Cameron Taylor is 41, and is an internationally published lyricist. This is his first novel
The Native American flute calls true emotions from the
heart. "During my travels," Cameron explains, "I'd play flute on the
streets and at tourist sites to earn money for bus fares and food. Around
the world, the flute opened doors to experiences and friends, and filled
my belly on many occasions when otherwise I would have gone hungry.
These experiences inspired me to seek out the flute's origins, to go to the
places where its roots are to be found." In Arizona, Cameron visited
the old native places and great natural wonders scattered across the desert
between the Navajo Reservation and
the Canyon de Chelly. "What affected me most, was the extraordinary
personal dignity, and humour, of these people. People around the world
cherish the legend of
Robin Hood for the same reason we love the flute: it touches our hearts with
the passion, joy and pain of being an authentic human being in adversity. In
this novel, I explore something that has never been revealed, the source of
Robin Hood's moral strength: his life-affirming, witty, brave and wise
friend, the merry minister, Friar Tuck." Friar Tuck is packed with
historical fact, thrilling adventure and uplifting wisdom, and re-tells the
classic tales set in Sherwood Forest. "I wrote Friar Tuck to
communicate those qualities we find shine
brightest in humanity when the chips are down." Cameron smiles.
"Readers tell me they love the visual power of the book, vivid characters
and emotional engagement, but most of all that they they feel good when
reading the book. To me, what they are describing is the same wonderful
feeling we get hearing the flute sing through the canyons at dawn: the
celebration of all that's best in the human heart."
Hear Cameron playing the Native American Flute
“This glorious yarn shows just how much more can be
woven around the Sherwood Forest legend. Engaging and
appealingly visual, with a sprinkling of historical fact, this tale
pitches Robin, Will Scarlett, Alan-a-Dale and a feisty Marion
against the uncaring rule of King John and his cruel Sherriff of
Nottingham. Redistribution of wealth and general mayhem
ensue in scenes strong on action and humour, all under the
watchful eye and spiritual guidance of Friar Tuck.” Amazon.co.uk