S.P. Oldham's Blog, page 28
May 10, 2020
The World in Winter - John Christopher - Review
The World in Winter by John ChristopherMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
This story is split into three distinct parts. The first in London, the second in South Africa and the third back in a very different London.
It follows the fortunes of Andrew Leedon, a television journalist who moves in the more privileged circles of London social life. It's all brandy, cocktails and dinner parties at first,despite the impinging cold weather which is beginning to take a hold on the Western world. Eventually, things get so bad that Andrew is faced with a choice - stay in London, which is falling victim to violent gangs and a newly burgeoning ice age, or, since he has some money, property and contacts, go to South Africa. He chooses the latter.
Once in Africa he and his then girlfriend Maddie (I won't bore you with the tedious in's and out's of the two main relationships in the story. I am not really sure why we needed to know about them, other than perhaps Maddie, who comes in at the very end to provide a near-twist to the story.) I found all four of the characters in this love square (appropriate term in more ways than one) rather bland and far too accepting of the state of, literal, affairs. No anger to speak of. No fire in the belly. Just fatalism and dreary over-acceptance. Yawn.
Be warned - this book is very much of it's time (beginning of the 1960's.) It is full of sexism and of even more racism. I am not what is commonly termed a 'snowflake' but I had a hard time sticking with it for those reasons, especially as the book goes on. I kept hoping that we would really get into the nitty-gritty of survival and leave all this to fall aside, as I am sure it would in a really desperate survival situation, but sadly, that never happens.
This is a less a story of a dystopian world, more a story of love, romance and rank, institutional racism. I can see that it is a comment on society and how the tables become turned, so to speak. How the 'white man' becomes subject to the black man's whims, becomes slaves and servants to them, are forced to live in hovels and earn a pittance for menial jobs. How white women are prostituted to earn a living wage. I get that it is the flip side of the coin which, sadly and shamefully, history shows us was true for black people for many, many years. I get that, the thing is, I am not sure what the author means to achieve by it. Especially since, in the end, the white man reigns supreme again, in London at least.
There was a point where it looked like (for the purposes of this book) the black man was the one with the power. Even in icy England, where an unlikely expedition on, of all things, Hovercrafts (they were a newish invention in the early '60's and so no doubt the author was utilising a hi-tech invention to make his book even more contemporary) set forth as a scouting party for a much bigger force to follow later. They intend to rule England too, them being the ones who still have a working democracy, money, crops, means of travel etc, all the trappings of modern civilisation. This expedition fails, largely because of Andrew, who changes sides to suit his own needs - which again, is probably realistic.
It felt almost as if the author, John Christopher, couldn't quite allow the black man to win, in the end. I don't know that of course. I may be doing him a disservice, but this is how it came across to me.
The premise to this book was really good, I thought. The weather being the portent of doom, the signaller of the end of the world as we know it. The idea of the museums and art galleries of London being open to the wind and snow, famous works of art covered in ice and left to rot, if it hadn't been sold before things got too bad. Of ravaging gangs roaming the streets, when the snowdrifts and blizzards were not too great to tackle, is a great one. There is mention of people on a channel island eating polar bear meat, of catching seal to survive. A character talks about cutting holes in the ice of the Thames, to catch fish which he could not identify but was tasty. This could all have been developed and embellished to great effect. Instead, it is more a backdrop to the story of love and racism.
When London accepts the worst and begins to withdraw into itself - the rich and powerful taking the best of the resources of course, which is at least probably realistic - the belt is tightened around the 'Pale of London.' Ordinary people beyond this (beyond the pale?) are left to fend for themselves, without the protection of armed forces. There is a brief incident in which Andrew, riding along with an army contingent with a view to getting some of the story on film, witness a young woman being raped by a group of men. They rescue her, taking her back to the gate beyond which the pale lies, only to be refused her entry to the camp. The image of her simply exiting the jeep and walking wordlessly away whilst the men argue her case, her clothes torn, only one boot on, was a compelling one. If only the story had carried on in this vein.
I bought this in the hopes that it would be a Penguin classic (it might be, in which case forgive me.) I was looking forward to a darkly shocking, irrevocably changed world in which people had to become resourceful enough to survive the elements, and brutal enough to survive other threats. There was very little of this. Even when there were gunfights on the Hovercrafts, Andrew misses most of them, coming late to the fight. It all feels very passive.
I suppose what I am trying to say is I wanted exciting and innovative, and I got dull and predictable. Again, I read this book from the perspective of living in 2020. I tried so hard to bear that in mind as I read. Every time I started a new Part of the story, I did so in the hopes we would finally get down to the dystopian. It just never did it, for me.
Disappointing, not dystopian.
View all my reviews
May 7, 2020
Siegfried Sassoon - Suicide in the Trenches
V.E Day - Victory in Europe
I just wanted to take a second to wish everyone a peaceful and safe V.E Day, whether you happen to live in Europe or not. I know this day is a commemoration of the tide turning in the war all those years ago, but it seems fitting, giving current events, to refer to it now. We are once again fighting for our lives - except this time, it is against an invisible enemy, and it is a foe the whole world is facing.
I won't go deeper than that. I am trying to stay safe, be considerate and look out for others. I imagine most of you are, too.
S P Oldham
Not my image. The page it is from is Victory in Europe which sadly seems to have disappeared into the ether, so unable to credit it.
May 3, 2020
Reader's Risky Investment...
Review for Book 1, 'Sleep, Think, Die'
"4.0 out of 5 stars Book One
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
"I bought the trilogy because I hate the thought of starting a series and then being somewhere in my travels that I can't download the 2nd or 3rd book when I want to read it.
Book one was an interesting take on the cause of the Zombies roaming the woods. Good enough to make me go ahead and read book 2. Hoping that it doesn't let me down and become a Harlequin Zombie Romantic piece.
Wait for that review and we shall tell you if I will read Book 3 or if I wasted my money."
Review for Book 2, The Undertaking
rated it 5* (it was amazing)
Mindless Trilogy, Book 2 - The Undertaking
Ok, I have to admit, book 2 out did book 1. Made me want to turn the page. Even made me glad that I had read book 1, for the history that it provides. Interesting idea for a zombie book, one that makes sense
Need an interesting take on the Zombie wave? Check this series out."
Why not give me a try too? Maybe share your thoughts on my work. After all, if you don't try, you'll never know...
Sleep Think Die:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XJYGFC2
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XJYGFC2
The Undertaking:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0776GWBLF
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0776GWBLF
Brutal Truths:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GC7SLDZ
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GC7SLDZ
https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/...
May the Stars Guide You...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0816XJD1...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0816XJD1X?...
https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/...
Silly Sunday Zombie Limericks
Don't forget to check out my weekly Silly Sunday Zombie Limericks - A Bit of Dark Fun A new one posted up today. If you would like to take part, just let me know. All just for fun and it helps keep my little grey cells going! Hope everyone is staying safe and staying at home as much as possible. If you are an essential worker of any description, then know that you are very much appreciated. Stay as safe as you possibly can and let's all hope the end will be in sight soon.
April 16, 2020
Reviewer - Please Review
Reviewer
It was hard to discern the features upon the face of the hooded figure, hidden as he was by shadow as much as by his cloak. He gave off a strange and contradictory aura; one of defeat coupled with iron determination. It showed in the set of his shoulders, his ready stance. He held a knife to his own throat, his grip steady.
The man seated at the desk tried not to focus on the blade. That wicked edge seemed over bright, given the dimly lit space. It spoke of potential, of a promise that he would not like to see kept.
His hand trembling, the seated man did as he was bid; dipping his quill into a pot of dark ink the cloaked figure had set upon his desk. To his dismay, it showed red against the pale parchment; two tiny, bloody droplets tarnishing its innocence. He hesitated, his hand poised over the blankness.
The figure stepped close, to lean over the desk, a fresh drop of red merging with the others on the page as the knife began its work.
“It matters not,” the hooded man said, “write a line or a library, Reviewer. There is plenty more ink to be had.”
Alarmed, the seated man began to write, the quill scratching hurriedly across the parchment. He allowed his words to calm him, writing with passion and blistering honesty. Finished, he sat back, a self-satisfied grin upon his face. The stranger and the knife almost forgotten, his smile faded when he looked up again and remembered.
“Why do you look so hopeful, Reviewer?” The hooded figure asked, his voice thick with some nameless emotion.
The Reviewer shrugged, “I dare to hope that my words will be read, perhaps even appreciated,” He said. He set the quill down carefully, his hand suddenly greasy with sweat.
The hooded figure regarded him steadily, the blade spinning slowly in his hand as if an aid to contemplation. At last the knife fell still. He reached over and picked up the sheet of paper, covered now in a beautiful script, and sighed.
“As do I Reviewer,” he murmured, blowing gently upon the ink to hasten its drying, “as do I.”
S. P. Oldham
Credit to the artist, my friend and erstwhile colleague Cath James. Thank you Cath.
April 11, 2020
Lockdown - How Are You Doing?
Hi everyone. I just wanted to say that I hope you are all doing okay. These are scary times indeed. I am pretty much staying in completely now, and have been for about the last three weeks or so. I have only walked my dog twice since this all started (we have done loads in the garden and he is getting plenty of exercise and stimulation that way, don't worry. I am very aware and love my dog to bits!) I am asthmatic and have a compromised immune system to boot. Why increase the possibility of infection needlessly? I am fortunate to have a garden to keep me busy, and where I can sit and enjoy the warmer weather, and watch the birds and nature in general. A real tonic to soothe the mind.
My husband on the other hand, is out working 12 hour shifts, six days a week as he runs a shopping centre and market, both of which have to stay open as they sell fresh vegetables and fruit, fresh meat, and there is a post office, Boots and food store on the mall. He has come into contact (2 metres distance!) with some individuals these past three weeks, who could only be described as mindless morons. But maybe that's enough said about that. They are not my stories to tell, but even hearing about certain attitudes and behaviours second-hand makes me irate! I worry about him, of course.
He is no different to so many others at the moment. People who have to go out into this very frightening and potentially very dangerous world, day in, day out, because their job roles are vital to the day to day lives of the millions of people in this country, and the world further afield. Then there are our health professionals and care workers, who must be exhausted to their very bones as well as frightened at what they have to face every day, heartbroken at what they have witnessed. I can't imagine what they are feeling and so I am not going to pretend to know. All I can say is that they have my endless respect, gratitude and thanks for what they do.
There may well be someone reading this who has already lost a friend or loved one to this awful, lethal virus. To you all I can say is that I am sincerely, deeply sorry, and that I wish you love and strength,
I won't stray into politics. I have my opinions and doubtless you have yours, but personally, I don't feel now is the right time for all that. We have to do the best with what we have got. Once this is over, when we all feel safer and hopefully there is a vaccine and a more effective treatment available to all, then will be the time for finger-pointing, apportioning blame (if that helps) and working out what we did right and what we can do better next time, should there ever be a next time, which no one wants. Besides, this is not a political blog and my site is not a political site.
Some people may wonder why read or write horror now, when the world is in itself an ongoing horror story. Whoever would have imagined we could really come this close to an apocalypse? Since I am a horror writer as well as a lover of horror fiction, this is something I have had cause to think deeply about, recently.
For me, the answer to 'Why horror?' is much the same as it ever was. perhaps magnified now. It is to an extent a reflection of real life. Except, when I am writing it, I am in charge of it. How far the horror goes, who it affects, how and when it ends, are all factors under my control. Yours too, as a reader. You can simply close the book and it all goes away.
It is also a means of venting; fear, anger, doubt, as well as celebrating all that is good and noble about the human spirit: hope, courage and determination. Not to say I absolutely wallow in horror fiction to the exclusion of all else. Those of you who follow me and who have read some of my other writing, know that is not the case. But certainly, the horror genre is to me not only compelling and absorbing, but also something of a release both as a writer and a reader.
So if you were wondering why horror now, of all times and of all things - there's your answer. If you want to ask me any more questions, if you want to share your experiences, tell me how you feel, what you are doing, where you are, feel free. Now more than ever we need to talk, to share and to support one another, friends and strangers all. All I ask is that we don't do the politics thing.
Take care of yourselves and of each other. Stay Safe, Stay at Home, Save the (wonderful) NHS. Now is the ideal time to do some reading. Whatever book you pick up, whichever book you download to your reader, whichever author wrote it, I hope you enjoy it. I hope you lose yourself in it, forget the world for a little while.
S P Oldham.
April 2, 2020
New Review - The Undertaking
Well, I don't know who Roy Bost is, but I am deeply grateful that he has not only read and enjoyed my work, but he has enjoyed it too, thus far.
After reviewing Book 1 of The Mindless Trilogy, this reader was not sure which way the story was heading, yet decided to stick with it nonetheless. I was in no doubt that this reviewer would be completely honest about his thoughts and so I awaited his opinion of Book 2 - The Undertaking - with a great deal of nail-biting. Relieved and gratified to find this review for it this morning:
"Roy Bost rated it 5* (it was amazing)
Mindless Trilogy, Book 2
Ok, I have to admit, book 2 out did book 1. Made me want to turn the page. Even made me glad that I had read book 1, for the history that it provides. Interesting idea for a zombie book, one that makes sense
Need an interesting take on the Zombie wave? Check this series out."
Thank you so much to Roy Bost. For other reviews and to find out more, go here:The Undertaking on So Lost in Words
I can't emphasise enough just how important reviews are to a completely unknown indie like me. Please, if you read a book and enjoy it, take two minutes to leave a review. You will be supporting an indie and making a huge difference to their day and to their work. Thank you.
March 31, 2020
The Dragon Has Wings- 5* Review
New review in for The Dragon Has Wings, which is currently on a Kindle Countdown Deal. Get it while you can!
The Dragon Has Wings by S.P. Oldham
Review by Leanne Blakey-Novis
@RedCapePublishing
WOW! If you love adventure and dragons then this is the book for you.
Young Crystin is forced to flee her home after her mother, The Dragon Queen, is overthrown and murdered by her own guards, known as The Six. This evil bunch of nutters will do anything to capture Crystin, knowing she is the next in line to be The Dragon Queen.
Crystin has to go through hell before she can return home to Carreg Tan and take back what is rightfully hers.
This book was a fantastic, action-packed read and had me wanting more. I give this a full 5 stars.
This book was given to me as a review copy.
The Dragon Has Wings on Amazon.com
The Dragon Has Wings on Amazon.co.uk
