Leslie Tate Author PoetLeslie Tate

Reviews of Frontliners

"What an interesting book. I very much enjoyed it. I love the descriptions of place and feel I know them and have been there. What a gift the author has too of conveying the nuances of thought and feeling!"

Caroline Weaver.

Reviews of Aphrodite's Children

"In recreating the 60s Aphrodite's Children, like The Glittering Prizes, captures the spirit of its age."

Jonathan Brockbank, MA, MLitt (Cantab), York University English Department.

“I enjoyed reading it - you write very well, and create a sense of era very vividly with just the right amount of detail and observation.”

Hannah Westland, literary agent.

Read and Enjoy

If you grew up in the Sixties, or wish you had; if you remember the confusion and pain of first loves; if you remember trying out different selves or are still experimenting :- read this novel. Read it for the poetic writing, read it for the laugh-out-loud moments, read it for the recognition of shared dilemmas. Read and enjoy.

Karin, Amazon.co.uk reviewer

A Great Read

Matthew's journey of self discovery is just as relevant today as it is in the '60s setting of the book. His life is shaped by those he meets, from the quirky and the self-confident to the sensitive and charming. Deeply evocative of the time, this book is full of atmosphere and wonderfully-drawn characters.

Clare, Amazon.co.uk reviewer

A Good Read

Aphrodite's Children provides a memorable account of a life enriching journey, the joy and pain of self-discovery and reconciliation. Touchingly penned, Matthew's story unfolds with enough care and precision as to paint an evocative image in the mind of the reader. A halcyonic reflection on its era, this book offers something different. And defiantly so.

P. Duffield, Amazon.co.uk reviewer

I read Aphrodite’s Children and was really bowled over by it. It is so well written and beautifully paced and structured. My favourite bit was  Mathew’s relationship with his awkward, diffident first girlfriend. This section was painful, embarrassing, compassionate and deeply evocative of fumbling first romance. I also loved the unnerving but redeeming and explosive passion of Mathew’s short lived relationship with Robyn. Terrific writing – convincing and compelling!

John Keenan, Stanmore College.

Leslie as a Visiting Author

We thoroughly enjoyed your visit. Your experience ... was of tremendous value. We appreciated your passion for good English. Thank you once again for a very informative talk. 

Brian Hammond, convener, Chilterns U3A Writing Group