P.J. Skinner's Blog, page 11

Monsignor Quixote

Monsignor Quixote by Graham Greene

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A moving story of an odd couple, Monsignor Quixote and his friend Sancho, a deposed communist mayor, who find friendship as they drive around in Rocinante, an ancient car and tilt at windmills (the Guardi Civil). Profound themes are discussed with humour and innocence in a river of good manchegan wine as their friendship develops before tragedy strikes.



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Greene Ardor

The End of the Affair by Graham Greene

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Quietly heartbreaking. Understated emotions as the two male protagonists of this tale are unavoidably brought together in this tale of love and loss. Tiny details to make your heart ache and fierce emotions hidden under phlegmatic surfaces. Greene at his best.



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The Quiet American

The Quiet American by Graham Greene

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Pyle, a well meaning young American, gets involved with forces he does not understand in Saigon. Taken under the wing of Thomas Fowler, a seasoned foreign correspondent, he betrays that trust by stealing Fowler's mistress Phuong. The older man finds himself struggling with a conflict of interest which becomes deadly for one of them. Suppressed emotions, old fashioned control, broken pride and jealous hearts. Epic Greene which will both horrify and thrill you.



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The End of the Affair

The End of the Affair by Graham Greene

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Quietly heartbreaking. Understated emotions as the two male protagonists of this tale are unavoidably brought together in this tale of love and loss. Tiny details to make your heart ache and fierce emotions hidden under phlegmatic surfaces. Greene at his best.



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Hitler's Finger Review

Hitler's Finger by P.J. Skinner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The second book in the Sam Harris Series sees the return of our heroine Sam Harris to Sierramar to help her friend Gloria track down her boyfriend, the historian, Alfredo Vargas. The background to the book is the presence of Nazi war criminals in South America which was often ignored by locals who had fascist sympathies during World War II. Based on the real-life adventures of the author, the settings and characters are given an authenticity that will connect with readers who enjoy adventure fiction and mysteries set in remote settings with realistic scenarios. Themes such as tacit acceptance of fascism, and local collaboration with fugitives from justice are examined and developed in the context of Sam's constant ability to find herself in the middle of an adventure or mystery. Sam's home life provides a contrast to her adventures and feeds her need to escape. Her continuing attachment to an unsuitable boyfriend is about to be tested to the limit. I really enjoyed writing this book for you. Let me know if you have any questions.



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Ulyless

Ulysses by James Joyce

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I almost finished it but only because I went to a deserted beach for a week by myself with no other books - hardcore. I recently discovered that Joyce's secretary was as blind as a bat and that there are thousands of typos, including the man who is wearing a cat (it is actually hat) caused by this woman's affliction. So when they bring out the new version without typos, I may try again. As to what I read, I found it infuriatingly impenetrable and ludicrous gobbledegook with the odd flash of inspiration or comprehensible scene. Mostly I just wanted to burn it on the beach and cook some shrimp over it. That was what he intended, so I give him two stars for effort.



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Fool's Gold anyone?

Fool's Gold by P.J. Skinner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is the first in a series of seven books following the career of geologist Sam Harris as she gets to grips with working in remote sites and different cultures. The stories are based on real life episodes and imagined scenarios resulting from them. There is minimal explicit sex and violence but plenty of opportunity for the reader's imagination to create their own vision of pleasure and pain. For those of a sensitive nature, you will find minimal swearing in character and situation. Also please bear in mind that they are written in British English not USA English - spellings are quite different but not wrong. I have used invented country names in order to combine information from similar places. I have written from the heart and hope that you will follow Sam with me as she finds new places to get into trouble. Enjoy and please ask me any questions you may have. I love feedback. Let's go on this journey together.
(Had to give it five stars :-)



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The Goldfinch

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Couldn't face reading the rest of this. After a few chapters I lost the will to live. Then I noticed that its getting on for 800 pages. I dont have time for books that meander around and bore the pants off me. When I realise that it might well disappear up its own orifice I deleted it from my Kindle and felt relieved



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Hope

Brazzaville Beach by William Boyd

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


One of my favourite books of all time, and I dont have favourites. These early Africa-centric novels by Boyd far outstrip his later stuff for me. Hope Clearwater is his most three dimensional female lead, fearless, blunt, curious and stubborn. She deals with everything life throws her and in a way that is real. She doesn't do anything superhuman except survive but the tension is such that even on rereading this several times, I have read through the night. A wonderful book. Its a pity the new cover showing a woman in a red dress is so far removed from the ethos of the story and the woman herself. Shame on you Penguin.



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Harry's Game

Harry's Game by Gerald Seymour

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Fantastic. Read it for research on a book I am planning to write. Gut wrenching tension mixed with seemingly banal detail and the casual attitude of authority to the man on the ground. I could hardly read it, but only because I could feel the horror of what was likely to be the denoument. A toure de force. Magnificent!



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