Gail Ylitalo
was born in Richmond, Virginia. A freelance writer of novels, short
stories, essays, plays, and poetry, her works have appeared in
various literary journals. Her novel, Blackberry Summer, was published in 2003. Five
additional novels, Auntie,
Finlander, Sunday's Rose, The Fellow
Servants, and A Twisted Nod
were published in 2004; along with an anthology of short stories,
essays, and poetry, Life In Prose; and
an anthology of plays, Life In
Theater. Her novels, A Flicker From
Afar, Scarlet Sage,
and
Ugly Opal were published in 2005.
Convoluted Ramblings, a poetry
anthology, was published in 2006. An additional anthology of
poetry, Then Said Solomon, was published in
2007. She resides in Powhatan County with her husband
David and numerous rescued animals.
I
welcome any and all comments regarding my works!
My email address
is: dylitalo@hotmail.com
Reviews
for Ugly Opal:
Rating: Four Lighthouses (Great Read)
"If you're looking for a pleasant diversion, this isn't
it. It's depressing, harsh and disturbing. That said, it's also
worth reading. Opal, the narrator is dying. As she lies in a coma,
she reviews memories from her childhood into adulthood.
Her life has not been easy...she is constantly tormented by her
peers and even members of her family...Yet, Opal grows into a
decidedly human and compassionate person...[and] becomes a person
anyone should be proud to call a friend." Lighthouse Literary
Reviews
"...Ugly Opal
is a touching novel filled with the pain and hurt of
feeling different and never quite fitting in. I can't say I really
enjoyed this story because it is rather dark and the character
rather desperate being on her deathbed and all, not really the type
of story that one is entertained by. Nonetheless, I felt that the
author amply and realistically described the cruelty of children
and adults alike when it comes to those perceived as somehow
different." Tami Brady, TCM
Reviews
Review
for A Twisted
Nod:
"...A
Twisted Nod is a great romance with a lot of very difficult
obstacles for each of the characters to negotiate. Amanda [Jackson]
has to deal with her broken heart and painful memories from her
youth. Scott [Flynn] has to deal with his guilt over letting go of
his deceased wife, as well as his stepdaughter's unhealthy
expectations of him. This story has a nice smooth, gentle pace that
is perfect for a lazy afternoon read. There's also an interesting
psycho twist with the stepdaughter." Tami Brady, TCM
Reviews
Review for The Fellow Servants:
"...The Fellow Servants is a
very active, entertaining story with lots of depth. I like the
added wrinkle of Whitney [Noland] having cancer as it makes her
circumstances less black and white and more human. I also thought
that the tantalizing cat and mouse relationship between Whitney and
Dr. Kilvington added an intriguing dimension to the overall plot as
well as illustrating important characteristics of both individuals
that made the story that much more captivating and realistic." Tami
Brady, TCM Reviews
Review for Sunday's Rose:
"...Sunday's Rose takes an
intimate look at the attitudes and expectations of upper class
individuals during this period of history [Civil War]. The author
also takes a look at how those rules of conduct were often ignored
and the consequences covered up, only to surface as rumor and
gossip spoken in hushed tones. She also illustrates the difference
between old money and new money in the social standings, attitudes,
and general conduct. I believe these aspects give the story greater
depth, making the story appear more realistic." Tami Brady, TCM
Reviews
Review
for Auntie:
"...Auntie is a dark story that
illustrates the fine line between survival and imprisonment as well
as good versus evil. As in real life, these lines are often blurred
and difficult to define, especially when our own survival is on the
line. This story is also about trust. Trust in our own decisions.
Trust in what we feel is right. Trust in ourselves to make the
"right" choice.
As I started reading this
book, I expected this story to show a negative point of view of
Druids, a very typical "witch, witch" reaction. However, I was
surprised that the good versus evil aspect was directed not at the
belief system itself but at the choices of those practicing these
beliefs." Tami Brady, TCM Reviews
Reviews for Blackberry
Summer:
"Like the wild blackberries of my childhood summers,
I found Blackberry Summer bittersweet. And as I couldn't
stop eating the blackberries in my grandmother's backyard, no
matter the scratches, I couldn't stop reading this novel. My
teenage son also read this book for review purposes, finding it
compelling and thought provoking. We both were impressed with
Gail's straightforward handling of violence and abuse, all the
while tempering the negative with open-mindedness and compassion."
Cindy Penn, Word Weaving
"A great short read in the style and voice of Harper
Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird." Sheila S. Hudson,
Sharpwriter.com
"I recommend this one for ages thirteen and up only!
It has mystery, excitement, danger, and many surprises! I believe
it especially great for teens! Author Gail Ylitalo created a
wonderful story that will remain in your memory long after you have
finished reading it." Detra Fitch, Huntress Book
Reviews
"Blackberry
Summer is more than a scary adventure story. It is powerful,
deeply troubling, and bittersweet...There is much goodness and love
in Blackberry Summer but physical hardship, abuse, deceit,
and death are present as well...The author tells her story simply
and clearly, never flinching from the violent scenes but handling
them delicately." Ilene Sirocca, The Running
River
"If you are interested in
psychological truth, family secrets, and reflections, mixed with
action, adventure and the unexpected, check out Blackberry
Summer." B. Lynn Goodman, Inscriptions
Magazine
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