tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post3681997167336189797..comments2024-03-14T04:35:06.209+13:00Comments on Beattie's Book Blog - unofficial homepage of the New Zealand book community: R.I.P. Margaret Mahy 21 March 1936 - 23 July 2012Beattie's Book Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01505389626725979100noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-87870177594910296132013-05-14T00:59:40.549+12:002013-05-14T00:59:40.549+12:00We met her walking her dog (the original of "...We met her walking her dog (the original of "Dashing Dog") around Governor's Bay one windy day. A charming lady. She will not be forgotten.David Muskerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01412529027408896735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-90913172898361115342013-03-01T16:46:34.997+13:002013-03-01T16:46:34.997+13:00If I could write one sentence as succinctly as any...If I could write one sentence as succinctly as any one sentence from one of Margaret's many, many books I would be a happy man. I honour Margaret's memory by wearing a wig every time I read to children. Her legacy will live on ... well after she has gone.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05171646520574567768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-33602544348801676572012-09-14T12:25:35.957+12:002012-09-14T12:25:35.957+12:00"Remembering Margaret Mahy: A Saturday Sympos..."Remembering Margaret Mahy: A Saturday Symposium." On Saturday September 22 (2012)Mahy's biographer Tessa Duder, film-maker Dave Gibson, and writer Elizabeth Knox will join a dozen writers and academics from around the country in a day-long series of talks and discussions ranging from Mahy's work in the "ready-to-read" primers through to her sophisticated novels for Young Adults: Saturday 22nd September, 9.00am-6.00pm Rutherford House, Bunny Street, Wellington. To register visit www.victoria.ac.nz/seftmskathryn wallshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15482869644918698163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-31681758127390668632012-07-25T02:07:49.364+12:002012-07-25T02:07:49.364+12:00After I discovered her books in the US many years ...After I discovered her books in the US many years ago I would buy everything I found, and have "saved" a few YA novels that I haven't yet read. "The Tricksters" is one of my favorites. She was unique, and is not known in the States as well as she should be, I've always felt.<br /><br />She lives on!neighbor7https://www.blogger.com/profile/15020038236020879034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-18718597580767653862012-07-24T20:06:55.291+12:002012-07-24T20:06:55.291+12:00How very sad that such brilliance and energy has g...How very sad that such brilliance and energy has gone from the world. I read Margaret's stories to my children when they were young, but I also enjoyed them for myself. When she was Chair of the Canterbury branch of NZSA I remember that committee meetings took a very long time because of the way she discussed things. No one minded. It was fascinating to see the way her thoughts and words spiralled outwards to various philosophical tangents and back in again to her conclusion. Christmas parties for the branch at her home in Governor's Bay will always be remembered for the fun we had. Margaret will also be remembered for her compassion, wicked sense of humour, generosity to other writers and her endearing modesty. Sandra ArnoldSandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12427555170312980623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-67479722478297917742012-07-24T12:39:57.893+12:002012-07-24T12:39:57.893+12:00I think you must add Essie Summers as an ambassado...I think you must add Essie Summers as an ambassador of New Zealand literature to the world. While she wrote genre fiction, she had millions of fans throughout the world, many of whom long to visit the country she loved so much and described so well. I certainly have read and own more of her books than those of Mahy or Mansfield, although I appreciate them too.CLMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03595294217111602231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-62533830183774005582012-07-24T12:39:51.339+12:002012-07-24T12:39:51.339+12:00It is warming to my writer's heart to see so m...It is warming to my writer's heart to see so many of you here, gathering around the empty couch, still warm, where she held court in her hat of many colours.<br />My fondest memories of Margaret are of the many ways she so generously encouraged all writers, supported them, bought their books, and I my case on one occasion directing *her* fans to turn around and meet me - sitting five feet away with none.<br />A quick hello to those I have met in life, and so too the the names here I recognise. And what to take and keep of MM? Her words, the memories, and and her en-courage-ment. What an immense journey done. More remarkable than fiction.<br />- Ged Maybury, BrisbaneUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01134945998464669899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-64832845574644032682012-07-24T11:45:57.581+12:002012-07-24T11:45:57.581+12:00A warm and generous person gone, a national treasu...A warm and generous person gone, a national treasure lost - and yet her unique voice will always be with us.Dale Williamsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-29147050623213158342012-07-24T09:40:55.722+12:002012-07-24T09:40:55.722+12:00Margaret was a clear-eyed white witch when my son ...Margaret was a clear-eyed white witch when my son Luc was an equally clear-eyed toddler. At the Christmas party which she regularly hosted for the NZSA, he would bounce on the trampoline in her tumble-down-the-hill garden, shouting instructions to watch. So Margaret (also) watched. She was watchful in a way few of us manage to be. <br /><br />Luc still has several of her first editions, inscribed with hand-drawn lions, crocodiles etc. And, two decades on, I can still see her sketching. <br /><br />For many years I have missed that younger, healthy Margaret. I will continue to miss her. <br /><br />[David Howard]Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-51970332506442531002012-07-24T09:26:01.724+12:002012-07-24T09:26:01.724+12:00She was a warm-hearted and generous woman. Other w...She was a warm-hearted and generous woman. Other writers must now take up the mantle and extend the fine tradition she has so wonderfully created and upheld!Stellanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-69044159485604016072012-07-24T08:58:15.899+12:002012-07-24T08:58:15.899+12:00How many writers are viewed with the admiration, l...How many writers are viewed with the admiration, love and affection that Margaret has inspired - and how many have a statue of a lion erected in their honour? I hope the Lion in the Meadow outside Whakatane Public Library is garlanded with flowers today.Philippa Werryhttp://www.philippawerry.co.nz/blog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-49056314846204873422012-07-24T08:00:37.097+12:002012-07-24T08:00:37.097+12:00Two wonderfully colourful women, Dorothy Butler an...Two wonderfully colourful women, Dorothy Butler and Margaret Mahy personally encouraged me in my author career. <br /><br />They led me to the greatest places - over the rainbows and into the clouds and high towers of children's picture books.<br /><br />I'm ever more involved with this in the 'iPad' age. I'm indebted.<br /><br />Jonathan GunsonJonathan Gunsonhttp://bestsellerlabs.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-89365733398974949912012-07-24T07:44:12.932+12:002012-07-24T07:44:12.932+12:00The wind between the stars will be carrying Margar...The wind between the stars will be carrying Margaret like a queen in triumph. Go well, Margaret I feel honoured to have met you.<br />Jose MellelieuJose Mellelieunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-91296119424779870932012-07-24T07:12:08.149+12:002012-07-24T07:12:08.149+12:00I feel gutted by this news like I want to be in a ...I feel gutted by this news like I want to be in a room with carpet and couches and sharing Margaret anecdotes and reading out our favourite bits from her stories and poems. Children have loved you through generations and will love you through the next. Paula GreenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-34167445597829174472012-07-24T05:06:58.500+12:002012-07-24T05:06:58.500+12:00Margaret Mahy was a legend amongst the men and wom...Margaret Mahy was a legend amongst the men and women prisoners I worked with in New Zealnd. Reading to them and introducing them to a book by you Margaret was in many cases,to open a whole new world of fun,imagination and joy,a joy that many had never had, but a joy they now pass on to their children.<br />I am now in Canada Margaret, where you are already a legend, and will continue to be so.Most days i read a Margaret Mahy story to those who are away from their family for a while, who if asked by their children where did they put something of course the answer will be "Down The Back of The Chair!"Rest in peace Margaret Mahy, legend.Jo Walkernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-41625426767301559452012-07-24T05:04:58.122+12:002012-07-24T05:04:58.122+12:00Margaret Mahy was a legend amongst the men and wom...Margaret Mahy was a legend amongst the men and women prisoners I worked with in New Zealnd. Reading to them and introducing them to a book by you Margaret was in many cases,to open a whole new world of fun,imagination and joy,a joy that many had never had, but a joy they now pass on to their children.<br />I am now in Canada Margaret, where you are already a legend, and will continue to be so.Most days i read a Margaret Mahy story to those who are away from their family for a while, who if asked by their children where did they put something of course the answer will be "Down The Back of The Chair!"Rest in peace Margaret Mahy, legend.Jo Walkernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-89647829076245663222012-07-24T04:23:39.863+12:002012-07-24T04:23:39.863+12:00I am so saddened at the loss of Margaret Mahy. She...I am so saddened at the loss of Margaret Mahy. She was a brilliant, funny, inspired author and friend. I was so lucky to have had the pleasure of hearing her "perform" some of her picture books and am honored to have edited and published the McElderry Books edition of THE MAGICIAN OF HOAD, the novel on which she was working for 20 years and a masterpiece. Long may her books continue to awe and inspire us.emma d drydenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08742492495749128209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-10375271042706141132012-07-24T02:12:47.075+12:002012-07-24T02:12:47.075+12:00I remember her visiting my primary school when I w...I remember her visiting my primary school when I was young. She was dressed as a clown and showed us a new book she had written (can't remember the name of it) that was in the process of being published. She even showed us the draft pictures for each page - so amazing! And then she read the book to us. Will forever remember her visit. RIPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-76775015394070114072012-07-23T22:59:06.482+12:002012-07-23T22:59:06.482+12:00She was and will always be one of New Zealand'...She was and will always be one of New Zealand's greatest writers. I remember interviewing her once and she said she'd always wanted to learn to tapdance. She did. She tapdanced through words. I admire her work and love it more than words can say.Jane Hurleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-21521043572672362842012-07-23T22:51:41.637+12:002012-07-23T22:51:41.637+12:00a little piece of nz is gone forever, and we are i...a little piece of nz is gone forever, and we are irrevocably changed. we will miss and remember you, margaret, as will our kids, and theirs too.Amber Coatesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-35388624064450809532012-07-23T22:42:58.540+12:002012-07-23T22:42:58.540+12:00Her books lit up our family -- and then in person ...Her books lit up our family -- and then in person she lit up all those around her as she bent closer to hear and delight in the words of others, a story, a poem, a song. Her words that stretched wide into the world like kites that swooped and dipped and filled us with grace and wonder -- and her arms stretched wide. She inspired me to write, she inspired me to write for children and to inspire children to write. Rest in peace dear Margaret. We will hold you dear as we bend closer to listen. x Paula GreenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-2032344969494342422012-07-23T22:39:00.900+12:002012-07-23T22:39:00.900+12:00A wonderful, kind, generous, hilarious,cheeky, upl...A wonderful, kind, generous, hilarious,cheeky, uplifting, irreverent, gifted, supportive, extra-ordinary person. I count it my absolute pleasure to have shared a table and broken bread with her.TK Roxboroghhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16396099477818776758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-48156341217550864272012-07-23T22:28:05.974+12:002012-07-23T22:28:05.974+12:00Margaret bought light and love and joy to children...Margaret bought light and love and joy to children and grandchildren, mums and dads everywhere...an icon and a legend...Anne McMichaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-2630812691368691952012-07-23T22:16:33.566+12:002012-07-23T22:16:33.566+12:00One of my greatest heroes. Her stories were irides...One of my greatest heroes. Her stories were iridescent, one of my favourite ways to escape my own childhood stresses and griefs. I am so sorry and sad to hear she has gone. Goodbye to a wonderful person.Nicolenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36622997.post-49364977151507091252012-07-23T22:13:49.860+12:002012-07-23T22:13:49.860+12:00I know our children will always remember Margaret ...I know our children will always remember Margaret as one of their favourite authors....and, how poignant that in my 36 years of teaching, her books still have a significant role in my classroom. <br />An amazing individual.....so true to herself always. We will miss the gems but what diamonds she has left us to enjoy and now share with the grandchildren...........RIP The Lion in the MeadowAndreanoreply@blogger.com