I found this book a little difficult to enjoy for two main reasons. Firstly, all the Russian names. They're just so 'foreign' to my eyes, and there's so many of them. People seems to go by at least three different names, and it was hard for me to keep track of who was who. Secondly, the style of writing is very different to anything else I've read. There was a lot of sidetracking off and meandering about before getting to the point.
I also want to say that, like Sherlock Holmes, a lot of the clues were kept secret until the last minute, BUT I don't think I can. I think the clues were actually given to the reader at the same time they were given to the sleuth. It's just that I was so tangled up in the names that I missed them. I would love to read this book with people's name substituted for standard Western European names, "Mr Mark Spense", "Miss Jane Moore" :-)
Having said that, there is an English character, and every time her name, Janet, is mentioned it felt funny. Like an intrusion.
Basic plot outline. The bishop's great aunt writes to him in a state of agitation because someone is killing off her prize dogs. The bishop sends Palagia, a sleuthing nun, to find out the truth. On her way to the aunt's estate, Palagia passes a gruesome find by officials - two headless bodies. Of course, by the end of the book she has worked who is killing the dogs and who beheaded the bodies.
Intertwined in that is a lot of interesting information about Russian culture and thinking at the turn of the century. Fascinating, if only I could work out who it was all about.
The whole time I reading the book the name "Palagia" kept bothering me. I knew I had come across it before. I wondered if maybe I had seen a TV or movie adaptation of the books (apparently there's more than one). Eventually, with the help of Google, I worked it out. Palagia is also the main character of Captain Corelli's Mandolin.
I will quite possibly seek out more of Akunin's books, if only because the cultural revelations are so fascinating. I give this book a 5. After all, my ability to keep track of the characters really isn't the author's issue.
31 July 2008
Father Lands, Emily Ballou
This is a bizarre book. Bizarre. The beginning of each chapter has a single page (or less) description of a man's thoughts or actions. The chapters themselves are essentially about two children. One a white girl, one a black boy both about 8 or 9 years old. Towards the end of the book you work out how the opening sections fit with the main story.
The main story doesn't seem to have any real plot; it nevers really reaches any solid conclusion or resolution. The sub-story; those opening pages of each chapter; have a much more solid plot and conclusion.
Cherry, the white girl, and her younger sister are sent to a new school by their parents. Its the era of intergration and the girls start attending a mainly black school. Cherry meets Hugo, the black boy, and they gradually form a friendship. Hugo comes from a single parent family, his father having walked out years ago. Cherry's parents split up during the course of the book.
There's really not a lot else to say. Its hard to give away the ending of the book, because there isn't one. Its one of those books that every now and then make you think "did I finish it?" I did finish it, and I can't say I'll be trying this author again. Only a 2 for this one.
The main story doesn't seem to have any real plot; it nevers really reaches any solid conclusion or resolution. The sub-story; those opening pages of each chapter; have a much more solid plot and conclusion.
Cherry, the white girl, and her younger sister are sent to a new school by their parents. Its the era of intergration and the girls start attending a mainly black school. Cherry meets Hugo, the black boy, and they gradually form a friendship. Hugo comes from a single parent family, his father having walked out years ago. Cherry's parents split up during the course of the book.
There's really not a lot else to say. Its hard to give away the ending of the book, because there isn't one. Its one of those books that every now and then make you think "did I finish it?" I did finish it, and I can't say I'll be trying this author again. Only a 2 for this one.
A Proper Pursuit, Lynn Austin
We went to different library branch last week, so I started back at the first shelf. I picked up Austin's book because I recalled reading that the one I had read wasn't considered one of her better novels.
This book was quite different. It followed just one lady's story and was set in a completely different era. Late 1800s and Violet has recently graduated from finishing school when her father drops a bombshell on her. He's getting married, but even more startling is the news that her long missing mother isn't dead but divorced.
Violet races off to the city (Chicago) to stay with her grandmother and great aunts with the main goal in mind of finding her mother. She's also attempting to escape a rather boring home town suitor. Along the way she picks up several other suitors. The dubious Silas McCure who seems to be involved in unsavory business; rich Nelson Kent; and devout Louis Decker.
I found the opening of the story quite amusing. Violet takes her finishing school manners **so** seriously. As the story progressed it becomes less amusing as you realise that women of her era had so little else to focus on. I enjoyed watching Violet realise the for herself the lack of substance in her 'education'.
Aside from Violet and her beaus the other main characters are the grandmother and great aunts. Each has a distinctive character. Grandmother is involved in mission work to the slums of the city; Aunt Matt is a early days suffragette; Aunt Agnes is a rich society lady; and Aunt Birdie is the consummate romantic. As Violet becomes involved in each of their pursuits and lives she learns different, important lessons.
I enjoyed this book and Austin has been added to be list of "can be counted on" authors. An 8.
This book was quite different. It followed just one lady's story and was set in a completely different era. Late 1800s and Violet has recently graduated from finishing school when her father drops a bombshell on her. He's getting married, but even more startling is the news that her long missing mother isn't dead but divorced.
Violet races off to the city (Chicago) to stay with her grandmother and great aunts with the main goal in mind of finding her mother. She's also attempting to escape a rather boring home town suitor. Along the way she picks up several other suitors. The dubious Silas McCure who seems to be involved in unsavory business; rich Nelson Kent; and devout Louis Decker.
I found the opening of the story quite amusing. Violet takes her finishing school manners **so** seriously. As the story progressed it becomes less amusing as you realise that women of her era had so little else to focus on. I enjoyed watching Violet realise the for herself the lack of substance in her 'education'.
Aside from Violet and her beaus the other main characters are the grandmother and great aunts. Each has a distinctive character. Grandmother is involved in mission work to the slums of the city; Aunt Matt is a early days suffragette; Aunt Agnes is a rich society lady; and Aunt Birdie is the consummate romantic. As Violet becomes involved in each of their pursuits and lives she learns different, important lessons.
I enjoyed this book and Austin has been added to be list of "can be counted on" authors. An 8.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom
I watched the movie of this book some time ago. I really enjoyed the movie. Having my own fairly defined views of the afterlife, watching someone else's interpretation can be problematic. But Albom manages to avoid any theological thorns while presenting a very moving story. Recently a friend lent me the book and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it didn't diminish the movie in any way. I was not surprised to find out that Albom wrote the screenplay.
The story is about Eddie. Eddie is a maintenance manager for a small theme park, the like of which we don't actually have here in Australia. He's pretty much a grumpy old man, unhappy with how his life turned out. Obviously, he dies - otherwise he wouldn't be meeting people in heaven.
The five people you meet in heaven are there to help you work through issues of life. I really loved this concept. Who we are is so tangled up in what we've experienced that I do believe there is sorting out that needs to take place on the other side. Maybe that's why heaven is eternal - maybe that's how long it takes ;-) Still Albom thinks it'll only take five people. Eddie's give have an extraordinary range - people he doesn't know at all, people he was intimate with - but each having had a profound effect on his life.
I think the major thing of this book for me is that there are no insignificant people. Everyone has an impact on other people's lives. We should never undervalue ourselves or others. Life is not about how much money you make or how "successful" you are; it's about how much you impact others for the better.
Great book. I would be happy to find a place on my bookshelves for it. I give a 10 without hesitation. Actually, I'd be happy to find a place for the movie too.
The story is about Eddie. Eddie is a maintenance manager for a small theme park, the like of which we don't actually have here in Australia. He's pretty much a grumpy old man, unhappy with how his life turned out. Obviously, he dies - otherwise he wouldn't be meeting people in heaven.
The five people you meet in heaven are there to help you work through issues of life. I really loved this concept. Who we are is so tangled up in what we've experienced that I do believe there is sorting out that needs to take place on the other side. Maybe that's why heaven is eternal - maybe that's how long it takes ;-) Still Albom thinks it'll only take five people. Eddie's give have an extraordinary range - people he doesn't know at all, people he was intimate with - but each having had a profound effect on his life.
I think the major thing of this book for me is that there are no insignificant people. Everyone has an impact on other people's lives. We should never undervalue ourselves or others. Life is not about how much money you make or how "successful" you are; it's about how much you impact others for the better.
Great book. I would be happy to find a place on my bookshelves for it. I give a 10 without hesitation. Actually, I'd be happy to find a place for the movie too.
24 July 2008
The Heavens Before, Kacy Barnett Gramckow
The Heavens Before. Kacy Barnett Gramckow. The story of how Noah's sons found their wives. I enjoyed this book, and I'll probably look for follow up stories. Like so many novels; however, the goodies are all good, and the baddies are all bad. Still, it was an interesting tale, with interesting characters and story lines.
An interesting book. The book centres around the bride to be (Annah) of Noah's middle son, Shem. She lives in a settlement not far from where Noah is building his ark. When she was younger she witnessed her older brother kill her father. He attempted to kill her and since then she acted dumb (both without speech and without wits). She believes it is the only thing that has kept her alive.
One day she's sitting by the river and 'meets' Shem who is on the other side of the river. They communicate without words. Shem because of the distance; Annah because that's how she communicates. A relationship develops between and Shem takes her as his bride.
While still focusing on Annah, the story then moves to how brides for the other two sons are found, and then the flood and briefly the post flood period.
My difficult with this book was that the baddies are all bad. The people of the village just have no saving graces. And the goodies (Noah and his family) are all good. BUT, the reason for the flood and the saving of Noah's family is that God could find no one else in the world deserving of saving. So, perhaps in this case the bad baddies and good goodies is justified.
I am interested in finding the other two books in this trilogy, so I give this book about a 7.
An interesting book. The book centres around the bride to be (Annah) of Noah's middle son, Shem. She lives in a settlement not far from where Noah is building his ark. When she was younger she witnessed her older brother kill her father. He attempted to kill her and since then she acted dumb (both without speech and without wits). She believes it is the only thing that has kept her alive.
One day she's sitting by the river and 'meets' Shem who is on the other side of the river. They communicate without words. Shem because of the distance; Annah because that's how she communicates. A relationship develops between and Shem takes her as his bride.
While still focusing on Annah, the story then moves to how brides for the other two sons are found, and then the flood and briefly the post flood period.
My difficult with this book was that the baddies are all bad. The people of the village just have no saving graces. And the goodies (Noah and his family) are all good. BUT, the reason for the flood and the saving of Noah's family is that God could find no one else in the world deserving of saving. So, perhaps in this case the bad baddies and good goodies is justified.
I am interested in finding the other two books in this trilogy, so I give this book about a 7.
The Untouchable, John Banville
The Untouchable. John Banville. Interesting, very interesting. The protagonist is a spy; an old spy who has been found out. I didn't enjoy the lifestyles. Maybe there are people who do live so hedonistic ally and survive. But I don't know any.
It took me a while to adjust to the writing style of this book. It might be the influence of goopy romances that clouded my mind. It might just be the style of the book. My first difficulty with the book was placing it in a time period. It was written in the 90s, but I eventually worked out, by adding up dates and ages, it was set in the 70s. That meant reframing my thinking to the 70s social and political scene.
The basic premise is an old guy looking back over his life. His current situation is alluded to rather than described. His assumption is that everyone knows what has happened, so its only mentioned in passing. You gradually pick up though that he was a double agent spying for England and Russia, and he has recently been denounced.
The book is then a description of how he became a spy for England and for Russia and the story of his life. I didn't enjoy it. I think what I struggled with the most is that the man is a stereotypical, sleazy, sex-in-public-toilets, homosexual. Why do people write caricatures instead of characters? Why can't they show a little imagination in developing their characters, instead of relying on trite old stereotypes?
I didn't enjoy this book very much. I give it a 3.
It took me a while to adjust to the writing style of this book. It might be the influence of goopy romances that clouded my mind. It might just be the style of the book. My first difficulty with the book was placing it in a time period. It was written in the 90s, but I eventually worked out, by adding up dates and ages, it was set in the 70s. That meant reframing my thinking to the 70s social and political scene.
The basic premise is an old guy looking back over his life. His current situation is alluded to rather than described. His assumption is that everyone knows what has happened, so its only mentioned in passing. You gradually pick up though that he was a double agent spying for England and Russia, and he has recently been denounced.
The book is then a description of how he became a spy for England and for Russia and the story of his life. I didn't enjoy it. I think what I struggled with the most is that the man is a stereotypical, sleazy, sex-in-public-toilets, homosexual. Why do people write caricatures instead of characters? Why can't they show a little imagination in developing their characters, instead of relying on trite old stereotypes?
I didn't enjoy this book very much. I give it a 3.
Take These Broken Wings, Lyn Andrews
Take These Broken Wings. Lyn Andrews. Poor girl makes good. Its a lovely concept, but it all seems to happen way too easily to be very believable. And I simply DO NOT buy into people catching a glimpse of someone and falling in love and staying insanely! in love for YEARS on end. Nope.
Anyone reading these reviews will think that I'm anti-romance. I don't mind a good romance. I just don't buy the eternal love at first sight type goop. And I don't buy the 'I hate you today but love you tomorrow' deal either.
Basic plot of this book. Hannah grows up in a poor area of town. Her mum dies when she's young; her dad is called up to fight in WWI. He leaves her with relatives in Wales. When he's killed in action, the relatives (charming bunch) dump her in a work house (another charming bunch). YEARS (I guess more than 10) later the chaplain of her dad's unit tracks her down and arranges for her to be servant in a fancy house - back in the town she grew up in. How convenient. She catches a glimpse of the youngest son and falls in love. Pining, withering love. Spare me please. He gets married, she's, well heartbroken is probably an understatement.
While I enjoyed the writing style the central idea of unfailing love based on a single glimpse of someone - I just don't buy it. Still, I'm tempted to find other books by the author, particularly if they avoid romance, so I give it a 4.
Anyone reading these reviews will think that I'm anti-romance. I don't mind a good romance. I just don't buy the eternal love at first sight type goop. And I don't buy the 'I hate you today but love you tomorrow' deal either.
Basic plot of this book. Hannah grows up in a poor area of town. Her mum dies when she's young; her dad is called up to fight in WWI. He leaves her with relatives in Wales. When he's killed in action, the relatives (charming bunch) dump her in a work house (another charming bunch). YEARS (I guess more than 10) later the chaplain of her dad's unit tracks her down and arranges for her to be servant in a fancy house - back in the town she grew up in. How convenient. She catches a glimpse of the youngest son and falls in love. Pining, withering love. Spare me please. He gets married, she's, well heartbroken is probably an understatement.
While I enjoyed the writing style the central idea of unfailing love based on a single glimpse of someone - I just don't buy it. Still, I'm tempted to find other books by the author, particularly if they avoid romance, so I give it a 4.
The Dallancy Bequest, Tessa Barclay
The Dallancy Bequest. Tessa Barclay. PURLEASE! This book was labelled as a mystery. It was a more a soppy romance with a bit of historical detective work thrown in. Did not really impress me at all.
I pick up these books and I read them, and then I wonder why I wasted my time. Romance novels. My goodness, could the world get any more cliched than a romance novel.
The basic plot. Laura and her father run a geneological firm - they research your family history for you. Very convenient. They live and work at home. Laura somehow has time to run a business and cook meals four or five times a day. Lots of references to home cooked biscuits and scones and so forth.
A Canadian chap (surrounded by mystery, of course) turns up with a piece of lace and some documents and wants to find his relatives - a number of generations removed. In between whipping up biscuits and stews, Laura finds said relatives. They were (of course) land owners.
One of the things that really REALLY irked me about this book was the constant references to Laura's diet. Maybe being on diet that works is all part and parcel of the fantasy? But it bugged me - just eat already!
I've heard Tessa Barclay described as one of Britain's best-loved storytellers, but she's not made it anywhere near that high on my list. I give the book about a 3 only because at least the romance took place over weeks, instead of hours.
I pick up these books and I read them, and then I wonder why I wasted my time. Romance novels. My goodness, could the world get any more cliched than a romance novel.
The basic plot. Laura and her father run a geneological firm - they research your family history for you. Very convenient. They live and work at home. Laura somehow has time to run a business and cook meals four or five times a day. Lots of references to home cooked biscuits and scones and so forth.
A Canadian chap (surrounded by mystery, of course) turns up with a piece of lace and some documents and wants to find his relatives - a number of generations removed. In between whipping up biscuits and stews, Laura finds said relatives. They were (of course) land owners.
One of the things that really REALLY irked me about this book was the constant references to Laura's diet. Maybe being on diet that works is all part and parcel of the fantasy? But it bugged me - just eat already!
I've heard Tessa Barclay described as one of Britain's best-loved storytellers, but she's not made it anywhere near that high on my list. I give the book about a 3 only because at least the romance took place over weeks, instead of hours.
Tommy Glover's Sketch of Heaven. Jane Bailey
Tommy Glover's Sketch of Heaven. Jane Bailey. Really enjoyed this book. Little girl is sent out of London to the country during WWII, and proceeds to turn the town upside down. Wonderful twists; wonderful understanding of human nature and secrets and loves and hates and guilt. Really enjoyed this.
I really, really enjoyed this book. The basic plot is Kitty Green is sent to live in a little village to avoid the bombing of London in WWII. She doesn't want to be there (what 8 year wants to be away from family and live with strangers?) and its pretty obvious that the couple she's staying with don't really want her there either. Kitty manages to upset a lot of people - her language, her manners, her poking into things that don't concern her. Along the way she becomes friends with Tommy Glover, a boy from the local orphanage; and again she manages to uncover things that have been hidden a long time.
Just a note: the first page of this book reads a little strangely; by the second page you've forgotten all about it; and by the end of the book it makes perfect sense.
What I enjoyed about Kitty (and the book is written from her point of view) is that she is basically unaware of her impact on the individuals and the town. She's just a rather extroverted kid trying to cope with being in a strange situation.
When I was six I lived with my grandparents for a year. One of the things this book captured for me was the issues that distance and time cause. People change and grow and so do those they love and have left behind. And that often causes awkwardness and broken bonds. In too many books, people don't see each other for years and when they do catch up their relationship is exactly the same as always. Now, I know that can and does happen; but more often it doesn't. Particularly, I think, with children who change at such a rapid rate.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by Jane Bailey. Such a fine brush with characters. I give this book probably a 9. If I see this book in a second hand book store I would definitely add it to my collection.
I really, really enjoyed this book. The basic plot is Kitty Green is sent to live in a little village to avoid the bombing of London in WWII. She doesn't want to be there (what 8 year wants to be away from family and live with strangers?) and its pretty obvious that the couple she's staying with don't really want her there either. Kitty manages to upset a lot of people - her language, her manners, her poking into things that don't concern her. Along the way she becomes friends with Tommy Glover, a boy from the local orphanage; and again she manages to uncover things that have been hidden a long time.
Just a note: the first page of this book reads a little strangely; by the second page you've forgotten all about it; and by the end of the book it makes perfect sense.
What I enjoyed about Kitty (and the book is written from her point of view) is that she is basically unaware of her impact on the individuals and the town. She's just a rather extroverted kid trying to cope with being in a strange situation.
When I was six I lived with my grandparents for a year. One of the things this book captured for me was the issues that distance and time cause. People change and grow and so do those they love and have left behind. And that often causes awkwardness and broken bonds. In too many books, people don't see each other for years and when they do catch up their relationship is exactly the same as always. Now, I know that can and does happen; but more often it doesn't. Particularly, I think, with children who change at such a rapid rate.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by Jane Bailey. Such a fine brush with characters. I give this book probably a 9. If I see this book in a second hand book store I would definitely add it to my collection.
Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When? Charlene Ann Baumich
Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When? Charlene Ann Baumich. Rose coloured glasses living in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere USA. Everyone seems to be super nice; except the ones that aren't. Some good bits of reality; but too 'cozy' for my taste.
I have some time on my hands, so maybe this is as good a time as any to catch up on some reviews - before I start the next lot of books borrowed yesterday. I'll start with Dorothy because her lovely author posted a comment on my blog :-)
When I was typing up the brief notes yesterday this book caused me some difficulties. Just how to describe it. Or more accurately describe how I interpreted the characters (always my primary concern in reading) and the plot.
Let's start with the plot. This is (I think) book six in a series about Dorothy. Dorothy is an older lady living in a small town somewhere in the USA. (My USA geography's not too hot.) In this book Katie, a young professional, who has obviously moved back to the town in previous books, is working to open up a mini-mall. Her vision is to provide economic stimulus for the town. Like many small towns, the world over, Partonville is losing residents and income and becoming an unviable place to live and work.
Mixed up with this mini-mall is the upcoming mayoral election. The tie-in is that one candidate is vehemently opposed to the mall and that seems to be his main platform - getting the mall stopped.
In between this main story the book flits between other town characters - Katie's teenage son, an older couple who are dating, Dorothy's son, who is also moving back to town, and a few others.
And the characters. This is actually where some of my difficulties in describing the book begin. My overall impression of the characters is that they are all Super Sally Saints (except for the 'baddies' who are right proper baddies). And yet, when I stop to think about individual characters they all have their issues and problems. The teenage son who is obsessed with sex (thinking about it at any rate); the elderly spinster coming to terms with childhood abuse; the owners of the motel who face financial issues.
I think maybe the problem is two fold. If I had read the previous books I would probably have a better handle on each of the characters. I would have more understanding of their development (as people). Secondly, the book focuses on a lot of different stories, all part of the main story, all tied in; but still a lot of different stories. This means that issues are raised but not really explored in any great detail. I think that's what leads me to feel a sense of superficialness (is that a word?)
In some ways this is very similar to Rebecca Shaw's village series. It even has that "English" feel to it. The difference I think is that Shaw picks a central story, and writes almost exclusively to that story. You really only meet the other residents of the village when they intersect with the main story line. Baumich's approach is more of the TV series style - with several stories happening at once with some level of interconnection between them.
So, here I am at the end of a lengthy review and I still can't pinpoint why it is this book didn't really push my buttons. Still, I'm tempted to find the earlier books in the series. I give the book a 5 - I wouldn't mind finding other books by this author.
I have some time on my hands, so maybe this is as good a time as any to catch up on some reviews - before I start the next lot of books borrowed yesterday. I'll start with Dorothy because her lovely author posted a comment on my blog :-)
When I was typing up the brief notes yesterday this book caused me some difficulties. Just how to describe it. Or more accurately describe how I interpreted the characters (always my primary concern in reading) and the plot.
Let's start with the plot. This is (I think) book six in a series about Dorothy. Dorothy is an older lady living in a small town somewhere in the USA. (My USA geography's not too hot.) In this book Katie, a young professional, who has obviously moved back to the town in previous books, is working to open up a mini-mall. Her vision is to provide economic stimulus for the town. Like many small towns, the world over, Partonville is losing residents and income and becoming an unviable place to live and work.
Mixed up with this mini-mall is the upcoming mayoral election. The tie-in is that one candidate is vehemently opposed to the mall and that seems to be his main platform - getting the mall stopped.
In between this main story the book flits between other town characters - Katie's teenage son, an older couple who are dating, Dorothy's son, who is also moving back to town, and a few others.
And the characters. This is actually where some of my difficulties in describing the book begin. My overall impression of the characters is that they are all Super Sally Saints (except for the 'baddies' who are right proper baddies). And yet, when I stop to think about individual characters they all have their issues and problems. The teenage son who is obsessed with sex (thinking about it at any rate); the elderly spinster coming to terms with childhood abuse; the owners of the motel who face financial issues.
I think maybe the problem is two fold. If I had read the previous books I would probably have a better handle on each of the characters. I would have more understanding of their development (as people). Secondly, the book focuses on a lot of different stories, all part of the main story, all tied in; but still a lot of different stories. This means that issues are raised but not really explored in any great detail. I think that's what leads me to feel a sense of superficialness (is that a word?)
In some ways this is very similar to Rebecca Shaw's village series. It even has that "English" feel to it. The difference I think is that Shaw picks a central story, and writes almost exclusively to that story. You really only meet the other residents of the village when they intersect with the main story line. Baumich's approach is more of the TV series style - with several stories happening at once with some level of interconnection between them.
So, here I am at the end of a lengthy review and I still can't pinpoint why it is this book didn't really push my buttons. Still, I'm tempted to find the earlier books in the series. I give the book a 5 - I wouldn't mind finding other books by this author.
23 July 2008
Book Reviews to Do
Hmmm, got a few books piled up that are due back at the library. This post is really just to remind myself to get around to writing the review.
Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When? Charlene Ann Baumich. Rose coloured glasses living in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere USA. Everyone seems to be super nice; except the ones that aren't. Some good bits of reality; but too 'cozy' for my taste.
Tommy Glover's Sketch of Heaven. Jane Bailey. Really enjoyed this book. Little girl is sent out of London to the country during WWII, and proceeds to turn the town upside down. Wonderful twists; wonderful understanding of human nature and secrets and loves and hates and guilt. Really enjoyed this.
The Dallancy Bequest. Tessa Barclay. PURLEASE! This book was labelled as a mystery. It was a more a soppy romance with a bit of historical detective work thrown in. Did not really impress me at all.
Take These Broken Wings. Lyn Andrews. Poor girl makes good. Its a lovely concept, but it all seems to happen way too easily to be very believable. And I simply DO NOT buy into people catching a glimpse of someone and falling in love and staying insanely! in love for YEARS on end. Nope.
The Untouchable. John Banville. Interesting, very interesting. The protagonist is a spy; an old spy who has been found out. I didn't enjoy the lifestyles. Maybe there are people who do live so hedonistically and survive. But I don't know any.
The Heavens Before. Kacy Barnett Gramckow. The story of how Noah's sons found their wives. I enjoyed this book, and I'll probably look for follow up stories. Like so many novels; however, the goodies are all good, and the badies are all bad. Still, it was an interesting tale, with interesting characters and storylines.
Dearest Dorothy, If Not Now, When? Charlene Ann Baumich. Rose coloured glasses living in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere USA. Everyone seems to be super nice; except the ones that aren't. Some good bits of reality; but too 'cozy' for my taste.
Tommy Glover's Sketch of Heaven. Jane Bailey. Really enjoyed this book. Little girl is sent out of London to the country during WWII, and proceeds to turn the town upside down. Wonderful twists; wonderful understanding of human nature and secrets and loves and hates and guilt. Really enjoyed this.
The Dallancy Bequest. Tessa Barclay. PURLEASE! This book was labelled as a mystery. It was a more a soppy romance with a bit of historical detective work thrown in. Did not really impress me at all.
Take These Broken Wings. Lyn Andrews. Poor girl makes good. Its a lovely concept, but it all seems to happen way too easily to be very believable. And I simply DO NOT buy into people catching a glimpse of someone and falling in love and staying insanely! in love for YEARS on end. Nope.
The Untouchable. John Banville. Interesting, very interesting. The protagonist is a spy; an old spy who has been found out. I didn't enjoy the lifestyles. Maybe there are people who do live so hedonistically and survive. But I don't know any.
The Heavens Before. Kacy Barnett Gramckow. The story of how Noah's sons found their wives. I enjoyed this book, and I'll probably look for follow up stories. Like so many novels; however, the goodies are all good, and the badies are all bad. Still, it was an interesting tale, with interesting characters and storylines.
03 July 2008
A Woman's Place - Lynn Austin
This book I really enjoyed. It follows the lives of four American ladies during WWII. The story is told alternatively from each of the four's point of view. The ladies are all in Michigan, and start working in a boat factory after the bombing of Pearl Harbour. Virginia is married with two boys and feels she's being taken for granted. Helen is an older, single, rich lady who's parents have recently died. Rosa is a rough nut from NY who has married impulsively and now living with her strict in-laws. Finally Jean is a country girl who has come to the city to make money during the war until her life can get back on track.
The only false note I found was that disaster and grief happens all at once towards the end of the book. I felt it would have been easier to draw the reader into the grief if there was more space for it to develop.
One of the issues tackled by this book is women's role in society, and what is Biblical and what is actually society's interpretation.
I will probably read other books by Austin, as I've read reviews that say this isn't one of her better books. I give this book a 5.
The only false note I found was that disaster and grief happens all at once towards the end of the book. I felt it would have been easier to draw the reader into the grief if there was more space for it to develop.
One of the issues tackled by this book is women's role in society, and what is Biblical and what is actually society's interpretation.
I will probably read other books by Austin, as I've read reviews that say this isn't one of her better books. I give this book a 5.
Some Day I'll Find You - Donna Baker
I'm almost embarrassed to admit I read this book. The cover sounded interesting, but it turned out to be little better than a Mills & Boon in hard cover. Shocking stuff. Meet someone today, hate them tomorrow, propose to them the next day. Stupid, stupid, stupid stuff. My only excuse for finishing it was that I was in bed, I wasn't tired enough to sleep, but too tired to get up and find something else.
If you like the old M&B you'd probably enjoy it, but I don't like syrupy goop.
Giving this a 2 is generous.
If you like the old M&B you'd probably enjoy it, but I don't like syrupy goop.
Giving this a 2 is generous.
Candle Life - Venero Armanno
This was an enticing read, but I found the lifestyle of the actors quite disturbing.
The main character, who is written in first person, is never named. He and his artist partner are Australian. She is killed in an accident before the book begins. He has 'escaped' to Paris, where they had planned to live for a year in an artistic commune. He's an author but struggling to get past his grief and find a new story.
I found the characters very self centred and not at all the sort of people I would easily relate to in real life. There was a ring a truth about each of them though that made (sadly) very believable. I did find the story line a little lame in places; but again strangly believable. Although my first reaction was "not possible", there's a niggle that maybe it is possible and I've just led a sheltered life.
Even so, I'm very unlikely to search out further books by this author. The value system portrayed through the story and each of the characters is so much at variance to my own that reading wasn't really the pleasure that it should be.
I can see that it would appeal to others with a different value system to me and it was quite well written, so I'd have to give it about a 3.
The main character, who is written in first person, is never named. He and his artist partner are Australian. She is killed in an accident before the book begins. He has 'escaped' to Paris, where they had planned to live for a year in an artistic commune. He's an author but struggling to get past his grief and find a new story.
I found the characters very self centred and not at all the sort of people I would easily relate to in real life. There was a ring a truth about each of them though that made (sadly) very believable. I did find the story line a little lame in places; but again strangly believable. Although my first reaction was "not possible", there's a niggle that maybe it is possible and I've just led a sheltered life.
Even so, I'm very unlikely to search out further books by this author. The value system portrayed through the story and each of the characters is so much at variance to my own that reading wasn't really the pleasure that it should be.
I can see that it would appeal to others with a different value system to me and it was quite well written, so I'd have to give it about a 3.
On Our Own - Anne Atkins
I've read one of Anne Atkins' books before and was completely caught out by the twist at the end. I think this book works well if you have read another of her books because you wonder what are red herrings and what are real bits.
Basic premise, the voice of the story is a fairly successful author. She's turned down a holiday in Italy with her partner to concentrate on her next book. The book is supposed to be about Mozart, but she's having trouble finding a unique angle. She receives a letter from a young boy and strikes up a letter conversation with him. She eventually visits him and he wants her to write about his dad's murder.
His dad was the choir master at Cambridge (I don't quite understand the whole English school system deal, but it was too important for understanding the story). He was murdered but the murderer was never caught.
It is a very cleverly written book, with apparent parralells to Mozart's story. Was he killed by a less talented rival? Was he killed by the college chaplain? Was it his wife? His son? Or was it actually the guy the police think did it.
The only thing that niggled me about this story was the timeframe. Replies to letters seemed to arrive within hours of the original being posted. Maybe in England the postal system is more competent.
All in all I would give this book at least a 5. This is the second of Atkins' books that I've read and I've enjoyed both.
Basic premise, the voice of the story is a fairly successful author. She's turned down a holiday in Italy with her partner to concentrate on her next book. The book is supposed to be about Mozart, but she's having trouble finding a unique angle. She receives a letter from a young boy and strikes up a letter conversation with him. She eventually visits him and he wants her to write about his dad's murder.
His dad was the choir master at Cambridge (I don't quite understand the whole English school system deal, but it was too important for understanding the story). He was murdered but the murderer was never caught.
It is a very cleverly written book, with apparent parralells to Mozart's story. Was he killed by a less talented rival? Was he killed by the college chaplain? Was it his wife? His son? Or was it actually the guy the police think did it.
The only thing that niggled me about this story was the timeframe. Replies to letters seemed to arrive within hours of the original being posted. Maybe in England the postal system is more competent.
All in all I would give this book at least a 5. This is the second of Atkins' books that I've read and I've enjoyed both.
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