Thanks Victor Kelleher
I was never much for being a reader as a child.
In the MS readathon, my friends had often read 600 books by the end of the month, and I had just realised that I was more captivated by the cover of my books than the words inside… But in 1991 I found a book and an author that I liked, and I began to read… and I liked it. I was 11.
The author was Victor Kelleher. The first of his books I read was “the Red King”.
After that book I went up to buy and read a further 9 of his books. Just last month I discovered my collection of Victor Kelleher books at my parents place, so I took them home and started to read them again.
The Red King was definitely a primary school aged book… not quite as brilliant as I remembered. The plot was quite predictable – which is what you expect I guess reading a children’s book.
However, I read 2 more: Brother Night, and Toronga. These were still as brilliant as ever! And they had me staying up way past my bed time just to read them – that’s the sign of a good book.
I’ve got no idea where Victor is now, whether he’s alive, still living in Sydney, or writing books… but I’d love to tell him that he’s been partly responsible for my appreciation of reading. As an adult, I’m certainly not about to set any book worm records, and I still can’t chew down a book like Pete can, but i really enjoy reading these days, especially when I work in a profession that is all about ‘The Word’ and The Bible (the books). And not just a profession, but my relationship with God is all about his communication to humanity through a book.
Thanks Victor for your contribution.
March 14th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I still can’t do it, you know, be a reading kinda guy!
When we went on holidays last year I started reading a book, and actually didn’t mind doing it, would almost consider it as a good way to spend an arvo.
But at home I just can’t be stuffed or don’t have the time, maybe I should consider setting aside a Saturday arvo, on my back lawn (well actually on the sparse patches of grass kinda looking stuff) and giving it another shot.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:48 pm
My name is Rachael and i’m from QLD and when i was 12 and in grade 7 i saw and read Victors book DEL-DEL, this book blew my F&*^% mind and still does to this day i have 5 copies and have been trying to find Mr kelleher for years just to drop him a line and say “hey thanks for changing my life” i know he is almost totaly resposible for my tastes opinions and love for music art and literature and the bazzar. i have only a few of his books but nothing hit me like del-del. if you find a way to contact me, please let me know.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Thanks rachael.
I own Del-del, but tell you truth, I never got around to reading it… (shame on me). But i’ll make it a priority for my Victor Kelleher rediscovery!
April 25th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Mike, Rachael, Glad to be of service! And yup, I’m still alive. Very much so. VK
April 27th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Wow!! is that really you Victor?
Have you just been caught out googling your own name? It’s ok, we all do it.
If this is a genuine comment from you, then I feel honoured for the contact.
I am currently reading Del-Del at the moment and it’s keeping me up too! A good read!
May 15th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
If that is really Victor Kelleher than i love your books! I no you get comments like this all the time, but I need your help. I am currently doing a school project on you and I would like to put in an email or a letter and get some answers to my questions. If you are willing to send me a reply, can I please have an adress or email or something! If it’s not you, than can you please help me find some way of contacting the real VK? Thanks,
Sadie
May 26th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Mr Kelleher, if that message was from you, I am spellbound, and it prooves you have internet and a computer and if possible, please tell us if you have a website or at least a contact email or address for fan-mail. You must have something.
I wrote a letter to you in grade 10 (1996) and have wanted to send you this letter for a very long time.
regards Rachael Clemens
May 26th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
and Dicker i hope you enjoyed Del-Del as much as i have over and over and over again.
September 4th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I have never liked rading until I red Baily’s Bones. it would normally take me at least 1 year to finish a book but I was finished ailys Bones within half a week.
I love It!!!
September 4th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Hey Mr Kelleher,
I was wondering, See am doing a school project at the moment and I was wonder that if mabye you would be able to answer some questions??? I hope that you can help me.
Kind Regards
Courtney
April 27th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Stumbled here searching for “Victor Kelleher Fan Mail”. Your article sums up exactly my experiences and the influences VK has had on my life also. Brother Night almost brings me to tears even now (I’m 30). VK, if you ever read this… hows about a signed copy? will pay cash
May 2nd, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Diddo Fonz!
I’ll take a signed copy too if you’re handing them out VK!
July 10th, 2011 at 11:40 am
Oh I agree! I started reading Del-Del the other night and I sat up all night until I finished it! It blew my mind!! I loved it so much. And if that was actually you VK, thanks so much! You can write an incredible book.