
indeed. His vivid descriptions of the Indian landscapes transport the reader
deeper into this faraway land. A great escape! More please - soon. Diana Briggs. Eastbourne, 4.2.2002
Timothy Mark has blended the
sights and sounds of India together with espionage in a most exciting story. I
thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. It portrayed a realistic account of life
in India, which I appreciated having lived there for 26 years. Many happy
memories came flooding back to me... A great first novel,
full of surprises. I even found my old friend Mark Tully got a mention.
His (Timothy Mark's) impressive knowledge of espionage impressed me greatly. Peter Edy, Bessacarr
We all enjoyed Chusan. One didn't want to put the book down. Sylvia Galloway, Birmingham
I have thoroughly enjoyed this
exciting, tense and cleverly written book by Timothy Mark. I recommend you read
this book, you won't regret it! Chris
Sykes, (aged fifteen years) Doncaster
I found Chusan readable and informative....it was a real
good read and I enjoyed it. Arthur Rowe,
Leicester
This is an interesting story of
espionage and intrigue. It has its flow which makes it easy to read but has
surprising twists and turns to keep the reader interested. The author gives
sufficient background knowledge to introduce the reader to the Indian culture
and environment. The characters are well introduced and maintain their
individuality. Some of the Indian names are difficult to pronounce and this can
be a little irritating but on the whole this is not a major problem and
possibly unavoidable. This is an entertaining and relaxing story. Lynn Snowden, Bessacarr
I enjoyed the book very much....
Some big issues were tackled well, but in places there was a lack of
research.... The descriptive parts of the book about India and Indians were
excellent. ...I liked the descriptions in the paragraph about Kodaikanal; it
really made you feel you were there. ...congratulations on writing such an
enjoyable first book. Courtney Finn,
Grantham
Both Mum and I really
enjoyed it - neither of us could put it down until we had finished reading it -
it was gripping! It was extremely well written, incorporating a lot of factual
knowledge and had an unexpected twist at the end! Mum said she could see James
in another plot - so get down to working on the sequel. Helen Zaidman, Mablethorpe
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What can I say? Wow! I have to
admit that as a hardened science fiction reader, I was not sure what I would
think, but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - thank you for letting
me. Lorna Lackenby,
Peterborough
What can I say? I am really
enjoying Chusan and I think you secretly want to be James
Mortimer! It's a thrilling story, with twists where you least expect them, and
also opens doors to reveal an insight into Indian culture, and the life of a
British agent. I'd love to meet the characters, they seem so real. Claire Kellett, York
For me the strength of this
book is his narration of the interaction between west European and Indian
culture. This I found informative and sensitively written, particularly, for
example, where Jayaprakesh describes the relationship
with the two women he loves. Tim gives a clear insight of life in the Indian
subcontinent from a European perspective and one who closely associated with
the Indians. Robin Hodges, Cantley, Doncaster
I particularly appreciated
all that South Indian background - I was almost there on those journeys and
conversations. "Spy books, MI5 etc" are not really "my
thing", but it introduced me to a new world, though I could have done
without the killings. But clearly, the Rev James Mortimer also had considerable
misgivings? I wonder how you acquired such detailed insights ... and wondered
whether you, too, were a secret agent!? Margaret
James, Dorset
Being on holiday I've had plenty
of time to read, and have read your book. The plot and setting were good and I
liked the red herring of Felicity. I did, however, wonder about the wisdom of
using a missionary as the undercover spy... Mrs B S H, Sussex
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I really enjoyed reading
the book; in fact, I could not put it down, but kept on turning back to it. I
was anxious to know what was happening next! I wait with baited breath the
author's next book. George Orchard,
Penarth
The story became a tense drama
that gripped my attention. The story line has all the ...ingredients of sex,
foreign parts with strange names, and murder. The sexy side wasn't in my
opinion pornographic, nor was the violence detailed in brutality. It helped the
story flow and kept one's interest from one page to the next. ...The
introduction of a bit of theology was interesting, "the death of God, the
Ashram community, and numinous". I rather suspect there is a bit of
autobiography in some aspects of the story which gives a genuine flavour. Yes,
I enjoyed the book and look forward to your next one. Trevor Noble, Bedford
The writing and dialogue were good. The
story line was good and we agreed that you kept our interest to the finish. The
Indian atmosphere/ambience was particularly appreciated. Kenneth and Jean Chorley,
The test of a good book is, that after having had to put it down for a while,
whether I return to it with enthusiasm, or out of a sense of duty. With your
book, which I read a chapter or so each night, I found myself quite eager to
return to it. I read the second half of the book straight through and I confess
that I was a little sorry when I finished it. Peter Mark, Penarth
I read it over the weekend. It
was an easy read. I enjoyed it. Frances Wittering,
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I enjoyed reading your book...
The language I found most attractive. You have a comforting style, measured and
quite cultured ... and the freedom from bad words was refreshing - most
refreshing for a novelist of the year 2000. My own short period of three years
in the
Chusan - an excellent read... Judy Pullman, Sprotbrough,
I have read Chusan... It was a delight. I knew that I could
count on a fine command of the English language, and that the story would be of
great interest... I was especially appreciative of your detailed knowledge of
Indian culture and geography. It is a good plot, ...
and well constructed. The real surprise was your evident interest in, and
knowledge of espionage... but I might have guessed that drinks, cigars and mild
sex would figure prominently! Geoff
Morris,
There is fascinating illustrative
detail which springs from the author's own earlier experience in
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