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A Cross of Crocuses
A story about ageing parents and the responses they receive from their children as life gets tougher and they ask for help. There are many surprises, and shocks too, as events steer them on an unpredictable course. They learn that their children are not the individuals they had imagined them to be; their perception of each changes and they suffer bitter disappointment. Is there any escape for either of them, and if there is, will their health allow it?
- GenresFiction
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2017
151 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Ken Ross
35 books27 followersBorn: January 1953 Westow, East Yorkshire.
Places of residence Barmby Moor, Pocklington, York & Leeds.:
Married: once
Divorced: once (long ago)
Educated: Harehills County Secondary School
Children: 8
First Publication: 1963
Jobs: many
Books Published: around 57
Most productive year: 2019 - 500,000 words +
Book Series: Ken Ross Romantic/Erotic Suspense Series & Rosa's Confessions Series
Most important thing in life: time
Most pleasant activity: thinking
Favourite drink: tea
Writing advice: never stop, never give up
Greatest success: waking up every morning so far
Fascination: women
Ambition: contentment
Places of residence Barmby Moor, Pocklington, York & Leeds.:
Married: once
Divorced: once (long ago)
Educated: Harehills County Secondary School
Children: 8
First Publication: 1963
Jobs: many
Books Published: around 57
Most productive year: 2019 - 500,000 words +
Book Series: Ken Ross Romantic/Erotic Suspense Series & Rosa's Confessions Series
Most important thing in life: time
Most pleasant activity: thinking
Favourite drink: tea
Writing advice: never stop, never give up
Greatest success: waking up every morning so far
Fascination: women
Ambition: contentment
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 5, 2020
This could have been a very good, conversation provoking novel about how a family in the U.K. deals with the final months of their aging parents. But it really, really needed editing. It went on far too long, off on tangents, repeating things and losing a lot of its punch by the wayside.
What the family went through, due to mistrust among themselves, uncaring healthcare providers, super caring healthcare providers is very topical. It was just too long.
If Mr. Cross were to submit this work to a good editor he would have a winner.
I received this book free from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
What the family went through, due to mistrust among themselves, uncaring healthcare providers, super caring healthcare providers is very topical. It was just too long.
If Mr. Cross were to submit this work to a good editor he would have a winner.
I received this book free from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2020
I thought this was an outstanding story! It was full of drama, you could feel the emotions of it, there were bits of humor to help break up the strong sadness along the way, and it was close to real life for me. I could feel for some of the family members and their frustrations, and i wanted to pop a few of the others for their cold callousness. I really enjoyed this story and felt like i was actually there and to me thats what makes a story believable.
July 12, 2019
I received A Cross of Crocuses through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Did I enjoy A Cross of Crocuses? No. Was it a good book? Absolutely. It's a fascinating story that really makes the reader think and wonder about a topic usually ignored. The mistreatment of our elderly is prevalent in our society, but most often people turn a blind eye to it. Ignoring what families will do once a beloved member becomes too old to handle. It's tragic, and the author does a wonderful job of showing the nitty-gritty of what we all know happens.
While I personally didn't enjoy A Cross of Crocuses I do admit it's a good book and a great read, but the subject matter was just too intense for me and made it difficult to finish.
Did I enjoy A Cross of Crocuses? No. Was it a good book? Absolutely. It's a fascinating story that really makes the reader think and wonder about a topic usually ignored. The mistreatment of our elderly is prevalent in our society, but most often people turn a blind eye to it. Ignoring what families will do once a beloved member becomes too old to handle. It's tragic, and the author does a wonderful job of showing the nitty-gritty of what we all know happens.
While I personally didn't enjoy A Cross of Crocuses I do admit it's a good book and a great read, but the subject matter was just too intense for me and made it difficult to finish.
Read
June 16, 2019Goodreads Giveaway...To be honest, I put this book down 40% in...I just could not read any more. Perhaps the rest of the book would have altered my opinion? Yet with so many books out there..,Although it is a topic that needs to be discussed, I just could not keep reading when each chapter seemed more of the same...elderly people in need of care and family members who could provide such care but whose motivation to do so is not necessarily altruistic and somewhat resentful. The elderly couple are not sympathetic characters, nor are many of their family members.
April 26, 2020
A Cross of Crocuses
I read this book because after reading the synopsis, I realized altho I'm not in England, this story could be mine. My husband went first but I'm still here...I wonder who will step forward in my large family for me. This book leads forward through joy, sadness, bitterness, jealousy & distrust. Always however, with underlying humor & a strong cord of love intertwining the main characters as the fumble through the saddest parts of life & death with dignity & respect.
I read this book because after reading the synopsis, I realized altho I'm not in England, this story could be mine. My husband went first but I'm still here...I wonder who will step forward in my large family for me. This book leads forward through joy, sadness, bitterness, jealousy & distrust. Always however, with underlying humor & a strong cord of love intertwining the main characters as the fumble through the saddest parts of life & death with dignity & respect.
March 11, 2019
‘We’re kidding ourselves if we don’t acknowledge that we need help.’
British author Ken Ross has written article for magazines in addition to children’s books, informative books such as antiques as a monetary source, words of wisdom, memory, humorous books (the DEAR DR CORNFLAKE series), thrillers and novels – WASTED PAIN, ANN: IRRESISTIBLE SPIRIT, and A CROSS OF CROCUSES - the latter inspired by his raising his eight children solo after a divorce. He lives in Leeds.
Before the novel opens Ken Ross leaves a quote that is telling – ‘In our formative years we begin life’s project. In our middle years we design life’s project. At our end, we are the project.’ In this touching novel Ken dissects the effects of aging on families – both from the stance of the elderly players and the younger members of the family (children, relatives, etc). In doing so be brings to light a topic that is too seldom discussed much less the theme of novels. The generational gap seems to be widening with the growing impact of technological substitutions for one-on-one communication and the space between the social media/cellphone/AI addicted younger set and the traditional (read ‘old-timer”) staid older set is becoming divisional.
Ken Ross takes this fact and weaves it into a story of how families fracture when the once providing parents/grandparents slide more toward dependency. Instead of writing a pathetic sparing view Ken allows us to see the game form both sides of the arena. Nora and Basil watch each other veer away from skills and behaviors the betray the concept of staying young, and as their lives become more fragile they seek the once expected assistance from their children. The red flag is the attitude that greets this new need and leads to their facing the negative response of their children who appear in a different and not pleasant light than expected.
The moving away from independence is sensitively related as we meet the parents: ‘She cried, but these tears were not borne from a well of self-pity or from long-standing pains which had crippled her for decades; they weren’t even tears in the shape of raindrops, more like tiny sheets that seeped form the lower eye to lay moisture on the summit of her cheeks and remain there like shiny grey badges of sadness. She cried because circumstances crushed her spirit and tore every last glimmer of optimism form her soul. She cried because a day lay before her and her strength of times past sat broken in her memory and the will to encounter hundreds more midnight could not be sustainable.’
Poetic prose cores out the realties we all face as aging alters roles and creates distance between children and parents. It is a reality and Ken has made a fine novel that embraces that conundrum in hopes that the readers will reevaluate the future. Recommended as a fine novel – and a needed and poignant fresh light.
British author Ken Ross has written article for magazines in addition to children’s books, informative books such as antiques as a monetary source, words of wisdom, memory, humorous books (the DEAR DR CORNFLAKE series), thrillers and novels – WASTED PAIN, ANN: IRRESISTIBLE SPIRIT, and A CROSS OF CROCUSES - the latter inspired by his raising his eight children solo after a divorce. He lives in Leeds.
Before the novel opens Ken Ross leaves a quote that is telling – ‘In our formative years we begin life’s project. In our middle years we design life’s project. At our end, we are the project.’ In this touching novel Ken dissects the effects of aging on families – both from the stance of the elderly players and the younger members of the family (children, relatives, etc). In doing so be brings to light a topic that is too seldom discussed much less the theme of novels. The generational gap seems to be widening with the growing impact of technological substitutions for one-on-one communication and the space between the social media/cellphone/AI addicted younger set and the traditional (read ‘old-timer”) staid older set is becoming divisional.
Ken Ross takes this fact and weaves it into a story of how families fracture when the once providing parents/grandparents slide more toward dependency. Instead of writing a pathetic sparing view Ken allows us to see the game form both sides of the arena. Nora and Basil watch each other veer away from skills and behaviors the betray the concept of staying young, and as their lives become more fragile they seek the once expected assistance from their children. The red flag is the attitude that greets this new need and leads to their facing the negative response of their children who appear in a different and not pleasant light than expected.
The moving away from independence is sensitively related as we meet the parents: ‘She cried, but these tears were not borne from a well of self-pity or from long-standing pains which had crippled her for decades; they weren’t even tears in the shape of raindrops, more like tiny sheets that seeped form the lower eye to lay moisture on the summit of her cheeks and remain there like shiny grey badges of sadness. She cried because circumstances crushed her spirit and tore every last glimmer of optimism form her soul. She cried because a day lay before her and her strength of times past sat broken in her memory and the will to encounter hundreds more midnight could not be sustainable.’
Poetic prose cores out the realties we all face as aging alters roles and creates distance between children and parents. It is a reality and Ken has made a fine novel that embraces that conundrum in hopes that the readers will reevaluate the future. Recommended as a fine novel – and a needed and poignant fresh light.
May 30, 2019
A very moving story
This story is about the parents of five children, three daughters and two sons, in the final two years of their lives. Despite the complete lack of appreciation of one specific son, Michael, he and particularly one of his daughters, Millie, were devoted to caring for the elderly couple on a daily basis. Nothing was too much trouble for them! Regardless of the fact that Michael's parents had refused to acknowledge his marriage or his big family, the love shown to the grandparents by the same grandchildren was unwavering. In contrast, the three daughters, who had always been the favourites, stole vast sums of money from both parents.
This story shows one side of a tragic phenomena in society - that of the neglect of the elderly members of the family, although the situation can be multi-faceted.
I appreciated reading this story. There were a few editing errors, which need to be corrected.
The end of the story seemed a bit weak, as did Michael's common sense, although I liked his unique personality.
After watching one sister stealing huge amounts of money from their parents, Michael actually told that sister their mother had left her black handbag (stuffed with money and jewelry) at their parent's bungalow, when Nora, their mother was dying in hospital. The bag disappeared while the rest of the family was grieving. (One wonders where so much money came from.)
After spending a considerable amount of time mistrusting his sister, she asks her brother, Michael for a hug at the internment and all is forgiven, just like that, with no confession or apologies.
The other brother, Roger and his wife, Sandra, worked so hard with no thanks either, and nothing was left to either of the loyal sons in the wills, apparently, although this was not clarified. Mention was made of a changed will at the end, so perhaps the grandparents realised their mistakes. Somehow I did not see the extended suffering of their dad at the end as a sign of his great courage. His agonising death from cancer was particularly awful. No mention was made of any faith, prayers or strength from the Lord was made, but hymns were sung at the funeral.
The closeness that developed between the two brothers as a result of their unstinting care of both parents was heart-warming. Perhaps the power of forgiveness was vaguely intended by the author with regards to the thieving sister. That could have been taken a bit further in my opinion. Perhaps Ken Ross could have tied up a few loose ends after Basil dies. I would have liked the various characters to move on after putting their own lives on hold for so long. I loved the clean language used as well as the appreciation expressed for the carers in the final place. Not everbody will appreciate this story, but death does come to each of us, so we will be compelled to face it, but do we know our Saviour?
This story is about the parents of five children, three daughters and two sons, in the final two years of their lives. Despite the complete lack of appreciation of one specific son, Michael, he and particularly one of his daughters, Millie, were devoted to caring for the elderly couple on a daily basis. Nothing was too much trouble for them! Regardless of the fact that Michael's parents had refused to acknowledge his marriage or his big family, the love shown to the grandparents by the same grandchildren was unwavering. In contrast, the three daughters, who had always been the favourites, stole vast sums of money from both parents.
This story shows one side of a tragic phenomena in society - that of the neglect of the elderly members of the family, although the situation can be multi-faceted.
I appreciated reading this story. There were a few editing errors, which need to be corrected.
The end of the story seemed a bit weak, as did Michael's common sense, although I liked his unique personality.
After watching one sister stealing huge amounts of money from their parents, Michael actually told that sister their mother had left her black handbag (stuffed with money and jewelry) at their parent's bungalow, when Nora, their mother was dying in hospital. The bag disappeared while the rest of the family was grieving. (One wonders where so much money came from.)
After spending a considerable amount of time mistrusting his sister, she asks her brother, Michael for a hug at the internment and all is forgiven, just like that, with no confession or apologies.
The other brother, Roger and his wife, Sandra, worked so hard with no thanks either, and nothing was left to either of the loyal sons in the wills, apparently, although this was not clarified. Mention was made of a changed will at the end, so perhaps the grandparents realised their mistakes. Somehow I did not see the extended suffering of their dad at the end as a sign of his great courage. His agonising death from cancer was particularly awful. No mention was made of any faith, prayers or strength from the Lord was made, but hymns were sung at the funeral.
The closeness that developed between the two brothers as a result of their unstinting care of both parents was heart-warming. Perhaps the power of forgiveness was vaguely intended by the author with regards to the thieving sister. That could have been taken a bit further in my opinion. Perhaps Ken Ross could have tied up a few loose ends after Basil dies. I would have liked the various characters to move on after putting their own lives on hold for so long. I loved the clean language used as well as the appreciation expressed for the carers in the final place. Not everbody will appreciate this story, but death does come to each of us, so we will be compelled to face it, but do we know our Saviour?
May 22, 2024
“A Cross Of Crocuses” – moving, passionate, sad
This novel chronicles old people’s troubles and brings to mind the saying : “Old age is not for cowards.” The two protagonists struggle to come to terms with their age and their approaching death, helped and not helped by their family. Family greed, theft and neglect make for disheartening reading and the novel is like a biography. The crime of stealing from parents is evidenced. The parents’ themselves have a hoarding obsession with money. The NHS is criticised but private care is eulogised. It seems every journey is very individual and so it has to be accepted that care homes for the elderly, or more precisely, this care home, are OK even if the news is usually that they are depressing places where the aged lose their will to live.
The huge amount of detail relating to family matters makes any reader think the author is absolutely involved in memories both painful and hypnotic.
Aging in the UK? Is it OK? Seems to be though Age Concern tells us old people live alone and isolated. Then again, should old people be helped to live beyond what their bodies probably want? It’s all a bit problematic.
The novel has typos but is carried forward by a passionate involvement. To be part of a big, problematic family just seems to leave you committed or out on a limb.
A chronicle worth reading about two deaths foretold.
This novel chronicles old people’s troubles and brings to mind the saying : “Old age is not for cowards.” The two protagonists struggle to come to terms with their age and their approaching death, helped and not helped by their family. Family greed, theft and neglect make for disheartening reading and the novel is like a biography. The crime of stealing from parents is evidenced. The parents’ themselves have a hoarding obsession with money. The NHS is criticised but private care is eulogised. It seems every journey is very individual and so it has to be accepted that care homes for the elderly, or more precisely, this care home, are OK even if the news is usually that they are depressing places where the aged lose their will to live.
The huge amount of detail relating to family matters makes any reader think the author is absolutely involved in memories both painful and hypnotic.
Aging in the UK? Is it OK? Seems to be though Age Concern tells us old people live alone and isolated. Then again, should old people be helped to live beyond what their bodies probably want? It’s all a bit problematic.
The novel has typos but is carried forward by a passionate involvement. To be part of a big, problematic family just seems to leave you committed or out on a limb.
A chronicle worth reading about two deaths foretold.
February 14, 2019
This story about an elderly couple who seeks help from their children is fiction, but at the same time it isn't. The premise is so real and found so often in the "real world" that people like Basil and Nora are literally all around us, every day. The story presents their struggles in an emotional way, but I didn't find it to be too manipulative with reader's feelings. The characters are not presented like pathetic people, they is a line that the author draws and it is a right one. The writing is on point, it will make you feel all sorts of emotions, from anger to sadness and understanding. All of that, of course, if you have even a little empathy in you. Even the characters of children are not portrayed one-sided, like some sort of bad guys, you can see their side of the situation too. It is a well written story that manages to avoid common pitfalls like being too emotional, cliched and preachy. It is a good effort and worth reading.
March 11, 2019
A Cross of Crocuses by Ken Ross tackles the rather touchy subject of aging parents, and how to handle that phenomenon with grace and dignity. Nora and Basil are an elderly couple who increasingly are unable to truly care for themselves. They have difficulty cleaning up, preparing food, and running errands. Several of their children chip in on the care duties, but not all. Nora and Basil are rather disappointed in the lack of care or concern, but the book shifts it's viewpoint to that of the children, and you get an entirely different story. This is a realistic view of an issue that is all too problematic in society today, but captured in a fictionalized story. The characters are well drawn, while the plot focuses on the emotional strain that taking care of elders can have on children. Overall an interesting, if somewhat sad look at familial relationships and the challenges that can arise.
January 30, 2019
This story was very interesting as it challenges preconceived notions many parents may have about their children and the role the children will play once the parent is no longer able to care adequately for themselves. Taking us into the lives of Nora and Basil, an elderly couple we are shown just how hard the life can be for the elderly. Emotionally and physically it takes a toll and the preconceived notions of who should take care of who as well as the hurt that comes when a child does not pitch in (without expectations) the way the parents had always imagined. This is a good book to read as it can open your eyes to the realities of age. Even if you think you know what’s coming, some of the topics and things that happen still were a bit rough to read about. The writing was very good and prosaic and I think that the author will most likely be seen again with another gem.
February 4, 2019
A Cross of Crocuses is an emotional fiction, but in truth, it could be a story about many families as parents face their last days. Ken Ross writes about a family as the parents face old age. Who will care for them, who can’t wait until they die to get their inheritance, and who really doesn’t care to think about anyone else but themselves? This could be true in many families. What makes this novel so interesting are the family members who were shunned are the ones caring for the elderly.
Ken Ross draws the reader in as Basil and Nora find out what their adult children are like. I found A Cross of Crocuses fascinating as my family has experienced the death of both parents and the true colors of the children, and grandchildren, emerged. I really enjoyed the care Michael and Millie gave expecting nothing in return.
Ken Ross draws the reader in as Basil and Nora find out what their adult children are like. I found A Cross of Crocuses fascinating as my family has experienced the death of both parents and the true colors of the children, and grandchildren, emerged. I really enjoyed the care Michael and Millie gave expecting nothing in return.
January 30, 2019
A reality for all- well written!
I don’t think the title does the justice to the simple but very deep real life message in this book. The book is about aging parents, if we have today, or we will be tomorrow it’s the book for you, for everyone indeed. It’s the bitter reality of life that we all have to age and with age comes weakness, medical issues and being helpless at times- and we look for our kids to help and take care. This is a very difficult phase of life for aging parents and their kids, who willingly or unwillingly does this, some ignore it totally and some do it for money. A nicely written book highlighting the facts of aging and people around you.
I don’t think the title does the justice to the simple but very deep real life message in this book. The book is about aging parents, if we have today, or we will be tomorrow it’s the book for you, for everyone indeed. It’s the bitter reality of life that we all have to age and with age comes weakness, medical issues and being helpless at times- and we look for our kids to help and take care. This is a very difficult phase of life for aging parents and their kids, who willingly or unwillingly does this, some ignore it totally and some do it for money. A nicely written book highlighting the facts of aging and people around you.
March 15, 2019
An emotional venture into aging
This is an emotional story of Basil and Nora as they have aged and are reaching the point where they require help to survive. They will learn a hard lesson as they discover the children they raised and supported are not eager to help and support their parents as the advance in age. The story is told from different views and will tap into your emotions as you take the golden years journey with this aging couple. I recommend this one to everyone. We will all be at this point in our lives at some time.
This is an emotional story of Basil and Nora as they have aged and are reaching the point where they require help to survive. They will learn a hard lesson as they discover the children they raised and supported are not eager to help and support their parents as the advance in age. The story is told from different views and will tap into your emotions as you take the golden years journey with this aging couple. I recommend this one to everyone. We will all be at this point in our lives at some time.
Read
June 17, 2019I received A Cross of Crocuses through Goodreads Giveaway, i tried but I just could not finish this book. Even though the topic interested me I could not keep reading when each chapter was just the same as the last. The elderly couple are not sympathetic characters, nor are many of their family members. Possibly if the book was half as long I could have read to the end.
August 19, 2020
Excellent book about growing old and how you are treated by your children as you edge towards death?
I'm this case their are five adult children.
The boys who weren't always well thought of,were there to the end.
But,where were the sisters and why weren't they?
Great book that will make you.stop
and think alot.
Well written book about adult children and how they treat the elderly.
I'm this case their are five adult children.
The boys who weren't always well thought of,were there to the end.
But,where were the sisters and why weren't they?
Great book that will make you.stop
and think alot.
Well written book about adult children and how they treat the elderly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2021
A cross of crocuses
This book was written in a very sympathetic manner. It showed the great compassion of two of the children and grandchildren. I guess by its very nature this book highlights what happens in cases of elderly care and how some family members take on on all the responsibilities and others merely look on .a great read and i will would highly recommend it.
This book was written in a very sympathetic manner. It showed the great compassion of two of the children and grandchildren. I guess by its very nature this book highlights what happens in cases of elderly care and how some family members take on on all the responsibilities and others merely look on .a great read and i will would highly recommend it.
June 18, 2021
A Cross of Crocuses
This was an eye opening book of family dynamics. One never knows how siblings will react to a situation of parental death. Who will step up and who will step out when life gets hard. How much can you trust your siblings? Whose interests do they have in mind? I'm glad Roger and Michael were able to be there for each other and their parents.
This was an eye opening book of family dynamics. One never knows how siblings will react to a situation of parental death. Who will step up and who will step out when life gets hard. How much can you trust your siblings? Whose interests do they have in mind? I'm glad Roger and Michael were able to be there for each other and their parents.
January 16, 2021
Different
When I first started reading this book I was not sure I would continue. But the more I read, I started to relate to this family. I am glad that I continued it. I am sure many families can relate to this story.
When I first started reading this book I was not sure I would continue. But the more I read, I started to relate to this family. I am glad that I continued it. I am sure many families can relate to this story.
May 15, 2021
A Dark and painful read
While rating this book 3 stars, its just not meant for a wide audience. However it puts forth many thoughts for discussion especially if you are aging and have children. Then this book becomes a must read.
While rating this book 3 stars, its just not meant for a wide audience. However it puts forth many thoughts for discussion especially if you are aging and have children. Then this book becomes a must read.
June 12, 2021
Children and Disappointment
This book delineates the too-oft saga of children and their relationships with their parents. Often the perceived favorites disappoint and the least expected shines forth.
This book delineates the too-oft saga of children and their relationships with their parents. Often the perceived favorites disappoint and the least expected shines forth.
June 27, 2021
A very odd book - quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes. The storyline was good, but had been done so many times before. I did feel that the writer had experienced a lot of the plot and was using the book as a sort of catharsis.
July 29, 2021
This was a good book about the issues faced when dealing with elderly parents. A very topical issue and one that we have dealt with in my own family. It was quite a sad book and full of emotion. It really made me feel for the various family members. Not least the aging and increasingly infirm parents themselves.
*************************
A story about ageing parents and the responses they receive from their children as life gets tougher and they ask for help. There are many surprises, and shocks too, as events steer them on an unpredictable course. They learn that their children are not the individuals they had imagined them to be; their perception of each changes and they suffer bitter disappointment. Is there any escape for either of them, and if there is, will their health allow it?
*************************
A story about ageing parents and the responses they receive from their children as life gets tougher and they ask for help. There are many surprises, and shocks too, as events steer them on an unpredictable course. They learn that their children are not the individuals they had imagined them to be; their perception of each changes and they suffer bitter disappointment. Is there any escape for either of them, and if there is, will their health allow it?
January 1, 2020
Just ok. I thought it was going to be written from the older folks perception not the son.
January 21, 2020
Interesting take on grief. Extremely poor editing! Had to re-read sentences way too often due to poor spelling, grammar, an juxtaposed words.
August 24, 2022
This was a struggle. Seemed to be a commentary on aging and the reaction of family members. I found this book depressing.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews