James Joyce’s collection of stories about the people of Dublin at the turn of the 19th century was perhaps a little too subtle in parts for this readeJames Joyce’s collection of stories about the people of Dublin at the turn of the 19th century was perhaps a little too subtle in parts for this reader. It is mainly a portrayal of the middle classes of those times and did not convey enough in depth information about the lower agricultural and serving classes to demand much of my interest. Having said that I found the last story entitled The Dead, to be the most intriguing and compelling. It was both and moving and revealing in its telling. As a collection of short stories this is probably one of the finest examples for later writers of the genre in its structure and pace for each episode felt complete and satisfying. Many of the stories leave one with lingering thoughts and considerations regarding the people that you may have met in your own life. The author touches upon several societal issues that persist today, such as feminism, class and racism, through his use of realistic dialogue. As an introduction for me to the writing of Joyce I cannot say that I was engaged or entertained enough to turn to one of his later novels, but I daresay I will be reading one soon, if only to find out for myself why he has been so acclaimed by so many. I will admit, however, that some of the portraits that he paints with his words did leave me full of admiration for his literary skills and wanting more. ...more
In this rather different Rebus novel he has been ordered to attend a refresher course, having been guilty of insubordination against his senior officeIn this rather different Rebus novel he has been ordered to attend a refresher course, having been guilty of insubordination against his senior officer. While there he is assigned a ‘test’ by working on an old unsolved case with a group of classmates, who Rebus suspects are ruthless and corrupt drug dealers. The case turns out to be an old investigation from his past, and his senses are alerted further, detecting a plot, something aimed at himself. His DS, Siobhan Clarke, meanwhile is working on the murder of an art dealer and he also gets involved in assisting her. The whole thing looks as though it might be part of a grand conspiracy, possibly with deadly consequences.
This novel gives the reader even more enjoyable information about Rebus’s character and constitution. Once again the pace of the story is rapid and there is much to enjoy about the descriptions of some of the major cities of Scotland, such as Glasgow and Edinburgh. I found much of the dialogue amusing and believable and enough intriguing twists in the tale to keep me guessing throughout. All of these aspects are not surprisingly found in an Ian Rankin crime thriller and continue to hook me in. ...more
When Inspector John Rebus gets involved in an old case, against the advice of his superiors, we know we’re in for another intriguing and complicated rWhen Inspector John Rebus gets involved in an old case, against the advice of his superiors, we know we’re in for another intriguing and complicated read. There is a charred body amongst the ashes of a burned hotel in Edinburgh, as well as an attack on his close colleague, Brian Holmes, who has a black notebook with important hidden clues for Rebus to follow. The reappearance of Big Ger, an old adversary of Rebus, is bound to make the case more complex and it meant I could settle to yet another satisfying crime thriller from this superb author. We have an extra surprise this time with Rebus’s brother trying to hold down his drug habit, and needing somewhere to stay!
The elements for a satisfying read can always be found in one of Rankin’s Rebus books: a fascinating central character, with a list of interesting individuals accompanying him; realistic and often amusing dialogue; great Scottish settings; and twists and turns in the tale to make one keep turning the pages. Having read about six of the books in the Rebus series, in no particular order, I still look forward to finding another one, with high expectations of an entertaining read. ...more
This was a very intriguing story, or rather 3 stories since there are 3 cases to be solved. Rebus and Siobhan get separately and together into an inveThis was a very intriguing story, or rather 3 stories since there are 3 cases to be solved. Rebus and Siobhan get separately and together into an investigation that involves an asylum seeker; another that has his colleague, Siobhan, looking for a missing teenager; and a case that appears to be some kind of practical sick joke, with bodies under a concrete floor.
I was quite surprised to read about a possible romantic involvement for the dour inspector, and nevertheless wanted it to progress. The title of the novel gives away the likelihood of some grisly discoveries along the way. As usual I found Ian Rankin’s tale compelling as well as (even more) informative about Edinburgh. Each one of the Rebus series of novels always drags me into it when I wish to read a thriller full of suspense, and occasional snippets of humour. A very good read....more
I began reading Castle Rackrent because I was interested in the author, as an influence of her contemporaries such as Jane Austen and Walter Scott, buI began reading Castle Rackrent because I was interested in the author, as an influence of her contemporaries such as Jane Austen and Walter Scott, but also because I knew it was a satire about the Irish gentry of the 18th century. While I became quite intrigued by the story I cannot claim to have totally enjoyed it, or even to be amused by the suspected humour contained within it. For me it became a sad reflection of the abuse and indulgence displayed by an irresponsibly despotic upper class of the society of those times. An ancient retainer, Thady Quirk, to four of the Lords of Rackrent tells the story throughout and, while he observes a suitably subservient position, he is so exact in his descriptions of their behaviour there is plenty for the reader to feel critical about the aristocrats. The land and all its possessions eventually are lost to the family through the profligacy of the various Lords. It is a tale well told by Maria Edgeworth, with irony and a few comic touches through the servants’ language. I was pleased in the end to have read one of the first historical novels in the English language and was at least quite entertained by the book. ...more
I found ‘Humane Physics’ to be a fascinating approach to the presentation, for the layperson, of a whole history of scientific discoveries, and the siI found ‘Humane Physics’ to be a fascinating approach to the presentation, for the layperson, of a whole history of scientific discoveries, and the significant figures involved. However, it does tend to concentrate on physics as the author’s particular specialism. I enjoyed reading Mont’s comments and opinions about my own science heroes, from such as Galileo to Feynman. There was no doubt in my mind that this was his attempt to justify the validity of the fundamental principles behind scientific methodology (as developed eventually into more recent times) as a way of thinking in order to solve (some of?) the problems facing the world of today: climate change; loss of biodiversity and habitat; oceanic pollution; pandemics etc. For me that is an admirable aim and all strength to his arm! The author often uses humour and logic in a way that encourages the layman or woman to read on, often dealing with the philosophy of more ancient thinkers, such as the Greeks, as well as giants like Einstein, Planck and Hawking. He does allow for readers who are less inclined to be mathematically able, or even, fascinated by the in-depth stuff to come nearer the end of his book; and suitable warnings are issued in the first few pages. As a retired science teacher I found this book to have my respect and approval for both the way that the author tackles his main objective, and the obvious sincerity behind it. It is a great guide for everyone to the tenets controlling the universe, and also as a part of a menu that includes plenty of foods for thought. To partly requote the blurb: it gives the reader a rounded picture of science in an integrated and comprehensive way. ...more
When I had reached chapters 4 and 5 it became obvious that this story was an allegorical telling of the Snow White fairy tale. The wicked step-mother When I had reached chapters 4 and 5 it became obvious that this story was an allegorical telling of the Snow White fairy tale. The wicked step-mother and her magical mirrors have made an entry, and it’s not long before the woodcutter’s alter ego and the seven dwarves also arrive on the scene. With Gwen, as Snow White, escaping from her harsh, over-bearing father and his cruel new wife, we already had a very intriguing and captivating plot. So, I was not sure whether the “spoiler” title of the book was really necessary. For me the essence of the book was an underlying disapproval of slavery and the downtrodden position of females in the society and class-ridden communities of the times. It is set during the California Gold Rush and the start of the American Civil War. Gwen, aka Janet, is a brave and kind young woman who deserves our respect and admiration throughout the book. She had me rooting for her right up to the unsatisfactory ending. I suppose there was a clue in the title including the words ‘Part 1’ but it did not lessen the disappointment in its abruptness. I always feel let down and cheated when such an obvious ‘hook’ to read the next book is included on the last page. Her romantic encounters as a naïve girl of sixteen are touchingly written; as are the individual personalities of each of the dwarves, their devotion to Gwen being so sweet and honest one could only wish for ‘uncles’ like hers. Cathleen Townsend is an excellent writer whose narrative and dialogue feels real and suitably pacey, although, as a keen DIYer, I had my doubts at times about the speed with which they were all able to complete various tasks (woodcraft or cookery!) when the setting was out in the wild countryside of grizzlies and deer. The plot was so well-founded and authentic I’m still not sure if the story needed those fantasy elements of witches and magic. ...more
I usually look forward to reading crime or detective stories but unfortunately this book had a paranormal take on it, a genre I usually resist. The maI usually look forward to reading crime or detective stories but unfortunately this book had a paranormal take on it, a genre I usually resist. The main character, Bradley, is an investigator who is attempting to relieve grieving parents of several thousand dollars by calming their deceased daughter’s restless spirit. While some readers may be intrigued enough to read on, by such a plot, it did not appeal to me. Even the ‘fact’ of Bradley being a medium who is able to contact ghosts and phantoms failed to interest me. Back in the distant past I was a fan of the novels of Dennis Wheatley and then some of Stephen King. I think I must have grown out of liking ghost stories a long time ago and I found this novel, admittedly amongst many others like it, rather tedious to complete. It was well written and his partner in the business being his ex-wife, Sandra, added an extra twist to the tale. The constant changing of the POV for each chapter was annoying. It is something that I always find irritating in any novel, particularly when using the first person as narrator. Bradley was a shallow character who I found difficult to like, although Sandra was much more pleasant. There was some humour to lighten things up occasionally and plenty of action to add pace. However, it was just not my kind of book any more so it was a relief to make it to the last page! ...more
To begin with this sci-fi book had a lot going for it for this particular reader. As a retired teacher of science and technology, I was curious to seeTo begin with this sci-fi book had a lot going for it for this particular reader. As a retired teacher of science and technology, I was curious to see how the two main protagonists, the Documenter and Aardarsh Chadha, were going to set about building and utilising their Everywhen machine. It would involve the various concepts of parallel universes, quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of relativity – not a simple feat for anyone, even the ‘smartest man in the world’ as Aardarsh is claimed to be by the author. A lot of the detailed science is naturally left out but the principles discussed were so intriguing that I wished to read on. But then, after about three chapters, the whole tale descended into a tasteless and lurid description of sexual activity between the so-called Documenter and Angie, a girl he had just met. It was not something that I had settled down to read; it was pornographic; it was erotica and not a genre I would ever choose to read! No doubt the author felt it was necessary to include such descriptions to hook the reader to turn the following pages. However, it was a definite turn-off for this reader! It meant that I rapidly read the rest of the story without taking in too much of the plot as I went, feeling somewhat cheated and insulted. I was hoping of course to skip past any more erotica that jumped out of the tale, and to my mind, very much out of context to the main narrative. Maybe some of the teenage boys I have taught would find it titillating? The technological and financial obstacles the pair meet along the way are dealt with in a competent fashion and the characters and dialogue show skilful writing talent. We are moving to and fro in time, with real people like Marilyn Monroe, John F Kennedy and Princess Diana to add a bit of contemporary historical spice to the story. There was a definite need for some proof-reading and editing, so that plus the tasteless erotica reduced my rating to 3 stars only. I cannot say I enjoyed the book in the end. ...more
The third book in the trilogy was not written in a style that I felt comfortable with. It hopped from third person to first, using Baba’s point-of-vieThe third book in the trilogy was not written in a style that I felt comfortable with. It hopped from third person to first, using Baba’s point-of-view and, although it was quite amusing in parts, I found it irritating and confusing. Kate’s marriage to Eugene is essentially over and Baba is now the wife of a builder who lacks the smooth, but overbearing, control of Kate’s ex-spouse. It was difficult not to feel both sorry and annoyed with Kate when she seems to lack the spirit to fight back, having found herself alone and without her child when Eugene manipulates her life from a distance. But Baba comes through, surprisingly, when her friend is allowed to live with her and Frank. What I suspected from the first two novels, about the pair of best friends, has eventually come about when sensitive Kate needs Baba, and not the reverse. Baba always seemed unnecessarily cruel and unfair to her friend throughout the first two books but here she is understanding, even kind, through her down-to-earth and pragmatic attitude to life. This novel has an epilogue that I found uncomfortable and somewhat distressing to read. However, later consideration made me realise the inevitability of the events it touches upon had to be faced.
The second book in the series has the teenage girls now living in Dublin. Surprisingly, Baba is a student and Kate has a job in a small grocery shop. The second book in the series has the teenage girls now living in Dublin. Surprisingly, Baba is a student and Kate has a job in a small grocery shop. They are enjoying their new freedom away from their childhood homes. Typically Baba is befriending older but rich men. Much of the story is amusing with an undercurrent of sadness, through the relationships the girls make. Despite the various trials and mistakes that Kate and Baba are involved with I found I was rooting for them to the end. Kate still has her romantic fantasies, while Baba’s pragmatic attitude to life often shields both their lives from the cruel realities of life. I found that I anticipated pain and heartache for Kate throughout the story, worrying about her vulnerability. But she still battles on and has to be admired for her courage even so. There are times when the reader’s patience with the pair may run out because they both seem to be heading for a fall, even though they are living, unhappily, in separate lives with men. The ending to this novel felt abrupt and confusing to me so I was not in a hurry to read the third book in the series. But curiosity about what happened next will no doubt mean I will read it!...more
In the third book of this delightful series, Violet is now settled as a mother and enthusiastic wife, supporting her husband’s career as the musical cIn the third book of this delightful series, Violet is now settled as a mother and enthusiastic wife, supporting her husband’s career as the musical conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Frank is also much in demand as a tutor of music and the family is very much a part of the aspiring middle class of the city. Through the same medium of Violet’s letters, to her family and friends, we learn a tremendous amount of information of the comings and goings that occur in their society, as well as much about the world of classical music there. Her family continues to grow, with five children adding to the burden of becoming the wife to a prominent member of the community.
Mary Hughes’ narrative is as skilful as ever when she writes about the typical lives led by the family in those late 19th early 20th century times. The medical matters, family vacations, servant problems, and the entertaining of significant society ladies are all written about so very naturally in the context of Violet’s letters. It gave me a mirror that reflected the charming and cultured life of a pleasant and happy family. It was not without its trials and setbacks, however, and sickness and bereavement were dealt with in a typically sympathetic manner. Violet constantly rises to meet the various challenges in the calm and understanding fashion that we have come to expect from such a competent woman as Violet Welseman.
The ending was quite unexpected and left me feeling sad, and that I would quite miss Violet in the future, since this is to be the last book in the series about the imagined life of the author’s grandmother. I found ‘Imagine Violet Blooming’ a very enjoyable, entertaining and informative book, as well as a most satisfying read: Highly recommended....more
The first book in the trilogy by Edna O’Brien tells the tale of two girls, Kate and Baba, setting out from the rural world of Ireland in the fifties aThe first book in the trilogy by Edna O’Brien tells the tale of two girls, Kate and Baba, setting out from the rural world of Ireland in the fifties and sixties. The cleverer and more sensitive of the two, Kate, wants to find romance, while Baba is much more down to earth and determined to squeeze everything she can out of the world, starting with the city of Dublin. The whole story is narrated from Kate’s point of view, in the first person, and is often disturbing as she naively moves from one relationship to another. Often she has wildly unsuitable crushes on older men, and finds it difficult to consider men nearer her own age either mature or romantic enough for her bookish ‘ideals.’ Baba is very often cruel and insincere with her men and typically with Kate. Despite this the two girls seem to rely upon each other at different times, even when Kate reveals her pain to the reader, and you realise that it is still the pair of girls against the world. The inadequacy of many men in those communities and times, as well as in terms of relationships with the women in their lives becomes so apparent. On the one hand they need to escape from the smothering by their mothers, while they are obsessed with dominating any other women, including sisters, girlfriends and wives, on the other hand. The conversations are realistic, sometimes amusing around Baba, but more usually tragic when Kate is involved and she is revealing her own heart through her thoughts. This novel is completely engaging and revealing; highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a poignant family tale. ...more
Unfortunately, this book is described as a historical novel when, for me, it did not come across as a novel at all, and of any genre. The narrative reUnfortunately, this book is described as a historical novel when, for me, it did not come across as a novel at all, and of any genre. The narrative reads mainly as a factual book with plenty of descriptions informing the reader of many fascinating facts about Cortes and the conquering of the Aztecs, but not in the context of a story with characters that exchange conversations, which pull the plot along in an engaging and intriguing fashion. There are admittedly a few pieces of imagined dialogue but in between them the large amount of information is presented like a list of facts and figures, such as may be found in a more academic history book. While there are occasional descriptions of the characters, like Cortes, Montezuma and Malinalli, the Goddess of Grass, I found they were not written in the context of a fascinating tale of adventure, plot and betrayal as I had expected to find. As I have said previously, it was too cold and dryly academic, and constantly felt theoretical. After the final chapter of the ‘story’ a lot of time was spent on explanations of the origins of the Goddess’s name, and more detail about the Aztecs, together with a time line; all illustrating, even further, just how much the author may have spent on research. But whether it was necessary to include as much information within the body of the ‘novel’ was questionable. ...more
As a fan of thrillers I began reading Faithless Heart with my usual hopes of an intriguing and engaging ‘who done it’ novel; a ‘good read’ possibly inAs a fan of thrillers I began reading Faithless Heart with my usual hopes of an intriguing and engaging ‘who done it’ novel; a ‘good read’ possibly in the style of Raymond Chandler’s Phillip Marlowe novels. This novel had been presented to me as a historical novel set mainly in the 1950s but, for me, there was such a lack of verisimilitude I could not easily accept it as such. The blurb gave a similar impression, notwithstanding its alerts about the sexual nature of the story, hovering around the rumours of the Hollywood casting couch. Well, it was not at all similar to the thriller novels I’ve enjoyed; such as those of Ian Rankin, Dan Brown or John Grisham, and of which I am a fan, since there was a serious lack of subtlety, mystery and anticipation or even the odd twists in the tale. It is obviously a book much more of the graphic (very!) and hard-boiled genre of fiction, and I found it quite difficult to like from beginning to end. I counted 82 mentions of the f*** word as well as almost countless times the plot moved into a sexual scene. The main character, Mark McMichaels, a detective, was not someone I found myself rooting for to the end. He was obsessed with women’s bodies, and the endless descriptions of his thoughts about almost every woman he met, became rather tedious after a while. The plot moved from one violent or sexual scene to the next with such regularity, that I found myself thinking, ‘Another page, another act of…’ etc. so often it became boring. No doubt this would be quite titillating for many a teenage boy reader. But I could not wait until I reached the end of the book, which lamely raced ahead about thirty years and felt rushed. The frequent changes of the story’s point of view, which suddenly arises about two thirds in, were confusingly unexpected, and felt like unnecessary padding out about the historical context of the tale. There were a few punctuation and typo issues that invited some editing attention....more
Duality is a very revealing novel about the cultural differences between Romania under President Ceausescu and Canada during the 1980s. The major partDuality is a very revealing novel about the cultural differences between Romania under President Ceausescu and Canada during the 1980s. The major part of the novel is about the pressures experienced by an immigrant family in their attempts to adapt to their new life after escaping through Yugoslavia in order to move to Canada. The story is told through the difficulties encountered by the families of Diana and Paul, and Lili and Alex. They must cope with learning a new language, their children’s schooling, finding decent jobs and somewhere to live that suits their aspirations and previous life in Romania. Meanwhile there are prejudice, jealousy and social influences that affect their children. The writing was very good with many bouts of introspection from Diana and Lili that allowed the reader to share some of the heart break and emotions suffered by them. The dialogue was realistic and I could sympathise with each of the main characters. Their trials and tribulations over several years are covered very well; but my only criticism was about last couple of chapters when there is an overlong harangue about the US government, and when there seemed to be some explanation missing during Diana’s violent encounter with Liana.
This classic novel from Anthony Trollope read like a Romantic Historic fiction with shades of a coming of age tale for me. The sub plots were many andThis classic novel from Anthony Trollope read like a Romantic Historic fiction with shades of a coming of age tale for me. The sub plots were many and just as entertaining as the main story of how Mary Thorne, Dr Thorne’s ward and niece, and Frank Gresham get together. The elements against their relationship are typical of the times, when aristocrats and the landed gentry could never consider marrying someone that was not of the same class and social position. Despite Mary’s childhood friendships with Frank’s family and sisters, when she shared their nursery and much of their education, Lady Gresham is totally set against any thought of such a romance. Meanwhile, Dr Thorne, a medic, has various legal battles and problems to contend with that involve his good friends the squire and Sir Roger Scatcherd. The squire happens to be Frank’s father who considers Mary to be a wonderful girl, and almost as close as one of his daughters, but her low birth and pressure from Lady Gresham about the impossibility of this romantic attachment, add to his troubles. Trollope also includes the dangers of the demon drink and the dubious behaviour that occurs around the electoral system of the times. The author acts as the narrator for most of the novel and does not hold back with his opinions about such things. Intriguing, amusing and very revealing throughout the whole book, I really enjoyed book 3 in the series known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire. Highly recommended. ...more
Kevin Carlin’s humorous and very fast moving sci-fi novel is pretty impressive as a first book. It includes quite a range of different characters and Kevin Carlin’s humorous and very fast moving sci-fi novel is pretty impressive as a first book. It includes quite a range of different characters and the author is adept at conveying each of their very different personalities, even the various aliens. The plot involved saving the galaxy of course, but a group of fighter astro-pilots with a peaceful mis-fit, Monk, amongst them look like having a serious problem. When he fakes his own death and teams up with Freeda, an ace from the enemy the story really starts to develop. They eventually join up with another group, including Monk’s brothers, and form the group from which the book gets its title. To achieve their aim of ending the war they need to utilise a range of fascinating technology, the ideas of which I found both amusing and curious in their originality. Carlin is to be commended for that, particularly in my case as I was starting to find the endless descriptions of the space ‘dog-fights’ just a bit too tedious and boring; ‘Star Wars’ here we come again. Much of the futuristic ‘science’ was a little too far-fetched for me without sufficient explanation, but it is fiction after all! It was an enjoyable read for fans of comical space opera....more
Kate and Simon are two amateur detectives who have each experienced a tragedy in their lives. This is their first case and was taken on when they wereKate and Simon are two amateur detectives who have each experienced a tragedy in their lives. This is their first case and was taken on when they were at a loose end, and they stumble along at first, disagreements ensue because of their different personalities. I have read a couple of Diana Febry’s horse-based mysteries in the past and this was no less enjoyable as a cozy murder mystery set in the English countryside. The pair of detectives are still forming a close relationship and the reader quickly concludes that they are ‘just friends’. There are conflicts involved that arise out of current real issues, such as the hunting ban and potential friction between ‘townies’ and the rural community, and we are unsure for much of the book whether the crime arises from these, or whether it is more personal. The miscreant is revealed well before the end but the suspense is racked up well before the conclusion, during his attempts to complete the dastardly plan he has in mind. A certain amount of introspection helps to reveal a lot more about the murderer, as well as our detectives, than we initially think we know, and the end did leave me wondering about possible romantic developments in the future. Some editing attention is needed as I found a few punctuation and indenting issues, which were distracting....more
This is the second of Trollope's Barchester series of novels and it was a most enjoyable read. The opening chapter asking the question, “Who will be tThis is the second of Trollope's Barchester series of novels and it was a most enjoyable read. The opening chapter asking the question, “Who will be the new Bishop?” is a great start and had my immediate interest since it had been a long time ago when I read “The Warden,” the first book. The easily intimidated Dr Proudie turns out to be the Bishop’s successor, and so the scene is set for this amusing and often comedic novel. What follows is a parade of excellently drawn characters, not all are either heroes or villains, but the lesser characters are each intriguing and essential to the overall story. The overbearing Mrs Proudie and the disingenuous Mr Slope attracted my anger and dislike, while the contrariness of Eleanor Bold, and the diffidence of her father, Mr Harding, caused a few sighs along the way. Trollope does not spend too much time describing the minutiae of the church’s ecclesiastical matters. It is the jostling and squabbling between the clerical hierarchy over who will manage and direct such affairs that commands the centre stage of the tale. The sub-plot about who will succeed to win the hand of the widow, Eleanor, runs alongside this and is equally engaging.
The ‘Signora Neroni’, aka Madeline Stanhope, was easily the most intriguing and delightful character in the book, with her effortless winding around her little finger of any male within hearing or sight. Her beauty and smooth charm, as she lies upon her sofa requesting attention, initially indicate an evil influence, but we are surprised when ‘La Signora’ becomes a heroine later in the book. One of her victims is Mr Arabin, an uninspiring and painfully modest vicar, who has to be urged to declare himself a serious suitor to widow Bold. I found the endless string of archbishops, bishops, deans, masters and vicars very confusing at times, causing me to question the necessity for such a complex hierarchy within the Anglican Church. Trollope’s satirical mirror of the religious establishment during the Victorian era is full of humour together with an occasional side-swipe of cruelty. Although I am a fan of Dickens, Trollope’s novels are just as graphical in their revelations about human nature, but they are less wordy. I am eager to read Dr Thorne, his next novel in the series. ...more
When I started reading ‘Islands of the Gulf: The Treasure’ I was quite confused for very many pages because I found it difficult to place this book inWhen I started reading ‘Islands of the Gulf: The Treasure’ I was quite confused for very many pages because I found it difficult to place this book in a recognisable genre. Was it a thriller? Maybe it was an autobiography of the ‘memoir noir’ category, or just one novel in an historical fiction series? The principal character, Herbert West, was certainly subjected to a lot of intimidation, humiliation and sadness during his boyhood. However, the strong characterisation and beautiful prose carried me along, and I discovered I no longer minded what genre this rather long novel was. By chapter 4 the intriguing tale had captured my imagination and I wanted to discover more about Herbert. Audrey Driscoll is a talented writer whose ability to describe people, places and situations deserves more recognition. When I found that she was a big fan of Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ and Mervyn Peake’s ‘Gormenghast’ trilogy then I was encouraged to read on even more.
It was the beautiful writing and the hints of science fiction, set in a period of time moving from the nineteenth to the early twentieth century that kept me reading on. I had checked out the blurb for the book by chapter 6, and discovered there was even more intrigue about Herbert, aka Francis Dexter, still to come; with further explanation of the elements of fantasy and horror I was finding confusing. I am not sure if Driscoll intended that shades of Mary Shelley’s story of Frankenstein would linger in the reader’s thoughts at different points in her story – but they persisted during my reading of it. Notwithstanding that issue, or my usual avoidance of ‘new’ fantasy tales, I enjoyed ‘Islands of the Gulf’ and can recommend it to fans of the genre, but I also think fans of mystery and horror will like this book. My main reservations about the book are: there was not enough science to back up the parts about the revivification experiments and, by contrast, there was too much personal introspection at times that slowed down the story for me. ...more
The story of Paul Dombey and his son, also named Paul, should perhaps have been entitled ‘Dombey and Daughter’ for that is what it was essentially, foThe story of Paul Dombey and his son, also named Paul, should perhaps have been entitled ‘Dombey and Daughter’ for that is what it was essentially, for me at least. From the early part of the story Mr Dombey’s arrogance, pride, and misplaced misogyny made me furious with him. No doubt this was due as much to Dickens’ clever writing as to the changes in the mores of modern society, when a greater amount of respect and due is paid towards women, race, and social class etc. Although, I admit there is still a long way to go in many countries and cultures around the world.
After a brief introduction to Mr Dombey and his son the reader then encounters a large panoply of characters over the following six or seven hundred pages, together with the events and incidents that relate to the ‘great man’ himself, Mr Dombey. Each character that is mentioned in detail has a particular story of their own, and at times the complications woven around them by Dickens can be quite difficult to follow. On a few occasions I found myself looking back to previous chapters in order to be sure that I understood the tale correctly from their point of view. A couple of characters’ names were similar and I was half way through the book before I was sure I knew them, but only slightly even so! One often finds comments, even complaints, in contemporary book reviews about too many characters, and objections to several points of view – or head-hopping as it is usually termed. This makes me smile and feel sorry for those readers who cannot cope with such interesting writing. Maybe they have never read a novel by one of the classical authors, giants of the past; maybe they lack patience or the time to engage with the writer and his characters? I think it is their sad loss.
Altogether, I counted in excess of fifteen different, named characters, of which about ten had a particular relevance to Mr Dombey and Florence, his poor, neglected daughter, and the outcome of the story. Many of them are colourful, amusing and interesting in some way. But surely, we think that this is typical of most of Charles Dickens’ novels? And it is something to be enjoyed and savoured, over whatever time is available for readers to become so properly immersed in the book. Throughout the book I felt great sorrow for the plight of Florence, and disgust and anger towards her father. When he appeared to be getting his come-uppance towards the end I was glad, and then there is a twist that I will not reveal of course. However, it certainly made me feel surprised, disappointed and even fuller of my admiration for Florence’s generosity of love and spirit. This was a thoroughly good read; thought provoking, and enormously compelling. ...more
This collection of short sci-fi stories was a brilliant surprise for me. I was an enthusiastic fan of Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Azimov, JoThis collection of short sci-fi stories was a brilliant surprise for me. I was an enthusiastic fan of Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Azimov, John Wyndham, et al for many years when younger, and felt that their original and intriguing concepts were most unlikely to ever be equalled, never mind bettered. I have read many other sci-fi novels since then and enjoyed them but nothing has really grabbed my emotions and imagination. However, Alexis Lantgen’s book of 10 science fiction tales had me gripped from the first page of each and every one. Here are her imaginative ideas that quickly encapsulate the potential problems (maybe some are known, while others are still not considered by society) involved with AI, plague viruses, nanobots, totalitarianism, and species extinction.
There is a very personal perspective and point of view in each story, from each of the main protagonists that often caused me to re-think. By that I mean I re-considered what my own view was about society, technology, the world, and its many foibles, not an easy thing to do. Coming from a science based training and background there were times when I wanted to question the survival of some individual characters, when they were part of a colony of humans living on a different planet or a moon of Jupiter, like breathing Europa’s atmosphere for example. It was a just a little bit too convenient for me when the author seemed to skip those details, probably so as not to slow down the pace of the plotline. Nevertheless, Lantgen is to be congratulated for tackling societal issues, like prejudice in ‘Earth is for Earthers’, and cosmetic plastic surgery in ‘Remade’, within her amazing, if not sometimes dystopian, group of incisive tales. It is highly recommended to all readers, and not just those fans of the science fiction genre. ...more
Characters: I thought the main protagonists of Kennedy and Vandeleur came across well-drawn and believable. Kennedy was particularly diligent and dutiCharacters: I thought the main protagonists of Kennedy and Vandeleur came across well-drawn and believable. Kennedy was particularly diligent and dutiful, as was to be expected in a high ranking army officer, but with compassion and understanding, probably rarely found in men of his class during those times. Vandeleur was far less understanding of the plight of the poor and typically scheming and self-serving. Georgina and Elizabeth gave the tale a more heart-warming touch but not enough to balance out the heart breaking descriptions of the starving and dying people of the land. I will admit to shedding the occasional tear when struggling to read those parts of the story.
Story/Plot: Very well done with sufficient preparation for the reader through Kennedy’s thoughts at the start of the book, leading into the real situation in depth as everything unfolds. I knew little of what happened during the Irish Famine of 1847 and found this story an education. Like much of my early schooling there was a lot of social history I was not taught, most of it stirring feelings of shame about the British ruling classes later on. Here is another story that needed to be told and the author is to be commended for tackling it so well.
Pace and Structure: It is well paced and encourages one to turn the page and discover what happens next, although I found Vandeleur’s occasional ‘thoughts’ too abrupt and surprising. To distinguish Vandeleur’s narrative from Kennedy’s I found the triple asterisks helped.
Use of Language: There was no problem here and it was a pleasure to read a book from beginning to end without glaring typos and errors! The style of language suited the main protagonist’s class and education and was completely acceptable.
Narrative Voice: While I have to say that I much prefer novels written in the third person, and actively dislike books using the first person, it was appropriate here to some extent. For me, when it is necessary for the plot to appear from another character’s point of view, it presents problems of authenticity for both the reader and the author. For example in the sections of this book when Crofton Vandeleur is narrating, as I mentioned above, it felt clumsy and unlike the author’s previous writing. Perhaps it’s just me!
Dialogue: There was little dialogue but the speech felt natural. I’d have liked to hear some local vernacular from ‘mendicants’ and workers for example.
Settings: The settings and scenery were well described, without too much flowery language and metaphor, which would possibly have been inappropriate under the distressing circumstances. The court scenes needed a little more detail to establish the ambience better.
Themes: The general theme of Kennedy’s methods, personal misgivings and difficulties while attempting to carry out his duties under appalling circumstances, came across exceptionally well. His battles with the local officials and, indeed, with his superiors in London created the necessary sympathy from this reader; and the contrasts, and even the similarities, with contemporary social and political events are still a salutary lesson for us all.
‘Called to Account’ is a highly recommended book for all fans of significant historical fiction. ...more
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