Dialogue so realistic, you could be there! A classic novel that I had to read, as a new novelist (my latest: Deadly Intrigue). I read this book becauseDialogue so realistic, you could be there! A classic novel that I had to read, as a new novelist (my latest: Deadly Intrigue). I read this book because I’d seen it referred to so often by other writers, in terms of the skillful use of dialogue. Elmore Leonard considered it the best crime novel ever written. I wasn't disappointed. It's a short book (50,000 words) and the pace starts gradually, building realistic scenes and characters in the Boston underworld. At that early stage, you have no idea of the plot. Each chapter is really a conversation, each utterly believable. Eddie Coyle with other criminals; Eddie with the police; Criminals planning their crimes, talking about jail, and discussing Eddie; Police discussing crimes, and what Eddie could do for them. So the viewpoints are changing regularly, but it's all connected with the same crimes and Eddie’s involvement. By the half-way point, we are well into the plot, following all of the viewpoints, and sensing that they are now converging towards some final outcome. By then we are beginning to get anxious to know what will happen to Eddie. That’s when you can’t put the book down....more
Terrific novel with accelerating pace, leading to loads of tension and action. As an aspiring author (of Deadly Contract), the way he kept me involvedTerrific novel with accelerating pace, leading to loads of tension and action. As an aspiring author (of Deadly Contract), the way he kept me involved with the plot and turning pages was a great lesson. I liked the fact that it's split into many chapters (80), as that helped with the pace, often with a good hook at the end of the chapter to get you to read on. The settings all seem very realistic. For example, the lead's company is making the 'SkyCruiser'. This was just how I recall the Boeing factory at Seattle, and the DreamLiner setup. On the downside, a lot of character names to remember, esp of the company execs. Maybe could have had a couple less without losing anything of the plot. I’m not keen on flashbacks, as for me they can interrupt the action, and there are too many of them here. But by the later part of the book, you can more or less guess what the flashbacks are going to tell you (about his past life), so it becomes easy to skip through them and stay with the plot. All in all, a very enjoyable read. It would make a great movie thriller too (without the flashbacks!)....more
An interesting little book, on the pleasures and pitfalls of De Quincey's involvement with Opium in the early 1800's, which at that time was a routineAn interesting little book, on the pleasures and pitfalls of De Quincey's involvement with Opium in the early 1800's, which at that time was a routine item for the medicine cabinet, even given to children. He's very witty in a dry sort of way. For example: when a Malay met his housekeeper: "It turned out that his accomplishments in English were exactly of the same extent as hers in the Malay." and "In China, I am terrified by the modes of life,... I could sooner live with lunatics."...more
I thought it was time I reread Asimov's 'Foundation' trilogy (last read many years ago). It's old-fashioned language, eg. most of the men seem to smokI thought it was time I reread Asimov's 'Foundation' trilogy (last read many years ago). It's old-fashioned language, eg. most of the men seem to smoke cigars, and every office has an ashtray, and apart from a couple of lead characters, women are almost absent from the world of the far future. But it's still amazing what he could think up in 1948, long before the invention of laser printers, cellphones, DVDs etc. and when computers the size of rooms would have trouble storing something the size of a book. He wrote them originally as a series of short stories in SciFi magazines, and that makes the books a bit fragmented. But I did find I wanted to keep reading, all the way through the three books. The SciFi community would probably be outraged, but I could see a great opportunity for someone to rewrite with a more modern outlook, as the underlying stories are pretty good....more
It is set in Guernsey in about 1820, and paints a vivid picture of life then, for example the tension and feelings when the first steam-driven ferry rIt is set in Guernsey in about 1820, and paints a vivid picture of life then, for example the tension and feelings when the first steam-driven ferry replaced sail boats. It was incredibly slow to get going, setting the scene with long descriptions of places and characters, for the first 50 pages (out of 155). But I persevered. Eventually a plot emerged, and the action got going, along with suggestions of romance. Every now and then I skipped through some of the descriptions, just to keep motivation, but later in the book, there was enough action and tension to make it all worthwhile, and it came to an unexpected climax. Very witty at times, and probably reflecting Hugo’s views of life on Guernsey at the time he wrote it, while in exile from France. For example: (P.76) Doctor Herode belonged to the High Church; a party whose system is a sort of popery without a pope. ...more
His first novel. Bestseller in US. Financial thriller. Start is slow (only the promise of the blurb kept me going). Too many names, introduced one aftHis first novel. Bestseller in US. Financial thriller. Start is slow (only the promise of the blurb kept me going). Too many names, introduced one after the other. I forget which is which. Some padding in places (eg. 12 pages devoted to explaining fishing). But, half way through book it hots up and becomes a page turner, and there's a good ending....more
Enjoyed his mix of country matters, and his riding escapades, with his diatribes against parliament in the 1820s, regarding the ruination of rural worEnjoyed his mix of country matters, and his riding escapades, with his diatribes against parliament in the 1820s, regarding the ruination of rural workers and farmers. He has no time for universities: "those dens of dunces called Colleges and Universities". He bemoans the bankrupting of the country in fighting the French, eg. building the Martello towers on the coast. Seems similar to what happened to Britain’s finances from WW1 and WW2, and more recently the fortune spent on beating Covid-19. In each case it was done with borrowed money. Another bit of similarity to our times, when he points out the large number of churches that now have few attendees for services. As others have said, a bit repetitive, but there were still gems in the later pages....more
His jottings through life, from 1892 to 1949. Lots of amusing anecdotes. eg. · Unselfish parents have selfish children. · Fools don’t become less foolisHis jottings through life, from 1892 to 1949. Lots of amusing anecdotes. eg. · Unselfish parents have selfish children. · Fools don’t become less foolish when they grow old, and an old fool is infinitely more tiresome than a young one. ...more
This was Ian Fleming’s first novel, and was a bestseller. So I read this to get a better understanding of what sells (before the writer has establisheThis was Ian Fleming’s first novel, and was a bestseller. So I read this to get a better understanding of what sells (before the writer has established a reputation). I confess that it is the first Bond book I've read (having seen all the movies of course!). I really enjoyed it, but was surprised to find it had little in common with the movie versions. In the book, there's a lot less action and killing, and more building of characters and tension in the casino and other locations. A bit tedious at times (like 4 pages to describe the game of baccarat), but that was forgivable. And what made it a bestseller? Lots of hooks for the reader, encouraging you to go to the next chapter. And that clever approach where the reader can see that the hero (Bond) is in desperate trouble, but he doesn't know it yet. And Bond trusting people, where the reader is given enough clues to know that it's a mistake. It certainly kept me turning the pages....more
A fast-paced Novella. As an aspiring author (latest: Deadly Intrigue) I'm always looking for interesting ideas. This was my first look at the Sexton BlA fast-paced Novella. As an aspiring author (latest: Deadly Intrigue) I'm always looking for interesting ideas. This was my first look at the Sexton Blake novellas, and I was impressed. Each story is fast paced, with mystery and hooks everywhere to get you to read on. The authors break many 'rules' about writing: switching viewpoints, including an all-seeing commentary, as in 'He had not the slightest notion...'. And the adverbs are spread thickly. But it works for the reader, and as thousands of stories were published, it worked well commercially. Makes me think about what I'm writing next! ...more
Thick paperback but large font used with lots of spacing so only about 65,000 words. Divided into 145 chapters (including 5 in the Prologue!), which seThick paperback but large font used with lots of spacing so only about 65,000 words. Divided into 145 chapters (including 5 in the Prologue!), which seemed a bit too much, interrupting the flow. Some chapters were less than 2 pages. Loads of hook and little mysteries, as you read through it, so always one or two things you wanted explained, to keep you reading. Two odd bits in chapter 36 (in Stockholm): '...and the western piece was inherited from the same Soviet era as the suburb he and Dessie had passed ...' and further on 'The entrance was in the old communist part of the complex.' It made it sound like Sweden had been under Soviet/communist rule at one time. Pace was good throughout, and an occasional surprise to catch you unawares. Good action ending, and wrapup. ...more
I was disappointed that Hooke’s life had successes but he never seemed to really enjoy it, and was always bitter towards rivals like Newton. He workedI was disappointed that Hooke’s life had successes but he never seemed to really enjoy it, and was always bitter towards rivals like Newton. He worked a lot with Christopher Wren on London post-1666-fire, but as with his sciences and Newton etc., his architecture strengths were overshadowed by Wren. He seemed to be highly intelligent and creative in his work, yet absolutely naive about dealing with others. Died with wealth, but living like a pauper. A bit sad and depressing, and not one I'd read again. That's why only 3 stars....more
Brilliant writing of this novella (in 1934). The protagonist is a school head, post-retirement, looking back over his life. Lot of happy moments and aBrilliant writing of this novella (in 1934). The protagonist is a school head, post-retirement, looking back over his life. Lot of happy moments and also sad moments. Had to keep reading, as always wanted to know what unfolded next in his life. Like when he mentions a wife, and we know she's not around now, so we're anxious to know what happened. And when war was coming (the first World War) there was clearly going to be bad news coming. Just sorry it wasn't a longer book!...more
Biographical, published in 1936. The Paris experiences were mainly working as a labourer in the kitchens of grand hotels and restaurants, where everywBiographical, published in 1936. The Paris experiences were mainly working as a labourer in the kitchens of grand hotels and restaurants, where everywhere was filth and cockroaches, when not unemployed. He reckoned that the more expensive the hotel, the more spit went into the food! The English experiences were mostly as a tramp, moving from one soulless refuge to the next, and getting no nourishment but bread and tea, with everyone there without hope.
Opening pages are a bit dull, but he puts a taster at front of the book, an extract from page 83. (seems a bit of a cheat to me) Maybe publisher suggeOpening pages are a bit dull, but he puts a taster at front of the book, an extract from page 83. (seems a bit of a cheat to me) Maybe publisher suggested this? Chap 3 annoyed me, as it was a boring digression about him running. Chap 4 equally annoying with too much description of his Yorkshire village upbringing. Who cares? But then the pace picks up, and plenty of hooks, cliffhangers etc. So in the end worth persevering. ...more
Spends too much time at the start describing the SMERSH killer and his background. Overall plot is more or less the same as the film. Most of action isSpends too much time at the start describing the SMERSH killer and his background. Overall plot is more or less the same as the film. Most of action is in Turkey and then the Orient Express. At end, Bond is stabbed with Rosa Klebb’s poison shoe knife, and we don’t know if it is fatal!!! (Except of course that the reader at that time (1957) knows darned well that there's another book on the way!) ...more
Interesting biography of the (retired) Director of British MI5. But I was hoping for a bit more detail about the security services in the cold war, anInteresting biography of the (retired) Director of British MI5. But I was hoping for a bit more detail about the security services in the cold war, and perhaps less of her early life. Got a bit dull at the end where she moans about unfairness of treatment of public sector workers compared to those in business. (conveniently forgetting their better job security and gold-plated pensions!)...more
The life and death of Robert Maxwell. A lot of detail about the final years, when his publishing empire was collapsing (New York Daily News, UK Daily The life and death of Robert Maxwell. A lot of detail about the final years, when his publishing empire was collapsing (New York Daily News, UK Daily Mirror, etc.). Had little idea about much of this going on in the background, even though I was working there for some of that time. Very good book. Humorous at times, and overall quite gripping, right up to the mystery of his death. ...more
Story of last days of mankind after Nuclear War. The plot is terrific, but the language was a bit old-fashioned and it jarred a bit. Also the relationsStory of last days of mankind after Nuclear War. The plot is terrific, but the language was a bit old-fashioned and it jarred a bit. Also the relationships were sometimes laboured, and descriptions excessive. Frequent and rapid changes of viewpoint. Thought the film was better than the book, as it cut a lot of the padding out, but included all the suspense. ...more
The usual good quality read from Grisham. At the start, it isn't clear who the lead character is, as Patrick is seemingly the villain. Then reader graThe usual good quality read from Grisham. At the start, it isn't clear who the lead character is, as Patrick is seemingly the villain. Then reader gradually gets to identify with him, so we want him to succeed whatever, as he seems a lot better than the opposition. First half of book is a bit complicated/slow, but then pace picks up fast for rest of the book....more
It was heavy going for the first half, with very slow pace, but I persevered. Towards the latter part of the book, it was faster-moving, and became a It was heavy going for the first half, with very slow pace, but I persevered. Towards the latter part of the book, it was faster-moving, and became a page-turner. As in all these old novels, there are some lovely expressions, eg. 'Although a philosopher, Monsieur Homais respected the dead.' and 'I saw that the very moment that I came in. I've the eye of an American.'...more
Diamonds are being smuggled in large quantities from Africa via London to USA. Bond takes the place of a courier to take a batch from London to NY. ThDiamonds are being smuggled in large quantities from Africa via London to USA. Bond takes the place of a courier to take a batch from London to NY. The baddies this time are organised crime in USA. Maybe most readers like detailed descriptions of people, places, etc. but at times it felt like padding. Preferred the movie, which has a totally different plot....more
Good opening line. "Saturday, the last day of August, I started work before dawn." Good plot, with lots of grisly details of the dead bodies. The invoGood opening line. "Saturday, the last day of August, I started work before dawn." Good plot, with lots of grisly details of the dead bodies. The involvement of a psychic seems a bit far fetched! A very good read overall, but the end of book was too abrupt for me. We are in a load of tension, and then only a few pages later it is the end of book....more
I got this for Christmas, and I love it. It's a great reference book of course, but I love the dry humour when he advises against certain usage. For eI got this for Christmas, and I love it. It's a great reference book of course, but I love the dry humour when he advises against certain usage. For example where people pronounce Chorizo as 'choritso', as if it's an Italian word, he says: "If you wish to make an impression ... it is wise to make sure you choose the right language."...more
Good start with plenty of tension. But later on, too many flashbacks for me. A lot of alternating between present and 1940’s – annoying. At half way pGood start with plenty of tension. But later on, too many flashbacks for me. A lot of alternating between present and 1940’s – annoying. At half way point I gave up, as not enjoying it. The 1940’s flashbacks had eased off, and the plot was drifting along, but still another 80,000 words to go. I’ve got more interesting things to read....more
Absolutely brilliant! 1000 pages, and a page turner. Events in the 1660's around the English king and parliament (Restoration of Charles 2), war with Absolutely brilliant! 1000 pages, and a page turner. Events in the 1660's around the English king and parliament (Restoration of Charles 2), war with the Dutch, the great plague, the great fire of London 1666, and also LOTS of his personal life, esp the women he fancies and has affairs with. He recorded everything....more
I'm afraid I found it too heavy going, and gave up after 60 pages. The concepts are good, and his style I'm sure suits others, as this was a best sellI'm afraid I found it too heavy going, and gave up after 60 pages. The concepts are good, and his style I'm sure suits others, as this was a best seller. But I got weary (maybe too quickly) of sentences like this: "To be honorable implies not fearing the appearances and consequences of being outlandish." "Doubting the consequences of an outcome will allow you to become imperturbable." I'm going to move to something a bit more lightweight!...more
A strange story, written in 1884 ... A ‘square’ describes his life in flatland (a world of only 2 dimensions). Then tells of his experience of being tA strange story, written in 1884 ... A ‘square’ describes his life in flatland (a world of only 2 dimensions). Then tells of his experience of being taken to a ‘space’ of three dimensions. He also sees a world of one dimension (all beings live on one line), and a world of no dimensions (all in a single point)....more
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