By Trish Harris. Published by Escalator Press. Reviewed by Pamela Cook

I recently read Trish Harris's memoir The Walking Stick Tree and was therefore interested to read Lilly Warrenson's review. I have experience of disability but do not have the experience of the pain of rheumatoid arthritis which both the author and the reviewer share. 

For me the book works at many levels - an interesting account of her childhood with its pain, struggles and humour, the uncertainty of adolescence with its triumphs and disappointments, and the four essays which lead the reader to think further and more deeply. Your reviewer seems to have wanted a handbook for living with rheumatoid arthritis rather than simply reading of the author's experiences.

A memoir is not an autobiography - maybe Trish Harris can give us the next installment in twenty year's time!

Unlike the reviewer, I found I was drawn into her world. I wanted to know how she managed at school, how the next job application or interview went. To me the style is matter of fact - but is also deliberately tentative and often questioning because that is what life is like. She is careful not to impose her views but leads us to consider and reflect.

I cannot understand your reviewer's statement that Trish does not "reflect on her experience of spirituality". Surely this is what the fourth essay is all about and leaves the reader with so much to ponder in relation to one's own spiritual journey.

I feel sad that Lilly was unable to respond more positively to The Walking Stick Tree but I hope your readers feel encouraged to give it a go and will like me (and others I have spoken to) be unable to put it down.