- Various! -- Syl, 16:31:16 05/18/07 Fri
Here’s a bumper review from the boss-lady herself! Thanks a lot, Judie!
These are my KEEPERS - books I have read OVER and OVER and OVER ad nauseum - it's a yearly ritual for me! It is like hanging out with good friends, and so I have to do it!
William G. Tapply - The Brady Coyne books
Brady is a lawyer who works, if you can call it that *G*, for wealthy, usually elderly clients, who like to pay a lot of money for his services, which basically amounts to a lot of hand-holding and pampering with the odd will and legal advice thrown in for good measure. Thus, he doesn't have to work that hard, and can spend a lot of time thinking about going fishing. He ends up getting involved in mysteries along the way, usually getting beat up at least once per book *G*, but he's lots of fun, and a wonderful guy! Love him! The stories take place in Boston and sometimes further into Massachusetts, and Bill creates a New England/east coast flavour for me, which is one reason I love them.
For more about Bill and his books you can check our online interview with him from a few years ago:
LOL Library
Sorry, that page is wildly out of date but the interview link is there. He's written quite a few more books since then. Here's Bill's web site:
Bill Tappley
Philip R. Craig - The J.W. Jackson Martha's Vineyard books
Phil is actually about 10 years older than Bill, and they are pals in real life. In fact, they've written two books together and are working on a third (one chapter written by Bill, about Brady, and the next by Phil, about JW - and back and forth through the entire book, and their stories are interwoven).
The J.W. Jackson books take place on Martha's Vineyard, which is one reason I LOVE reading them. Like Bill's books, Phil gives me that feel of being there, even though I've never been there.
J.W. is an ex-cop and he's just enjoying living in the house he inherited from his father on Martha's Vineyard. He does odd jobs to support himself, loves to go fishing, and as the stories progress he gets married and has kids. Like Brady, he keeps getting mixed up in murders, although he doesn't go looking for trouble. He's rougher than Brady, but I really enjoy him. Check out Phil:
Phil Craig
Sue Grafton - Kinsey Milhone mysteries
A is for Alibi, B is for Burglar, C is for Corpse, and so on. She's working on T as we speak, I think. *G* Kinsey Milhone is an ex-cop turned private investigator. Even Kinsey managed to get herself nearly killed in each story but she's a neat gal. I just love hanging out with her. The stories take place in Santa Teresa, California and are still stuck in the 80s. But still fun.
Since Sue's web site seems to be not working, check out Kinsey at Wikepedia. :D
Kinsey
(You can probably check all these people out, writers AND characters, at Wikepedia if you're interested.)
Donna Leon - Guido Brunetti mysteries
Hey - time to go to Venice! *G* Yes, Italy - THAT Venice *G*.
Donna Leon is an American who has been working for years teaching English in Venice. Her books are about Commissario Guido Brunetti, who is basically a local cop. He's always thwarted by his boss, the Vice-questore Patta, yet HELPED by the Vice-questore's secretary, Signorina Elettra. There IS a mystery in each book, but they aren't your typical mysteries - they are more subtle, and more about how Guido thinks and what's going on in his head and in his life. I wuv him. :-)
Donna Leon
There are a couple more keepers I have.
The J.D. Robb Books - Roarke and Eve - HELLO! I'm sure these have been promoted to death around the Reading Recommendation board. LOVE ROARKE! If you don't know what I'm talking about, run, don't walk, to get your hands on these books. They can be read as stand alone books, but probably best read in order. The time setting is the 2050s, so it's a bit different, but trust me, it's still a mystery and it involves a MAJOR BABE! :D
J D Robb
Lawrence Block has got several series - Matthew Scudder, Bernie Rodenbarr, Evan Tanner, Keller, and more. Each of his heroes is different, so perhaps I'll get up enough energy and talk about them another time. But don't let that stop you from trying one. :-)
PS ………. Unfortunately, while looking for wallpaper for the board just now, I went to Bill Tapply's web site and found out that Phil Craig passed away just last week - on May 8th! What a sad day it is. I'm just thankful that I have collected his books and will always have them to read and still hang out with him and JW Jackson and the gang. Bill has written a nice tribute to his friend here:
Tribute
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Nicely Done, Judie. I really should read some of these. Got enough of them hanging around here *g* DH and oldest DD are way ahead of me. Ahh, too much time and not enough to do ;-) (NT) -- Charyl, also thanking Sylvia. :-), 19:42:20 05/19/07 Sat
- I have all of the Sue Graftons and I love them. In fact, I rank them in my top four favorite series. In these later years there has been a LOT of time between new books, but they are worth the wait. Every couple of years or so I re-read the entire set of books to keep refreshed. (NT) -- becca beccabee, 04:37:04 05/20/07 Sun
- I listened to the Kinsey Milhone books read by Liza Ross and loved them! Will agree with you on Roarke, he could talk to me in that lovely Irish lilt all day. Thanks for the other rec's. (NT) --
Sheila, 05:24:49 05/20/07 Sun
- How many of you have tried Kensey Milhone's favorite sandwich - peanut butter & pickle? DH has eaten them for years & still teases me for not trying them until I started reading Sue Grafton. If you decide to try one the critical ingredient is bread & butter pickles. No other kind will do. :-) (NT) -- Ruthlass, 16:18:54 05/20/07 Sun
- I finally tried the JD Robb books after hearing about them for years. I was so hooked I did not read another thing until I had gone through them all (NT) -- Brookita, 01:44:44 08/21/09 Fri
- The Pendragon Series -- Syl, 09:41:42 03/23/07 Fri
Three for the price of one this week, this excellent review was sent in by Kirsten. Thanks, Kirsten!
Title : The Pendragon Series:
‘The Kingmaking’
‘Pendragon’s Banner’
‘Shadow of the King’
Author : Helen Hollick
Genre : Historical Fiction
This trilogy is the story of The Pendragon; warrior, warlord, Supreme King – Arthur. This is not the Arthur of the Mallory tales with their courtly love and chivalry. Forget that, this Arthur can be cruel, ruthless, a killer with a violent temper, he is also pagan, promiscuous and a habitual liar. Despite these failings, he can be very appealing and likeable; he has a large degree of vulnerability and insecurity, stemming from a childhood in which he was unwanted, ill treated and unloved, as it was not known that he was the only son of Uther Pendragon, the king. His identity had been hidden for his own safety.
Arthur’s great redeeming feature throughout these books is his deep love for, and dependency on the beautiful Gwenhwyfar, his wife and the love of his life. In keeping with the times, she is no courtly lady, she was brought up to fight and to use weapons and she takes her place by Arthur’s side in some of the many battles against the invading Saxons, she too can be a ruthless killer when necessary. Arthur and Gwenhwyfar inspire great respect, devotion and love from his people and his elite fighting force, the Artoriani, although he does also have enemies who do not share his vision of how he thinks Britain ought to be.
The story begins in 450 AD, when Arthur is only 15, the Romans have left Britain and the country is in turmoil, these books are peopled by memorable characters, some truly vile and there is a lot of violence in the telling of Arthur’s story. There is also heroism, pathos, passion and heartbreak. I was totally swept along with the telling of the story and found it difficult to put the books down.
Helen Hollick freely admits in her Author’s notes that as so little is known for certain about the so called Dark Ages, she has been able to use her imagination more than is usual in fact based historical novels. She goes to great lengths to explain the reasons why she decided certain events happen as they do in her stories and why she developed characters in a particular way.
Historical characters are mingled with those from legend i.e. Uther Pendragon, Cerdic, Vortigern, Ambrosius Aurelius, Bedwyr, Cei, Medraut, and Morgaine but there is no Lancelot or Merlin. There is no magic in the books, unless you count the effect on the reader, and as Lancelot was a later addition to the Arthurian legends, he has no place in the telling of Arthur’s life as it may have been.
I have read many books about King Arthur, both fiction and non fiction, and in my opinion, this is the most realistic of them all. We will probably never know for sure a great deal about him but in my opinion Helen Hollick has shown us how the life and times of King Arthur could have been and has created a truly memorable character.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- I've had these on my list for a while now, and your review makes me want to read them more! Thanks. (NT) -- Marg, 16:24:40 03/23/07 Fri
- It sounds like a great series for history buffs. I've never read anything about King Arthur - but this sounds intriguing! Thanks, Kirsten! Great review. (NT) -- Judie, 08:48:01 03/24/07 Sat
- Wow Kirsten, great review. I have been wanting to read some Helen Hollick ever since SKP said she was a friend and respected author, but I haven't gotten to them yet, I've read a few Arthurian novels, so I will look forward to reading these and seeing where they go. Sounds a whole lot different to Mary Stewart! (NT) -- Margy, 14:02:56 03/24/07 Sat
- If you ever get the chance to go to Glastonbury Abbey, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are buried there in the middle of the grass inside the ruins. Its an amazing place altogether. (NT) -- Lolkate, 16:57:05 04/22/07 Sun
- I love any books about Arthur and just read the The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell and his was a very different take also. I can't wait to read the ones by Helen Hollick. (NT) -- Lynda J, 19:59:05 12/11/08 Thu
- I can't wait to read these books. I love anything about Arthur Just read The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell....and they were very different than other books I've read about Arthur. (NT) -- Lynda J, 20:03:56 12/11/08 Thu
- I just found out about this series a few months ago. They are some of the best I've read...and believe me I have been reading books on the subject for years...and I've added these to my favorites. I am always looking for others too. (NT) -- Lynda J, 16:32:49 04/05/09 Sun
- Loved loved loved these books. Great twist on a great story..or is it true?? (NT) -- Lynda J, 22:46:27 10/03/10 Sun
- Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand -- Syl, 13:03:43 09/19/03 Fri
Here is the board's first review, submitted by Lady Jane. Thanks, Jane!!
TITLE: Seabiscuit
AUTHOR: Laura Hillenbrand
Genre: Factual
Anyone who loves falling so headlong into a book that they stay up until 2:38 am to finish it will lose themselves in Laura Hillenbrand's Seabiscuit. As a horse lover, I expected to enjoy this romp through the career of one of the greatest horses in history. However, this book not only made me fall in love with the "lazy," food-loving racehorse, it literally left me breathless with its descriptions of tight races, jockey injuries and the absolute courage and guts needed in the racing industry.
Hillenbrand expertly weaves together the story of four central characters: Charles Howard, an automobile tycoon who bought the horse after a cheap claims race; Tom Smith, a trainer whose "nurturing" and understanding of horses declare him a "horse whisperer" of the racing world; Red Pollard, a jockey whose career began as a "bug boy" and continued through two near-fatal accidents; and, of course, Seabiscuit, this unbelievable horse whose heart and speed broke records everywhere.
After introducing each one and exploring their colorful histories, the story begins to pick up speed when they converge into one of the most successful teams thoroughbred racing has ever seen.
Once the book "breaks from the starting gate," the momentum picks up and rarely lets down. Although there are two "climaxes" (one in a match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral and another in the Santa Anita Handicap), the book flows smoothly and maintains a pace that keeps the reader turning page after page. Hillenbrand follows Smith as he begins to "cure" Seabiscuit of bad habits and expertly, albeit rather eccentrically, leads him into top racing form. From the "little" colt's early wins in the West, to his travels to the East Coast and Mexico, the author vividly describes racetracks, jockey rooms, and matches so that the sounds and sights produce a movie for the reader's mind.
The tension then begins to build around a match race of the top two horses, Seasbiscuit and War Admiral; at times, the reader is sure the match will never actually materialize, and when it finally does, the exquisite detail and depth with which the race is described seems to be the perfect ending to a perfect story.
Hillenbrand doesn't end there, though. She expertly follows Seasbiscuit and Pollard into their retirements due to injuries, then slowly but steadily builds the suspense again as both plan "comebacks" onto the racing scene, despite everyone else's belief that neither is physically capable of such a feat. When both Pollard and Seabiscuit set foot onto the track for the final Santa Anita Handicap, the reader's heart has just about stopped beating.
I read chapters through tears, gasped loudly enough to scare my husband in another room, and cheered loudly with fans of Seabiscuit...all within the final 100 pages. A work of non-fiction, Seabiscuit has all the drama, plot complexity and intrigue of a masterful novel. This is one book I will read many times just to capture the details I'm sure I missed as I tore along in my own race to "get to the finish line."
BTW...the version I read, see below for citation, also included an extremely interesting interview with the author. In addition, I now can't wait to purchase the special edition hardcover version that includes over 125 photos. This book also had photos, but so many others were alluded to, that I want to see them all!
Hillenbrand, Laura. Seabiscuit: An American Legend. New York: Ballantine Books, 2001.
Respectfully (and rather tiredly) submitted by Lady Jane
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- I am so excited about this board! (I'm not sure about the rules yet though--is it like Broch Talk where we only post replies? ) Anyway, thanks for the lovely review, Lady Jane! I have a question for you: this book has been on my TBR for an age, but I have to say that I hated the movie because it was just so cheesy! Is the book better? It usually is! I don't mind a sentimental or classical book, but not when the movie they make out of it is trite. (NT) -- Reid, 13:26:51 09/19/03 Fri
- Oh, I've just started reading this book!!!! I downloaded it onto my handheld PC so I can read it anywhere, anytime, LOL. Will let you know what I think when I've finished. Thanks for the review. (NT) -- Keira, 15:40:18 09/19/03 Fri
- Seabiscuit -- Ragdollsal, 18:41:49 09/19/03 Fri
- Fantastic book and a fantastic review! -- BlckJnpr, 20:12:53 09/19/03 Fri
- Possible spoiler - reposted.....>>> -- Judie for Lemora, 10:48:45 09/20/03 Sat
- Seabiscuit>>> -- Erica, 13:08:01 09/20/03 Sat
- Just noticed Michelle Phipps in the 'In Memoriam' Board: Is she by chance descended from Gladys Phipps, Seabiscuit's owner who sold him to Charles Howard? Anyone know? (NT) -- Lemora, 22:58:01 09/20/03 Sat
- I read a good review on this book in our newspaper, and as it is my turn to buy the books for our book club, this is on my list of must haves - apart from being a horse nut too!! I will let you know how it goes! (NT) -- AmandaW, 14:53:27 09/21/03 Sun
- I just saw Phar Lap last night. There was another great horse. Was he racing at the same time as Seabiscuit? The movie also mentioned the stock market crash, but didn't say anything about Seabiscuit and I don't think the book mentioned Phar Lap. Just wondering. (NT) -- Erica, 11:47:47 09/22/03 Mon
- The Secret History of the Pink Carnation -- Syl, 07:03:04 01/13/07 Sat
This one was sent by Dawn C. Thanks, lass! Great!
TITLE: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation.
AUTHOR: Lauren Willig.
GENRE: Historical Fiction.
My friend gave me this book to read because she thought I would like it.
However it took me a bit to get to it because we usually don't like the same
type of books. But I really enjoyed this one. It's a great summer read. From
the description it sounds like it takes place in our time but it’s actually a
story in a story with most of the book taking place in the late 1700's. If
you’re just looking for a bit of fun reading this one is great.
Deciding that true romantic heroes are a thing of the past, Eloise is an
intelligent American who leaves Harvard's Widener Library bound for England
to finish her dissertation on the dashing pair of spies the Scarlet
Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian. What she discovers is something the finest
historians have missed: the secret history of the Pink Carnation - the most
elusive spy of all time, who saved England itself from Napoleon's invasion.
The Secret History of the Pink Carnation opens with the story of Elise Kelly
settling in to read the secret history. But before Eloise can unmask the
Pink Carnation, she uncovers a passionate romance that almost threw off the
course of world events.
Here is another description:
While history has unmasked the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian,
mystery still surrounds another lesser known hero, the Pink Carnation. In
this refreshing historical romp strong on history with a healthy dollop of
romance Eloise Kelly, 21st-century Ph.D. candidate, sets about to reveal the
true identity of that romantic figure. Through dogged determination, Eloise
gains access to a treasure trove of letters and diaries.
Narrator Kate Reading slips seamlessly between the diction of present and past. Reading's accomplished voicing, particularly in the novel-within-a-novel, turns the
streets of 1890s Paris rank with unimaginable muck, while Josephine's salons
glitter with pomp. Reading handles secret assignations, gambling hells,
gentlemen's clubs, passionate encounters, torture chambers, and slimy
villains with her usual expertise, adding luster to author Lauren Willig's
imaginative take on the Napoleonic Era.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- This sounds like a fun read, thanks for the recommendation. (NT) -- Margy, 10:59:58 01/13/07 Sat
- This book is on my shelf. I picked it up at a book sale after someone posted about it on the RR board. Sounds great, thanks. (NT) -- FranS, 17:19:24 01/15/07 Mon
- I've read this and really enjoyed it. I have also read the second in the series - Masque of the Black Tulip. They are a lot of fun, and as long as you approach them expecting that, a great read!!I am hoping my library will hurry up and get the third book in the series in!! (NT) -- Marg, 18:16:26 01/15/07 Mon
- I heard about this and didn't know if it was worth the time. Thanks for the review, I think I'll read it. (NT) -- becca beccabee, 05:00:15 01/17/07 Wed
- I loved this book! I thought that it was a great easy read without being totally brainless. Very amusing, too. (NT) -- Reilly, 18:29:08 01/20/07 Sat
- I just recently finished this book based on recommendations from the boards, This was a fun book and now I see that it is a trilogy and I am off to locate the sequels. (NT) -- LadyGrace, 18:59:09 02/19/07 Mon
- the carnation series -- Noelle, 16:04:38 01/19/08 Sat
- The Memory Keeper's Daughter -- Syl, 16:20:17 06/02/07 Sat
This one was sent in by Lady Belle. Thanks, lass! I've seen this book a lot lately in the shops. I need to buy it!
TITLE: The Memory Keeper's Daughter
AUTHOR: Kim Edwards
GENRE: Fiction
This novel was suggested to me by my friend who is a child psychologist. I picked it up at the bookstore and could not put it down until I finished it. It is a wonderfully written tale about family, parenthood, childhood and siblings. It also shows us what a lie can do to the lives of everyone around us.
Dr. David Henry has many secrets. He hides behind his work as a doctor. He hides his background from his family. And most importantly, he hides the birth of his Down's Syndrome daughter from her twin brother and his wife. Each of these lies affects everyone around him.
The nurse who helped deliver the twins, Caroline, takes the little girl away, supposedly to an institution. Instead, she raises Phoebe as her own and becomes her strongest advocate.
The story begins on a snowy night in 1964 when the twins are born, and takes us on a journey of "parallel lives, familial secrets, and the redemptive power of love."
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Happenstance -- Syl, 16:26:20 08/04/07 Sat
This one’s from Swarl. Never heard of it, but it sounds interesting.
TITLE: Happenstance
STARRING: Audrey Tatou
I watch very few movies, but my DH found "Happenstance" at Netflix. I loved it.
This is a gently humorous film about a day in a French woman's life in which, as predicted by the daily astrology chart, she finds her True Love after a series of misadventures.
The film is peopled by quintessentially French characters whose lives unwittingly intertwine through 'happenstance': a stone thrown; a good deed done for no reason; the wearing of a yellow raincoat; a transported cockroach. Part of the fun is guessing and then being shown how the newest character to join the film fits into the plot.
The cinematography is reminiscent of Jacques Tati, i.e. urban modernism as either humor or desolation or both. The casting is a delight and the main female has become a star in her own right, even though this entire movie is deliciously understated. Enjoy.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Behind the Scenes at the Museum -- Syl, 16:19:07 07/21/07 Sat
This was sent in by Em! Thanks, Em!
TITLE: Behind the Scenes At the Museum.
AUTHOR: Kate Atkinson
GENRE: Fiction.
Narrated by Ruby Lennox, this is a multi-layered account of her family’s history. She flits between tales of her great-grandmother, grandmother, aunties and uncles, siblings and parents with wonderful fluidity and humour.
As a child who was constantly being told “don’t try to be clever, Ruby”, she manages to weave a beautiful tapestry of human life – her family’s struggles, stories, loves and tragedies. And for a story which encompasses as many deaths as this one, her narrative is remarkably witty and amusing.
She mainly focuses on her sisters Patricia (dour and sensible) and Gillian (greedy and spiteful), and her parents George and Bunty, both of whom seem to struggle to love Ruby. As the youngest daughter, Ruby has some fascinating observations as a child watching life evolve around her.
Kate Atkinson has produced an incisive and involving story which can make you laugh and cry in the space of one sentence. It is jam-packed full of rich, amazing images, beautiful prose and deadpan humour. It’s a perfect summer read.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Proof -- Syl, 16:13:48 07/06/07 Fri
This first DVD review was sent in by AmyGirl. Thanks, lass!
TITLE: Proof
STARRING: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jake Gyllenhaall, and Sir Anthony Hopkins
I loved this movie! I just love to watch Anthony Hopkins act, it is a beautiful thing. He is such a master and can act volumes with only his eyes.
This film is based on the play by the same name.
Catherine (Paltrow) is coping with the recent death of her genius and mentally ill mathematician father Robert (Hopkins). Hal (Gyllenhall) Dobbs is one of her father's previous students who come to her house to sift through the hundreds of notebooks Robert wrote in during his illness. He was convinced he was doing great math works (proofs) but in reality he was writing gobbledy gook.
Hal comes across a notebook that is different in many subtle ways. I won't say anything more on the notebook but this movie has many layers and is a wonderful moving look at mental illness, genius, family dynamics and trust. Catherine has spent the last 4 years taking care of her father, all the while slowly losing her own grip on reality.
Her sister comes in to rescue her from the house she lived in with their father. Hal, Catherine and her sister eventually all clash in a sea of unanswered questions, assumptions, and well meaning interference. Below is from Amazon's description:
Elegantly adapted from David Auburn's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Proof works on so many levels that it shines like a perfected equation. Gwyneth Paltrow previously played her role onstage, and returns here as Catherine, the troubled 27-year-old daughter of Robert, a once-brilliant mathematician (Anthony Hopkins, appearing in flashbacks and imagined visions) who has recently died. What Robert has left behind is an emotionally challenging legacy of genius, mental illness, and unfinished business in the Chicago home where Catherine had cared for him during his erratic final years. Catherine fears she may have inherited her father's unstable condition, and her sister Claire (Hope Davis) arrives from New York with smothering concern and a selfish but well-meaning agenda, while Robert's student and assistant Hal (Jake Gyllenhaal) hopes to find lasting proof of Robert's enduring genius in the piles of notebooks he left behind. Steeped in the authentic atmosphere of advanced academia, revelations of love, fear, regret, and potential recovery unfold with such graceful complexity that Proof plays like a thriller, with all the action taking place in the admirable hearts and minds of its characters. The film also has a lot to say about the potential tragedy of assuming mental illness where none exists, while leaving just enough doubt to keep you wondering -- a tribute to the exceptional performances of a first-rate cast, and particularly to Paltrow, whose reunion with Shakespeare in Love director John Madden proves equally rewarding for entirely different reasons. --Jeff Shannon
If you enjoy great acting you'll love this movie!
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- the Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B -- Syl, 16:17:30 06/15/07 Fri
A fascinating review sent in by Marg B. Thanks, Marg! Another great one!
TITLE: The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B
AUTHOR: Sandra Gulland
GENRE: Historical Fiction
On the odd occasion that I have read books that are in diary format, particularly historical fiction, they haven't necessarily worked for me, so if I had realised that this was the format of this book, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. This is, however, one of those books where the diary format really, really works.
We meet the legendary Josephine Bonaparte when she is Rose, a young planter's daughter who lives in Martinique. She visits a fortune teller who tells her that she will be married unhappily, she will be a widow, and she will be a queen - all very unlikely given that she is uneducated, and from a poor family. Following tragedy within her family she is however betrothed to a man she has never met before and therefore has to make the trip to France - a country in uproar.
She marries Alexandre, Vicomte de Beaurharnais, and eventually provides him with two children, but the marriage is an unhappy one, and he is unfaithful to her many times. Eventually they undertake a legal separation, but there are many custody issues, particularly around their son, Eugene.
All of this takes place against a background of revolution, and eventually Josephine has to try and walk the fine line between being a revolutionary (necessary if one wants to keep one's head intact), but still being loyal and doing all she can to save her aristocratic friends.
As Alexandre becomes more and more important in government, Rose finds herself under more and more scrutiny because she is still his wife, and when the tide turns against Alexandre they both find themselves in Carmes prison. Even during such a worrying time as that, Alexandre and Rose still find ways to torment each other, until finally Alexandre's name is on the list - which means that he is on his way to meet Madame Guillotine. Rose's name is also called, but she is deemed too sick to be killed, and luckily, through her influential friends, she is released, thus narrowly avoiding the same fate as her husband.
Once out of prison, life in post revolutionary Paris begins, and Rose, now a widow, becomes the mistress of several men. Whilst never rich, she does have influence, and does seem to fraternise with many men who form part of the new government. It is through these men that she meets Napoleon. At first, she is unimpressed, but as he pursues her, she eventually begins to see some advantages to being linked with this man.
This book is the first book in a trilogy, and focuses mainly on Rose's life prior to meeting Napoleon. He only appears in the last few chapters of the book, presumably as a kind of teaser for the next book in the series. And if that was the intention then it definitely works, because I have already requested the next book in the series.
Gulland is very successful at giving some idea of what life must have been like for people in France during this turbulent time - never knowing whether or not your neighbour that you have known for years might be the one person who will turn you in for disloyalty, not knowing if each time you see your friends may be the last time you see them, struggling to provide food and education to your children.
Through it all Rose manages to maintain her dignity, humour and grace. Overall, this was a very entertaining read, about a very interesting woman who lived in very turbulent times, and is still remembered today.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- I just picked this up at a used book sale yesterday, sounds good! (NT) -- Lady Tait, 10:04:29 06/17/07 Sun
- I read the whole trilogy and really enjoyed it. It inspired me to read more history. I sent the set to a friend who enjoyed it too! (NT) -- LaurenG, 13:39:16 06/17/07 Sun
- Thanks, Marg. I am going to look for this one, especially since the other folks recommend it. You seem to have picked a really good one. (NT) -- becca beccabee, 06:05:42 06/21/07 Thu
- I read these books, and learned a lot about not only Josephine, but the Napoleonic era in general. We were living in Brussels at the time, where just a few miles south is Waterloo - the site of his defeat by the British. (NT) -- jayne, 07:26:37 07/09/07 Mon
- Lords of the White Castle -- Syl, 16:51:14 02/09/07 Fri
TITLE: Lords of the White Castle
AUTHOR: Elizabeth Chadwick
GENRE: Historical fiction
Fifteen year old Fulke Fitzwarin is a squire at the court of the teenage Prince John – spoiled youngest legitimate son of King Henry ll and Eleanor of Aquitaine. John plays a game of chess with Fulke and loses, but accuses him of cheating. Following events lead to Prince John and Fulke becoming bitter enemies.
To avoid further confrontation, Fulke leaves the royal court, and serves as squire to Lord Theobald Walter, Master at Arms to the court. They travel to Ireland, with Fulke hoping to keep out of John’s way.
Through the years, though, John’s petty jealousies and temper result in further strife for Fulke and his family. Once they owned lands on the Welsh Border Marches – mainly Whittington Castle - and Fulke petitions the return of the lands to his family, only to have John vindictively deny him and give Whittington instead to Morys FitzRoger for the sum of fifty marks. As a result, Fulke turns outlaw.
Fulke with his band of rebels, including his five brothers and his wife, raid lands, abbeys and castles up and down the country, becoming a thorn in Prince John’s side. Reading this reminded me so much of the story of Robin Hood – lots of similarities!
This is a stand alone novel, but reading another of Ms. Chadwick’s novels – Shadows and Strongholds – provides background to Fulke’s parents and how they lost Whittington.
This huge book has so much more in it I haven’t done it justice in this review. The story is set in the rich background of Medieval England, with its sometimes harsh life and archaic customs. The reader certainly learns a lot about the social history of the time!
I was introduced to Elizabeth Chadwick by my sister, who also hosed me! The first book I read – The Love Knot – got me well and truly hooked and I have now read most of her books. NB – this Elizabeth Chadwick is NOT to be confused with an American romance author of the same name ( Bride Fire ) .
Ms Chadwick researches thoroughly and gives a lot of her research information at the back of each book. Quite a few of her non-royal characters, like Fulke, actually existed, and it’s Ms. Chadwick’s narrative skill that transports the reader to the courts of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
If you go to: www.elizabethchadwick.com you’ll find all the information on all her books, plus other stuff, like the re-enactment group she’s in, her MySpace site, etc, etc.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- My 4 favorite Authors of all time are Diana (of coarse) Juiliet Marillier, Sharon Penman and Elizabeth Chandwick. Their books are all keepers. (NT) -- Alissa, 03:09:37 02/10/07 Sat
- I have only read one Elizabeth Chadwick, but I really enjoyed it! I have put all her others on the list, including this one, and hope to get to them soon! (NT) -- Marg, 04:43:37 02/10/07 Sat
- She is one of my favorites too -- in the great tradition of Anya Seton. This one is a wonderful read, and I also recommend The Winter Mantle, The Falcons of Montabard, and Shadows and Strongholds. I did think she kind of missed a beat with The Marsh King's Daughter, but Chadwick definitely belongs on the bookshelf right next to Anya Seton and Sharon Kay Penman. (NT) -- pamelalass, 16:34:28 02/10/07 Sat
- I read that. I liked it very much. Pamelalass I agree with you on the Marsh Kings Daughter, but I did enjoy reading the whole series. Has she come out with anything new? (NT) -- tanya_p, 18:33:36 02/10/07 Sat
- I LOVE Elizabeth Chadwick's work and 'Lords of the White Castle' is one of my favourites. It was one of those books I couldn't get out of my head for days after I finished it. I kept picking it up and rereading bits of it. It was a few days before I could start another book. I am at present reading 'The Wild Hunt'. I'd thoroughly recommend that as well, I'm really enjoying it and don't want it to end. (NT) -- Kirsten, 02:49:09 02/11/07 Sun
- Just how huge is it? (NT) -- becca beccabee, 04:36:18 02/11/07 Sun
- I clicked on the link provided above by Syl and I think 'The Running Vixen' is the only one I haven't got. I'm delighted to see it's a sequel to 'The Wild Hunt' which I still haven't finished but am enjoying immensely. The downside is that it's so expensive, being currently out of print - one of the copies on sale at Amazon is £77 !!!!! The cheapest is the paperback and they want £21 for that! (NT) -- Kirsten, 08:31:35 02/11/07 Sun
- I've not read any of her work now, but with the comments here, and those flying around the UKHoser site, I do intend to start. Thanks for the review Syl. (NT) -- Margy, 06:44:16 02/15/07 Thu
- I've just spent the entire weekend (and part of last week) reading some of Ms. Chadwick's books - Wild Hunt, Running Vixen, Conquest and currently Winter Mantle. Unfortunately, those are the only ones available in our library system and in the city, so I'm going to have to go looking online for the others if I want to read them - love the history; was a big fan of William the Conqueror way back when and devoured a number of books about his time, his life, his wife and story. Ms. Chadwick makes that time in history come alive (somewhat like HERself and her time)! (NT) -- Ruthgold18, 08:21:34 02/26/07 Mon
- I just finished this book and it was very engaging. The characters were so wonderful and the story was exciting. I am looking forward to reading some of her other books. (NT) -- Lisa W, 22:26:16 06/15/07 Fri
- Human Traces -- Syl, 16:21:33 05/04/07 Fri
Here’s a good intriguing review sent in by a UK hoser – Joan N. Thanks, Joan!
TITLE: Human Traces
AUTHOR: Sebastian Faulks.
GENRE: Fiction
This wonderful book covers the period from the 1870's to the 1920's and is the story of two men, Thomas Midwinter and Jacques Rebiere(?- I had to take the book back to the library), who share a common ambition - to find out what it is that makes us human - and drives us mad.
Jacques is driven by a desire to help his older brother Olivier, who suffers from what we now know as schizophrenia; Thomas via his love of literature and myths plus a chance meeting with Jacques at Deauville when they are both young men.
They go their separate ways to complete their studies and become Alienists or mad-doctors, but keep in touch and share an ambition to have a clinic of their own. Thomas's older sister marries Jacques, which further connects the men.
The backdrop to all this is of course the theories and famous people contributing to our understanding of human psychology, and moving from a concept of all mental illness being organic, to other possibilities.
What made it so brilliant to me, apart from my interest in psychology; was the wonderful way in which Sebastian Faulks can put you inside his characters’ minds. The best bits were when Thomas is expounding his general theory about madness being the price that a percentage of the population pay for the unique characteristics of the human brain, symmetrical in structure, asymmetrical in function. His trip to Africa is another highlight.
On reading this review, I'm aware that it does not sound desperately exciting, but please read this book and decide for yourselves. I shall go out and buy it, as it's a 'keeper. It's an intellectually exciting book that, for me at least, articulated vague concepts I held, and I kept wanting to read bits out loud to DH(who always declined the offer!).
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Gentlemen and Players -- Syl, 16:19:46 04/20/07 Fri
Here's one that was sent in by Tooki. Thanks, Tooki!
TITLE: Gentlemen and Players
AUTHOR: Joanne Harris
GENRE: Contemporary fiction, maybe suspense, almost a psychological thriller
I will always pick up a book by this wonderful author (Chocolat, Five Quarters of the Orange, Coastliners, Holy Fools) and this one was no disappointment. Her characters are so brilliantly drawn and her stories so tightly and intricately plotted. DH read it first and at one point he said loudly “Oh my God!” and started flicking backwards though the pages. When I read it I saw why - what a twist! I am keen to read the book again in the light of what you come to know later.
The main narrator has come as a staff member to an English Public School (this of course is what everywhere else calls a private school) to bring the school to its knees in an act of vengeance for a grim childhood incident.
The story of the carefully plotted revenge runs alongside the gradually unfolding historical story. In addition, there is a second narrator who is an old master at the school on the verge of retirement who was witness to the culmination of the historical story.
Joanne Harris’ books are so well written, so evocative of people and places and feelings, and this I think is her best yet. Rather hard to put down though, be prepared to burn the midnight oil as they say!
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Amazing Grace -- Syl, 16:22:14 04/06/07 Fri
Here’s a very topical one sent in by Susannah. Thought it would be a good tie-in with the recent film release. Thanks, Susannah!
TITLE: Amazing Grace
AUTHOR: Eric Metaxas
GENRE: Biography
It's rare that I meet up with a biography so compelling and entertaining that I don't want to put it down. This account of the life of William Wilberforce is that book. Many are now familiar with Wilberforce and his story from the movie of the same name. The movie can't possibly be as good!
William Wilberforce was the man who rightfully gets the lion's share of the credit for the abolition of slavery in England in the early 1800s. It was a long fight, lasting until three days before his death.
But the really interesting thing about the book is the descriptions of the state of religion and morality in 18th century England, and of course the fascinating personality of Wilberforce himself. He was only five foot three, but a giant of a humanitarian.
Metaxas deftly skewers the prevailing attitudes of England in the Georgian period, and his witty prose kept me reading late, but there is a depth of seriousness and scholarship here that also won my respect. And it had the unexpected result of making me view the 21st century world with a little more clarity also.
Even if you're not normally a non-fiction reader, I recommend this one. But bring a couple of hankies for the ending--you'll need them.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- A Good Dog -- Syl, 16:22:38 03/09/07 Fri
This one was sent in by Madelyn. You did good, lassie, thanks!
TITLE: A Good Dog
AUTHOR: Jon Katz
GENRE: Pet biography
Having read some of Jon Katz’s recountings of his adventures at Bedlam Farm on Slate.com, I couldn’t wait to get it and read it. It wasn’t in my hand twenty-four hours, and I had read it cover to cover.
A Good Dog is an extraordinary love story of a man and his lifetime dog. Some of us are dog lovers, I was told once, and some of us are dog people. There’s a difference. Jon Katz is a dog person. He “gets” dogs. He is willing to go as far as he must to make sure his dogs know they are loved and wanted and cared for and that they are happy. When they aren’t, he wants to know why.
His love for Orson goes far beyond what most people feel for their pets. The lengths he was willing to go to are far beyond what most people would do to make their dog happy, too.
A Good Dog includes some of the other characters of Bedlam Farm as well. I had previously read stories of Rose, the donkeys, Mother the cat and Winston the Rooster. But this book is about Orson, and he is the main focus.
A Good Dog is a true story, and therefore, not my usual reading fare. I tend to shy away from non-fiction. It is usually, in my opinion, dry and stating facts that I already know, like reading a textbook. I read for entertainment. This book managed to entertain me and make me think all at once.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves dogs. In the end, Jon has to make some hard decisions regarding Orson, some that won’t be popular, by any means. But he makes those decisions based on information and his own morals, and they are decisions he has to live with.
Having an Orson in my life, I don’t envy when I’ll have to make these decisions, but maybe what I learned in this book will help me accept the decisions a little easier.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Dark Birthright -- Syl, 16:23:12 02/23/07 Fri
This was sent in by Beccabee. Thanks, Becca!
I know the banners are constantly at the top of the boards, advertising this book, but it would be nice to get opinions here from those who have already read it and maybe draw a few new readers in. I haven’t got the book yet, but I’m planning to! - Syl
TITLE: Dark Birthright
AUTHOR: Jeanne Treat
ILLUSTRATOR: Jane Star Weil
GENRE: Historical Fiction
Dark Birthright is, in its essence, a story about families.
The family of protagonists, the Hays - Alex, Jessie, Maggie, Ian and Dughall, is a loving family, simple, devout, devoted to service. The family of antagonists, the Earl of Huntly and his son Gilbert Gordon, is not so simple. Powerful, landed, ruthless, they still exhibit very human frailties and invite compassion rather than total disdain.
The characters that orbit these two families and shape their lives and futures are well drawn and likeable, even lovable. The “main man”, the Duke - the Lord James Drake, trying to retrieve family from the vicious suffering caused by the Earl, is a crusty, principled & likeable old man. Orbiting characters such as the lovely and goodhearted Keira, the pagan priestess, Kate, the rotten, sensual mistress, Fang, the disgusting torture master, and Jamieson and Murdock, the charismatic, likeable “deputies” of the Drake and Gordon families are clearly painted and easy to understand.
The author has the gift of providing differing voices for her characters. The Hays, uncomplicated folks, speak in uncomplicated voices. The nobility, while perhaps not properly noble, reflect their upbringing, education and world view in their own more complex voices. With each character, simple or not, the heart of all matters and focus of thought and action always comes back to family.
Of further note, the illustrations in this book are exquisite. Kudos to Jane Star for excellent evocative work.
Dark Birthright is easy to recommend to the lovers of historical fiction with a moral focus.
--
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- The Blade of Fortriu -- Syl, 16:27:21 01/26/07 Fri
Another great sounding review sent in by Linda B. Thanks, Linda!
TITLE: The Blade of Fortriu
AUTHOR: Juliet Marillier
GENRE: Fantasy
Juliet Marillier's Sevenwaters Trilogy are great favorites of mine, on my "keeper" shelf and reread mulitiple times. Her newest trilogy of fantasy novels, The Bridei Chronicles, set in Pictish Scotland during the time of St. Columba and based on an actual Pictish King, Bridei, have joined them on that shelf.
The second book in the Bridei Chronicles, The Blade of Fortriu, measures up to and surpasses its predecessor, The Dark Mirror.
Bridei has been king for six peaceful years and is at last married to his childhood friend, the foundling Tuala. They have a small son, Derelei in whom the magic of the Good Folk runs very strong. The time has come for Bridei to put into motion his great plan to drive out the Gaels, reunite Fortriu and stop the incursion of the Christian faith. To that end he sends the royal hostage, Ana of the Light Isles, to be wed to a powerful northern chieftain, Alpin of Briar Wood. Little is known of Alpin, but Bridei hopes to secure a treaty promising that Alpin will remain neutral in the conflict. As the succession to kingship is by election from a pool of candidates born to women of royal blood, the advantage to Alpin of marriage to Ana is an attractive one.
Ana is very dear to Bridei and Tuala despite her status as royal hostage guaranteeing the good behavior of the vassal King of the Light Isles. Bridei wants to ensure that Alpin will be a suitable match for Ana and to that end he assigns her safety and welfare to Faolan, his chief spy/assassin/reluctant friend, a man thoroughly despised by Ana. They arrive at Briar Wood after a disastrous journey to find a place of secrets and a prisoner held in the bleakest of confinements.
This is very much Ana's and Faolan's book. Ana must choose between the demands of duty and those of the heart. Faolan, to me the most intriguing character in The Dark Mirror, undergoes a transformation and we learn why he has fled his homeland and presents himself as the seemingly emotionless assassin for hire.
While the military campaign to win back the lost territories figures in strongly and is well developed-I found it to be secondary in interest. As always, Marillier creates characters one cares strongly about and builds an entirely believable world.
Much is revealed in The Blade of Fortriu, especially the secret of Tuala's parentage, but many questions are left to be answered in the final book of the trilogy.
Linda B
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- The Five People You Meet in Heaven -- Syl, 16:08:11 08/06/06 Sun
This one was sent in by Margy. Thanks, Margy!!
TITLE: The Five People You Meet in Heaven
AUTHOR: Mitch Albom
GENRE: Fiction
Despite the title, this is not a religious book. This is a great book though - a life affirming book, and a great story.
This is the story of Eddie. On his 83rd birthday, Eddie dies at Ruby Pier, a fun fair where he has worked and lived his entire life.
Eddie’s death is not the end of the book, but the beginning, and so he begins to meet 5 people in Heaven. These 5 people have been hugely influential in his life, although some of them are complete strangers to him. Through them we follow the story of Eddie’s life, his childhood, his marriage, his war years, his loneliness and happiness, and his after-life.
Eddie dies when a ride fails, and he acts to save the life of a little girl who is in the path of a falling fair ground cart. He wakes up in the afterlife, and finds that Heaven is not what he expected at all, not some lush Garden of Eden, but a place where he meets with those people who have shaped his life.
This is a quick read novel, but one that will stay with you long after you finish it.
Now I need to go and get Mitch Albom’s other novel, Tuesdays with Morrie. That also looks fascinating.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- I really enjoyed this book. I read it thinking I knew what would happen, but I was surprised and touched. It's a quick read, and quite inspirational. There is purpose in life, even if you can't see it or understand it. Now, my DH read "Tuesdays" and told me I wouldn't like it-- too sad, he said. So Syl, if you do read it, please report back here! (NT) -- JulieQ, 22:09:45 08/06/06 Sun
- Loved it!! The TV movie wasn't bad either ;0) (NT) -- Shari, 08:59:07 08/08/06 Tue
- Mitch Albom is one of the reasons my family has always subscribed to The Detroit Free Press. He's a fabulous writer whether he's talking baseball, football and hockey; politics or the even deeper topics he touches on in his books and sometimes in his newspaper columns. I loved Tuesdays With Morrie but I have to admit I haven't gotten to this one yet. One of these days... I hear he has a new novel coming out later this year. Starbucks(!) is going to help promote it. (NT) -- Lynn H., 20:31:21 08/08/06 Tue
- Thanks for the great review, Margie. Tuesdays with Morrie is excellent, you'll like it. (NT) -- beccabee, 11:18:13 08/13/06 Sun
- Excellent book Margy!! I loved it and like Julie said it was very inspirational. Just the littlest things we do has a ripple effect on others, truly amazing. It really made me more conscious of the things I do and say. (NT) -- Noelle, 12:29:04 08/13/06 Sun
- I can remember Tuesdays with Morrie making a big impact here. Never got to read it then but might do a double now. Thanks Margy. (NT) -- Sheila, 03:18:08 08/14/06 Mon
- Thanks, Margy - I'm moving this up on my TBR pile. I read Tuesdays when it first came out and it was wonderful. It's one of those books people should read every 5 - 10 years as they age - what a beautiful example of aging with grace and a gift of thought-provoking behavioral gems. It made me want to grow old like Morrie, not like the crotchety old pain that PMS gives me glimpses of *G*. This second book must be great as well! (NT) -- MaryJ, 14:34:23 08/15/06 Tue
- Thank you for this review! I had resisted this book because I thought it was going to be like something written by John Grey, the Mars/Venus dimwit. Now, I think I'd really like to read it. Thanks! (NT) -- Lemora, 22:56:25 08/17/06 Thu
- The Author has a new book coming out soon, and it sounds like it is going to be another inspirational read. (NT) -- Marg B, 16:54:27 08/20/06 Sun
- Just finished it yesterday...a very good read...makes you really think about your purpose in life but not in a super heavy way...very sweet. (NT) -- poppet, 09:23:57 09/08/06 Fri
- Did anyone wonder who their 5 people would be? Or for which people you'd be one of their 5? (NT) -- AngieC, 08:32:29 09/14/06 Thu
- I've not read the book Tuesdays with Murray, but I was just telling my dad about this film yesterday - it's got Jack Lemmon in it - whom I adore. Its a fab story. (NT) -- Clara F, 06:05:37 01/15/07 Mon
- I have this in my TBR pile! (NT) -- Leigh, 22:03:19 01/28/07 Sun
- Anybody Out There? -- Syl, 16:21:12 11/24/06 Fri
This was sent in by Sheila,in OZ. Thanks, Sheila!
TITLE : Anyone out there
AUTHOR : Marian Keyes
GENRE : Chick Lit (sort of)
I had never read a book by this author and I saw a lady at the swimming pool with it and I asked her what is was like, and she said strange. That comment came back to me afterwards as probably very accurate.
We start off with Anna, who obviously usually resides in New York, but at the present she is at home with mum and dad, recuperating from some sort of accident. She is desperately missing her husband but he seems to have disappeared.
The plot of the book hooks you in quickly as you want to know what has happened and what is going on. Anna’s story is the part of the book which called to me the most. Her bewilderment and devastation brought me to tears a couple of times in the book and there are not many books that do that to me. I can easily imagine anybody in her position doing and feeling as she does, and that to me is what made it enjoyable, it was ‘relatable’.
The other main story line is a typically chick lit story involving her sister and a wacky involvement in a private investigation into a criminal element in their part of the world.
To me it seems Keyes has written two books and melded them together in bits, though to be fair perhaps some readers will need the quirky relief offered by the sister’s story line. I could almost have done without the other plot line, it struck me as too silly, but I confess to feeling that way about a lot of the Chick Lit genre.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- The Dark Mirror -- Syl, 16:25:41 03/03/06 Fri
Here’s an interesting one sent in by Linda B. Thanks, Linda!
TITLE: The Dark Mirror, Book I of the Bridei Chronicles
TITLE: The Dark Mirror
AUTHOR: Juliet Marillier
GENRE: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
The Dark Mirror is a beautifully written first book in a new fantasy trilogy by Australian author Juliet Marillier. Based on a real historical figure in the Pictish King list, Bridei (ruled 554-584), The Dark Mirror tells the story of Bridei, the son of a foreign king and royal daughter of the Pictish kingdom of Fortriu (present day Scotland). Bridei has been fostered from the age of 4 by the powerful Druid, Broichan, and educated to present himself as candidate for the kingship upon the death of the present king.
While proving to be an apt pupil and devoted to his studies, Bridei is not told of the plans for his future, and is a very lonely child in Broichan's household. At about the age of 6 he wakes on a cold Midwinter's Eve and discovers a baby girl in a basket at the door of the keep and everything changes for Bridei. The child is clearly one of the Fair Folk, and against the wishes of both Broichan and the rest of the household, Bridei insists that she is a gift from the moon goddess, sent to him as his responsibility.
As the children grow up together they develop a deep and lasting bond and Broichan becomes more and more convinced that Tuala, as the girl is named, will be an impediment to Bridei's future. He refuses to consider the possibility than Tuala is necessary for Bridei's success and the plan to save Fortriu, a kingdom beset by incursions both by the Gaels and the spread of the Christian faith. Bridei and Tuala must pass many tests and obstacles placed in their paths both by Broichan and the Fair Folk.
Little is known about the Pictish people, but Juliet Marillier has built an entirely believable world based on the culture. Bridea, Tuala and all the characters are well drawn and three dimensional.
While The Dark Mirror does not pack quite the emotional "punch" that Marillier's Sevenwaters Trilogy did-at least not for me-I am looking forward eagerly to the second book, The Blade of Fortriu. Not only do I want to know more about Bridei and Tuala, I'm intrigued by several characters that promise to reappear in the future. Most highly recommended!
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Hmmm, sounds quite good. I may check this one out soon. Thanks for the review, Linda! (NT) -- Bandruidh, 19:03:24 03/04/06 Sat
- I read this book quite recently and loved it. I have read all of her book's and again love them all. I cant wait to hear more about Bridei and Tuala. When is the next book due out? (NT) -- Alissa, 23:56:58 03/04/06 Sat
- Thanks for the in-depth great review! (NT) -- beccabee, 15:48:03 03/05/06 Sun
- Wow, this sounds great. Thanks for the heads up, I've nver read any of her writing yet. (NT) -- Margy, 14:55:40 03/06/06 Mon
- I loved the Sevenwaters Trilogy, so I'll definitly read this one too, thanks. (NT) -- FranS, 21:17:12 03/06/06 Mon
- I love this book! Almost as much as the Sevenwaters trilogy actually. I can't put my finger on what it is, but there's just something special about it! The Blade of Fortriu is out already in Australia, soon in the UK and in Autumn for the US, according to Juliet Marilliers website :o) (NT) -- Deb H, 13:21:06 03/08/06 Wed
- Thanks for the review, I'd never heard of this author or the books, So I ordered the sevenwaters triology and The Dark Mirror. I'm really enjoying the Daughterof the Forest . Thanks, I needed a good book to read. For the past 10 years(since I've been hosed) I very seldom fond a book I really can get into. This is one ,Yea! (NT) -- Lori P., 09:36:58 03/11/06 Sat
- I read the Seven Waters Trilogy last year and really enjoyed it. I will put this one on my TBR list. (NT) -- LadyGrace, 07:36:02 01/10/07 Wed
- The Red Tent -- Syl, 16:22:22 02/17/06 Fri
Here’s one sent in by Marg B. Thanks, lass! This sounds like a fascinating book and I know for a fact it is the inspiration for a quilt for the future by a certain hoser!
TITLE: The Red Tent
AUTHOR: Anita Diamont
GENRE: Historical Fiction
Normally when I think of historical fiction as a genre, for me it is generally going to be about royalty of the years after about 1000AD and usually British, but not exclusively. However, I recently read The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, set in ancient times in Mesopotamia, Canaan and Egypt, and am really glad that I expanded my range of times to accommodate this book.
The Red Tent is the story of Jacob's daughter Dinah. She is mentioned in Genesis in the Bible and in Chapter 34 we are told the story of what happened to her. What Anita Diamant has done is filled in the outlines as provided in the Old Testament, telling stories of what it was like growing up as the only daughter of Jacob (who came to be regarded as one of the major characters of the Old Testament – no less than the father of Israel), of her life with her mothers, what it was like to practice as a midwife in those times.
Jacob had four wives, two of whom were named as sisters in the Old Testament, and the other two being their servants. Diamant names them all as having the same father, but only two of them (the beautiful Rachel and her older sister Leah) were acknowledged by him. What this means for the Dinah we come to know is that all four women are both her mothers and her aunts.
During Dinah’s childhood we come to know the four women, each of whom have different skills and hold different places in Jacob’s heart. We hear the stories of the Red Tent, where the women withdraw each month at the new moon for rest and fellowship, we hear the stories of the births of children, and of some deaths in childbirth of both mother and children. Most of all we are treated to what it may have been like to live in fellowship as a woman with other women in Old Testament times.
Eventually, as Dinah grows she begins to follow one of her aunts and begins to train as a midwife. This brings her to the city of Shechem where Dinah’s life changes completely. In the Bible, once we hear of the events as they occurred at Shechem we hear no more of her, and here Diamant takes Dinah on a journey that leads Dinah to eventually live in Egypt.
The story as written by Diamant is touching, and surprising, and gives plenty of thought provoking suggestions of how life may have lived in ancient times. The use of the household gods throughout the story surprised me a lot, but I can see how Diamant builds on what we have been told in the Bible and taken her story to this point from those references. I was so interested in this story I did find myself referring back to the Old Testament to try and work out which parts of the story were directly from there, and which parts were enhancements.
I loved this book and would rate it as 5 out of 5. I was sorry when it ended, but I am sure there will come a time in the not too distant future where I will find myself revisiting the life and times of the only daughter of Jacob.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- This is one of my favorite books. I read it at just the right time in my life. It led me exactly to what you mentioned...reading more about Jacob and life in OT times. When you do research it more you will see that goddess worship was part and parcel of life then. Judaism is basically an earth-based religion. Very fascinating stuff. The Red Tent itself is very similar to the Moon Lodge of the Native Americans. Diamant creates wonderfully drawn characters who reach your heart. An important read! (NT) -- WhiteFox, 18:11:30 02/17/06 Fri
- This book was great. I listened to it on CD and it was so beautifully narrated that it was like poetry. I found it so moving and couldn't wait to get into my car to hear more. Although it is a bit contraversial in Christian and probably Jewish circles because of the license taken by the author to mess with a biblical story. I just saw it as a fictional work based on real life, which it is, and thought it was beautiful. (NT) -- Reilly, 20:11:20 02/17/06 Fri
- Great review, Marg. I read this book last summer in preparation for my course this term (Women in Holy Writ) and enjoyed it. Then I downloaded it to my pocket pc and listened to it over the past month. I love the narrator, she really adds to the story-it was a brilliant way of 'reading' the story again. I found it easier to concentrate on the questions I had to answer while listening to it. I am now doing my creative project around the story-I'm making a wall-hanging (quilted) depicting Dinah and other women in the red tent. Not sure why there was a controversy-it is a novel-not something the author said was true. I also have to thank the Hoser who sent me the book-thanks. Hosers are the best. (NT) -- Keira, 06:24:59 02/18/06 Sat
- Love, love, love this book!!! (NT) -- LadyPeggyB, 15:16:12 02/19/06 Sun
- I must echo the others - I love this book. It ranks up there in the top three or four ever for me. Anyone want to guess number 1? *g* (NT) -- AngieC, 17:48:24 02/28/06 Tue
- Fantastic book! (NT) -- LCCorporatepoet, 14:34:55 04/10/06 Mon
- I loved this book, however, I do agree with Reilly's comment above regarding it's being a bit controversial. Being raised in a very Christian home and with all the Bible studies and Sunday School attendance, I was quite familiar with the Bible's version. It was facinating to see how the author put twists and turns to it. Found myself saying, "Well, that could have happened...." I recommend this book to all women especially those with daughters.I read it enjoyed it and lightning did not strike me down. (NT) -- LadyGrace, 07:34:22 01/10/07 Wed
- The Highest Tide -- Syl, 16:07:19 11/10/06 Fri
This was sent in by Peggy B. Thanks for another good one, Peggy!
TITLE: The Highest Tide
AUTHOR: Jim Lynch
GENRE: Popular Fiction
This debut novel by Journalist Jim Lynch has received high acclaim far and wide -see the web site at The Highest Tide The setting and plotline made this a must read for me this summer.
The protagonist, Miles O’Malley, is a 13 year-old boy living in a small community on south Puget Sound (Washington State, USA). Miles is an avid fan of Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring and other works, and a skilled young naturalist in his own right.
Miles spends much of his free time exploring the tidal flats of Skookumchuk Bay, collecting clams and other marine life to sell to restaurants and aquaria. On one such foraging expedition, Miles finds a giant squid–unheard of in the relatively shallow waters of Puget Sound. The squid is only the beginning of Miles’ surprising finds that summer.
We get to know Miles through his relationships with the people in his life; his best friend, elderly Florence Dalessandro, his hormone-driven buddy Kenny Phelps, neighbor Judge Stegner and his daughter Angie. And, of course, his parents.
The Highest Tide has been described as a "coming-of-age" story. And that, perhaps, is the best description. I found the story and characters interesting. As a biologist, I appreciated much of the plotline. I did, however, have trouble trying to figure out who Lynch’s audience is for this book. I found the adolescent conversations between Miles and Phelps somewhat annoying, yet the contrast between the two 13 year-olds was useful in establishing Miles’ uniqueness and endearing him to the reader.
I am interested in reading the reaction of others to this book.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Kushiel's Scion -- Syl, 16:35:41 12/15/06 Fri
TITLE: Kushiel’s Scion
AUTHOR: Jacqueline Carey
GENRE: Epic Fantasy (according to Amazon)
This book starts a new trilogy in the "Kushiel" series. The first three books (Kushiel’s Dart, Kushiel’s Chosen, and Kushiel’s Avatar) comprise the Kushiel’s Legacy trilogy.
The next three books (Kushiel’s Scion, Kushiel’s Justice, and ????) comprise a second separate, but connected, trilogy. Kushiel’s Scion could be read on its own, however, I feel the reader is best served by reading the books in order to fully understand how the characters and plots develop. The books proceed in chronological order.
Imriel no Montreve de la Courcel was bred by traitors, reared in sanctuary, kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery, rescued and redeemed by Phaedre no Delaunay de Montreve and her consort Joscelin Verruil. Imriel is a Prince of the Blood, third in line to the throne of Terre d’Ange. Imriel is 14 years old.
Kushiel’s Scion is the story of Imriel’s coming of age.
Imriel struggles to find his place in his home country. The shadow of his parents’ treachery haunts him, as does his early history, and his dark heritage from the Shahrizai–the Scions of Kushiel.
Imriel hates much of what he is. As the age of majority approaches, Imriel must confront his demons and learn his place in d’Angeline Society. He makes friends, discovers enemies, and seeks healing in many forms.
The d’Angeline Queen has a plan for Imriel’s future, wedding her husband’s niece, heiress to the throne of Alba, securing the bonds between the two countries for generations to come. Not ready to accept this arrangement, Imriel leaves Terre d’Ange on a journey of self-discovery, traveling to Tiberium to attend University and reunite with his best friend, Eamonn, Prince of the Dalriada. In Tiberium, Imriel, posing as an impoverished scholar, studies natural philosophy, but also learns intrigue, covertcy, and warfare. All while being mindful of two tenets: "All Knowledge is Worth Having" and Elua’s Precept "Love as Thou Wilt."
I found I could not put this book down, and did not want it to end. The next book in the series, "Kushiel’s Justice," is due to be released in 2007.
________________________________________
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- This sounds just as good as the others to me. Do we see much of Phaedre and Jocelin? The first trilogy was one of those rare finds where I found myself submerged in the story instead of outside reading. I cannot wait for this one, I am first on my library reservations. (NT) -- Sheila, 01:32:03 12/16/06 Sat
- Sounds like an entire world to absorb. I might try the first if I can find it inexpensively. Not usually my type of book, but so many people have talked it up I might sample. Thanks Peggy! (NT) -- becca beccabee, 21:39:02 12/16/06 Sat
- I'll have to read the first one, I know Peggy, you've been talking about the first series for a long time. I'll check to see if my library has it. Thanks for the review, lass. (NT) -- Noelle, 12:11:04 12/17/06 Sun
- Sounds good, I think I will put the 1st three on my Xmas wish list, I've heard a lot of talk around here about how good they are. (NT) -- Margy, 09:55:56 12/18/06 Mon
- The Alienist -- Syl, 16:21:51 10/27/06 Fri
This one was sent in by Lady DuBois. Thanks, lass, looks very interesting!
TITLE: The Alienist
AUTHOR: Caleb Carr
GENRE: Historical Fiction
Loved this book, I read it some time ago but I'm planning a re-read.
This is a wonderful thriller complete with twists and turns that will keep the reader on the edge of his/her seat or bed, which ever the case may be.
Imagine it is the year 1896, the description "Serial Killer" has not yet been explored. This world of harrowing and as yet unknown behavior is being defined. We move through the streets and ghettos of NYC to follow a killer.
This book is filled with grizzly midnight autopsies, hideous murders and the race to solve them. As you read it will give you a glimpse of the mental pathology of a Serial Killer. And for those of us who like a little romance with our thrillers, it has that too. I guarantee that you'll love this book.
NOTE: Before the 20th century, those suffering from mental illness were thought of as "aliented" from both society and their own true selves. Those who studied these mental pathologies were known as "alienists"
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- The Historian -- Syl, 15:54:36 09/08/06 Fri
Here's another one sent in by Jayne. Thanks, lass! And it's good to be back!!
TITLE: The Historian
AUTHOR: Elizabeth Kostova
GENRE: Fiction
I loved this! It's about the search for the real Dracula by a young woman, and the story begins to interweave her story with that of her parents, and much of the book is their story.
Dracula is presented in his historical reality as Vlad the Impaler, and the book is full of Eastern European culture and history. Very interesting details are presented as the search gains speed and intensity.
Great book, and lots of good history and detail of the Carpathians, Romania, and Vlad the Impaler. Plus a love story thown in!
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- I bought this book the first day I saw it in th eshops last year.....haven't got to it yet! I will one day! (NT) -- Marg B, 03:58:33 09/09/06 Sat
- I really loved this book-read it last summer and it's in my TBR pile to re read. Her descriptions of places and people are just breath-taking and memorable. It's deliciously creepy, especially Vlad himself, but not a gore-fest. A super read, all around. (NT) -- Linda B, 14:05:35 09/09/06 Sat
- This one is on my TBR list. I've heard reports of many people who loved it and others who just couldn't slog all the way through it - but I have nothing but good to say about the author. My writing group invited her to speak at one of our meetings, and although she said she had to decline because of her busy schedule, she took the time to send us a very pleasant handwritten note. I thought that was a nice gesture and something we really weren't expecting from someone with a book that big. (In more ways than one!) (NT) -- Lynn H., 19:50:11 09/10/06 Sun
- I have read several magazine reviews on this one, some good and some so-so, but it was on our local area's best seller list for a long time. It does sound interesting. (NT) -- beccabee, 16:27:51 09/11/06 Mon
- I thought the premise of this one was interesting, but I found the ending unsatisfying. (NT) -- Caitlin, 16:56:53 09/11/06 Mon
- I'm impressed to see that someone actually managed to finish this book. I've tried 3 different times to read it. It is the kind of book that I normally love. But for some reason it just does not hold my interest. Good review, I'll keep it around and try again sometime. (NT) -- Cherie, 12:19:41 09/12/06 Tue
- I was one of those people who had to slog through it, but I did get to the end. I found some of the passages to be overly long and wordy, so I skimmed a lot. I liked the idea of it, and am glad that I know the ending, but I don't think I'll reread it. (NT) -- AngieC, 08:31:45 09/14/06 Thu
- I'm half way through this right now, and really enjoying it. It is a builder, a bit of a slow beginning for me, but suddenly (as I said) I'm half way through. Thanks for the rec. (NT) -- Margy, 09:11:17 09/24/06 Sun
- My future DIL and I did a swop. She now has Outlander and I have this one. I tried reading it but found it awfully slow at the start. It has now been put on the TBR pile for when more time is available. (NT) -- LindaE, 13:55:06 11/12/06 Sun
- A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian -- Syl, 16:22:33 09/22/06 Fri
This one was sent in by Trixiara. Looks like it’s a fun read!
TITLE: A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian
AUTHOR: Marina Lewycka
GENRE: Fiction
An easy read, but thought provoking book, with some laugh out loud scenes........
For years, Nadezhda and Vera, two Ukrainian sisters raised in England by their refugee parents, have had as little as possible to do with each other, and they have their reasons. But now they find they'd better learn how to get along, because since their mother's death their ageing father has been sliding into his second childhood, and an alarming new woman has just entered his life.
Valentina, a bosomy young synthetic blonde from Ukraine, seems to think their father is much richer than he is, and she is keen that he leave this world with as little money to his name as possible. If Nadazhda and Vera don't stop her, no one will.
But separating their addled and annoyingly lecherous dad from his new love will prove to be no easy feat: Valentina is a ruthless pro, and the two sisters swiftly realize that they are mere amateurs when it comes to ruthlessness.
As Hurricane Valentina turns the family house upside down, old secrets come falling out, including the most deeply buried one of them all, from the War, the one that explains much about why Nadazhda and Vera are so different.
In the meantime, oblivious to it all, their father carries on with the great work of his dotage, a grand history of the tractor. *VBG*
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- What an odd book. It certainly sounds like fun. What or who turned you on to it? (NT) -- beccabee, 11:06:14 09/24/06 Sun
- I read this last year and really enjoyed it, though a few details seemed a bt too much, not really believable. I've had a lot of experience with "refugees" and opportunists from East European countries, and for the most part, the book is quite accurate and it's a true-to-life-story. Enjoy! (NT) -- LizzieM., 13:39:41 09/24/06 Sun
- It was reviewed on Woman's Hr on the radio and they enthused, and i wasn't disappointed. (NT) -- Trixiara, 22:02:48 09/24/06 Sun
- I tried to read this last year, my DH really enjoyed it, but I couldn't get into it at all. (NT) -- Margy, 06:37:24 09/26/06 Tue
- I borrowed this on cd from the Library. I thought it was OK but I wouldnt buy the book. (NT) -- LindaE, 13:52:06 11/12/06 Sun
- Sword and Blossom -- Syl, 16:23:58 10/13/06 Fri
Here's one kindly sent in by Linda H. Thanks, lass!
TITLE: Sword and Blossom: A British Officer's Enduring Love for a
Japanese Woman
AUTHORS: Peter Pagnamenta and Momoko Williams
GENRE: Non-fiction
A hundred years ago, as Japan was entering into the Russo-Japanese
War, it was also forming an alliance with another island kingdom -
Great Britain. Captain Arthur Hart-Synnot was one of several British
Army officers sent to Tokyo to learn Japanese and the customs of his
country's new allies. What was supposed to be a short-term
assignment quickly turned into more when he met Masa Suzuki, a young
woman working at the Tokyo officers' club. Unfortunately for the
lovers, the treaty between their two countries did not last as long
as their love for each other. The tragedy of two world wars hits
close to home for both of them.
The authors of this book pieced together the details of Arthur and
Masa's relationship from the recollections of their daughter-in-law
and quotes from some 800 letters Arthur sent Masa during the nearly
40 years he knew her. (Her own letters unfortunately went missing
some time during World War II, so our only hint of her voice in this
book is when Arthur responds to something she's written in one of his
letters.)
After reading this book, I think somebody needs to write a novel or
do a movie about this couple. There's certainly plenty of material
for a good tearjerker here and I would love to see Masa fully fleshed
out in a way non-fiction writers couldn't do without her missing
letters.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Oona: Living in the Shadows -- Syl, 16:20:05 07/21/06 Fri
This looks like a good one, sent in by Beccabee. Thanks, lass! I don't often read biographies, but this looks interesting.
TITLE: Oona: Living in the Shadows
AUTHOR: Jane Scovell
GENRE: Biography of Oona O’Neill Chaplin
Evoking the moods of the mid-19th to the late 20th centuries,
Oona traces this enigmatic woman’s lineage and offers reasons for
the way she chose to live her life. With distinguished ancestors on both
sides, Oona inherited the great good looks and intellect of the best of
them while avoiding the alcoholism and drug addiction that plagued her
parents & grandparents.
Before her marriage Oona was most notably known as the daughter of
Eugene O’Neill, the gaunt, moody, gifted playwright. Seeing little of
her father after her sixth year, when Eugene left her mother for another
woman, as a young girl she was totally reviled and rejected by him when
she became a celebrity of the Paris Hilton ilk - famous for being
famous. Her father never, ever spoke to her again after one last cruel
letter written during this time, which was found in her effects when she
died. At odds with her father's opinion, Oona was well-known as an
intelligent, principled & loving girl.
Looking for someone in whom she could invest herself, dating many once
and future famous men during her days doing the town of L.A. with her
best friends Carol Marcus & Gloria Vanderbilt, Oona came under the eye
of Charlie Chaplin. He moved quickly to woo and win this beautiful young
girl.
And there the mystery begins. This eighteen year old Oona married the
fifty-eight year old Charlie and began a marriage that lasted over
thirty years and begat eight children. All those who knew the Chaplins
swore of their devoted love and Oona’s total devotion to Charlie & his
comfort and happiness. Their children talk of it too and how their
parents’ tiny universe of two made its impact on their lives. Friends
and relatives talk of her essential light, her goodness and her kindness.
Oona married Charlie in spite of his long known irresistible pull to
girls of illegal age and the scandals of his previous marriages and
frequent affairs. She stayed with him through blacklisting and his
self-imposed exile from the United States, the abandonment of the hubbub
of excitement in the movie capitol to the sedate boredom of a villa in
Switzerland. As a relatively young woman in her forties and early
fifties she nursed Charlie in a difficult and painful old age and
withdrawal from the world, while in despair she slowly fell into the
alcohol addiction that had spelled so much misery in her family over the
years.
A fascinating, sometimes grim look at the life of a woman who chose to
totally immerse herself in the life of her man. I was captivated by it
from beginning to end.
'becca (beccabee)
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- This looks excellent, 'becca, I've always been fascinated by Charlie Chaplin since seeing the movie with Robert Downey Jr. I'm definitely going to pick this up. Thanks!! (NT) -- Noelle, 02:30:23 07/23/06 Sun
- Thanks, Beccabee, for this review and your email to me. I think there's a book out there detailing the gleesome threesome's many-decades-long friendship (Gloria, Oona, and Carol). Oona O'Neill Chaplin has long fascinated me (Geraldine Chaplin is one of my very favorite actresses) and I'll be looking for this one. Her ending as an alcoholic is truly tragic, considering who she was before. (By the way, have you read Gloria Vanderbilt's memoir about many of her love affairs, "It Seemed Important at the Time"? Gotta love that title! She also has another one about her son's suicide.) (NT) -- Lemora, 23:46:44 07/23/06 Sun
- Well done, 'bec! (NT) -- FranS, 19:25:52 07/26/06 Wed
- Great looking review and book 'becca, and one I would definitly read. ALSO thanks for my book mark which arrived when I was off line and on holiday. Happy Summer to you my dear friend. (NT) -- Margy, 14:00:45 08/04/06 Fri
- Memoirs of a Geisha -- Syl, 16:31:15 02/03/06 Fri
This was sent in by Serena a while ago. I thought I’d put it up on the board now, as it seems topical, what with the film just out. Brilliant job, Serena! Thanks!
TITLE: Memoirs of a Geisha
AUTHOR: Arthur Golden
GENRE: Fiction
I will admit to being a pop culture junkie. The reason I picked this book up is because I simply love the cinematography that has been presented in recent years by such films as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, and House of Flying Daggers. I saw a sneak peek of cuts from the upcoming movie Memoirs of a Geisha, and it seems to be filmed much as Hero was...great expressive use of color to tell a story. Couple that with a childhood of oriental interests in martial arts & all things Japanese, and I had a dual interest. So, I thought I’d better get my hands on the book, so I have the actual text in mind when I see the movie.
I was pleased by my reading experience. I will not, however say that the book is as good as I hoped it would be.
The text deals with the life of a young girl from a fishing village in Japan, named Chiyo, and her transformation as a peasant into a celebrated geisha called Sayuri of Gion in Kyoto. It also covers her maturation from a child, into a young woman during the pre and post WWII years, and her trials in the form of a vengeful geisha named Hatsumomo.
The best aspect of this book is its description of the life of a geisha. You can feel the weight of the kimono and obi as Chiyo/Sayuri puts them on and learns to walk all over again under the immense weight of yards of gorgeous silk. You get to a point where you dread, and yet can't help but anticipate her first trip to the hairdressers for the "split peach" for the first time. As Chiyo becomes Sayuri, and puts on the traditional white face makeup for the first time, you thrill with the transformation that has been so long in coming for her. As an American, I was even mildly repulsed, but totally fascinated by the whole idea of the selling of her mizuage (virginity) to the highest bidder.
I was also fascinated by the naivety of the main characters. I understand that "back then" things weren't so frank as they are about life in general and sex in particular, as they are today. You would think, from a western perspective that people who make thier livings in this manner would be more forthright about the issue. It isn't so. If anything, this book gives you the idea that geisha were, if possible, more naive than most, because it isn't about sex at all really. They aren't prostitutes, they are (as the book will tell you) considered artisans. Their main art being one of dance, and entertaining high-powered men with the use of "drinking games" and entertaining conversation, and other means of keeping a party going. Sex was (implied by the book) to be more for a geisha's danna, or patron, or "sugar daddy." Even Sayuri's mentor, Mameha, gives such a childish explanation of sex that you begin to wonder if these women ever see themselves as anything more than playthings of men.
This naivety carries throughout the main character's life, as she moves about in a world that she has no education to understand, in her highly stylized and sheltered role as geisha. Her first realization comes when she lets go of the dream that she will escape this life that she was sold into and return to her home in the little fishing village she grew up in. Followed later by another realization that she is only geisha, when she is in Kyoto, or living as geisha. Otherwise, she would be no more than a regular peasant. No better than anyone else. Followed by a return to her life as geisha, when she realizes that to get what she wants, she has to take some control of her life instead of letting those around her plan everything for her. This tends to leave our protagonist very shallow throughout the book, and at times, less than sympathetic. You do care what happens to her, but at times mostly because you want to hear more about the ways of geisha than any real thought to her problems.
This causes the last problem I had with the book. As someone on Amazon said...her greatest love (the one that is supposed to drive her throughout her young adulthood) is nothing more than a symbol really. He is her ultimate goal, yet you never get to know him other than through Sayuri's eyes, which puts him on a pedestal as something to eventually be attained, not really as a human she can actually love.
So, a compelling read, though not one of the best books I've ever read. I liked the historical aspect of the story, and I liked Sayuri/Chiyo and her tale as well as the other characters. I hated Hatsumomo, as I was meant to, and I thrilled when she was finally booted into the night after many years of torture inflicted upon Sayuri, and others. A bit shallow on the impetous of the story in general, but entertaining as a whole. Pick it up, but don't expect to be greatly moved.
Oh and one last thing. DO NOT pick it up looking for great sex, or other lascivious pursuits. They do not exist in this book.
Then again, I also think Scarlett O'Hara is a shallow nitwit, so WTFDIK??? ;-)
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- I was tremendously moved by the story. After living in Japan I have a much better understanding of the culture and especially the customs, interactions and expectations (geisha or otherwise) between men and women. Once I understood all of that, I read the book again and had many 'a-ha' moments and was also able to leave my western pov on the bedside table. I understood all of the characters and enjoyed their stories. (NT) -- Tracyg, 16:48:09 02/03/06 Fri
- What a lovely review you have done, really in depth. I could tell you were moved by the story. I read the book a few years ago as a former boss "gave" it to me to see if I would like it and I knew I had to read it. I thought it slurped big time. Was one of the most depressing books I have ever read, in fact it is on my list of all time horrible reads. Although I must admit that the writing was excellent. (NT) -- beccabee, 17:26:53 02/03/06 Fri
- This was one of the most beautifully-written books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It immersed me in a completely different culture and way of thinking. As you pointed out, there's a lot that's messed up in this world of geisha - and Sayuri's fairy tale ending feels exactly like a fairy tale - but that didn't stop me from enjoying this book. I read it first five years ago and just re-read it a couple of weeks ago to see if it held up to my memory. It's not "Outlander," but it still has a place on my keeper shelf. (NT) -- Lynn H., 10:56:42 02/04/06 Sat
- I also had difficulty understanding why she was so in love with the Chairman. They had so few interactions together. I think you're right, he became a symbol. Then, that ending! Totally lost me. A much better book was Gail Tsukiyama's "Women of the Silk". It takes place in China, not Japan, but still opens up the mysteries of the Orient to the reader, and the characters are far more realistic. That said, I am planning to see the Geisha movie. (NT) -- JulieQ, 20:50:22 02/05/06 Sun
- Memoirs of a Geisha -- Lady Terry, 13:56:40 07/22/06 Sat
- A Rose for the Crown -- Syl, 16:13:04 07/08/06 Sat
This was sent in by Jayne. Short and sweet, but looks good! Thanks, Jayne!
TITLE: A Rose for the Crown
AUTHOR: Anne Easter Smith
GENRE: Historical fiction
Here’s a novel about the mistress of Richard III. I'm an Anglophile, so this appeals to me. Good story; not a great book, but a good read.
Richard III is almost universally understood in light of Shakespeare's play of the same name, and the book makes a strong case for a very different take on his motivations and temperament. One thing he is always associated with is the disappearance from the Tower of his brother Edward's (Edward IV) two young sons. To this day no one knows what became of these young men, sadly believed to be murdered.
This is but one of the historical events touched on in the book. There's a great deal about the War of the Roses, if that interests you.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Marley & Me -- Syl, 16:21:25 05/26/06 Fri
This sounds charming! Very kindly sent in by Shanarama. Thanks, lass!
TITLE: Marley and Me: Life and Love With The World's Worst Dog
AUTHOR: John Grogan
GENRE: Animal biography
Marley and Me is a light, fun-loving read, and will make you think that your dog is a perfect angel! Hard to believe? Trust me!!! And plus, how could you resist the picture on the cover?!?!
I read the book, but didn’t listen to the audio version, but here’s the Audiofile review:
“Dog lovers will delight in the antics of Marley, a yellow lab, as he happily terrorizes the Grogan household. John Grogan, columnist for the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, reads this account of life with, arguably, one of the world's worst dogs. The listener gets to delight in Marley's mischief without having to deal with the mess or the embarrassment of such a dog.
You can hear the affection in Grogan's voice, even as he relates his frustrating, humbling, and humiliating experiences with such a lovable menace. Grogan starts out reading a bit stiffly, but he soon finds his groove and delivers a listening experience that will keep one wishing for a longer commute.” H.L.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
If you are an animal lover in general, but especially a dog owner, this book is a must read. It will make you laugh out loud and keep you smiling. It will also make you cry right along side the Grogan family as they experience the ups and downs of life as it happens.
This book touched my heart and in doing such, will have a Chapter Charm made to honor a wonderfully, goofy, mischievous, adorable, clumsy, dog named Marley who continues to make me smile
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- My best friend gave me this book for Christmas. She's also the one who hosed me. *grin* It is so much fun. I'm a hopeless dog lover. And this gave me a couple days of laughter and tears that I won't forget. I just got it for my daughter who has a new puppy and is lamenting about how he chews everything in sight. Marley's story will hopefully lift her spirits and see her through the rough spots. It could always be worse! (NT) -- WhiteFox, 19:15:47 05/27/06 Sat
- I'm reading this NOW, about half way through and loving it. I have a maniac dog myself, and appreciate the author's many creative ways to describe Marley's goofy antics. It's a nice quiet book for before bed... not like DG's novels, which one cannot put down and gets one all worked up so that one cannot possibly sleep. Not speaking from experience or anything. (NT) -- JulieQ, 22:04:27 05/27/06 Sat
- Thanks for the tip! Looks like something I got to try, with four dogs of different personalities in the family! (NT) -- Lady Åsa, 23:06:11 05/27/06 Sat
- Awww,,,you're right how could you resist this sweet face on the cover!! I'm going to have to get it next time I'm at Costco or I'll check to see if they have the audio at the library. Thanks Shannon and I bet the CC will be adorable!! (NT) -- Noelle, 05:14:39 05/28/06 Sun
- I have this book and plan to read it during our beach vacation in a week. It's gotta be a winner. (NT) -- Bandruidh (who has lived with a black lab for 12 years), 08:52:52 05/28/06 Sun
- I LOVED this book. During my bouts of hysterical laughter, people kept coming into the room wanting to know what was so funny. "Marley!" I kept saying. (NT) -- Lynn H., 18:32:33 05/28/06 Sun
- The book sounds terrific, but my husband won't let me buy it SPOILER>>>>> -- beccabee, 05:33:11 06/01/06 Thu
- This must be good - I just checked the library and all copies are checked out with a bit of a wait list (including me now). Thanks for the suggestion. (NT) -- CindyS, 08:31:28 07/14/06 Fri
- Wake of the Perdido Star -- Syl, 16:10:22 06/16/06 Fri
This looks like a good adventure yarn! And with the imminent release of the second Pirates of the Caribbean film, quite topical. Thanks a lot, Beccabee!
TITLE: The Wake of the Perdido Star
AUTHORS: Gene Hackman (yes, that Gene Hackman) & Daniel Lenihan
GENRE: Fiction
The Wake of the Perdido Star is a fast moving, engrossing, FUN book.
For the protagonist, seventeen year old Jack O’Reilly, life is very
difficult, chiefly because of his highly principled outspoken father who
can never, ever resist challenging and angering the powers that be. Run
out of another town in which he was settled and comfortable yet again,
Jack goes with his parents on a grueling sea voyage to Habana, Cuba, a
country in which his mother owns land. During the trip Jack makes
friends with the rough crew of the ship, The Perdido Star, and special
friends with Paul, a young, intellectual French/American castaway that
is pulled from the water and onto the Star after his own ship is
destroyed by fire.
The O’Reilly’s first meeting in Habana with their kinsman, the Count de
Silva, seems to go well and they make plans to take control of the land
which was willed to Jack’s mother. After a series of terrible
misfortunes, Jack crawls back to the Perdido Star and is rescued by the
rough and tumble crew. He and Paul become starboard deckhands and their
adventures begin in earnest.
Over the course of a couple of years Jack and the crew bond and become
legends of the high seas due to events that came about by their own hard
work and a bit of luck, but which seem like major derring-do and
incredible chutzpah to their contemporaries.
In the end, Jack and his mates triumph over all adversity and wreak
joyful revenge on those that have wronged them.
Of course, Jack is just a little too good, handsome, strong and lucky to
be true and his friend Paul just so intelligent and prone to fainting
that he is a tiny bit unbelievable, but all that adds to the enjoyment
of the yarn. Watch out for my personal favorites, the scrappy Hansumbob
and the cool cool cool Chinese cook Quen-Li.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- The Fool's Tale -- Syl, 15:33:37 05/06/06 Sat
This was sent in by Lynne H. Thanks, lass!
TITLE: The Fool's Tale
AUTHOR: Nicole Galland
GENRE: Historical Fiction
The late 12th Century is a dangerous time for the small Welsh kingdom
of Maelienydd. The Mortimer family, just across the English border,
is threatening to overrun the territory and even fellow Welshmen are
encroaching the king's rights.
Maelgwyn, known as Noble, became king when he was nine years old; the
day Roger Mortimer ambushed his father's party in an open field and
killed everyone but Noble and his playmate, Gwirion. While Noble hid
in the underbrush to save his own life, he watched the Mortimers
torture his friend, trying to make the other boy give up the new
king's hiding place. Gwirion was only saved when church bells began
ringing, announcing the birth of Roger Mortimer's new niece, and his
attackers rode off.
Twenty years later, that niece becomes Noble's bride when he attempts
to make peace with his English neighbors. Though Isabel is initially
pleased to find her new husband a handsome, generous lover, his
backwoods court is a far cry from the home she is used to and Noble
is far from faithful to her. Especially displeasing is the way he
lets Gwirion run amok around the castle. As unofficial court
prankster, Gwirion regularly does things like lock up Isabel's
brother in the garderobe for an afternoon and imprint her coat of
arms on a loaf of bread shaped like a woman's buttocks. No matter
what the trick, Noble will not hear of punishing the man who saved
his life and is his only amusement in a life full of dreary royal
duties.
Gwirion does not think any more of his new queen then she does him.
She is a threat to his position and his carefree way of life. But
there is more to both Gwirion and Isabel then either sees at first.
Their shared connection with Noble starts them down the road to a
passionate connection with each other and to an ultimate showdown
with their monarch. Noble is already losing ground in political
matters. Seeing the two people he cares about most in the world find
happiness with each other is too much for him to take.
The Fool's Tale is a story rich in characterization. Readers
will find reasons to love and hate each of the main characters as the
story progresses up to its heartbreaking conclusion.
Gwirion's escapades offer plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and there are quite
a few sexy (if not very explicit) bedroom scenes for those who like
their mmmphing. This is one of the best piece of historical fiction
I've read in a while.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- The Unredeemed Captive -- Syl, 16:17:01 04/21/06 Fri
This good one was sent in by Aramathea. Thanks, lass! Paralells with Ian Murray here!
TITLE: The Unredeemed Captive: A Family Story from
Early America
AUTHOR: John Demos
GENRE: Narrative Analysis, Mostly Non-Fiction
Those of us who have read Diana Gabaldon's later works
are no doubt curious to know more about Young Ian's
life with the Natives which he keeps so much to
himself. When the Reverend John Williams wrote in the
1700s of his family's captivity by the Mohawk, his
purpose was to share "what had passed over me and what
was to be expected." Yet there is one glaring
difference: Ian's captivity was voluntary, while the
Williams harboured the typical Colonial, and Puritan,
fear of their "heathen" neighbours.
"The Unredeemed Captive" is an examination of the
relationship between the Mohawk and the settlers of
New England, with a focus on the Kahnawake tribe and
the Williams family of Deerfield, Massachusetts.
Historian John Demos takes his inspiration from the
Reverend Williams' original autobiographical account,
first published in 1707 and entitled "The Redeemed
Captive Returning to Zion."
Because of Demos' habit of interspersing facts with mediocre passages of
fiction, we would almost wish we had the original account on hand. Yet to
our benefit he focuses primarily on Williams' daughter Eunice, who is more
of a parallel to Ian Murray than the rest of her family.
Seven-year-old Eunice was one of the youngest
among those captured when a roaming tribe of Mohawk
ransacked the small Puritan outpost of Deerfield.
Like many English children in such circumstances, she
was adopted by a family of the tribe. For some native
groups of North America it was traditional for
captives of war to take the place of recently deceased
family members through adoption, either symbolically
by torture and death or literally through ritual
adoption. Young children were the best candidates for
assimilation. By 1712, Eunice was the only Williams
remaining in captivity. Of the other children taken
from Deerfield, five of twelve remained voluntarily
within the Native village, marrying into the tribe and
becoming "fully integrated and Indianized." What made
Eunice such an interesting and unique subject for
Demos' research was her obstinate refusal to meet with
her natural family for most of her life.
Her father and siblings were anxious for Eunice's return and
numerous attempts were made to negotiate her release.
Quoting the memoirs of trader and trapper John
Schuyler, the first to encounter Eunice in her new
surroundings, we can get a true sense of the shock
which a Colonial American would have felt when faced
with the utter transformation of one of his own kind.
She was presented to him "looking very poor in body,
bashfull in the face, but proved harder than Steel in
her breast...."
It is important to stress Eunice's complete
assimilation into the Mohawk culture, and throughout
the book Demos makes reference to her appearance,
personality, and refusal to speak the English
language. While Demos chooses not to explore the
possible reasons for Eunice's unwillingness to return
to Deerfield, we can guess that she may have found
comfort in her new family, a love and acceptance based
not on her gender or religion but on who she was as a
person, the same freedoms that Young Ian felt living
amongst them.
As years stretched into decades, the
Williams family ceased to pray for their sister and
daughter's redemption. She had a new life and was
content to remain with the Mohawk, while her father
the Reverend died unreconciled. Who, we may ask, was
the true unredeemed captive?
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Game of Kings -- Syl, 06:01:08 03/18/06 Sat
I know these books are definitely read by a lot of hosers! This was sent in by Christy. Thanks, lass!
TITLE: The Game of Kings
AUTHOR: Dorothy Dunnett
GENRE: Historical fiction
Amazon says: “The Game of Kings, the first story in The Lymond Chronicles, sets the stage for what will be a sweeping saga filled with passion, courage, and the endless fight for freedom.
The setting is 1547, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Francis Crawford of Lymond returns to the country despite the charge of treason hanging over his head. Set on redeeming his reputation, he leads a company of outlaws against England as he fights for the country he loves so dearly.
Dangerous, quick-witted, and utterly irresistible, Lymond is pure pleasure to watch as he traverses 16th-century Scotland in search of freedom. The Game of Kings is a must-have for the historical romance connoisseur.”
I picked this book up after reading the Outlander books, simply because it was set in Scotland, and not modern. It’s an entirely different feel from Outlander, more as if Colum was the hero… and physically able. For any of those that liked Bonnett, here’s a chance to fall in love with a dashing, blond rogue.
This book is full of literary quotes, as Lymond is well-educated, and loves having the last word in an encounter. For those that must look up foreign quotes, be prepared to do lots of looking up, as they are NOT translated in this book.
About the character: He is classically swash-buckling, and only once (in this book) gets emotionally tied to the person he is dealing with. Very aloof and a noble character!
I am currently reading book 2 (Queen’s Play). He is your typical rogue, though the depths of his loyalties are tested time and again – and you never really KNOW where those loyalties truly lie until the end.
The plot and machinations are twisted beyond belief – both by Lymond and his political opponents. NOT a light read – but a good one.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
- Hope this is ok....have a small question....I'm on page 50 or so and find it ever so intriguing, but will I like Lymond if I do NOT like Stephen Bonnett in the least? (NT) -- KathrynB, 16:33:14 03/19/06 Sun
- Me too! 20 years ago, a close friend was absolutely hooked on these books and they've been on my back burner ever since. I can't stand Stephen Bonnet. I wanted the shithead to drown s-l-o-w-l-y. Will I like Francis Crawford anyway? (NT) -- Lemora, 21:59:32 03/19/06 Sun
- Lemora and Kathryn - Dinna fash! I absolutely loved the entire "Lymond Chronicles" series. I must say that I would never think to compare Lymond and Bonnett! They're both blonde, but that's about it! *g* I've never been a Bonnett fan - he's an amoral sociopath and I've never found him attractive or charming in the least, but Lymond is one of my all-time favorite literary characters - throughout the entire series he ends up demonstrating an amazing capacity for love and selflessness. (NT) -- sl, 10:06:03 03/20/06 Mon
- I was simply comparing their physical appearances, and their lack of 'following the rules', nothing else!!! :) (NT) -- Green Dragon (Christy), 13:52:48 03/21/06 Tue
- I've been trying to get these books at book shops for ages, looks like I'll have to do some on line shopping. (NT) -- Margy, 14:53:56 03/24/06 Fri
- I just bought this book and have been verra dissapointed. I am an avid reader, but having said that, I have to say that I got to about page 75 and could go no further. There are so many charachters that I could not keep them straight. Perhaps if I had cared more about what they were doing I could have. The language is extremely difficult to read (IMHO), and I just couldn't slop through it. Sorry! (NT) -- Lauren Carter, 11:28:13 04/10/06 Mon
- Re: Lymond Chronicles -- SamiaM, 10:45:24 04/14/06 Fri
- Based on the 'those who loved it' reviews on this board I am one of those who didn't and couldn't get past the first couple of chapters...guess it falls under the category of one man's meat is another man's poison... (NT) -- Sara G., 17:15:15 04/30/06 Sun
- The Loch -- Syl, 16:26:16 04/07/06 Fri
Thgis was sent in by Peggy B. Thanks, Peggy! This looks good!
TITLE: The Loch
AUTHOR: Steve Alten
GENRE: Popular Fiction
The Loch is Peter Benchley meets Dan Brown. The protagonist, Zachary Wallace, is a marine biologist who was born in Scotland, spending his childhood on the banks of Loch Ness–where he nearly drowned at age 9. Not long after the drowning, Zack’s mother divorced his drunken, philandering father and returned to the United States to start over, and raise Zack.
The story picks up 17 years later, with Zack at the peak of his young career, making a film about his research on the giant squid in the Sargasso Sea. Things don’t go smoothly in this expedition, and the fallout leaves Zack floundering professionally and personally, until one day in May when a visitor comes knocking at his door. Zack’s father is being tried for murder and needs his son to come to his aid in Scotland.
Interjected into the present day story are excerpts of the 14th century diary of Sir Adam Wallace, Black Knight of the Templar, cousin to William "Braveheart" Wallace, and ancestor of our protagonist, Zachary Wallace.
The diary tells of a desperate mission to guard a treasure of Scotland in a cave that leads “tae Hell, guarded by the De’ils ain minions.”
Meanwhile, back at Loch Ness, strange things are happening. Unexplained drownings, and the death of an American tourist start the quest for a madman–or a monster.
[ Post a Reply to this Message ][ Edit | View ]
Replies:
