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All These Lonely People
Even with a huge problem to worry about, Father McKenzie still manages to see the good in everyone. His job is made more difficult by his nosy housekeeper and the gossips from the shop down the road. Will they succeed in spoiling things, or will Father McKenzie's advice win the day?
This charming tale shows the ups and downs of everyday life in a truly heart-warming way. It will have you laughing out loud and shedding a tear - both at the same time.
- GenresFictionShort Stories
124 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
About the author
Gervase Phinn
103 books163 followersGervase Phinn (born 27 December 1946, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England) is an English author and educator. After a career as a teacher he became a schools inspector.
He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, Honorary Fellow of St. John's College, York, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of the University of Leicester, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of The University of Hull and the Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at The University of Teesside.
In 2005 the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) was conferred upon him by the Chancellor, Professor Lord Robert Winston. In 2006 he became President of The School Library Association.
He has published five volumes of memoir, collections of poetry and a number of books about education. He has a particular interest in children's literature and literacy.
He is married with four grown-up children.
He is now a freelance lecturer, broadcaster and writer, a consultant for the Open University, Honorary Fellow of St. John's College, York, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of the University of Leicester, Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) of The University of Hull and the Fellow and Visiting Professor of Education at The University of Teesside.
In 2005 the highest academic award of Sheffield Hallam University, Doctor of the University (D.Univ.) was conferred upon him by the Chancellor, Professor Lord Robert Winston. In 2006 he became President of The School Library Association.
He has published five volumes of memoir, collections of poetry and a number of books about education. He has a particular interest in children's literature and literacy.
He is married with four grown-up children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 14, 2020
'A person who cannot read is held back in life. Books are the windows on the world.'
Lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
A lovely short read.
'He watched the children in the small playground, running, shouting, laughing, chasing eachother. They were so full of life and energy, and he felt suddenly very lonely.'
You can't help everyone but you can certainly try to help the ones who come into your life. Sometimes people just need to be given the time to be listened to. To be there for someone isn't so hard. I wish more people in the world were like this. What is the point in been negative in life, it only creates a spreading bitterness within yourself. I'd like to think that even just by giving a little smile, a little warmth has been passed on to someone, a little difference made in what can sometimes be a lonely life.
This short tale felt like a nice little break from life. A standing back and watching how the world passes by and the simple but important acts that can make all the difference.
'Sometimes he saw her cry, and learnt that things in the world did hurt but that it was all right to cry.'
Lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
A lovely short read.
'He watched the children in the small playground, running, shouting, laughing, chasing eachother. They were so full of life and energy, and he felt suddenly very lonely.'
You can't help everyone but you can certainly try to help the ones who come into your life. Sometimes people just need to be given the time to be listened to. To be there for someone isn't so hard. I wish more people in the world were like this. What is the point in been negative in life, it only creates a spreading bitterness within yourself. I'd like to think that even just by giving a little smile, a little warmth has been passed on to someone, a little difference made in what can sometimes be a lonely life.
This short tale felt like a nice little break from life. A standing back and watching how the world passes by and the simple but important acts that can make all the difference.
'Sometimes he saw her cry, and learnt that things in the world did hurt but that it was all right to cry.'
May 8, 2022
This Quick Read brought a tear to my eye. What a lovely story. A gentle and calming read. ❤️
September 19, 2017
I will never listen to the Beatles song Eleanor Rigby again without thinking about this book. Phinn paints a poignant picture of what the people's lives may have been like in the song. Father McKenzie is a sad lonely character, misunderstood, wrongly judged and yet he exudes the very essence of Christian love in his words, deeds and kind listening ear. A short read (only took me one session) but well worth the time. A must for anyone who wants to know what it means to silently go about doing good to others and yet sadly being branded as something different.
September 6, 2020
Even with a huge problem to worry about, Father McKenzie still manages to see the good in everyone. His job is made more difficult by his nosy housekeeper and the gossips from the shop down the road. Will they succeed in spoiling things, or will Father McKenzie's advice win the day?
This charming tale shows the ups and downs of everyday life in a truly heart-warming way. It will have you laughing out loud and shedding a tear - both at the same time.
This charming tale shows the ups and downs of everyday life in a truly heart-warming way. It will have you laughing out loud and shedding a tear - both at the same time.
July 5, 2015
I thought this was a beautiful book and the tender ending brought a tear to my eye. I'm not sure how long it took others to make the pop-cultural connection, but I think it is a fabulous way to continue experiencing the often vast but under-explored worlds brought to life by lyricists. Father McKenzie is a wonderful character who manages to show that even when someone has done something awful and in spite that, sometimes, it is better to let it be (see what I did there!) and wait for fate, or divine intervention in this case, to help them realise the consequences of their actions. The world would not be so lonely if there were more Father McKenzie's in it: if you take anything away from this book it should be some of his patience.
February 20, 2022
Heart warming story of why it is important to be a good listener. Father Mckenzie touches the lives of many lonely people just by being there and listening to them.
I have read most of the Dales series and the Little Village School series based on the life of a school inspector and liked them all.
I have read most of the Dales series and the Little Village School series based on the life of a school inspector and liked them all.
November 24, 2012
The story of a priest at the end of his life and the difference he made just listening to people and not judging compared to the old busy bodies of those around him.. thought provoking and a delightful read
May 11, 2022
I liked the premise of using the Father McKenzie character from The Beatles' song 'Eleanor Rigby' as the protagonist for this short story, and thought this was a great success. Very enjoyable - couldn't stop reading it.
August 25, 2016
As usual Gervase Phinn has given us a great book, small, easy to read and filled with the real deal of every day life. He has a wonderful way of writing which I love, and his characters are always easy to recognise, easy to love, easy to cry for and easy to laugh with. Gervase Phinn is one of my all time favourite authors, he never fails to move me in some way with his simple, clear, honest observations of life.
July 31, 2013
This is a sweet little book, poignant and moving. Inspired by the Beatles song Eleanor Rigby we are given a further glimpse into the realms of loneliness and how it exists on our doorsteps. Father McKenzie the main protagonist shows us how profoundly lives can be touched by a simple listening ear.
August 10, 2014
Absolutely brilliant book. A Tale of a priest putting everyone else first, although this may seem a daft statement to make about a priest, but you will understand once read. This book reduced me to being an emotional wreck. An excellent quick read; was ideal for a rainy day as it warms the heart.
August 6, 2015
A truly delightful short read. Its quirky and fun with believable characters and some brilliant writing. Even better it really makes you consider the people you pass on the street and the lives they may have.
August 2, 2011
This book is part of the "Quick Reads" series, released to coincide with World Book Day on March 5th.
I’m not a Beatles fan at all (I know, I know…) but I happen to love their song ‘Eleanor Rigby’, on which this book is based.
Father McKenzie is not a well man, but he carries on valiantly doing his best. Although the church is not very well attended, he does have some ‘regulars’, including the rather strange Miss Rigby and a little boy, Matthew, who is both troubled and a bit of a tearaway, who finds comfort in the church. There is also a young man who turns to him for advice when he discovers that he was adopted - a fact his parents kept from him - and which he finds very hard to come to terms with.
Father McKenzie helps these people as best he can with his advice - but how long can things carry on as they are…?
I’m not a Beatles fan at all (I know, I know…) but I happen to love their song ‘Eleanor Rigby’, on which this book is based.
Father McKenzie is not a well man, but he carries on valiantly doing his best. Although the church is not very well attended, he does have some ‘regulars’, including the rather strange Miss Rigby and a little boy, Matthew, who is both troubled and a bit of a tearaway, who finds comfort in the church. There is also a young man who turns to him for advice when he discovers that he was adopted - a fact his parents kept from him - and which he finds very hard to come to terms with.
Father McKenzie helps these people as best he can with his advice - but how long can things carry on as they are…?
January 7, 2016
A direct and simple narrative such as this one can do the trick. It can move everyone's heart and bring tears in your eyes the same way it did to me. It's charming and powerful. Made me realize how lonely people are so beautiful inside. Though at first you'll expect it to be shallow and a predictable story about a priest, well let me spoil you, it wasn't at all. You'll feel the real feelings put into words. Such a great quick read that could easily melt someone's heart.
June 18, 2018
well that was very thought provoking.
I have read Gervase Phinn before and been smiling merrily away to myself.
This one was sad. Sad in that a person has to be so careful no matter how innocent. Sad in that we really don't listen to the people around us. Everyone is in such a rush that we don't stop to appreciate the things we have.
This book stayed with me so much that i went and spoke to my neighbours and was pleasantly surprised ;0)
I have read Gervase Phinn before and been smiling merrily away to myself.
This one was sad. Sad in that a person has to be so careful no matter how innocent. Sad in that we really don't listen to the people around us. Everyone is in such a rush that we don't stop to appreciate the things we have.
This book stayed with me so much that i went and spoke to my neighbours and was pleasantly surprised ;0)
June 16, 2012
For a quick read this was very good. Very funny and brought a tear to my eye too
July 13, 2012
A fantastic quick read about community, love and loss. Keep the kleenex handy. Recommended. :-)
March 20, 2017
This was a very short book.
June 22, 2018
A touching story about people and how one person can make a difference.
February 26, 2024
This book is based around The Beatles' song Eleanor Rigby. Yes, the priest is called Father McKenzie who writes sermons he feels no one will hear, although we don't find him darning his socks.Yes, there's a Miss Rigby (Eleanor) who collects rice from the church porch after a wedding, who dies and the only person to attend her funeral is the priest. There is also a mention that she keeps her face in a jar by the door.
I thought the whole thing felt contrived and didn't like the portrayal of the female characters. They were all nasty with little patience or tolerance of others and their opinions.
There were some nice parts to the book but I didn't particularly enjoy it.
I thought the whole thing felt contrived and didn't like the portrayal of the female characters. They were all nasty with little patience or tolerance of others and their opinions.
There were some nice parts to the book but I didn't particularly enjoy it.
July 6, 2024
Beautiful little book fleshing out characters from The Beatles song Eleanor Rigby. Will definitely go to the library to look for more from this author
November 19, 2023
what a lovely surprise this book turned out to be!
December 2, 2019
Clever re-imagining of the classic Beatles song Elenor Rigby. This fleshes out the people and makes them real. Real emotional rollercoaster with both funny and emotional parts.
December 1, 2020
this was a short but beautifully written book about a priest and how he helps others and how gossips can cause rumours
October 30, 2019
A beautiful, short story, ideal for someone who needs encouraging to read. It’s the imagined back story to the Beatles song Eleanor Rigby. I will read more of Phinn’s work.
August 3, 2011
I wish I'd seen the afterword before I'd started reading as the first mention of Miss Eleanor Rigby and the obvious link to The Beatles' song wouldn't have been so jarring. I like the way Phinn has used the song as his inspiration though I found the language rather antiquated and a bit overly-formal and twee. However, it helped 3 days at a hospital bedside go a bit more quickly.
February 11, 2016
This is probably one of the best books I have ever read, I didn't want to finish it! I would recommend it to any young adult or adult. It is very well written with a twist. I love how the writer is able to tell a story of very sad events tenderly that it still leaves you feeling uplifted. Love this book.
November 20, 2016
I came across this book in a forgotten corner of my local library and I'm so glad I picked it up! It's a heart-warming tale and I read it in under an hour! It's so sweet and I loved the innocence of the characters. Father Mackenzie is such a delightful character and reminded me of a friend of mine. It's perfect if you want a quick read that's not too heavy!
September 10, 2018
A really lovely little book that is both heart warming and heart breaking.
A short read there are some big questions and some thoughtful answers in this very human tale.
I am not a big fan of the ending but the authors afterword is of interest.
This one is certainly worth your time and being a book yo encourage reading and literacy I enjoyed how this is slipped into the story.
A short read there are some big questions and some thoughtful answers in this very human tale.
I am not a big fan of the ending but the authors afterword is of interest.
This one is certainly worth your time and being a book yo encourage reading and literacy I enjoyed how this is slipped into the story.
March 11, 2015
absolutely lovely. so very humbling and just so sweet. moments of annoyance at how the priest was treated in this story at times and how awful our workd is, very sad but just so so humbling beautiful quick read. have lent to my work collegue as i highly recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews