Posted on Amazon |
20/11/2018

Given to me as a gift from a good friend, "It Was and Was Not So" by author Bill Castle, is a poignant tale of the discovery of words and subsequent fear of losing them. This tale is told so vividly that I will never take for granted simple words again. The passages tell of a family and their struggles and joys as seen through the eyes of Billy Calvin and is told with truth and genuine insight. A definite 5/5.

D. Lee on Amazon |
20/11/2018

Sweet and gentle; deep and wide -- Loved this "little book." It's gentleness and sympathy moved along quietly, and connected to deeper and wider things. Thanks to the author.

Rick Mondo on Amazon |
20/11/2018

A kids story that came to life. Heart warming -- I loved the life adventure this boy was on. A very good read I wished it was longer. Very well written. Made you feel like you wanted to reach out and hug him.

David S Nichols on Amazon |
20/11/2018

A great read! -- Wonderful story told by a boy about his observations of life in the 1940’s. I highly recommend this book.

Amazon review |
20/11/2018

Heart-strings tugged -- This relatively short novel packs an arc of a “well examined” life. From a man living out his later years in nyc, the story soon changes to his toddler voice, a savant child in love with language acquisition. We follow the little boy to about 7 yrs old, periodically changing back to the perspective of his elderly self, as he negotiates a difficult childhood with such innate love and vision — i absolutely fell in love with Billy Calvin.