Reviews

  I had not heard of Miller Caldwell before I read his book Untied Laces, but I enjoyed it thoroughly and he has definately led an interesting and varied life by any standards. This insightful book takes the reader across many continents as Caldwell embarks on a career of humanitarian service, which includes a brief chance meeting with Usama Bin Laden in Pakistan. The cover notes indeed reflect well the contents of the book, and draw in the potential reader to what is a surprisingly good read. The book itself maintains the readers interset with an easy to read style, and larger than normal text. The ususal chapter format is broken up and augmented by diary extracts and photographs, and this is complemented by an extensive index.

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  INTRODUCTION

  "It was a pity that the deceased never wrote his memoirs".  Have you not heard these sentiments at the graveside?

           Well, they can't say that at mine! On top of the Ghanaian national flag draping my coffin, there should be room for my books, possibly my clarinet - the saxophone will be playing - and most certainly my ventriloquist chimpanzee, Charlie. Two international caps will drape their tassels over the flag.  There will be some Muslims in the gathering recalling my confrontation with Usama bin Laden in Pakistan; some Jews recalling their erstwhile Jewish brother in America; some Humanist children's panel members who knew me as their Reporter in southern Scotland; perhaps a few ex-prisoners who knew me in prison; some Lancastrian Anglican relatives and a host of friends who have lost their faith but ponder my fate at this moment in time. Three knives, unsheathed, will shine in the shaft of light descending on this laden coffin. And if I am lucky a bouquet of tropical flowers might just arrive in time, from a former African Head of State.

           A son of the manse, missionary, educational social worker, Regional Reporter to the Children's Hearings, sportsman, musician, ventriloquist, author, poet, film script writer  and writer in residence in Dumfries Prison,  International Research Panellist,  and Camp Manger in Pakistan.  Above all else, father to Fiona and Laura and husband of Jocelyn.

            Chaucer told the original Miller's Tale, a bawdy tale if ever there was.  Could my tale mirror his?  I write it for the next generation to understand the massive changes which have taken place in my lifetime; mostly for the better. But life is more than a collection of facts.

             It's the humour and confusion, the doubts and the convictions which lead us to explore our circumstances. We have a freedom to explore, to assess possibilities and to respond appropriately. Sometimes when acting spontaneously, I find my laces become untied. The consequences become unpredictable.

The story begins.

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