There seems a fashion now to look to Scandinavia for interesting new writing and...moreAn Excellent Read!
Red Cap Project Rating 30/35
There seems a fashion now to look to Scandinavia for interesting new writing and TV and Film. The popularity of Henning Mankell’s Swedish detective Kurt Wallander has made him a best-seller around the World with both books and TV series. Wallander even survives it seems a change of actor. There has been three to my knowledge, all who brought their own special talents to the role.
I enjoy Mankell’s writing (whether Wallander related or not) and when people recommended another Swedish writer, also a mass seller, Steig Larsson I took him up with alacrity – only to be very disappointed.
It seems you either love or hate Larsson – I read all three books, searching for some reason why I should care for a moment what happened to the Sociopathic ‘heroine’. Frankly, the endless rounds of discussion about which particular model Apple Mac each character had, what particular make off IKEA furniture the girl with the tattoo cared to deck out her home with and the endless eating of pizza and drinking of coffee had me praying for the bad guys to finally catch up with the bloody woman and put her (and me) out of my misery!
But then came a move to Denmark and a remarkable TV series called ‘The Killing’ which restored my faith in the Scandinavians.
Now comes Jo Nobo, a Norwegian who writes thrillers based around his particular detective who revels in the name of Harry Hole.
In The Redbreast, Nobo weaves a quite complex narrative that tends to leap around from the 1940s and the 2000s as seeds of the plot are planted on the Eastern Front where a group of Norwegian soldiers are fighting for Hitler’s Germany against Stalin’s troops.
Hole is an interesting character, a somewhat inconsistently recovering alcoholic who has created a reputation for himself by some incident in Australia resulting in a death, we never really find out what that is about; presumably it is in another book in the series.
As with Larsson and Wallander, the Scandinavian obsession with extreme right-wing politics is a crucial element and this book has the usual assortment of fascists, skinheads and right-wing thugs as Hole investigates an apparent plot to assassinate somebody during a high level political visit to Norway, which includes the Israeli Prime Minister, the Palestinian leader and the US President.
The characters are well drawn and, unlike Larsson’s Sallander, you do care what happens to them.
An excellent book with an ending that reminded me a little of the conclusion of ‘Day of the Jackal’ and that is high praise indeed.
I will certainly be reading more of Jo Nobo.
(less)
‘Top of the Sixties’ is an interestingly constructed book and an easy read, although I ...moreAn interesting read...
RED CAP RATING 26/35
‘Top of the Sixties’ is an interestingly constructed book and an easy read, although I suspect this may be mainly true for readers of ‘a certain age’ – specifically, those old enough to have spent much of their formative years being brought up, I suspect like the author, in working to lower middle class Britain in the 1960s.
By definition therefore, the book may struggle a little where ‘working’ and ‘middle’ class are unknown concepts. Fortunately, as a man in his early sixties from such stock, I had no such difficulty.
The book consists of 14 very short narratives, mostly unconnected so far as characters are concerned. Some work better than others.
These are very ordinary people, often not fully formed as characters as, given the brevity of the reader’s involvement with them, we often only share in one simple personal experience, a young boy with his first employer, a brief unrequited obsession with a distant girl, questions of after-life raised by a shocking brief work experience in a slaughter house etc.
Mostly, we see these experiences through the eyes of young boys on the edge of manhood, although some of the young men seem to have a degree of sexual naivety that I don’t remember from my own childhood as Ayres uses techniques similar to those in the wonderful novel ‘Angela’s Ashes’, as we, as adults, understand what is happening (an illicit affair, adult male humour directed at the young boy about the concept of buying ‘something for the weekend’ in the local barber shop.) which are clearly not understood by the child/narrator.
This is not quite a collection of ‘rights of passage’ stories as mostly they are not long enough, dealing as they do usually, with one, perhaps important, but not necessarily life-changing incident.
Neither is it simply a collection of recollections of incidents that return us to an earlier era.
Those that work in this context are good, I did chuckle remembering the whole-life experience of getting a ‘Short back and sides’ in a local men-only barber’s shop, I could almost smell the Brylcreem!
Others, unfortunately were just dull.
On balance though, I enjoyed ‘Top of the Sixties’ and would recommend it to, particularly men, of the previously hinted at, ‘certain age’.
I am a huge fan of Robert Harris having read several of his books with 'Fatherland' being a particular favourite. This is a well written tale and as i...moreI am a huge fan of Robert Harris having read several of his books with 'Fatherland' being a particular favourite. This is a well written tale and as is usual with his books deals with real-life scenarios where the reader already has some knowledge of the subject (Enigma & Pompeii for example)- but this is different. Perhaps the others are far enough in the past from my personal experience being set, as they are, in WWII or during the destruction of that well known and often visited Italian city. But read Ghost and it is absolutely unavoidable to conclude that this is about a character who is quite clearly based on Tony Blair and as a consequence it is Tony Blair you see in your mind's eye with every line, incident and comment. Unfortunately, you also cannot dismiss from your mind the vision of Cherie Blair. Neither of these characters are people I want to spend my time thinking about, although my attention was held when it appears that evidence has been found of the fictional ex-PM from the book being directly involved in ordering the capture and rendition from Pakistan of suspects for torture. His ex- Foreign Secretary (presumably Robin Cook?) is seeking his trial in the International Criminal Court for War Crimes. Probably the possibility of this character ever having to face a criminal court, pleasant though that thought might be, is a suspension of belief too far even for Mr Harris. However, the actual denouement, which I wont reveal to avoid spoiling the story, is unsatisfactory and missed I believe the opportunity to explore what actually would happen had this character been put before a court to account for what is clearly, in my view, highly questionable behaviour that still has not been satisfactorily investigated. Perhaps my personal views are just to fixed to accept what seems to me to be a bit of a cop-out in terms of a conclusion. Please note however, that I have still given the book 4 stars and would still recommend it. (less)
There is a small district of New York called Hoboken which is only famous for being the birth place of probably the most famous singer from the era of...moreThere is a small district of New York called Hoboken which is only famous for being the birth place of probably the most famous singer from the era of the great American Songbook - Frank Sinatra. A poor area it was a major centre for the Italian immigrant who were really at the bottom of the social ladder, perhaps just one step up from black people in the 'pecking order'. Sinatra was renowned for his alleged involvement with 'The Wiseguys' The Italian Mafia. But- born in exactly the same street, a few doors away from Sinatra, in 1925, 10 years after Sinatra was born was another singer, Jimmy Roselli. The two knew each other and it is said that as soon as Sinatra heard Roselli sing, he was jealous of Roselli's 2 octave range and had nothing to do with him thereafter. Roselli, unlike Sinatra, never covered up the fact that he was born amongst and grew up with 'The Wiseguys' and such was his singing talent that, amongst the Italian community particularly, he was the one - sometimes, at venues where Sinatra was commanding $50,000 appearance fees, Roselli earned double that and he made dozens of best selling albums - so why is it virtually nobody has heard of him? The answer lies partly in his own self-destructive character, partly his life long emnity with Sinatra, but mostly by falling foul of the wise guys who hated him and loved him in equal measure. It is probable that the older Italians, the wives and mothers of the 'Wiseguys' prevented him from being murdered many times, but they could damage him - his records were removed from shops and juke boxes and his incredible impact on the music industry has almost been deleted - yet he was considered in a lot of circles the greatest of all the Italian Balladeers including Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Vic Damone. This is perfect material for a film by Martin Scorsese in the mould of 'Raging Bull' or 'Mean Streets'. Jimmy Roselli died in June 2011 - now would be a perfect time for a film of this man's life - the 'Man who made the Wise Guys Weep'. Brilliant! (less)
I guess it depends how much of a fan you are as to whether you will find this interesting or not. I am a huge fan and have been since the very early 6...moreI guess it depends how much of a fan you are as to whether you will find this interesting or not. I am a huge fan and have been since the very early 60's. This is the first book that I have read that has included anything that might be construed as negativity - it includes some background of a near fatal flirtation with drugs and alcohol and some information on his domestic issues, particularly with the second of his wives. However, this doesn't detract at all from the history of an incredible artist who is still working at the age of 85 to sell out audiences of all ages - and not relying on reputation but is genuinely still a phenomenal performer. This book will show you why. His dedication to musicians and his craft has led to an incredible legacy of great music. How his experiences in the Army in World War II turned him into a life-long pacifist and a truly brave man who marched with Martin Luther King and supported equality for many years before it became 'fashionable'. A rich man now who doesn't own a house, a car or a boat and really has little interest in 'things'. His brilliance as a painter as well as a singer, his pictures can sell for upwards of $80,000 and his latest venture raising the money and backing a school of arts in his old home town of Astoria in New York - and as typical of the man, named it after his best friend, Frank Sinatra rather than himself! A great read - if you like that kind of thing!(less)
Brilliant! This is the absolute best type of historical fiction (sometimes called 'faction') and really is an answer to critics who complain about the...moreBrilliant! This is the absolute best type of historical fiction (sometimes called 'faction') and really is an answer to critics who complain about the blurring, as they see it, between fact and fiction. In the first instance, history is often simply opinion (and is usually written by the winners so cannot necessarily be relied upon). The greatest advantage though is that by creating characters (sometimes a mix of fact & fiction) the reader can identify with the impact of history on these characters rather than the cold 'facts' or dates attested to by historians, thereby bringing the times to life. But GMF was a historian and knows as much about the times of the 'Border Reiver' as anyone (see 'The Steel Bonnets'), but mix this with his skills as a writer (The Great 'Flashman' diaries are an example as well as screenwriting credits for 'Octupussy the James Bond movie)the 'Borders' are brought to life.
This is not a complex story, based on what it seems was a true but under-documented minor episode in the history of the time, it breathes life into the every day struggles of people trying to 'get by' in a lawless and harsh environment, with nothing but themselves and their 'clan' or 'surname' to rely upon. There was no law to turn to with any surety of outcome, and what there was was as likely to side with the offender as the aggrieved dependant upon pragmatism, their own allegiances or straighforward corruption.
His use of the arcane language, whilst making it tougher to read, it does sit the reader plumb in the middle of the times and thereby brings the whole period to life and explains how, when law is absent or corrupt, then people will, understandably take the law into their own hands.
The story of the 'Border Reiver' is as relevant today as it has ever been, as our current day politicians distance themselves further from a growing underclass - who will ultimately fight to protect their own.
A great read for anyone who is interested in this turbulent period of history. (less)
A good read if just a little bit formulaic, although that might be a little harsh. A cross between 'Silent Witness' and 'Rebus' as a team of Glasgow b...moreA good read if just a little bit formulaic, although that might be a little harsh. A cross between 'Silent Witness' and 'Rebus' as a team of Glasgow based Forensic scientists investigate the murder and sexual mutilation of a woman and her mother witnessed by the woman's young son who goes missing from the scene. The forensic team (female) are the real drivers behind the investigation as the police tend to play second fiddle. As with 'Silent Witness' the line between police & forensics is breached as it seems that the scientists do most of the criminal investigation as the police kind of plod along behind!
The story ranges from Glasgow to Nigeria and involves ritual child murder obviousy inspired by the witchcraft murder when the headless and limbless corpse of a black child was recovered from the Thames in London, The 'so-called' 'Adam' murder, and the real case is referenced as JuJu, witchcraft and Christian beliefs intermingle.
A good narrative which keeps the reader moving along with it. Worth a read and I will look for more novels by Lin Anderson in the future.
Another remarkable story from Philip Kerr. This time chapters fluctuate between 1932 where our 'hero' Bernie Gunter is a policeman investigating a so-...moreAnother remarkable story from Philip Kerr. This time chapters fluctuate between 1932 where our 'hero' Bernie Gunter is a policeman investigating a so-called 'Lust Murder' of a crippled young girl, the daughter of a prominent Nazis and 1950 - having escaped to Argentina with Adolf Eichmann, where he meets Juan & Eva Peron and investigates the disappearance of another young girl. Is the killer he failed to catch in 1932 still alive and living in Argentina? What are the real motives of the Perons and the assortment of escaping Nazis in South America?
Kerr does not shy away from the horrors of the war and as usual nobody, on any side, including Gunter himself, comes out of it with much honour.
I really can't rate this book highly enough. The author's knowledge of pre-and post war Germany is amazing for someone who does not, as far as I can s...moreI really can't rate this book highly enough. The author's knowledge of pre-and post war Germany is amazing for someone who does not, as far as I can see, have any direct connection with the Country. The way, through his wonderful creation, Bernie Gunther, he investigates the competing pressures on ordinary people, their beliefs and prejudices, is terrific. It is never going to be a comfortable read for anyone who prefers nice clear lines between Good & Evil - I do myself on many ocassions - but nothing is black and white with Bernie Gunther and as a consequence he is far more useful as a narrator of the time. I remember a comment in the film Dirty Harry (not in the same league from a literary perspective but the comment is useful) when someone suggests that the detective is racist, to be told 'Harry isn't racist, he just hates everybody' and in a sense the way Bernie talks about Nazis, Amis, Ivans, Soaps, as well as swipes at the Brits the French and the Palestinians proves what is undoubtedly true - there is an awful lot to condemn and criticise on all sides and frankly politicians from all countries are more similar than might be comfortable for many of us. Right and wrong is not a black and white issue - maybe it should be! 'The One from the Other' is not a cosy read but a great one nevertheless. Buy it and support this terrific writer, I'm now moving on to my 4th book of his!(less)
Another great book from Henning Mankell. It is difficult always to read a book by Mankell, especially when they include a policeman as the central cha...moreAnother great book from Henning Mankell. It is difficult always to read a book by Mankell, especially when they include a policeman as the central character, without slipping into believing the character is Kurt Wallander! But this is a great examination of a subject close to the author's heart - the extreme right-wing in his native Sweden.
A clear indication of the importance of not allowing a dark period in European history to mellow with the passing years.
Dark and melancholy like most of his writing, is this reflective of the Swedish character? a great read and fascinating story.(less)
I am a huge fan of Philip Kerr so was not too surprised to find that I really enjoyed 'Field Grey' although I can see it would not be everybody's cup ...moreI am a huge fan of Philip Kerr so was not too surprised to find that I really enjoyed 'Field Grey' although I can see it would not be everybody's cup of tea! Kerr, as usual has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of pre and post war Germany, the Nazis and the emerging Cold War. You need to be interested in this period and have some knowledge of key characters of the time as detail abounds with a fictional thread running through a dark and terrible period. What fascinates me is understanding how a relatively ordinary German is sucked into a horrifying time in his own native land and makes the reader appreciate how difficult, in fact impossible, it would be to resist a terrifying evil developing in a country you love.
Not an easy read - but great all the same - if you like this kind of historic setting. A real pragmatic and survivalist story - no James Bond characters here! (less)
Excellent book with a really well developed character in the form of the Detective Bernie Gunter. The book starts in a particularly interesting time o...moreExcellent book with a really well developed character in the form of the Detective Bernie Gunter. The book starts in a particularly interesting time on Germany's history leading up to the Berlin Olympics in 1936 with Hitler and Nazism on the rise. Gunter is a pragmatic character with no allegiance to Nazism but with a realistic approach to surving through a form of 'dumb insolence' - much more realistic as he survives by a combination of compromise and his wits. A very unusual structure to the book as a section ends before the war and then leaps 20 years to post-war Cuba. Great research and knowledge of pre-Castro Cuba and excellent twists and turns. Some of Kerr's writing is extremely funny, with a great sense of black humour - for example describing the German City of Bonn, famous only as being the birthplace of Beethoven, as being so boring it was somewhere you could live for years without realising you were deaf!
Immediately bought the sequel! Recommended. (less)
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