Briefly - A fascinating insight into the past and an uncomfortable look in a crystal ball too.
In full In Sunken Lands the author takes us on a journey Briefly - A fascinating insight into the past and an uncomfortable look in a crystal ball too.
In full In Sunken Lands the author takes us on a journey of discovery through places that have disappeared and those that may vanish in the not too distant future. Some of the places are looked at through legend, myth and oral histories. Others are discovered through the remnants left behind. The author has long had a fascination with drowned places and his interest and enthusiasm come over clearly in this book. The chapters look at various places and/or legends of flooded places and what may or may not have caused them. The author looks at what people affected by those floods may have felt. He also looks at what may be to come in the ebb and flow of Earth's cycles.
I found the first chapter fascinating. It provides an excellent overview of some 20000 years of Earth's climate history and natural disasters from the Elder Dryas to relatively modern times. Ice ages, earthquakes, floods and tsunamis feature as well as possible comet impacts. Actual evidence is considered as well as legends which can often be a form of oral history. I certainly did not know that there are some 2000 known global flood stories. From here the author goes on to explain the origins of his fascination with floods and flooded lands. These obvious illustrations of the ebb and flow of the Earth leads to some thoughts on "extreme" events that may occur in the future.
Most of the remaining chapters look at specific geographical areas. In many cases the author explores the areas himself. It is fair to say that not every chapter had the impact that the first chapter did however a number of them worked very well. I will highlight a couple of those. As someone who has lived in and explored parts of the western sides of England and Wales I found it easy to relate to the stories of these areas. I'd include in that the Celtic aspects - including those of Brittany. The geography of the world as we are used to seeing it is relatively recent in a world time sense. Our island was attached to the continent and Ireland for quite long periods of time. Certainly the land we now know extended further west. This means that legends of land between Ireland and Wales that was flooded is almost certainly true. Equally the Isles of Scilly are simply the remaining remnants of a larger landmass to the west. The chapters about these I really enjoyed.
Drawing this book to a close the two last chapters look at "now" and some thoughts about the future in addition to giving something of an overview of the book. For me this seem to bring the whole book back together very well. It's fair to say that this is an agenda involved in this book although I didn't feel it was being inflicted on me. It is not a book that climate change deniers will probably want to read. I feel it is a book best approached with an open mind. Over many centuries at least to our knowledge sea levels have risen and fallen for a variety of reasons. Evidence of that is clearly laid out here. It's a book that takes a "long view" of our world and its changes.
Aspects of this book I really loved. There is no question that for me the chapters that involved the author's travels were most interesting and probably particularly the UK sections of the book. However that is probably simply my bias and others will find different parts that will interest them. I found this a very rewarding and thought provoking read.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review ...more
Brifely - It surprises me the way this series manages to improve as it goes along! 4.5/5.
In full So… Max Craigie book five! The book starts with the dBrifely - It surprises me the way this series manages to improve as it goes along! 4.5/5.
In full So… Max Craigie book five! The book starts with the disappearance of a Polish woman six years earlier. Davie Hardie, who was imprisoned as a result of a previous case of Max's, is not happy in prison and wishes to trade information on the case for a cushier time in prison. However he is adamant that he will not have Max involved in the discussions even though it will "shake Scotland to its foundations".
Max and the team are to know nothing about Hardie's discussion with the police however it might come to his attention via a roundabout method. It's always possible that things will be less than straightforward with the Hardie family and given his previous interest in them will Max stay away for what goes on? The book follows this story and the far wider ramifications of it. Fans of this series (& it really is worth starting it at the beginning not here) will be pleased to hear the this features all of the usual crew including Barney the freelance "spook" and an appearance by Bruce Ferguson. Inevitably there will be some evidence of corruptions but where will that lead. Plenty of tension and action here together with some nail biting moments - all very good reading.
I guess I am fairly surprised at just how good this series continues to be. Book one was great and this one and the previous book I could argue are even better. That is no mean feat and shows just what a good writer Lancaster is. I don't read much crime fiction these days and rarely follow series. However, for me, this ticks all the boxes I want from such a series - it is definitely a series I will continue to follow. The pace and tension are excellent. The characters are very well worked and developed. Personally I'm pleased that Max's boss Ross seems to have been toned down slightly - I realise that he is a "real character" however he had begun to irritate me but is far better in this story. For me this is genuinely one of the best police/action type thriller series around currently. My partner and I tend not to see reading matter in the same ways however she also loves this series so it may well continue to have a wide appeal - I would certainly recommend it. 4.5/5 and rounded up very happily.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review ...more
Beautifully written, deeply connected, wonderfully wide ranging - I need that 6th star!
In full I guess you could call this book the story of a "journeyBeautifully written, deeply connected, wonderfully wide ranging - I need that 6th star!
In full I guess you could call this book the story of a "journey of discovery". In 2020 Annabel Abbs suffered bereavement. The days were busy but the nights were much harder. Her Sleeplessness led over time to her considering the aspect of her that she refers to as her Night Self. While she found it puzzling initially she also found it "soothed, intrigued, distracted, enticed and exhilarated" her. Her book actually had a pretty similar effect on me. In considering her Night Self, she finds that she is by no means the first woman to have found the dark very different to the light. While this book is unquestionably a journey for Annabel I would suggest that it can be a thought provoking and fascinating journey for the reader.
For me this book is very well structured. It leads you quietly and carefully through her discoveries she has and those of other women (frequently ignored/unsung or both) who took advantage of the darkness. It would certainly seem that aspects of us change with the dark. For some people, maybe particularly women, creativity in art, poetry and writing generally, scientific study differ between day and night. There are examples in this book of some of the physiological changes that take place. Equally there are studies regarding the psychological changes. I learned quite a bit about my body and its functions reading this.
I made far more notes on this book than many I have read. In practice fiction books that really engage me I tend to make few notes on - I am far too engrossed. The reverse tends to be true of the non-fiction ones - they can be so thought provoking. Despite that I do find this quite hard to review as there is just so much interesting content. This book manages to look at art, history, religion and philosophy, activity, medical research, astronomy and gender differences among other things. While the book is extremely wide ranging I also found the author and the book seemed deeply connected and to older aspects of this world. By this I mean a sense of being a self as part of far wider environment - that resonates well with me.
I could actually write about so many areas of this book that fascinated me. This review would be far too long if I went into all the aspects of this that I loved and so I would say that - if this interests you - you will get far more out of reading it for yourself. I will simply touch on the area that I was already somewhat familiar with. The author goes walking at night (among many other things) and suggests that her "night walks will endure" in the memory. I've walked quite extensively in the dark myself - they endure beyond many other things for me too.
The writing here is extremely accomplished to my mind. The book is well structured however the actual writing is vividly rich, often poetic. On a simply personal level reading this immediately made me think of at least two friends that I will almost certainly buy copies of this for. I guess one of my favourites non-fiction reads was Underland by Macfarlane. It spoke to me at a very deep level - this one has a similar feel as far as I am concerned. It is without question one of my favourite non-fiction reads. Immerse yourself in this, maybe discover something about your Night Self, it could soothe, intrigue and exhilarate you. I would so happily give this more than 5 stars!
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review...more
I just loved this! Herron manages to keep his writing standards so high - this was a joy to read. I guess most of the usual people get up to somewhat I just loved this! Herron manages to keep his writing standards so high - this was a joy to read. I guess most of the usual people get up to somewhat similar things though there's a newbie who needs to find her feet - maybe she will find a friend in Roddy... ...more
Violent, dark and very readable for me. The opening (and the ending...) was so well written and such a good part of the story. I read the 1st book in Violent, dark and very readable for me. The opening (and the ending...) was so well written and such a good part of the story. I read the 1st book in the series a while back and just haven't got around to reading this one as quickly as I'd have liked. Clayton is still sheriff but the lines are becoming indistinct - might he cross them. He is not in a particularly good way after the last book. Alcohol and prescription medication are a troubling part of his life - might that threaten his marriage?
Powerful stuff, well written and with an excellent pace. I'm looking forward to the 3rd book already ...more
Briefly - Great collection of spooky tales, not a bad one amongst them and some are very good.
In full An anthology of 12 spooky tales - this looks likBriefly - Great collection of spooky tales, not a bad one amongst them and some are very good.
In full An anthology of 12 spooky tales - this looks like a treat! I was familiar with some of the authors while others were new to me. In practice I'm actually not the biggest fan of short stories these days and I also tend to find that there are some gems and some that cannot be described as that. However I live in hope and that was a good thing as this collection definitely exceeded my expectations.
None of these are actually all that short which is fine. Equally the majority are set in the UK and for the most part they are set more than a century ago. Certainly a number felt like that were rather traditional ghost tales though none the worse for that. Only two were outside the UK. One is set on Lake Garda and I thoroughly enjoyed that one. There is a touch of the Dante esque in it and it worked very well.
Another story I really enjoyed was about the making of a silk dress. I'd prefer not to give much away about any of these - that way the pleasure of the discovery is for the reader. Suffice it to say that the main character was remarkably unlikeable and I'm guess that it won't just be me who was pleased with the outcome!
Strangely my three favourites (probably) were actually consecutive stories. I found the Master of the House a disconcerting tale. It has pace and tension and I thought the idea was a good one. The story of Ada Lark was almost playful at times. Ada is an orphan who has been taken in (!?) by a medium who is becoming well established in society. Her job is not one I'd come across before but I did like it and the outcome - one that I smiled at too.
The final one that again I really enjoyed was Jenkin's story. Again disconcerting with a gradual reveal idea and this one is I think the most modern in the collection - less than 100 years ago. It is also the only one set in the USA. It is Maggie's story and almost the opening line is "Jenkin only appeared when I told a lie" - I was immediately hooked and remained so. A powerful and thought provoking story - maybe telling lies is not a good thing…
All in all a collection of good to excellent stories for those with a ghostly inkling. The quality of the writing was always good and I discovered some author I will look more deeply at. This is an anthology I would happily recommend to anyone who thinks they might like it. 4.5/5
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review ...more
Briefly - I just love these books - off the wall, entertaining, well written.
In full Stranger Times number 4 - excellent! Well, having read the previoBriefly - I just love these books - off the wall, entertaining, well written.
In full Stranger Times number 4 - excellent! Well, having read the previous books I will happily admit to being a fan of this author both in this guise and his alter ego. This book effectively starts with a man falling at Stella's feet. Sadly the fall part of it is involuntary and slightly earlier he had been flying - surprised but happy. In general we are back with the Stranger Times and everything is "normal" (for the Stranger Times that is). Stella is trying to find out more about herself. Hannah and Sturgess are still wondering what might happen and Banecroft is Banecroft. And Manny is Manny sometimes with trousers on…
I really would prefer not to give anything too much away - far more fun to discover this for yourself. However by way of teasers someone (new) is after Banecroft with some nasty threats. It may just be that someone is lacing drugs with magic which could be nasty however are the Founders behind this or is someone new testing things out. Does an ex musician that Hannah was a fan of (even had a crush on) have anything to do with this? There is more than enough action and twists in this to keep most fans well engaged (if you are not already a fan for goodness sake read the first book first).
So weird stuff happens often in extremely funny ways. There are some new characters. I particularly liked Kitty who is possibly not just an ordinary cat. Also we get to know Brian (as far as it is possible to get to know someone who is strictly living) and he looks like a keeper which is good. I loved the almost sideline about the Dukes of Cheshire - if it's true it's fantastic, if it isn't it is highly inventive. On a personal basis I even enjoyed the "author's note" at the start of this book - C. K. really is a very accomplished writer. To balance that the prologue is a tad weird!
I guess the first three books might have been described as moving towards wonderfully strange, this one seems to have ignored that as a stop and nipped on quite a bit further... I guess I would hesitate to draw parallels with the likes of Gaiman and Pratchett but McDonnell is a talented writer and a very inventive storyteller - that works for me. An excellent fourth book in a very good comedy fantasy series - if the idea appeals do start at the beginning but fans should be very happy with this (and like me will be looking forward to book five please!).
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review ...more
In full This is a book about Miv and some people she knows or gets to know. At nearly 12 she is growing uBriefly - Powerfully understated - I loved it.
In full This is a book about Miv and some people she knows or gets to know. At nearly 12 she is growing up in Yorkshire at the time that the Ripper is murdering girls. Things are not great for Miv, she doesn't have many friends though Sharon is her best friend. Her household consists of her dad and Aunty Jean who really runs the household. Her mother is around some of the time. However she suffers from depression and is rarely seen and never heard. Once Miv does hear about the Ripper she feels she should do something about it and try and find him. She persuades Sharon that they should start a list of suspicious things about people and places and investigate them.
At the start of this book there is still a real feeling of freedom to the lives there. It may be rather industrial but people look out for each other and the youngsters can roam on their own. Over the course of the book things affect that freedom. People of far more conscious of the Ripper murders and the safety of women. However there is also a growth of National Front culture too. This affects the man who owns the corner shop and his son who is rapidly becoming friends with both the girls. The girls do investigate the people/places they put on the list though Sharon with rather less enthusiasm (for a variety of reasons) than Miv. Sometimes there are dangers…
Miv really is the main character here. However other people appear either by going on the list or because she sees them around. These do include the man at the corner shop, a librarian, a teacher, a rag and bone man and a man who helps out at the church choir meetings. I found all the characters interesting and, given the short time some spend in the tale, convincing and well created. Some of these characters have their own chapters and I rather liked this approach.
It's fair to say I liked this a lot from the start and it got better for me as it went on. There is a wonderful sense of the atmosphere of the time and era being caught well and mostly gently here. I think there's little doubt that people of a "certain age" will be able to relate to the times very well indeed! For me I loved seeing the world through Miv eyes. She sees things that I as an adult understand quite well, but which puzzle her. Sometimes she fails to see what to an adult would be very obvious. She is learning how things work and what things mean. It's great to walk that path with her. The fact I felt like that speaks volumes for the writing here. I found this powerfully insightful and understated too in the main.
The book can be quite dark at times even seeing the world through Miv's eyes. However in among all this there is some humour. Given that parts, certainly to an adult, are quite dark I enjoyed the smiles. For me this is a rare book - I have no doubt that Miv and her story will stay with me for a long time to come. While there are depths there is also tremendous warmth too. Encountering both aspects sometimes led to less than dry eyes…
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review ...more
The writing is stunning, the story is extremely dark.
In full Titus Crowne is the Black sheriff of Charon County. Charon County is not the sort of placeThe writing is stunning, the story is extremely dark.
In full Titus Crowne is the Black sheriff of Charon County. Charon County is not the sort of place where many people welcome Black people and certainly many of them were not keen of having him as sheriff. There is a tangible atmosphere about this book that simply reeks of these feelings. He - ex FBI - is determined to bring a balanced approach to all citizens of the county. This often means that he finds himself with few people on his side - sometimes simply his deputies (mostly!).
There is a school shooting and the gunman is killed by one of Titus's deputies. This does nothing to improve the atmosphere in the area. More importantly Titus heard the last words of the gunman and this aroused some strong suspicions in him. Investigating the matter takes an already dark story in the far darker places. Indeed many in the county seem to hold and conceal secrets.
The description of the county and life there is very rich. You can feel the living there and the history. The main characters really are Titus, his family and the deputies. The other parts are far more minor. I loved Titus and his family (father and brother). There were very well crafted and clear in my mind. The deputies were good too. However the focus is really Titus and this case becomes an all consuming personal crusade really.
The writing in this is stunning and so powerful as it was in previous books. I can't see many people putting this book down. However those that do will probably do so because of the content. There is historic abuse in this book and it rarely gets lighter than "very dark" (& manages to get darker than that at times). I loved reading this for the writing however if I'm honest I found the story tough and while compelling not easy. For me Razorblade Tears was a better read I guess but I did enjoy this story. I'd read more from this author anytime.
Note - I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review ...more
What a book! Jamie Andrew and a climbing partner were stuck high above Chamonix and the weather changed - this book is the story and the consequences What a book! Jamie Andrew and a climbing partner were stuck high above Chamonix and the weather changed - this book is the story and the consequences of that. The first third maybe cover the climb and the rescue. It is a really dramatic tense read even if you know the outcome. Anyone into climbing books should probably read this for that alone - I have read far worse. After that you get the treatment and to some degree physical recovery phase. A tough read for sure but well written again and not over played.
Then there is the more general recovery. Jamie is not some who is going to let anything get in the way of getting his life back on track. Thoughtful - yes, and at times that is not a cheerful position. However this really is a life affirming read in so many ways. He is a remarkable person. Not only for what happened to him but also for how he dealt with it. For me it ranks with Touching the Void and the like and is one of the best climbing books I've read. Equally it is one of the best biographies I've read too. 4.5/5 an very happily rounded up....more
Remarkable book - the fact that the author survived her trauma to write it is amazing. That she decided to sort her life out, tried various ways to doRemarkable book - the fact that the author survived her trauma to write it is amazing. That she decided to sort her life out, tried various ways to do that, did not give up and is very open about her journey speaks volumes for her. While not someone who is or has suffered from Complex PTSD I still found aspects of this that really resonated with me. There are sound words in this about dealing with problems and relationships.
A remarkable, powerful, helpful and emotional read. A clear 5 star one to me....more
I think this would most enjoyable for people who like food - both preparing it and eating it. Being a fan of Italy would be good too - I'm writing thiI think this would most enjoyable for people who like food - both preparing it and eating it. Being a fan of Italy would be good too - I'm writing this there! And Stanley is someone with very distinct views on some things. If none of that is a negative for you this is well worth a look. He is a very warm human being who I'd find very hard to dislike. This is not a linear narrative nor does it mention everything about his life and work (was ER that bad!). But the fascination with food and drink (and there are recipes for both) are lovely. The stories he tells worked well for me. I think he deserves particular credit for his openness about his illness but that simply confirms his humanity to me. I really hope he gets to finish the excellent TV series on Italy soon. ...more
OK I'm biased - I am a big fan of Pratchett's stories. However for me this is one of the best of the later books if not the whole series (let's excludOK I'm biased - I am a big fan of Pratchett's stories. However for me this is one of the best of the later books if not the whole series (let's exclude Tiffany Aching though!). The witches are brilliant for psychology however nothing beats Death for philosophy... This works on a number of levels for me. The story is excellent anyway. However the way that this manages to work in the complexities of philosophy and time is simply wonderful. The Daoist take in this is SO good. I now aspire to be the sweeper though obviously that is a contradiction in terms anyway. Just a brilliant tale from a brilliant author. ...more
This book opens with John in 1917. He is on a battlefield in northern France, dazed anBriefly - Stunningly beautiful writing, somewhat puzzling maybe.
This book opens with John in 1917. He is on a battlefield in northern France, dazed and confused. His thoughts wander. In the next chapter it is 1920 and John has returned to North Yorkshire and his wife Helena. He reopens his photography business and maybe this is a clue to this book. We get snapshots of life. The book moves in time between earlier than the First World War and slightly past the present day. There are links between the snapshots and scenes we see though some are easier to find than others.
This is a strange book to read. Indeed I'm not sure I've read anything quite like this before. The fact that in some ways there is no "story" but a series of scenes from lives lived is maybe unusual. The writing - which is wonderful - is very poetic and is "stream of consciousness" at times. I would call it disjointed but not offensively so for me. In practice I'm finding it hard to review this book in a way that does it justice. Our journeys as readers of this book will be different.
I have to confess that parts of this book left me rather puzzled. However parts of it I loved. There is a scene where Helena, who has already been described as an artist, is a model for another painter. Then she paints again. This scene moved me in ways I find hard to describe. Peter gives a cap to (I'm fairly sure) his daughter's boyfriend - again that felt powerful and intense.
For me this is a book to be patient with and allow to happen to you. Experience this and let the flow take you "Someday Anna would come to understand that everything she had thought of as loss was something found" In here is love and loss, pain and beauty and maybe just life generally.
Overall I have no doubt that this will be one of the best books I read this year. I found it very interesting as well as powerfully moving. I guess I have to say that at times I did find it frustrating - what did happen to Helena for example. If you allow Held space and time it may well bring you good things. Held is a very special book. 4.5/5
"Who can say what happens when we are remembered"
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review...more
Briefly - One of the best of an already excellent series.
Full review Wow - book 12 and Tim Weaver has not lost his touch! A man and his son queue to goBriefly - One of the best of an already excellent series.
Full review Wow - book 12 and Tim Weaver has not lost his touch! A man and his son queue to go into the ghost house at a theme park. They are seen on CCTV going in and don't not come back out. Rebekah (from Missing Pieces) decides she would like Raker to look into disappearance of her mother many years ago. Surely two disappearances' so far apart cannot be connected can they? It makes for a very Raker/Weaver start. Raker starts by looking at the time when Rebekah's mother vanished.
Woven into the main narrative are a number of snippets of story. Some are obviously connected, some are far less obvious. Fans will not be surprised to know that things are not straightforward for Raker. The police have not been fans of his at any stage of his career really and a storm seems to be gathering. Add that to the fact that the investigation takes him in to waters at least as dark as any previous ones and the stage is set for a very good read.
Weaver's characters are almost always well crafted and convincing. The ones in this book are no exception to that. There are new people and some old friends. He is a master of pace and controlled tension. OK it's playing games but Weaver does it so well. A chapter ends on a key thought/aspect... And then so does the next one! There is light and dark here and bubbling around that ideas are building. Some bits I maybe worked out. The major twist I certainly did not!
Fans should love this. People new to Weaver's writing really should start far earlier in the series than this - you miss too much otherwise. It's worth noting that Missing Pieces, a standalone story from a couple of years ago, does have some background to this story. Personally I would recommend anyone reading that one. It's not Raker but it is a very good read. Peering into my crystal ball makes me think that we may not have seen the last of Rebekah yet.
My review of the last book (Blackbird) said I loved the ending and laughed out loud. The way things are left with Colm - long a favourite character of mine - made it obvious that this tale should have a Colm dimension and it does. The ending of this one left me with a real feeling of anticipation - I WILL read the next one. These are thriller crime tales but as with any decent writer the characters development over time adds greatly to the enjoyment.
Not for the first time my partner and I agreed that even an ordinary Weaver story is better than most thing we read. This is definitely not an ordinary Weaver tale and the 5 stars are happily given.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review ...more
In full Mostly this is a story about Jamie. At the time this book starts he is 13 and about to start at a new school. JamiBriefly - Really enjoyed this
In full Mostly this is a story about Jamie. At the time this book starts he is 13 and about to start at a new school. Jamie's mother died when he was born and he is raised by his father and his grandmother. He has a number of obsessions which may well challenge how he is looked on at senior school. It is also quite obvious that he is very intelligent. He wants to design and build a perpetual motion machine and reconnect with his mother Noelle. Senior school brings him in to contact with two teachers in particular. Tess is someone who deals with pupils with additional needs. Tadhg is responsible for the school workshop classes.
Some of Jamie's narrative is really "stream of consciousness" as much as anything else however I found that very effective. I also found myself convinced by his dialogue. The parts narrated by Tess or Tadhg are more conventional. Indeed there are multiple threads at work here that I guess coalesce around Jamie. The story is about "How to Build a Boat" but so much more than that.
The main characters were excellent in my mind with Jamie, Tess and Tadhg all working very well. There are other somewhat more bit part players and generally they were fine. The relationships between the main characters were great. Tadhg and Jamie work together in more than the simply superficial sense of the word. There was a real Irish feel and lilt to the narrative here. The sense of place was also very well worked around the descriptive nature of both town and countryside (and school!). I have to say that I thought the epilogue was exceptionally well written - that was powerful and well crafted.
I actually read a previous book by the author. While it did interest me to some degree it never really held me so I was unsure whether I'd enjoy this one. This one on the other hand simply never let me go. While parts are unquestionably dark there is also a real feel of tenderness in this too. I also found some great humour in this as well - Jamie's first day at school would be an example of that. This is an unusual book to me but one I really enjoyed. The autism in this felt authentic to me although my experience is limited. This is different and moving - we should all read that sort of story from time to time. A 4.5 book rather than just a 4 I think.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review ...more
What can I say - the blurb tells you the basic idea of the story and you have read Blacktop Wasteland haven't you?! (if not that is an excellent read What can I say - the blurb tells you the basic idea of the story and you have read Blacktop Wasteland haven't you?! (if not that is an excellent read too).
This is a somewhat violent read. It's about discrimination and the effects of that. It is dark at times. However Ike and Buddy are such good characters - they feel real and certainly their emotions are to me. It's an action story for much of the time but it's really about how people feel. If a book can be powerful, dark and entertaining this might be an example of that ...more
Charity Norman has become a favourite author of mine. Her stories draw me in and then grip very tightly!! Courage and love, hate, anger and bigotry...
Charity Norman has become a favourite author of mine. Her stories draw me in and then grip very tightly!! This is not my favourite of her's and it's maybe a challenging subject but she writes so well. Her characters feel very convincing to me and she handles diverse voices extremely well. This is about gender identity issues and some won't want to read it. If you do want to read I doubt you will be able to do so without the odd tear falling! I will continue reading her books and with even more enthusiasm than before. ...more
I found this both compelling and disconcerting/uncomfortable to read. I think that says a lot about Charity Norman's skill as a writer. Cassy - duringI found this both compelling and disconcerting/uncomfortable to read. I think that says a lot about Charity Norman's skill as a writer. Cassy - during a summer university break heads east with her boyfriend. The ultimate destination is New Zealand and she leaves her family with the line "see you in September"... However she get a lift from what seems like a hippy collective and goes to their remote commune to stay for a few days. She doesn't return.
I really did find this got under my skin. In some ways I didn't like it and I guess that was because it was convincing. Cassy staying on the commune made complete sense as did the consequences of that however hard to read/uncomfortable that may be. I've read a few Charity Norman books now and I will be reading more - the writing really is excellent. 4.5/5...more
OK - this is somewhat niche I guess. Of the Dao (or Tao) is of no interest then this is probably simply a nice looking coffee table book. The black anOK - this is somewhat niche I guess. Of the Dao (or Tao) is of no interest then this is probably simply a nice looking coffee table book. The black and white images are excellent. However for me at this stage of life this is far more interesting than that. This is the book by Lao Tsu which is at the core of Taoist thinking. It actually seems likely that he is not the sole author however the originally texts were extremely old. The other issue with such things is the "accuracy" of the translation. Chinese - as I understand it - is a very exact language with considerable subtleties in meaning. Context is very important. My ability to judge this is poor however a friend and mentor looked at it and generally approved - they have a number of versions.
The texts (there are 81 fairly short statements) are varied. Some speak to me and others less so. Equally I know that will change. I guess they could be called meditative rather than anything else. For me the excellent photography adds to the effect. Taoist thinking is both very simple and highly elusive. It is of an era when life was far simpler. Considering it now could help smooth out some of life's bumps. It has had that effect on me however we are all different fortunately. I should also add that there are probably simpler ways to start any study of the Tao but ultimately most people with an interest would want to look these texts....more
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