A marvellous mixture of ambition, love and devotion.
Andrew Manson 's dedication towards his patients and Christine, his lovely wife is inspiring and qA marvellous mixture of ambition, love and devotion.
Andrew Manson 's dedication towards his patients and Christine, his lovely wife is inspiring and quite captivating. Cronin is able to move the reader time after time throughout the story.With the benefit of hindsight of course the contemporary reader is able to capture the spirit of those pre-war times, leading to the current NHS - brilliant! Such skilful writing. I loved it!...more
I enjoyed reading this Nabokov novel, the first of his I have read. It is an entertaining mixture of humour, irony and mild tragedy. He is forever misI enjoyed reading this Nabokov novel, the first of his I have read. It is an entertaining mixture of humour, irony and mild tragedy. He is forever misjudging the US college culture and the vagaries of domestic life in general. The constant illustrations of Pnin's confusion with his use of the English language provided several moments of outbursts of laughter from me. But at the same time Nabokov's command of the language in his writing was something to admire. I have avoided reading this author's books up to now, finding the concept of his Lolita novel extremely distasteful, and do not wish to read it. However, Pnin was so well written that I may give one of his other titles a try soon....more
Hot Pinks is a fascinating story about a futuristic world that has been created by a group or organisation, or even an entity, known throughout the boHot Pinks is a fascinating story about a futuristic world that has been created by a group or organisation, or even an entity, known throughout the book as the AI. Although the term AI is never actually spelled out as ‘Artificial Intelligence’ the reader has to assume it means that, and that it may control the ‘new world’ with amazing efficiency. Humans are able to live on various, vast, areas of land that have been recreated by the AI to copy their locations and eras from the many once found on Earth. It was not clear to me whether it took place on Earth or some other planet.
Ellen and Chambers are the main characters who open the scene with what seems to be a battle in which they are scavenging for items to improve their lives. Their lives are up-ended somewhat after discovering an artificial girl that closely resembles their lost daughter, Leah. They adopt Leah hoping for an improved family life. When a dangerous character, known as Fielding, comes on the scene this completely disrupts their life and the tale is then one of endless chases from one generated land to another.
I would have enjoyed the story much more if there had not been so many typographical and editing problems all the way through the book. This included punctuation, grammar and misspellings. I also found the writing style often too irritating and over the top with its endless flowery descriptions. It was full of tautological terms for many adjectives, adverbs and nouns that became both tiring and puzzling. The repetition of words like ‘fizzing’ and ‘avuncular’ plus several others lends itself to obvious criticism. There were some occasions when the characters Ellen and Leah were confused in successive sentences, and a quick ‘Find and Replace’ in a word processor could have corrected this well before publishing.
It was a pity that such simple errors had been left in Astbury’s manuscript as the whole concept of the plot, as well as the ending is both intriguing and exciting. My overall rating has therefore been affected by them. ...more
When we first read this great romantic tale in school, some 60plus years ago, I had no idea that it was about the 1600s after the English Civil War. IWhen we first read this great romantic tale in school, some 60plus years ago, I had no idea that it was about the 1600s after the English Civil War. I just remember how much I had enjoyed the adventures of John (or Jan) Ridd in his feud with the evil Doones family. I knew that he had fallen in love with Lorna Doone as a young boy, and that much of the fighting was about her, and against Carver Doone. There is much to enjoy in the story with elements of 17th century farming as well as hints about politics and royal patronage. Farmer Ridd becomes a knight of the realm while his highwayman uncle, Tom Faggus, receives a pardon for his past crimes. Some of the descriptions of the Devon and Somerset countryside are charming, and I particularly found the dialectal language of some characters entertaining and informative. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will love this book. I have had a very nice edition, published by Readers Digest, for several years awaiting my attention. I am so glad that I finally got around to reading it and the details about its author’s life. It was a real pleasure. Recommended. ...more
I struggled over several months to read this very long book by George Eliot, one of my favourite authors. However, Daniel Deronda will certainly not bI struggled over several months to read this very long book by George Eliot, one of my favourite authors. However, Daniel Deronda will certainly not be a favourite novel of hers, unlike Middlemarch, Silas Marner or The Mill on the Floss. I found parts of the novel to be very slow and ponderous, as well as confusing. The two main characters, Deronda and Gwendolen Harleth, are brought together at the start of the book, but their own particular stories are soon described separately and in great detail. Gwendolen’s life as a beautiful, self-centred young woman from an impoverished family, who is seeking both power and wealth, is interesting and intriguing. She reminded me of the kind of heroines you may have met in the novels of Jane Austen or W M Thackeray. The story of her disastrous marriage to Henleigh Grandcourt, a pompously boring nobleman, is yet another example of the terrible mistakes so many ‘society women’ of those times made, or were unfortunately cajoled into by their uncompromising families. To begin with Daniel Deronda appears to be seeking the truth about his own ancestry, having been brought up by Sir Hugo Mallinger. He was Deronda’s guardian, a man who is both confident and polite and constantly encouraging him to take his place in English gentrified society. Despite Deronda’s generous, intelligent and empathetic understanding of others around him he seems incapable of finding enough confidence in his own position. When he wanders into the world of Judaism, rubbing shoulders with Mordecai and Ezra, a whole new set of tales begin to emerge for the reader.
The author does attempt to twist the tales of Gwendolen and Daniel together when they show signs of attempting to escape from their lot, from their respective places in society. George Eliot goes into great detail at this point. For me the one thing she illustrated so well was the prejudice, racism and general elitism of the Victorian times during the growth of the British Empire. Without going into detail I found the end of this epic novel quite disappointing. Probably it could comfortably lose about a third of Daniel Deronda’s tale and become a more engaging and enjoyable book. But then I think it would need quite a different title. Overall, Gwendolen was a more likeable and real character of those times but not really given enough space compared to Daniel. And Daniel was much too weak and wishy-washy for me. In the end he was a man who typically behaved too unsympathetically towards Gwendolen after all.
This was quite an interesting tale about golf; spoilt, rich grown-up kids; sexual activity; and – oh yes! a murder investigation. The investigation inThis was quite an interesting tale about golf; spoilt, rich grown-up kids; sexual activity; and – oh yes! a murder investigation. The investigation involved two amateur private detectives, Trey and his mother, Madeline, and an FBI agent, named Sybil, who was known to Trey back in his school and college days. I thought it was only ‘quite’ interesting because about a third to a half of the book could have been left out altogether.
Although in my younger days I played and enjoyed a lot of golf, there was far too much golf detail in the book. At the same time the amount of detail about the travel routes and roads around Grand Marais in Minnesota, USA, was also overdone and felt like it was padding out the story. The ‘sexy’ descriptions of all the female characters throughout the book; plus exposition of any and all, intimate behaviour between Trey and Sybil was quite unnecessary for this reader. That last observation of mine may well apply to anyone over the age of twenty five these days. Such accounts of intercourse could certainly be titillating to many teenaged ‘younger adults’ I suppose.
The unfortunate acronym ‘MILF’ and several other idiomatic terms often occurred in the dialogue during the various conversations between characters. This usually adds a sense of reality and authenticity to a story, and so can be quite understandable and acceptable. However, outside of the locale, or even the USA, it may confuse readers, like me, who reside where the words do not occur - even in their lexicon or thesaurus should curiosity be strong enough to seek their meaning.
There was not enough interest or intrigue in the murder mystery, aside from my negative points above, for me to give Albatross more than 2 or 3 stars. The kindle edition that I read was not user-friendly. It had a table of contents that did not work at all, and was at the end of the book in the back matter rather than the front matter, where it would have been most useful. Every chapter I clicked took me to the list of previous books by Dave Saari. So probably, some more editing, and/or beta-reading is still needed for the novel’s re-publication. ...more
I read Bloodstone Bludgeon a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. It is the second book in S.D. Brown’s Rock Shop Series, and so I was looking forward I read Bloodstone Bludgeon a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. It is the second book in S.D. Brown’s Rock Shop Series, and so I was looking forward to reading Alabaster Alibi, the first book. I was not disappointed. The main character, Allie Renault, becomes the investigating detective in a possible murder case. This is despite threats and demands from Sheriff Stone, the local police officer, to stay out of it as she is his main suspect. Initially there is one dead person, her uncle Jasper, but after a while, well into the story, it becomes a case of two dead people. The whole murder mystery seems to revolve around the rock shop left jointly to Allie and her cousin Colin. The case is not so simple of course and the tale weaves nicely in and out of many twists and turns. Allie is a very likeable character who I found I was rooting for right to the surprising conclusion. Brown bravely introduces elements of the Viet Nam War that will seriously affect her surreptitious investigations. Some of this information in the book may or may not be true. I can recall incidents – such as the My Lai massacre, terrible and cruel - that occurred during that war. This was reported later in newspapers and TV everywhere and it brought shame upon the US fighting forces. This section of Alabaster Alibi added such sadness to the book that I found difficult to read about. However, Alabaster Alibi is entertaining, pacey and intriguing. The characters are realistic and often amusing. For Allie many of them slowly reveal motives for murder and capture the reader’s attention. The final twist at the end when the perpetrator is revealed was good if quite confusing and I required more explanation. Maybe that was just me! Several parts of the story had unfortunate typos and the MS needs editing or putting through a word processor once more. ...more
When I first read one of the Gate Trilogy novels in 2017, I was completely absorbed by the story because of the author’s fascinating creation of the cWhen I first read one of the Gate Trilogy novels in 2017, I was completely absorbed by the story because of the author’s fascinating creation of the characters in a ‘Nethergate’ kind of world. The ideas behind it involve demons and trapped spirits, amongst many other-worldly concepts. Half Gate is a short work of three short stories, which illustrates further the various kinds of problems its characters may meet. In the first short story we meet Aqitaka and Ellaria who seem destined to become lovers. But Aqitaka is from another world. Can he stay? In the next story Azura, a commoner, is suddenly caught in a frozen world, Oran, and discovers a prince in the same situation. His father is determined to prevent the two marrying but Azura has become their world’s Gate Guardian, a powerful influence. Story three is about a student of fringe worlds. She is called Elisabeth, and she discovers a secret and dangerous book. There is a strong likelihood that the spirit trapped within it will ruin her work, maybe cause havoc in their world. Can she create a suitable device to render it friendly or harmless? Despite the assertions that Half Gate can be read as a standalone book, I disagree. I had some idea about what was going on in this book of three stories but still struggled to understand the overall plot(s). The worlds that Munson creates here are varied and intriguing but I felt all the way through that each story could have been developed much more into a novel of its own. The pace of each is fast and furious but their worlds would benefit greatly for being in much greater depth, with its own twists and turns in my opinion. Somehow, I wanted the main characters to figure more significantly, weaving in and out of new situations developed by this skilled and imaginative author. Her world-building is so fascinating it seemed to me to be a waste to keep them so short. Unfortunately, once again I find my overall rating reduced through the need for further careful editing in this book. For example when it said ‘palatable’ did it really want to say ‘palpable?’ There were too many punctuation and grammatical errors, with too many US idioms and words throughout the narrative that made it difficult for this UK reader to fully understand what was being explained. I am a firm believer that the patois and dialect for a region should be kept within the written dialogue of a novel. The conversations were real and well done but exposition was not always clear to me. Words in the story like: dove; snuck; sunk; snagged; scooted; and barreled mean something quite different in a UK dictionary. ...more
White Nights is quite a different novel to the first book in the Shetland series, i.e. Raven Black, because the season is summer and things are not soWhite Nights is quite a different novel to the first book in the Shetland series, i.e. Raven Black, because the season is summer and things are not so gloomy and dark. However, the atmosphere becomes just as unsettling to Jimmy Perez and the perpetual light causes a certain amount of stress to some of the visitors.
An art exhibition, on Shetland, that is not going too well when an unknown man becomes upset, weeping and collapsing in front of everyone. The main artist is Bella Sinclair but a new artist, called Fran that is also present, looks like a woman of interest to Perez. He feels that the mystery man is overreacting but he is curious when the man claims to have completely lost his memory. When the same man is found hanging dead the next day, together with some other strange circumstances, Perez starts an investigation. Was it murder or suicide?
The subsequent case and Jimmy Perez’s romantic involvement with Fran are the main components of the plot from then on. The build-up of the story through the descriptions of the settings, the characters and the intriguing developments in the case are excellent. There is an ongoing feeling of resentment and suspicions from the locals about visitors to the islands, These feelings come through to readers and feels somehow natural and understood. It is down to the writing skill and talent of Ann Cleeves and the tension throughout the book is just what one expects from a crime thriller. Twists and turns occur in almost every chapter! Unfortunately I found the motive behind the murders a little questionable and for me this was the book’s only weakness. It was still worth reading right to the very end and every bit as enjoyable as the first book in the series.
I have been a fan of Ann Cleeves’ crime novels, set on the Shetland Isles, for quite a long time. The characters that she creates are so realistic. ThI have been a fan of Ann Cleeves’ crime novels, set on the Shetland Isles, for quite a long time. The characters that she creates are so realistic. The reader is led into their lives so well and so subtly that any surprises at the denouement are quite genuine. Jimmy Perez, the police inspector and primary character is a brilliant figure for you to latch onto. He has a real background, along with the highs and lows of a life spent solving crime. The customs of the Shetlands confused me for quite a while, particularly when they became relevant to the suspected murders. But patience was rewarded later!
This was the kind of criminal thriller that I enjoy the most. It has characters you get to care about, both as victims and as possible perpetrators. The plot is both believable and intriguing from the start; full of twists and turns. There is even the hint of a little romance between Perez and a woman involved in the discovery of a dead body. It is a hint that may tempt you to read the sequel or subsequent sequels. Highly recommended.
This book was full of surprises. Bob Mortimer comes across as a quiet, shy and quite compassionate man; not at all the brash and loud person he seemedThis book was full of surprises. Bob Mortimer comes across as a quiet, shy and quite compassionate man; not at all the brash and loud person he seemed to be in the TV show, Shooting Stars. We discover a lot about the heart operations he had when he came near to death. In a rather impassive and practical way he describes some of what he endured during the medical attention he required.
But there is a lot about his young life and some of the names he talks about had a ring of familiarity to them, probably due to the stories we hear him giggle through on Would I Lie To You? – another TV program. Who would have thought that Bob had some legal training in his past life? That section was amusing and intriguing, and I found it quite entertaining.
It was extremely endearing when he wrote about his mother and how important she was in his life. Although it appeared to be described in a dispassionate, even funny, way I felt that there was an underlying love there that could not be denied. It was just what I suspected all the way through his book. And Away is touching, real and very appealing to his fans, and may even encourage more people to engage with Bob Mortimer in his writing and TV appearances. Greatly enjoyable and funny! ...more
In the TV series we often see Bob fall over and Paul moaning at him about winding in his fishing line. And of course this is not evident in the book uIn the TV series we often see Bob fall over and Paul moaning at him about winding in his fishing line. And of course this is not evident in the book unless it is mentioned. However, the fact that the two are very good friends comes across to readers just as well as the visual antics shown on the TV screen. The book has a lot of information about fishing and fish and the wonderful rivers they visit. This was interesting enough not to make it spoil the book for me. I suppose it may inspire some people to take up the hobby but I thought that what comes up best of all is how the pair of funny men love nature and enjoy just the experience of being there together. Having been seriously ill with heart problems in recent times they also tend to joke about ‘sensible’ diets if they want to stay well – even stay alive! Occasionally the two become a bit philosophical but like the TV programs you are never certain whether it is serious. This is particularly when Bob asks the odd zany question, for example about ‘pocket meat.’ It always appears to be something he just thought of at that moment. The comedy element is never very far away from their conversations. But what is patently obvious is how much they both enjoy the simple experience of sitting beside a beautiful river, surrounded by an environment filled with trees and meadows and bird song. A gentle, relaxing and lovely read, reminiscent of the TV show. ...more
In An Event in Autumn Kurt Wallander is nearing his time to retire from policing. It is a novella, but the shortness of this much smaller book has jusIn An Event in Autumn Kurt Wallander is nearing his time to retire from policing. It is a novella, but the shortness of this much smaller book has just as much intrigue and interest for the reader as any of Henning Mankell’s previous crime thrillers. The writing is excellent as usual with a plot that captured the thriller-fan side of my interest; but also there is the occasional metaphorical analogy between seasonal autumn and Wallander’s attitude towards his own mortality. He is considering buying a house and leaving the apartment he shares with his daughter, Linda.
Problems arise and continue rising, of course, to stir the reader’s engagement even further. Kurt is surprised to find some potential for the house but things begin to unravel when he discovers a skeleton in the garden. And so the mystery (a reader hopes for) begins! The investigation will involve his usual colleagues as well as his daughter. It has few police resources as it is an old case but Kurt Wallander becomes as obsessed as usual in solving it. Despite his need to retire in peace his many years in the force as a detective push him on to find more clues, especially when there is another body found. There are twists to the tale and it is just as compelling a read, albeit a much shorter novel than Mankell’s previous books. Recommended to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers. ...more
The story begins with the horrific murder of many individuals, all residents living in a small village somewhere in Sweden. My attention was grabbed iThe story begins with the horrific murder of many individuals, all residents living in a small village somewhere in Sweden. My attention was grabbed immediately and for page after page I was kept wondering, why? who? how? And so on, when you also discover there is also when? In fact there are several whens? As well as some wheres? The tale slowly reveals historical events in China that involve a particular family and the internal feuds and conflicts affecting them. It took me a while to realise that there was a lot more detailed information to come before I’d get some kind of take on the tale. Mankell is most adept at writing stories that will include other countries and characters that eventually relate to the central plot, intriguing and entertaining the reader throughout the book. Another reason I like his books so much, albeit that it is usually a Kurt Wallander crime thriller that I turn to. But The Man From Bejing was just as much a compelling read. It is full of detail, relevant and interesting historically. It’s a story that asks you to work at the plot sometimes, with rewarding conclusions. The main investigator this time is a Swedish judge, Birgitta Roslin, whose grandparents are among the murdered victims. Birgitta Roslin is an impressive woman who deserves another book! I wonder if there is another thriller with her at the helm? Highly recommended. ...more
It took me a few pages to realise that the author is holding the reader inside the very weird and strange head of a mad, maybe even psychopathic killeIt took me a few pages to realise that the author is holding the reader inside the very weird and strange head of a mad, maybe even psychopathic killer. It felt uncomfortable and alien to the effect that I was tempted to give up reading ‘Depths’ - even though it is by an author popular with me through the Wallander novels. However, of course I pressed on with it and ended up liking it. The title refers to the process of measuring the depths of the sea, or soundings, in the waters around the archipelago of Sweden, and in particular seas that are around Stockholm. The main character is a compulsive obsessive, and the depths of his mind were dark and very dangerous. I started reading under the impression that it may be a story about World War 1, which in essence I suppose it is. But not at all; this is a tale about the way a human mind can ‘go wrong’ and how distraction and lust may result in tragedy. There is tension and unease throughout the novel, reflecting Mankell’s amazing skills as a writer. He is precise and accurate with realistic situations and dialogue. It is quite a different kind of ‘crime thriller’ and I can recommend it to fans of the genre as well as to anyone who just enjoys a good read with oodles of – pardon the pun – depth! ...more
Seconds Away is the novel that follows on from Shelter, Coben’s previous Mickey Bolitar book. It did not disappoint with the usual intriguing and engrSeconds Away is the novel that follows on from Shelter, Coben’s previous Mickey Bolitar book. It did not disappoint with the usual intriguing and engrossing chapters throughout the novel, and had the occasional snippets about the characters from the first one to keep readers up to speed. I was pleased to see Spoon and Ema return in this book as they helped to provide an element of humour to counterbalance some of the more sinister moments. There is the expected suspense and danger you need in a thriller and a great ending. All in all I enjoyed this book just as much as Shelter and can thoroughly recommend it to adults, younger and older! There was a lot in this Mickey Bolitar book about the relationship between him and his uncle Myron. There was also some more about the back story, the fate of his parents and so on. That was also done well and it helped me gain an overall context to their family. Something I think all readers will welcome. ...more
When teenager Mickey Bolitar moves in to live with his uncle it is as a result of seeing his father die, and his mother becoming an addict undergoing When teenager Mickey Bolitar moves in to live with his uncle it is as a result of seeing his father die, and his mother becoming an addict undergoing rehabilitation. Despite resenting the situation with Uncle Myron, Mickey sets out to attend his new secondary school only to find even more problems await his attention. One of his new friends, Ashley, vanishes without trace, and Ema and Spoon agree to help Mickey find her. Both of these characters have their own appealing traits and I found it very entertaining on every page whenever they appeared! Mickey is an ace at martial arts and this becomes extremely useful when he is confronted by some idiot students, in order to rescue two girls from them at his new school. Meanwhile, Mickey has even more problems with the bullying local police chief, father of one of the idiots. He is the captain of the school basketball team and is also a major competitor for the attentions of one of the more popular girls in the school. The mystery of Ashley’s disappearance becomes much darker and involves a strip club and a strange ‘Bat Lady’ who lives in an old house that Mickey passes every day on his way to school. Shelter is a great crime novel that has you involved right to the very end. ...more
I really enjoyed reading this book, which was full of nostalgic and poignant reminiscences about the 1940s, many of which applied to my baby boomer geI really enjoyed reading this book, which was full of nostalgic and poignant reminiscences about the 1940s, many of which applied to my baby boomer generation. The horrible fear for children and adults alike, of being bombed while you slept, comes through clearly in the writing. The privations suffered by the general population of food; clothing and utilities such as fuel and energy are well illustrated by the authors’ focussing upon Elsie and her family. The stories about this little girl’s life in rural Suffolk during World War 2 are obviously biographical and the name of Robbie Cheadle’s co-author is a bit of a give-away. There may be some fictional aspects to the book but I felt that the whole narrative provided an important authentic record of those times. Some of the anecdotes and chapters do jump about a little and could have been sequenced more logically. If there was a reason for this it was not clear to me.
However, some of the childhood memories were delightful and interesting to read, such as thoughts about Christmas and Jack Frost ‘decorating’ the windows with ‘feathery pictures’. There are examples of war time recipes for meals like toad-in-the-hole, that many younger readers would find quite enlightening, and which I remember personally. The mention of pictures reminds me of the old photographs used in the book to illustrate the real people that it tells tales about. This added an extra snippet of pleasure to the narrative.
Most importantly the book gives modern readers some idea about the genuine alarm and worry inflicted upon the general population by the war, while at the same time it reminds us about the downright hard work that was necessary in order to ‘keep on keeping on’ in those times. The diligence and bravery shown by the working classes should never be just taken for granted. Despite all of the negative influences the war and living conditions, inflicted upon the people in the book, the overall positive attitude that they continued to reflect – ‘keep on smiling’ – was inspirational to young and old! Recommended!...more
This is the second story by Edward Rickford that I have read about Cortes and the Mexica. It was no less interesting and exciting, despite the very maThis is the second story by Edward Rickford that I have read about Cortes and the Mexica. It was no less interesting and exciting, despite the very many complex characters with their complicated names. Once again, after a short period of time trying, I gave up speaking the names out loud. It slowed down my reading time too much. If I had a criticism about the writing it was the uncomfortable over-use in the narrative of various idioms. In particular the expression ‘truth be told’ occurred so often it did become a little irritating. Whether such a phrase was appropriate in the conversations of the various 16th century populace is another point, and it could have been replaced I am sure with other phrases.
This book had much more violence in it and some of the bloody descriptions may affect some readers, but it was appropriate and lent the story authenticity in my opinion. It is not quite a rip-roaring adventure yarn but exciting enough in its own way. There can be no doubt at all about the considerable research that Rickford has done in order to maintain the accuracy of the events that take place in his historical novel, which I found fascinating and often compelling. As mentioned previously some of the idiomatic phrases felt out of place in the historical context of the tale. It was often very difficult to continuously follow the plot when so many similar and complicated names were involved. The author did attempt to simplify things by giving some original characters plain names, like ‘Father’ or ‘Elder’ and it did help. However, I did think that so many minor characters around the periphery of the major plotline could have been drastically ‘pruned’ from the story. But the inclusion of Malintze, Estrada and their behaviour towards Pozon, a slave boy, was delightful and refreshing in some ways. Although realistically portrayed no doubt, the earlier events involving Pozon and his older sister, Yaotl, when he was captured, I found very distressing and incredibly poignant.
Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys historical novels or is interested in the ‘real story’ behind the birth of Mexico....more
Despite the book’s very disturbing and grim subject I quite enjoyed this crime novel with its large number of different characters. The plot was complDespite the book’s very disturbing and grim subject I quite enjoyed this crime novel with its large number of different characters. The plot was complex and constantly encouraging the reader to think along various directions, trying to keep pace with the investigative team, led by Inspector Jim Sheenan of the Belfast police department. The author manages to maintain a fairly light touch when describing some of the details about the trafficking criminals’ harsh treatment of their victims. This gave the story more of a general appeal to a wider range of readers in my opinion. I was grateful for that but I imagine others who prefer their crime novels to be more realistic and gritty may not feel the same.
It did manage to make me feel desperately sorry for Alina and the other Rumanian victims who were tricked into seeking a better life in Northern Ireland. I felt the Chinese victims’ aspect of the story became the main target for the police team in the end. The plot grew into more of a cosy murder novel at this point and there was a long complicated explanation in the last few pages. The female detective, Denise Stewart, described this as Sheenan’s Poirot moment, and for me it was the least attractive part of the novel. I usually think the same when they occur at the end of Agatha Christie’s Poirot-type detective novels anyway.
This is the fifth novel in a Chief Inspector Sheenan series and can stand alone to a certain extent. But there were members amongst his team of investigators, like Stewart and Connors for example, who I would have liked to know more about. Maybe I’ll read an earlier novel sometime to find out more?
Having read all three of the ‘Imagining Violet’ books in Mary Hughes’ trilogy, I was looking forward to this novel about the family’s holiday exploitsHaving read all three of the ‘Imagining Violet’ books in Mary Hughes’ trilogy, I was looking forward to this novel about the family’s holiday exploits on a Canadian island. The island was called Canonshot originally but was later renamed Burgess Island, due to family connections. Lake Joseph is one of the Muskoka Lakes and in one of Violet’s letters she comments that at seventeen miles long it was some seven miles longer than Windermere, in the English Lake District; which was where she and Frank had spent their honeymoon in 1898. The fictitious letters are written with such amazing authenticity that the reader gets to observe, close up, many of the pleasures and rigours of Violet’s family while spending several weeks there. Violet’s growing brood of children over the first decade had such adventures that you feel part of the family, so well described are their characters. Meanwhile, Violet’s husband, Frank, was still much involved in the orchestral musical world of Toronto. Eventually he becomes the Director of the Toronto Conservatory Symphony Orchestra. Understandably, escaping to their cottage on Burgess Island, occasionally, provided him with much relief from that very busy society. But at the same time it reminds the reader about the first book in the Violet Trilogy, when she is embarking upon her own musical career. The tragic news in 1911 about Violet’s difficult sixth pregnancy came as quite a shock to me, and I was quite surprised to feel a sense of loss. The author’s fictionalised letters are based upon her own diligent research about her grandmother, Violet Welsman, in particular but encompass many real characters who were her ancestors and more recent relatives. The group of vignettes in the second half of the book, under the title ‘Muskoka Suite,’ was a collection of the author’s own holiday memories from the middle decades of the 20th century. It revealed a special significance to Mary Hughes and her family about the island that provided a touching relevance to Violet’s letters. This group of stories felt awkwardly inserted and perhaps could have been introduced to readers in a more subtle way. Regardless of this problem, however, I can still thoroughly recommend ‘Letters from Lake Joe’ to anyone who enjoys well written historical fiction about family life. ...more
I particularly enjoyed this book of Anthony Trollope’s because it includes several events from his previous novels and adds a new main theme. This is I particularly enjoyed this book of Anthony Trollope’s because it includes several events from his previous novels and adds a new main theme. This is about the problems involving Mr Crawley who is a clergyman accused of stealing a cheque. Also in this tale are interesting incidents around a conflicted love affair involving a secret portrait painting and suicide. I found the characterisation of Mr Crawley a little overdone after a while, and the return of the contrary Lily Dale became equally frustrating and irritating. But none of that spoilt my overall enjoyment of the book. Each plot within the main plot was engaging and realistic to my mind. Some of the descriptions of the emotions experienced by some of the typical middle class Victorians were effectively authentic, evoking sympathy from this reader at least. Trollope’s maintenance of the social etiquette that prevailed in those times is to be admired.
I was quite surprised to find the final situation between Mrs Proudie and the bishop quite moving, notwithstanding the continuation of John Eames plight with Lily Dale. There are many situations and characters that are more than slightly amusing and encourage outright laughter. A more serious situation involves Grace Crawley, the young daughter of the accused curate. She is clever and pretty and in love with Henry Grantly, the son of the aristocratic archdeacon. This is a match that looks as though it is never to end in marriage due to factors including wealth, class, pride and prejudice, to coin a phrase. Much depends upon the innocence of the curate and Grace’s unfortunately stubborn integrity.
This novel, appropriately entitled The Last Chronicle of Barset, is the one as I stated above, that brings together many of the characters we got to know in the previous five novels of the series. And one of our favourites is Septimus Harding, the Warden in the first novel. His daughter is married to the archdeacon in this book and they too have an important and significant role throughout it; as they did in Barchester Towers, the second book in the series. Whichever of the Barchester series may be your favourite so far, this is the one that outclasses them all. It is a delight and will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading classic English literature.
The suffering in Ireland due to the potato famine was something I knew about but this book told me so much more. The way in which the English administThe suffering in Ireland due to the potato famine was something I knew about but this book told me so much more. The way in which the English administration made things so much worse through incompetence and self-interest was a disgrace, and the book was both informative and disturbing on that subject. The amount of hypocrisy shown by the many land owners and land lords shows how fragile was the ‘control’ given to them, through the commissioners, by the government at that time. The considerable amount of research involved in writing this important book was very evident, and has to be admired. The book covered a lot of other aspects, such as the relationship between malnutrition and cognitive development, particularly the effects on children of course. Again something I found refreshingly different, but no less upsetting for anyone reading this with even the tiniest amount of empathy.
The viewpoint of Frank Parker, the joint author, towards the end of the book was a salutary experience for this reader. He compares and contrasts the catastrophe of the Irish Potato Famine of 1842 with modern famines, and reminds us of just how much work there is still to be done by the more developed nations of the world to relieve those suffering elsewhere. Even so, Parker seems determined to maintain a ‘no blame’ approach in his discourse about the many misfortunes to blight humanity over the centuries, before and since the Irish tragedy - a difficult thing to do. His account does include the inadequacies of both the government and the Church at that time. For anyone wanting to discover much more about ‘hidden’ European social history ‘A Purgatory of Misery’ will be a valuable and helpful experience. ...more
Well beauty must be in the eye of the beholder, as symbolism is in the eye of the reader! This was my second attempt at reading (and enjoying or underWell beauty must be in the eye of the beholder, as symbolism is in the eye of the reader! This was my second attempt at reading (and enjoying or understanding?) Hemingway and, while I found the tale of the old man's struggle interesting, I'm still not sure I enjoyed it. The most touching parts for me were the young boy's devotion to looking after the old man. Maybe you have to be a fisher of some description to get it? I'd have liked a lot more background information to really appreciate his reasons for pushing on to kill such a magnificent creature. As the saying goes: 'There's a lot more fish in the sea' - or at least there used to be! I hoped at the end that the old man's claim to love the fish dead, just as much as when it was alive is a metaphor for his respect for the marlin fish. Unfortunately, I did not get Hemingway's 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' either. For me there is often too much of the king's nakedness, in his 'new' suit of clothes, posing as a need for symbolism in some fiction....more
Despite the fact that I am not a particular fan of this genre this novel was quite interesting. The kind of fiction that includes stories of spirits oDespite the fact that I am not a particular fan of this genre this novel was quite interesting. The kind of fiction that includes stories of spirits or fantastical mysterious characters no longer appeals to my imagination, although I will admit to still being a fan of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ and the ‘Gormenghast’ trilogies. However, MacNamera’s novel, ‘7 Spirits, 4 Friends,’ was both interesting and intriguing because it seemed to roam around the world with historical information, possibly real and imagined, about tombs, churches and temples that became fantastic in the way it supported the central plot. The four friends of the title set out upon an adventurous discovery, or quest, to find 'The Centuries Prize', a kind of 'Holy Grail' in the world spiritualism. The characterisation of the four was quite strong and their specific strengths in the area were well illustrated. There was realistic dialogue throughout the book. Unfortunately the downside for me was generally in the telling of the tale. Often the past tense was used when the pluperfect (using the word ‘had’ appropriately) would have been more accurate and less confusing to the reader. There was quite a lot of tautology and missing punctuation that can become annoying after a while. In most novels the odd cliché will pop up and terms like ‘all of a sudden’ can grate when other ways of expression could be used instead. As a retired science teacher I could not help but spot a few technical errors that glared, such as the inaccurate use of ‘temperature getting warm’ and saying ‘degrees’ where ‘angle’ is really meant. I’m sure the tale was original and exciting for fans of the genre and thus well worth the telling. But most probably the use of a beta/proof reader and/or an editor would have improved the final publication. At the very least frequent application of the spellchecker and grammar checker in the word processer would pick up some of the errors that spoilt my overall rating. ...more
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