(from Zosia, age 11)
Dear Zosia,
It was seeing a photograph of the magnificent Mesopotamian lyre with a gold and lapis lazuli bull’s head fronting the musical instrument that set me off. I considered going to the University of Pennsylvania Museum where is is housed, and then it traveled to a museum near Los Angeles! I spent several days there talking to experts and listening to lectures, a wonderful experience. I saw it again when a granddaughter graduated from this university. It always thrilled me and I decided to write an historical novel with this lyre occupying a central place in the story. I loved writing the book, doing the research of how it was made (experts are generous and supportive people), and weaving a story through the period and the way that people lived 5000 years ago. I hope you liked it!
My best,
Marjorie Cowley
(from Jenna)
Dear Jenna,
There is a biogaphy of me on my web site and I think the same one under Google. Probably more info than you really want. Incidentally, it was another Cowley that died. Still here! Hope the reports go well.
Marjorie Cowley
(from Kayla, age 13)
Kayla,
Jomar is quick to decide that his sister has stolen the gem, but the goldsmith Sidah and his wife Nari also have decided that Zefa has made off with the gemstone. The mystery is not solved until the end of the tale and the three accusers feel terrible about their lack of faith in Zefa, particularly Jomar.
Sincere best wishes,
Marjorie Cowley
(from Giselle, age 11)
Dear Gisellle,
The type of book I write is called an historical novel. I love the combination of a tale I created (characters and story) set in an accurate and well researched background of time, place, and events. When I was your age, I always thought I learned history the easiest when it was brought to me by a lively story driven forward by interesting characters. Maybe someday I’ll switch, but I’m happy now.
My best,
Marjorie Cowley
(from Keegan, age 12)
Marjorie answers:
Dear Keegan,
Two clans are featured in “Dar,” each with different customs and inventions. Dar’s clan dressed in leather or animal skins and Toreg’s clan dressed themselves in fur. I’m pretty sure keeping bathed and clean was difficult if not impossible. My guess is that people got used to living under such conditions unless your clan was near a river or lake where bathing was a part of life. Bathtubs and showers are a pretty recent additions to how we live. In many ways we’re fortunate, unless you’re a person who doesn’t like to bathe.
Thanks for your question, Keegan.
Marjorie Cowley
(from Danny, age 11)
Dear Danny,
I’m flattered that you want me to visit your school to talk about “The Golden Bull.” I have to refuse because I recently broke my hip and it will be quite a while before I’m driving again. I hope you enjoyed the novel.
Sincerely,
Marjorie Cowley
(from Samantha, age 11)
Marjorie answers:
I’m sorry to have to turn you down, but I recently broke my hip and need a long recovery time before I can drive again. But I’m pleased that you wanted me to visit!
Sincerely,
Marjorie Cowley
(from Nicholas, age 11)
Dear Nicholas,
Thanks for your cherry message. It took me so long to write my first book, about five years, that a sequel would be published when those who would welcome the return of “Dar” would probably be in college. But I love that you loved the book.
My best to you,
Marjorie Cowley
(from Jack)
Marjorie answers:
Dear Jack,
The central character of my book, Dar, goes through several changes in the novel. He starts out as a boy with very low self-esteem, short for his age, afraid of heights, and not too well coordinated. His father has been killed by a saber-tooth cat (almost extinct in Europe by Dar’s time) and his mother has died shortly after his birth. His father’s brother, Kenok, is both broken-hearted and guilty about his brother’s death and treats Dar with resentment and contempt because he wants his beloved brother in his life, not his nephew Dar. He criticizes him for not being a good tool maker, for not being interested in learning how to hunt, and for carving animals around the morning fire which he thinks is a waste of time. The only thing he thinks he does well is get up early and do a good job of starting this fire. Slowly Dar begins to demonstrate more courage. He climbs up the cliff and plays a part in his rescue after he’s injured. He meets Toreg in the Pine Forest, is able to befriend him, and after his initiation ceremony he starts out alone to find his clan to see if he can trade his sunstone for the wonderful spear-thrower, new to him and is clan. He stays some time in Toreg’s clan and decides to apply himself to becoming a competent carver like his great-uncle Seelan, a master carver living in Toreg’s clan. He turns down the invitation to stay with the new clan although he would like to do this, but ultimately refuses because of his obligations to Mora, his aging and loving grandmother. On the way home he unexpectedly meets Kenok and they have a difficult confrontation. Dar finds the courage to talk honestly with his uncle and eventually the two reconcile their differences. “The two men” head for home. The meaning: Dar has changed from boy to man during the time of this novel.
My best to you, Jack
Marjorie Cowley
(from Matthew, age 11)
Marjorie answers:
Dear Matthew,
I didn’t want to make Bowan too much of a bad guy, but he is somewhat critical of Dar (who is afraid of heights) and too confident based on his courage, his skill in tool making, and his feeling that the initiation ceremony would be not such a scary affair. He was wrong. He needed Dar to help him go in and out of the initiation in pretty good shape. Bowan appreciates Dar’s kindness to him, and this is the beginning of their friendship. This is an important relationship because they are the only two young boys in the clan and they both need the friendship of the other. Hope this helps, Mathew.
Marjorie Cowley
