Industry Reviews
'As generous, sensitive, perceptive and honest as its author, Untwisted is a fascinating collage. In deceptively simple prose, Paul Jennings uses key moments and events to make a vibrant, funny and moving picture of an amazing life. If you want to know what makes a writer, read this.'
Emily Rodda
'Paul stands with O. Henry, Wodehouse and Dahl, the great short-story writers. The originality of his imagination and humour shine, but there is a wonderful darkness underneath. His memoir goes some way to explaining that darkness.'
Terry Denton
'Paul Jennings knows how to tell a tale - tall or twisted, terrifying or true. Courageous in his craft, Jennings is unafraid of the dark corners, drawing out stories that give voice to things absurd, peculiar and strange. Somehow, he's able to take a reader's hand - often a very young reader - and walk them through landscapes of vulnerability, finding tenderness and humour in the most unexpected places. In this, his memoir, Jennings gives us the story behind the storyteller, untwisting the threads of his own life with generosity, humility and candour. Untwisted is Jennings at his best - tall and twisted, terrifying and true. This is a tale most memorable. Has Paul Jennings been listed as a National Living Treasure yet? He should be.'
Gabbie Stroud, author of Teacher and Dear Parents
'Poignant, courageous and sometimes funny, this is the story of a kind, gentle and deeply thoughtful man who is also one of Australia's best-loved children's authors. I read the manuscript in one sitting and thought it was just wonderful. Having read Paul's kids' books, I was surprised. He's a beautiful writer for adults as well! And I got such a sense of Paul in his writing. It was like he was in this room talking to me about his life.'
Debra Van Tol, long time Author Liaison at Penguin Australia
