P.D.R. Lindsay's Blog, page 10
February 21, 2018
Review: The House of Unexpected Sisters by Alexander McCall Smith
The House of Unexpected Sisters by Alexander McCall SmithMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Once again we have a delightful story about gentle people and the author uses the story to explore forgiveness.
Those readers used to McCall Smith's bent for philosophy, and who enjoy thinking about what he writes, will enjoy this new episode of the Number One Ladies' Detective Agency. Precious Ramotswe adored her father and treasures his memory. In this story she has to re-examine her ideas on the problems of firs...
Review: The Rat Catchers' Olympics by Colin Cotterill
The Rat Catchers' Olympics by Colin CotterillMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am still laughing. The idea of the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos, in 1980, sending a team to the Olympic games in Moscow, which were boycotted by most of the Western world, is hilarious. They didn't have athletes. In fact the Russians come to train them. The trainer's advice to the boxers, 'Take the hit, then lie on the mat until the counting is finished' gives you some idea of the standards.
If you have not met Coli...
February 7, 2018
Review: 'Dogstar Rising' by Parker Bilal
Dogstar Rising by Parker BilalMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is number two in a series I've had problems getting from the library. Finally I have managed to find the later ones in the series. And the novels do improve as the author becomes more confidant in his writing style and more comfortable with his main character. Certainly the series is well worth reading.
'Dogstar Rising' is an unusual mystery novel set in contemporary Egypt. Young boys are turning up dead and mutilated. In the muddle tha...
January 31, 2018
Review: 'The Dry' by Jane Harper
The Dry by Jane HarperMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
'The Dry' is meant to be the first of a series. Author Jane Harper will have a hard time coming up with a plot as good as this one is. I wish it was a stand alone book because what the plot does is sort out the main character's past and set him free. To me that's a complete and finished story. What else can one do with that character now? Still that's the author's problem. And she's a lovely tight writer with a sharp eye for thriller plot details.
'...
January 29, 2018
Review: The Sixteen Trees of the Somme
The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars MyttingMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant! And full marks to the translator who kept the rhythm and lyrical prose in his English translation. This really is a must read for the prose, the story and the ideas.
It's a good job the cover clearly states 'novel' because I could easily believe that this novel was faction, based on a true story. It isn't, but it ought to be! Set in Norway, and the Shetland Isles, with a brief trip to France and the Somme, author...
January 23, 2018
Review: The Blood Card by Elly Griffiths
The Blood Card by Elly GriffithsA pleasant read for all who enjoy a bit of a puzzle, and a murder mystery set in the 1950s in the U.K.
This novel is one of a series and whilst you can read each book on its own it is more fun to follow the main characters from the start, in the first novel, when they all worked together in a special secret WWII unit.
The story revolves round Mephisto's magical work - this time he is actually appearing on the new venue of T.V. - and his sidekick, Stephens, the po...
Review: The Kite Runner by Khaled_Hosseini
The Kite Runner by Khaled HosseiniMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
One can see why this book became a best seller. The setting and the two main characters certainly would pull in most readers who are not aware of Afghanistan's history or culture. After 9/11 it would be a book to read to try and understand why.
It is a very personal story and very human. Who doesn't try to wipe out an error and all reminders of it? It's a novel which makes one well aware of how necessary the truth is to avoid further di...
January 17, 2018
Review of Anne Perry's latest Monk novel: 'An Echo of Murder'
An Echo of Murder (William Monk Mystery, Book 23): A thrilling journey into the dark streets of Victorian London by Anne PerryMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
'An Echo of Murder' is another terrific read from a terrific writer. Good writers like Anne Perry use their skills not just to tell a great story but to make readers think. These writers use their craft to highlight things we should all be thinking about today. She does this without being too obvious or 'in your face' with the ideas, ideals and i...
December 5, 2017
Japanese memories
Summer Festivals. The heat, the crowds, so many people on the yati - floats - the noise and the night time finale of fireworks. I wish we had summer festivals here in New Zealand.
November 10, 2017
Looking back.JAPAN
It seems to me that looking back can be a pain or a joy.
Fortunately I've been enjoying looking at my Japanese photographs, finally found after much crossness and panic - nearly a year of searching, Years of enjoying non-tourist festivals and religious events I recorded carefully and had some good pictures. It was a disaster not to have them.
Here are four from a charming Snake Matsuri a re-enactment of a tale of the snake and the maiden.
Fortunately I've been enjoying looking at my Japanese photographs, finally found after much crossness and panic - nearly a year of searching, Years of enjoying non-tourist festivals and religious events I recorded carefully and had some good pictures. It was a disaster not to have them.
Here are four from a charming Snake Matsuri a re-enactment of a tale of the snake and the maiden.
