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Books (234)

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- The Queen's Fool (127)
- By Philippa Gregory
- Finished on May 11, 2012
  
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The Queen's Fool

The Queen's Fool, another wonderful mix of fiction and fact from Philippa Gregory. Fact in so far as our history books tell. Gregory is wonderful at her craft of mixing this into a tale that is readable, probable and keeps the reader interested unto the very end. The Tudor tales are told with suc ... (continue)

The Queen's Fool, another wonderful mix of fiction and fact from Philippa Gregory. Fact in so far as our history books tell. Gregory is wonderful at her craft of mixing this into a tale that is readable, probable and keeps the reader interested unto the very end. The Tudor tales are told with such intrigue, spies everywhere, lack of trust all around - not much different today, I am sure although with the complete separation of sovereignty the government which rules our country, our royal family are more concerned on hanging onto their title and role in the kingdom these times.
I find it quite interesting that Dr John Dee is getting so much coverage nowadays. Watching Later with Jools, I learnt that Damon Albarn's new outfit are called Dr Dee after this very same man. And on the show Albarn showed an ancient book with historical facts about John Dee. I guess it was coincidence that the very book I was reading at the time focussed a fair bit on this incredible man, however I was quite surprised at this.
If you like historical fiction and the reign of the Tudor's do read this wonderful tale.

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— May 12, 2012 | Add your feedback
- Tulip Fever (18)
- (Illustrated)
- By Deborah Moggach
- Finished on Apr 26, 2012
  
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Tulip Fever

Another book group choice and following last month with the same author, but a very different story. I voted for this one, both, because I liked the storyline and I was intrigued to see how different Moggach's writing could be. Having not particularly liked Seesaw, for me, this was a much better r ... (continue)

Another book group choice and following last month with the same author, but a very different story. I voted for this one, both, because I liked the storyline and I was intrigued to see how different Moggach's writing could be. Having not particularly liked Seesaw, for me, this was a much better read.
A similar subject to Tracey Chevalier's Girl With A Pearl Earring, the storyline held an interest for me. However, in my opinion, Chevalier is the better writer and Girl With A Pearl Earring a better story. This was a light read, it did not take me long to finish the book because there was no real depth. Yes, I got it! The rich merchant and his young second wife, having their painting commissioned by an upcoming artist Jan van der Loos. You guessed it, the young wife falls for the artist - after all he is closer in age. However, there is deceit, treachery and innocent victims caught up in all of this. Moggach tackles this well but I would have preferred more depth to the characters and the story. For me, it was a bit glossed over. This is something I am finding with this author's style, that she does not develop her subject enough.

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— Apr 27, 2012 | Add your feedback
- Secrets (14)
- By Freya North
- Finished on Apr 12, 2012
  
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Secrets

Freya North writes a good chick lit. It runs with the usual formula, boy meets girl, there's an attraction but not without it's problems and of course there is the other woman or man. Great location by the sea, and I did think that Saltburn by the Sea was fictional but as I discovered at the end o ... (continue)

Freya North writes a good chick lit. It runs with the usual formula, boy meets girl, there's an attraction but not without it's problems and of course there is the other woman or man. Great location by the sea, and I did think that Saltburn by the Sea was fictional but as I discovered at the end of the book it does exist. Great description of an old seaside town. I loved the photos of the author in the area in this last section of the book. Good rounded characters and all likeable, even the 'batty' Mrs Mary Saunders, even though she had lived an unhappy and embittered life. All the essential ingredients were there, complete with plenty of humour.

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— Apr 13, 2012 | Add your feedback
- Charming Man (133)
- By Marian Keyes
- Finished on Apr 6, 2012
  
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Charming Man

For chick lit this was quite a thick book and I must admit I found it quite hard to get through until later on when the story all seemed to come together. It was written in sections in the voice of Lola, Grace, Marnie and one part dedicated to Alicia. Lola's story written in a different font and i ... (continue)

For chick lit this was quite a thick book and I must admit I found it quite hard to get through until later on when the story all seemed to come together. It was written in sections in the voice of Lola, Grace, Marnie and one part dedicated to Alicia. Lola's story written in a different font and in diary/chat form which was okay once I got used to it. It took a while to get to the point that not only Lola but Marnie and Grace had had some involvement with Paddy and that he was not the charming character he appeared to be.
I felt that it could have been condensed. I found the scene setting rather drawn out. The characters were well rounded and mostly likeable apart from Paddy, Alicia and the rather weak, selfish and pitiable Marnie who got what was coming and not all too soon in my opinion. Some humour but not roll on the floor laughing variety.

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— Apr 7, 2012 | Add your feedback
- The 19th Wife (50)
- A Novel
- By David Ebershoff
- Finished on Apr 1, 2012
  
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The 19th Wife

This is a work of fiction running two parallel stories. BeckyLynn, 19th wife, accused of murdering her husband and the story of Ann Eliza Young, 19th wife of Brigham Young, the latter based on fact. The author tells us in his epilogue that this is a work of fiction interlaced with researched arti ... (continue)

This is a work of fiction running two parallel stories. BeckyLynn, 19th wife, accused of murdering her husband and the story of Ann Eliza Young, 19th wife of Brigham Young, the latter based on fact. The author tells us in his epilogue that this is a work of fiction interlaced with researched articles about Mrs Young, 19th Wife.
A long book which I did not find easy, however it was interesting. I am a Christian and I attend church as and when I can. I have always been sceptical of the more unorthodox faiths (I use the term unorthodox in meaning communities like Amish, LDS, JW, Scientology etc). I don't believe they are wrong per se, but they do/did have very unusual and strong beliefs which I have to challenge. For example as in the book - polygamy and slaughter of those who run away or go against the 'church'. Of course the book is referring to the 'Firsts'.
As far as the story goes, I liked the way it was interwoven between facts, it made the book a little easier to read. I am sure it is not intended to put people off and maybe, the LDS' wouldn't read it anyway. Polygamy in some of these religious communities has been previously documented and the reader knows that this went on. I found the hierarchy interesting and I have to say one does wonder how a husband could keep tally on when he last visited and which wife. I can only commend Ann Eliza for her bravery and courage in bringing it all out in the open, even though the press knew it was going on despite the denials from the Prophets. Sadly, it did not end there, although history shows that the LDS in general stopped but the 'Firsts' carried on with polygamy.
I would like to think that this book opens our eyes to the fact that the Bible can be open to interpretation and sadly, one charismatic leader can make a misinterpretation and can get his followers to believe (brainwashing) - that is when religion becomes a scary and frightening belief.

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— Apr 2, 2012 | Add your feedback

- The Beach Hut (1)
- By Veronica Henry
- Finished on Mar 24, 2012
  
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The Beach Hut

This is chick lit to appeal to a wide age range. This is not just about twenty or thirty-somethings but ranges across the love lives of teenagers to pensioners. A great read for the beach (says something in the title), you'll sail through it. It's not howl with laughter chick lit but it is has pa ... (continue)

This is chick lit to appeal to a wide age range. This is not just about twenty or thirty-somethings but ranges across the love lives of teenagers to pensioners. A great read for the beach (says something in the title), you'll sail through it. It's not howl with laughter chick lit but it is has pace and interesting characters with interesting snippets of their lives to keep it going plus a seaside setting. What's more to like than a bit of sun, sand, sea, surf and a row of brightly coloured beach huts - I want one! No seaside town is complete without a hotel, pub, restaurant or ice cream stall and that essential ingredient children. A good light summer read.

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— Mar 25, 2012 | Add your feedback
- Women in Love (303)
- (Dover Thrift Editions)
- By D. H. Lawrence
- Finished on Mar 20, 2012
  
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Women in Love

Having just read the back cover (where I have taken the synopsis), I read that Lawrence considered this novel to be his masterpiece. Oh goodness me! If this is his masterpiece then what are his other books like! D.H. Lawrence is considered one of our foremost classic fiction writers and with such ... (continue)

Having just read the back cover (where I have taken the synopsis), I read that Lawrence considered this novel to be his masterpiece. Oh goodness me! If this is his masterpiece then what are his other books like! D.H. Lawrence is considered one of our foremost classic fiction writers and with such status, I felt I should read his novels. Whether this was the best one to read first, I don't know. To be honest, I'm not sure I want to read any more to find out.
First of all, I found his writing style rather pompous and arrogant. What was he trying to achieve? I can see that he writes fairly typically of his time, and his audience were obviously the highbrow in literary circles. I did not like the characters very much. I found horrid Hermione to be vapid, manipulative and controlling - whatever gave her the right to hit people? Mrs Crich, selfish, unloving and rather strange. Ursula the elder sister, wasn't so bad, I could understand why she didn't want to rush into marriage with the introspective Rupert. However once she did succumb to the idea and agree, she became very whiny and needy, constantly asking him if he loved her. Gudrun, the younger sister - well - what a cold, manipulative character she was, withholding and driving her lover to nearly murder her and then kill himself! Mrs Brangwen was the only likeable character and I really could not understand why her daughters saw fit to mock and laugh at her. I find Lawrence's characterisations of women to be rather insulting. Yes, women can be manipulative but I have not come across any who are as dreadful as this cast.
Let's look at the men. We have Mr Brangwen the father who is always at loggerheads with his eldest daughter. He is a school master and his daughters have followed into the profession, although Gudrun is an artist. Mr B is controlling, quick tempered but the daughter's seem to be rather selfish and self indulgent. Rupert Birkin is a rather wet character, very introspective and does not really know his own mind. Rather idealistic but unrealistic too. Gerald Crich, I actually found fairly likeable. An industrialist who takes over the running of the family firm and tightens the ship somewhat. Very good looking, a heartbreaker who could have any woman. Although he does love Gudrun, he finds it hard to admit to her and they seem to have a continual battle of wills. Mr Crich, Gerald's father who is dying does come across as a decent sort. He looks after his workers (miners), despite the opposition from his hard hearted wife. He is besotted with his youngest daughter Winnie and you feel that he will not let go and die until he is sure everything is settled.
This book was supposedly a shocker and I can see why for it's time. Lawrence introduces us to fiercely independent women who initially are opposed to marriage but want to be lovers. Ahead of its time, maybe. We are familiar with discussion between both sexes on an intellectual level, read Jane Austen and other early authors and see the influence women had on their husbands in history. In terms of graphic erotica, there is none, today's books can offer much more detail, In this book you get the jist through Lawrence's choice of words rather than any blatant description. It would not shock today. However, a parallel runs along, we have the two relationships between the sisters and their partners but there is also a reference of a homoerotic nature between Rupert and Gerald although this is not followed through.
I'm not a fan of Mr Lawrence and I found this book quite a struggle.

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— Mar 21, 2012 | Add your feedback
- Toast (45)
- The Story of a Boy's Hunger
- By Nigel Slater
- Finished on Feb 25, 2012
  
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Toast

This is a wonderful biographical account of Nigel Slater's childhood. Mollycoddled by his mother and never able to please his father for whom the boy never seemed good enough or comparable with his older brothers. His love for his mother whose cooking abilities left a lot to be desired that a hous ... (continue)

This is a wonderful biographical account of Nigel Slater's childhood. Mollycoddled by his mother and never able to please his father for whom the boy never seemed good enough or comparable with his older brothers. His love for his mother whose cooking abilities left a lot to be desired that a housekeeper was employed to provide some sustenance as well as other housekeeping tasks. Nigel's only friend at home is the young gardener who is unfairly sacked due to an inadvertent comment on Nigel's part. Once Nigel's mother has passed away his childhood takes on a change that is for the worse. His father falls for a woman interested only in his money and bettering herself. Neither have time for the boy who feels he is constantly in the way. The new wife, an exceptional cook and housekeeper competes with Nigel when he starts to bring home his delicacies from cookery class and she suddenly provides three course meals on a daily basis which do nothing for the health of her husband. In spite of the upheaval in his childhood, Nigel goes on to follow his lifelong passion and on leaving school he enters catering college and works in hotels to keep himself. A painful account of a journey through childhood.

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— Feb 27, 2012 | Add your feedback
- Starter for Ten (124)
- By David Nicholls
- Finished on Feb 8, 2012
  
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Starter for Ten

This book is David Nicholl's début novel and it gives the reader a fair idea of what is to come from this author. Brian has just left school and embarks on university life, this is a funny, witty look at a young student adapting to his new surroundings. Brian has left home for the first time and g ... (continue)

This book is David Nicholl's début novel and it gives the reader a fair idea of what is to come from this author. Brian has just left school and embarks on university life, this is a funny, witty look at a young student adapting to his new surroundings. Brian has left home for the first time and goes to seek learning, friendship, participation in the ultimate quiz and a girlfriend. We painfully follow Brian on his journey, most of us will have been there at some time or another! The drunk disco dance, saying the wrong thing to the wrong people or at the wrong time, trying to hard to impress, large scale faux pas and generally making a fool of oneself. However, Brian picks himself up, dusts himself off and starts all over again. I love this sharp, wry look at life from the point of view of the teenage boy moving into a bigger pond. Great characterisations too, you can't help but like and feel sorry for the slightly unfortunate Brian. Does he get the girl? Read the book to find out!

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— Feb 9, 2012 | Add your feedback
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (9604)
- Harry Potter, Book 7
- By J. K. Rowling
- Finished on Jan 31, 2012
  
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Yay! I have completed the series. Okay, it took me a couple of years because I like to vary my reading. How I did enjoy these books. There are seemingly no limits to Ms Rowling's imagination. In terms of setting, I prefer the other books which are mainly centred at Hogwarts but that is just my ... (continue)

Yay! I have completed the series. Okay, it took me a couple of years because I like to vary my reading. How I did enjoy these books. There are seemingly no limits to Ms Rowling's imagination. In terms of setting, I prefer the other books which are mainly centred at Hogwarts but that is just my personal preference. This book was different as it mainly focussed on the threesome, Harry, Hermione and Ron with support leant by Harry's faithful protectors and friends. However, in terms of writing, action, pace and characterisation this book is not inferior in any way. A lot of questions were answered in this book. Whose side was Snape really on? What was Dumbledore really trying to achieve and how much input did he have in obtaining his goal through Harry? I was pleased that Harry was able to 'see' the prediction. I also liked the fact that Ms Rowling has not completely closed the story. Although Harry Potter's tale has ended at Hogwarts, the possibility is there to continue in other ways if desired.

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— Feb 2, 2012 | Add your feedback

- The Lady of the Rivers (16)
- By Philippa Gregory
- Finished on Jan 27, 2012
  
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The Lady of the Rivers

The last of the selection of library books I offered up to my reading group, not chosen, but I read them all anyway. I was happy with the lot except one which has not been reviewed as I gave up - yes - gave up!
This is my second Philippa Gregory, the first being The Other Boleyn Girl which of cour ... (continue)

The last of the selection of library books I offered up to my reading group, not chosen, but I read them all anyway. I was happy with the lot except one which has not been reviewed as I gave up - yes - gave up!
This is my second Philippa Gregory, the first being The Other Boleyn Girl which of course was made into a film. I thought this was a much better novel. I loved the 'other worldly' interest of second sight and alchemy. Of course, astrology was used in those days alongside belief in herbology. However, it had to be hidden as many believed it to be the power of witchcraft. The book starts with our heroine, Jacquetta meeting Joan of Arc before she was taken and burnt at the stake in Rouen, accused of witchcraft.
The book follows Jacquetta's rise to a place at the court of King Henry VI, and she spends many years as a close confidante of his queen Margaret of Anjou. It is a story of love, civil war between the Yorks (white rose) and the Lancaster's (red rose) and betrayal. Gregory has researched her history well and points out in the Author's notes that there is no biography of Jacquetta and the author has written the book using what historical fact she has found and combined it with fiction. This combination works well and is proof to me why Ms Gregory is such a popular author of historical fiction.

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— Jan 27, 2012 | Add your feedback
- Jamrach's Menagerie (24)
- By Carol Birch
- Finished on Jan 16, 2012
  
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Jamrach's Menagerie

This book is another library book which I offered as a choice for my new book group. It did not win the choice but I decided to read it as I had borrowed it.
In the acknowledgements at the back of the novel, the author informs us that the character Jamrach did exist in real life. There was a Beng ... (continue)

This book is another library book which I offered as a choice for my new book group. It did not win the choice but I decided to read it as I had borrowed it.
In the acknowledgements at the back of the novel, the author informs us that the character Jamrach did exist in real life. There was a Bengal tiger which escaped whilst being delivered to Jamrach which did carry off an eight year old boy in its mouth, the boy escaped unhurt, thanks to Jamrach. Also, Essex, a whaleship sank in the early 19th century and there is a story that a lad shot his childhood friend after drawing lots. However, this book is a work of fiction.
On commencing reading the novel, I thought this is great, very good, something different. Well written with a great storyline, well rounded characterisations. I even liked Tim who taunted and teased Jaffy no end. The first part of the book rolled along nicely. It was the story at sea when a handful of sailors survived in two boats after escaping from the sinking Lysander that palled. This part of the story dragged on a bit too long and I did get bored to the point of speed reading or skimming on to the next part. However, it redeemed itself in the end.

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— Jan 17, 2012 | Add your feedback
- The Time of My Life (13)
- By Cecelia Ahern
- Finished on Jan 13, 2012
  
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The Time of My Life

This book was not on my wishlist but I borrowed it from the library as one of a selection to offer my book group. Another book was chosen but as I had begun the vetting process I ploughed on with it. I have read two of Cecelia Ahern's earlier books - PS I Love You - which I enjoyed and The Gift wh ... (continue)

This book was not on my wishlist but I borrowed it from the library as one of a selection to offer my book group. Another book was chosen but as I had begun the vetting process I ploughed on with it. I have read two of Cecelia Ahern's earlier books - PS I Love You - which I enjoyed and The Gift which I found rather strange. However, I really enjoyed this book, chick lit at its best. Funny, witty and a new take on a storyline which flowed beautifully and was a joy to read. The storyline about life was quite interesting as it does provide some food for thought. Reminding the reader that a lie, however small can escalate out of control. I liked the interaction between the characters, families, the all too familiar tiptoeing around each other so as not to hurt anyone's feelings but with that build up of familial resentment. The over bearing parent for whom the child is never good enough. The friends who take sides but again you cannot be totally honest with for fear of breaking the friendship. It is all there in this book.

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— Jan 15, 2012 | Add your feedback
- The Distant Hours (39)
- By Kate Morton
- Finished on Jan 5, 2012
  
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The Distant Hours

I borrowed my copy from the library in hardback as one of a selection for my new book group starting next week. I thought I would read it first just to make sure it was worth offering, especially as it is a thick book which on size alone could be off putting. I have already read Kate Morton's The ... (continue)

I borrowed my copy from the library in hardback as one of a selection for my new book group starting next week. I thought I would read it first just to make sure it was worth offering, especially as it is a thick book which on size alone could be off putting. I have already read Kate Morton's The Forgotten Garden which I enjoyed. This book was no disappointment either, written in a similar style where present day runs alongside past events. I was gripped fairly soon into the book and found it quite difficult to put down at the end of the day. I love it when a book makes you that excited you can't wait to pick it up again. The only thing that did detract a little for me was the way the book went from the present to the past. To differentiate the 'past', chapters were numbered, but sometimes they were interwoven with 'present' day chapters. I don't have a solution to offer as many authors must have this problem, how to separate 'past' and 'present' or different storytellers within a book. I liked the writing style and the story flowed well. I did like the ending and the epilogue which summed up the past events.

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— Jan 6, 2012 | Add your feedback
- West End Girls (9)
- By Jenny Colgan
- Finished on Dec 27, 2011
  
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West End Girls

This book was written in 2006, hence reading it now, it is quite dated. Would I have liked it any more if I had read it when it was first published? I'm not sure. After all the TV shows of late such as: The Only Way is Essex or Made In Chelsea, this book is extremely clichéd. I have not watched ... (continue)

This book was written in 2006, hence reading it now, it is quite dated. Would I have liked it any more if I had read it when it was first published? I'm not sure. After all the TV shows of late such as: The Only Way is Essex or Made In Chelsea, this book is extremely clichéd. I have not watched these shows but six years down the line this book is full of the stereotypes and clichés. As far as chick-lit goes, this is not one of the best, there is not enough humour for me. It has the typical chick-lit characters, the nice one, the bitchy one and the usual misunderstandings with the blokes until the very end when all becomes clear and love is declared to the right one. Am I a big fan of chick-lit, not necessarily but I enjoy it if it is well written and has me rolling on the floor with laughter. Unfortunately, this one didn't.

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— Dec 28, 2011 | Add your feedback