I won’t lie. For the first few pages of this book, I wished the pictures of the dogs were photos rather than drawings. If the same feeling happens to I won’t lie. For the first few pages of this book, I wished the pictures of the dogs were photos rather than drawings. If the same feeling happens to you, I suggest you stick with this, as in time, the drawings really grew on me. I LOVED THEM!!
The author takes us through the history of puppers, various breeds, defining a breed, dog types and roles and then – we go through what seems like every dog in the world. Country by country, region by region. Even including street, village and wild dogs. Each accompanied by a delightful drawing.
I couldn’t leave this review without mentioning the first dog ever to be cloned. He was an Afghan Hound called Snuppy, he was born in 2005. He lived a 'normal' life for ten years. I’d never heard of Snuppy, here he is (was):
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Snuppy
If you love dogs, you might just enjoy this. I have no doubt you’ll learn something about our best friends too.
4 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review....more
The History of Torture by Brian Innes is a story of human history as much as it is about the grisly subject of torture. The history of humankind. Our The History of Torture by Brian Innes is a story of human history as much as it is about the grisly subject of torture. The history of humankind. Our need to inflict pain and suffering on others. The ignorance of our beliefs, and the cruelty we show to others who may not share those beliefs.
We start in antiquity – the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. The author makes the salient point that for three thousand years, torture was legal. We also know torture occurs to this day.
The principal purpose of torture was (and is) to obtain information. Of course, we now know – information obtained during torture is likely to be unreliable.
My mind is scarred by the vastness of scope and intensity of the torture involved in the inquisitions and most notably the Spanish Inquisition. The poor victims couldn’t win – if they confessed, they were executed (usually involving more torture), if they didn’t confess, they were killed anyway for lying, often during the torture process.
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The Rack was used extensively in medieval times. A favourite of the inquisitions. There were many other forms of torture employing the excruciating pain of joint dislocations.
England was proficient, notably in the colonies. As were other colonial powers of course. The poor ‘witches’ had a rough time of it, and the descriptions of being burnt to death were harrowing.
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Countless women suffered at the stake, burned as suspected witches
The Far East is covered too, cruelty certainly doesn’t respect international borders.
This book is as much about human history as it is about torture. It is well written, well researched and makes interesting reading. If you want to learn more about human nature, try this book.
4 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review....more
This book was difficult to put down. I requested this (from NetGalley) immediately after reading Angela’s review and received it within half an hour –This book was difficult to put down. I requested this (from NetGalley) immediately after reading Angela’s review and received it within half an hour – oh boy, was I lucky.
Kate has a 4-year-old son called Jack, who has memories of being someone in a previous life. Her husband, Nick, is a scientist, someone who relies on evidence to form his personal views – so this puts Kate in a tricky position, particularly as Jack’s comments appear to become more ‘credible.’
Throw in Kate’s two older sisters (one of them particularly bossy), their partners and kids (one of them particularly obnoxious) lashings of internecine aggravation, a beautiful old family lake house, a serious crime, a mysterious death, and you have a riveting blend of drama.
The book starts with the elderly widower father calling a family dinner at the Lake House, a dinner shrouded in mystery. The drama starts there and continues until the last page. There were parts where the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, there were other moments I just couldn’t read on due to the suspense, and the fear of confrontation.
Brilliant, and highly recommended.
5 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for furnishing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review. ...more
Baby X is an interesting science fiction piece from author Kira Peikoff. This is set in the near future, and considering the exponential ‘improvementsBaby X is an interesting science fiction piece from author Kira Peikoff. This is set in the near future, and considering the exponential ‘improvements’ in scientific advancement, some of the technology described in this sci-fi thriller aren’t so far-fetched. Such as devices in our eyes that can operate like our current mobile phones – where we are, in constant communication, always on-line, totally locatable etc.
However, this is about futuristic technology that can turn any cell from a human body into an ovarian egg, or a spermatozoon. Think about the possibilities here.
There is a nefarious group called The Vault who steal and develop such cells from famous/talented people to sell on the black market.
Imagine someone stealing a drinking straw from Professor Brian Cox to obtain cells to create a spermatozoon to engage with the cells obtained from a dining fork from Beyonce and create an embryo that can incubate in a surrogate – and produce a kid that will eventually be able to sing and dance like a superstar, look amazing, perfect hair all while solving some of the world’s most interesting problems regarding dark matter, or quantum mechanics (at the same time)?
This story involves a famous singer called Trace Thorne whose DNA is stolen and he’s subject to ransom demands for his own stolen DNA. He employs a DNA security expert (Ember) to tidy up after him, to make sure his DNA isn’t stolen. That is, she cleans up after him ALL THE TIME - (sounds good right?)
Well, it all turns out to go a bit pear-shaped when a pregnant woman called Quinn turns up who claims Thorne is the father of her baby, and a thriller ensues. There’s a number of characters who come and go, and some baddies we think are goodies and vice-versa. The usual trick. This was an entertaining enough read and some of the science stuff was believable in a sci-fi type of way, and there are many twists and turns involved that arise – making this one an entertaining enough for followers of this genre. I’d imagine.
I enjoyed this enough to give this 3 Stars. I would highly recommend this one to fans of this genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy in return for my review.
Ancient Egypt – A photographic History by Nigel Fletcher Jones is a feast for the eyes.
One thing that will strike you, well it struck me – is how anciAncient Egypt – A photographic History by Nigel Fletcher Jones is a feast for the eyes.
One thing that will strike you, well it struck me – is how ancient, Ancient Egypt is. This book is divided into chapters covering time periods starting at 6000-2666 BCE – covering prehistory, to early dynastic, and ending in the Greco-Roman period 332 – 395 CE, and seven other time periods in between.
For sure we learn about the main players and the history of these periods, however, due to the MASSIVE number of characters and events involved, these are dealt with at break-neck speed. Believe me, I thought there were periods of the Roman Empire that went through Emperors like Kleenex Tissues, the Egyptians put the Romans to shame at times.
But it is clear here, the focus is the wonderful photographs, and wonderful they are!!
Each page is blessed with one or more high quality photographs, some pages (including double pages) only consist of photographs. This is coffee table fare indeed!
Favourites:
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The Silver Coffin, tomb of Psusennes I, 1001 BCE. Discovered in 1939-40, in an excavation that recovered some of the finest pieces found since the excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb – this piece is magic isn’t it?
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Portrait of the boy Eutyches – a coffin painting on wood. Attached over the face of mummies buried in the ancient Egyptian tradition, the subjects are in Roman dress, and the inscriptions are in Greek – reinforcing the multi-cultural aspects of Roman Egypt. 100 – 150 CE.
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Statue of Thutmose III, a great military king. Also known as Thutmose the Great – he significantly expanded the Egyptian empire. Thutmose was the sixth pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty and died around 1425 BCE – isn’t this a wonderful statue??
This is a 5 Star book for me – interesting history, combined with beautiful photographs. What more could one ask for?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Note: This review contains 3 pictures. If you can't see them or can't see all of them, it's probably due to the phone app you're using - which is a shame because they're wonderful. Cheers Mark...more
This book has been described as a piece of Dark Fiction - if that is indeed a genre, and it represents a spectrum, let’s say this littWhere to start?
This book has been described as a piece of Dark Fiction - if that is indeed a genre, and it represents a spectrum, let’s say this little bundle of joy inhabits the really horrific, dark, murderous and sick end of that spectrum.
The narrator lives in the Southern California State Asylum for the Criminally Insane – he has no hands because he, quite simply, chopped them off. His two-handed cell-mate is his scribe. The narrator creates a relationship with the reader immediately, he even apologises for introducing us to this journey of insanity. He warns us, the madness conveyed in this collection of twisted stories is CONTAGIOUS. Yeah, yeah – I hear you say – BUT there was a moment late in the book, where I was attending a séance hosted by our narrator – and I did indeed feel the chill down my spine as he ‘talked’ to me. It was at 1am admittedly, but yikes!!!
The various POVs of each story (don’t worry our narrator drops in now and then to keep us on his miserable track), are again, unique, dark and at times violently depraved. We follow the misfortunes of a prostitute, criminals, a child living in some sort of crack-house whose best friend is a TV, I think – the devil himself even drops in, and so many more reprobates.
I won’t pretend to understand everything here, it’s not just the content it’s the pace, it’s relentless, and it’s complex. The author is so clever, he changes format and style throughout. We even have poem titles “The Definition of Insanity”, and chapters that read like the Bible – or a variation of it.
There’s even a really clever transcript of an interview between an asylum doctor, who later took his own life, and a leader of one of the cults of the asylum concerned. The pages really did look like a photocopied typewriter written interview – even with images of the paperclips at the top of the page. Wow – authentic.
There’s not much joy here but reading this book and my experience was visceral.
The author, Jarelle Phillips, is a star. Up and coming, and remarkably unique and shocking, but wickedly clever.
I’m gonna stalk you and your books Jarelle Phillips – you deserve it!!
5 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review....more
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout is quite simply superb. My Dad, once said to me “Mark, you’re so lucky, if you fell off a 10-storey building yoTell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout is quite simply superb. My Dad, once said to me “Mark, you’re so lucky, if you fell off a 10-storey building you’d fall into a three-piece suit”. Well in this case it’s true – I asked (prayed) to NetGalley for this book and GOT IT!!!!!!!!!!!! (Onya Dad!).
We see so many Strout characters here, people us Stroutists know intimately. Reading this is like slipping on a warm pair of slippers. It’s magic. We have spent years getting to know these people, and here we go again – they’re all together in some way or another, INCLUDING, yes, INCLUDING Olive Kitteridge!!!!!! What more could we ask for?
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This is how I visualise Olive Kitteridge. This lady is Olive from the old BBC Comedy “On the Buses
I’ve managed to shave this review from 400 pages to something more edible. My two main points of interest here are Bob Burgess (married to Margaret) and Lucy Barton (used to be married to William but living with him) on their regular walks. Their chats, the routine, the intimacy. The things they talk about. Okay – let’s not deny it, Bob loves her, we think, but he certainly dips his toe into that bubbling pool of HCL. What does Lucy think?
Bob could not wait to tell Lucy about it. But, he and Margaret don’t have a bad relationship, not in any way. But these, things can happen. Can’t they?
Talking of Lucy Barton (author and ex-wife of William), she meets up with the legendary Olive Kitteridge. Oh man, I love Olive – she is so straight up, some may say rude – but I’m not so sure. Olive and Lucy catch up regularly to talk about “Lives unrecorded.” How’s that? These conversations are fascinating. If you like dropping your book on your chest (……okay you’re lying down here – on your back) and pondering about what was just said. You’ll understand this.
Jesus Christ. All these unrecorded lives, and people just live them
This all happens in Maine, which I must say sounds beautiful.
There are parent/adult children relationships explored – much of this will strike a chord with readers who have adult children. OMFG. Bob’s relationship with his brother Jim is also central – what the hell isn’t central here? Generational grief pops it’s ugly head up too.
One adult child says Dad, I just have to tell you: You sucked as a husband to Mom. What do you do with that?
There’s also a crime here and there's old lies revealed.
Can I just say this? With all of these people, knowing each other for so long, no different to any of us I suppose, including our families and friends – there are unrecorded stories.
But this book touches on meaning. The meaning of life. It really does.
What is the meaning of it all?
If I can be brutally honest – I don’t think there’s any meaning – I would love to be challenged here, because it makes me sound shallow. But don’t we just live our lives, as would a cat, a butterfly, a tree (a coffee table)? We try to survive, stay intact – we interact with the environment and the elements and just do our best. For this annoying ginger – I think it’s as simple as that. That gives me some comfort, it’s simple.
This book made me think of all this stuff. It will do it to you too!
Elizabeth Strout, you are a star.
5 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
"Love comes in so many different forms, but it is always love. If it is love, then it is love."...more
This graphic novel begins with a couple escaping Mussolini’s fascist Italy, for Buenos Aires, Argentina. The male was a communist – a political persuaThis graphic novel begins with a couple escaping Mussolini’s fascist Italy, for Buenos Aires, Argentina. The male was a communist – a political persuasion not to the liking of Il Duce. We then follow the family for three generations in Buenos Aires. Following the woman’s death in 2001, her granddaughter attends the funeral and moves into the home left to her by her grandmother. This story draws parallels in the lives of grandmother and granddaughter.
We learn about familial stories involving sexual violence, homosexuality, misogyny and betrayals of trust. This is grim reading, and the art reflects this. There is a dark foreboding displayed in the artwork here – minimal colours used, characters have large bodies and small heads, there are menacing shadows, fleas and no joy. I felt it suffocating.
There is certainly generational grief going on – keeping in mind the grandparents moved to Argentina during a violent time in history, and in 2001 Argentina was experiencing one of its economic slumps. Life is hard.
The only issues I had with this work was the writing was sometimes difficult to read, even magnified, the cursive was tricky to decipher. I also found the transition between timelines confusing at times.
But overall, this was a worthwhile read that sustained my attention throughout. I will give this 3.5 stars, rounded up for the artwork and characters.
4 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy of this graphic novel in return for my review. ...more
I reckon Literary Fiction, is a broad church. I’ve recently flirted with this genre to good effect. So, it seems my overconfidence has got the better I reckon Literary Fiction, is a broad church. I’ve recently flirted with this genre to good effect. So, it seems my overconfidence has got the better of me this time as my attempt to read, and more importantly, understand Fury by Clyo Mendoza.
I felt the need to learn more about Ms Mendoza, yes – she’s a poet, which isn’t surprising as the writing in this book is difficult to follow for the normal reader such as I. Several characters, involved in interconnecting stories, on multiple timelines.
I found a recent interview with Mendoza, and I found this quote of hers interesting:
”In poetry, the dream is to be able to live off your work. In that sense, I feel like a bit of a cheat: what I am writing is still poetry, but using conventions that allow it to go by a different name. I’m an infiltrator, and it’s win-win: I get to do poetry, but now I also get royalties. And I get to make people who say they don’t read poetry, read poetry. It’s my dream and poetry’s dream".
……………..well Mendoza got this klutz to read poetry. She got me there!!
This was so hard – not because it’s not good, because some passages, pages, sections had me transfixed. But because, I didn’t understand too much of it and spent considerable time confused. I needed a solid, defined narrative here – and it wasn’t there.
I am sure this book would be a delight and mentally stimulating to someone who is a far better reader than I am – a more educated reader, and person with quals in literature, or an academic.
I mean, I don’t even like or understand poetry.
If you do decide to read this one – be prepared it’s confronting. It’s violent, dark and appears to challenge all sorts of subjects such as war, misogyny, homophobia, cruelty and probably much more. This all plays out in a stark, searing, bleached, desert environment.
I’ll give this 3-stars. Some of my GR friends would give this 5-stars, some wouldn’t like it at all.
Either way – Clyo Mendoza can write.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for my review....more
Sheets by Brenna Thummlers is my first graphic novel for a while, I am so happy I chose this one because it possesses some classic elements that make Sheets by Brenna Thummlers is my first graphic novel for a while, I am so happy I chose this one because it possesses some classic elements that make any story enjoyable.
We have a main character, Marjorie Glatt, an awkward girl who struggles to be accepted at school. She is also missing her mother, who died a while back, leaving her father and her to run their laundry business. But it’s really the 13-year-old Marjorie who runs the show. Dad is sad.
Now this is where Graphic Novels hit the mark for me – we usually use our minds-eye to envisage a character in a novel, and that’s cool. But here, the image of poor Marjorie shows a truly sad girl. She's really miserable. She appears awkward and totally despondent as she deals with the downs of her life and the stress of dealing with obnoxious customers in the struggling family business. Oh dear.
It just so happens, a bunch of ghosts – you know, the conventional sheeted ones visit Marjorie’s laundry from time to time and cause all types of mayhem.
Now, there’s a bad man involved, and his name is Nigel Saubertuck – what a nasty bloke he is too – well, he’s trying to con Marjorie into handing over the business to him in exchange for a bogus offering.
This work has the classic good vs. evil elements with the added dimension of the old-fashioned ghost adorned in their white sheets – who play a major role in the outcome.
I enjoyed this 4 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for handing me a copy of this enjoyable book in exchange for my thoughts....more
If you are looking for an introduction to the Russian Revolution of 1917, The Russian Revolution by Victor Sebestyen is a book for you.
The author starIf you are looking for an introduction to the Russian Revolution of 1917, The Russian Revolution by Victor Sebestyen is a book for you.
The author starts with Tsarist Russia, make no mistake – this lot were autocrats and ruled Russia for 300 years with an iron fist. There were many attempts to usurp power from the monarchy, the Tsars weren’t popular. Nicholas II has been characterised as the most useless of the useless, and early in 1917, under considerable pressure, he abdicated and later in the year the Bolsheviks, lead by Lenin, overthrew the provisional Russian Government.
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Nicholas II, the first, the original, the truest Communist ‘joke’
After several years of brutal civil war – Lenin’s mob, the Bolsheviks, ended up victors. What followed was 70 years of brutal communist rule by the Soviets.
This easy-to-read piece covers the main players during the period leading up to the 1917 revolution(s) and up until Lenin’s death after the Russian Civil War. There is so much to learn here, the amount of information is perfect for lovers of history to learn about this pivotal time. The author skilfully provides just enough information and depth to makes this meaty enough for history lovers. There are some great pictures and photos too.
This piece also gave me reason to really think about the implications of politics. It really is a matter of live and death.
I highly recommend this to those wanting a leg up into this period of Russian history. It is fascinating. I will certainly be digging deeper into various aspects, and actors of this period of Russian history in future.
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Lenin committed many crimes, but by far the greatest was to have left a man like Stalin in pole position to take over from him
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Lenin thought Stalin was a ‘good soldier’ someone to do the dirty work – however, due to Lenin’s early death the vacuum was open for Stalin to step in, and step in he did.
4 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my thoughts.
The Man with Miraculous Hands by Joseph Kessel is the story of a Russian born, Finnish citizen named Dr Felix Kerston. He used Chinese massage to alleThe Man with Miraculous Hands by Joseph Kessel is the story of a Russian born, Finnish citizen named Dr Felix Kerston. He used Chinese massage to alleviate pain in his patients, one of these patient’s was one of the biggest monsters of all-time. The man in charge of the SS and the Gestapo, the man responsible for Nazi Concentration Camps, responsible for the death and torture of millions and a part of Adolf Hitler’s inner circle. Heinrich Himmler.
Dr Kerston used manual manipulation to alleviate the disabling pain experienced by Himmler, this pain rendered him helplessly immobile. Himmler had tried conventional medicine to no avail, Dr Kerston was able to relieve Himmler’s pain instantly. This made Kerston indispensable to Himmler, he was essentially permanently on-call. Himmler considered him a friend – possibly his only friend. During their sessions over the years, Himmler was incredibly open and frank with Kerston. The good doctor also was able to befriend Himmler’s private secretary – Brandt – which was very useful.
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Dr Kerston and Himmler
Kerston was able to use his influence and ‘friendship’ with Himmler to secure the release of many, many prisoners held in camps or prisons. He was also able to secure favourable treatment for many other victims of the Nazi crime machine. These details were extracted from Dr Kerston’s diary.
This is a fascinating inside look at the way the Nazi hierarchy viewed the world, also of how Himmler’s mind worked and his obsession with pleasing and following Hitler. There have been some reports that Kerston’s impact has been somewhat exaggerated – and I did find it interesting how his this account recorded what Himmler was thinking at times – but even if only 50% of what Dr Kerston claimed to influence was true, he saved numerous lives. I think, to be fair, his impact was significant, his efforts are well-documented and involved the cooperation of other significant parties – such as the Finnish Government of the day – and they could easily dispute his claims if untrue.
An excellent read for those interested in this shameful period of human history. This book has given me reason to spend some time watching various movies like The Pianist and Inglorious Basterds, I think I’ll keep watching more material of this period for a while (again). Also, Woody Harrelson will be starring in an upcoming movie of this story.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for my review.
My 12 year old self would have enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed it as a 59 year old bloke. A great coffee table book. It’s as big and impressiveMy 12 year old self would have enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed it as a 59 year old bloke. A great coffee table book. It’s as big and impressive as the subject matter.
Titanic by David Ross not only has great photos, drawings and images of real historical artefacts, it is written very nicely indeed. The author starts with providing background on transatlantic travel, the owners and management of White Star Lines, the company responsible for the building of Titanic (and 2 other giant, luxury ships – Olympic and Britannic), by the construction and engineering information, the voyage, the sinking and the aftermath.
Construction details were impressive and fascinating (…..I was going to say riveting – but I thought better of it). The scale of the engineering was overwhelming. For some reason, whenever I am exposed to details of massive engineering projects I get a funny feeling in my tummy, as I couldn’t imagine being responsible for such a project. The size of the boilers was incomprehensible – they used to expunge 100 tons of ash a day (a 100 tons of ash!!!), the ship carried 7000 tons of coal – yikes!! The electrical power generator was the size of plant to power a large town or a city at the time. The company achieved a comparatively low number of occupational injuries during construction - 8 workmen were killed and 28 seriously injured (out of 4,000 workers), this was considered to be a comparatively low number, it still sounds a lot doesn’t it?
There are approximately 165,000 workers employed in shipyards in the U.S. Between 2011 and 2017, there were at least 45 fatal accidents (4.0 per 100,000) among shipyard workers,8 higher than the rate for all U.S. workers. (Ref: CDC https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/cm...)
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The fitting out of this beast was a massive project too. Edwardian fittings and furniture – nothing was spared for first class (325 passengers), second class (285) was comfortable too – and I was surprised to see the relatively good-ish standard for third class (a noisy swarm of 706 punters).
There were so many interesting bits of information provided – such as the coordinates where the dramas started happening 42N 50W. This sent me racing to (well not really racing, I only had to move my finger) to Google Maps and check out the area for myself.
It was unusually cold, icebergs were breaking off the east coast of North America frequently (do you know little bergs are called ‘grunters’?). Titanic was required to change course (southwards), but it wasn’t enough and they were unfortunate enough to glance one, after trying to take evasive action – there were a number of eyewitness accounts described, as there were of the sinking. This made the even so very personal. The water temperature was a lethal minus 2 degrees celcius, the sea was also very calm - making it difficult to see any icebergs.
Controversies were described, such as the ‘fact’ of one of the owners pushing the captain to speed up to break the transatlantic record, the insufficient number of life-boats, some decision made by the crew at the time. All made the more personal, by photo’s of the people involved, evidentiary documents and more.
I highly recommend this, I couldn’t put it down. I would expect the large, hardcover edition would be a masterpiece. The balance of text and graphics is perfect – as is the detail provided, also the details of the people involved.
A real eye-opener of a terribly tragic event.
5 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review....more
I think I know a little about Greek Mythology, some of the philosophical works, the interaction with the Roman Empire, the 2004 win in football’s EuroI think I know a little about Greek Mythology, some of the philosophical works, the interaction with the Roman Empire, the 2004 win in football’s Euros and the Athens Olympics in the same year. I’m also aware it’s a beautiful country.
The Shortest History of Greece by James Heneage has filled in the huge gaps of knowledge I have of around 3 millennia in around 250 pages. This book achieves this in a way that is easy to digest and interesting. The book contains, maps, photos, and information boxes so the reader isn’t presented by page after page of slabs of text – it’s easy on the eye.
The last 200 years was the most fascinating. I just didn’t realise how much change, disruption and violence the people of Greece have been through during this period. There were Civil Wars, Invasions by the Ottomans, Italians, Nazis – interference by so-called super-powers, lots of internal political shenanigans and crippling foreign debt – it makes one wonder how Greece is still standing. The resilience of the Greeks is staggering.
There is also sufficient detail here and some good references used by the author – for a reader to follow up on to hunt down more information. For example, I am fascinated by the Greek Statesman Eleftherios Venizelos (b1864 - d1936), I will also read more about WWII and the chaotic period afterwards,
There is a lot here, it packs a punch and is a great foundation to form a basis for further reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for furnishing me with a copy in exchange for my review.
Roman Myths by Martin J Dougherty provides the reader with an informative journey through the history of Rome with a focus on Roman Mythology. I reallRoman Myths by Martin J Dougherty provides the reader with an informative journey through the history of Rome with a focus on Roman Mythology. I really enjoyed the fact this book didn’t only discuss Mythology as it can become a little too ‘unreal’ – however, the author here also talks about real Roman history and weaves mythology into the events, days, and lives of Rome during antiquity.
In addition to this, and this is something that always gets me a little animated, is this book contains brilliant visuals. The photos of artefacts and paintings dispersed throughout this piece are numerous, illuminating and are high quality.
Like this one:
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Botticelli’s Birth of Venus The most widely known depiction of this Goddess.
The link with Greek Mythology (The Greeks called him Zeus and us Romans called him Jupiter) is clearly described, but the Romans also had lots of other deities they prayed to – like gods of entries, windows – you name it. Fascinating stuff. Imagine trying to leave for work on time: Packed lunch ✔, keys to the chariot ✔, feed the dogs ✔, then pray to the Gods of plants, doors, food, honey, the seasons, disease (blight) to name a few. You’d have trouble getting to work by home time!
The book ends by reminding us of the influence of mythology on us modern day people – e.g., the names of the planets, constellations and even things like rockets we send into space.
If you look carefully, you’ll see the influence of mythology all around us. This was really enjoyable.
4 Stars
Many thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book, in exchange for my review....more
Black Cloud Rising by David Wright Falade for me, was a mediocre experience. This was a great shame as I was interested in the premise, and the story Black Cloud Rising by David Wright Falade for me, was a mediocre experience. This was a great shame as I was interested in the premise, and the story is certainly worth telling. But it didn’t hit any high notes.
It is set in the American Civil War and involves an African Unit travelling around North Carolina, freeing the enslaved. They also needed to be mindful of Bushwhackers. This term was new to me, and for those who don’t know, Bushwhackers were guerrilla type units who fought against the Union – usually employing ambush tactics.
The main character Seargent Richard (Dick) Etheridge is a mixed-race man of an enslaved woman and their master. He encounters his former master and other people from his enslaved recent past. There is a whole tapestry of white/black issues covered here and our main character needs to question some of his assumptions of what it is to be black, white, mixed-race. Dick is a relatively well-educated man and is sometimes conflicted. There is also a romantic element to this story.
I gave this audiobook a mid-range score for two main reasons (1) it didn’t reach any great heights, the stories were almost thrown at us in vignettes, rather than as a cohesive narrative and, (2) I found the narration a little too pedestrian. It did fell as if the narrator was just reading the story to the ‘reader’. Well obviously, he was, but if felt like it.
This was an average experience, 2.5 stars, rounded up as it kept me interested – a bit.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for me review.
Occasionally we stumble across a pleasant surprise, that fiver you find under your bed or the melted chocolate covered in lint in a front pocket of yoOccasionally we stumble across a pleasant surprise, that fiver you find under your bed or the melted chocolate covered in lint in a front pocket of your pants. Well Nenek Tata and the Mangrove Menace by Judith Vun Prince and Jacqui Vun is certainly one of these.
Set in Malaysia, these hantu stories are told to young kiddies before bed, they’re essentially ghost stories. They keep kids entertained and are supposed to protect them from the dangers of swamps and mangroves. It was the mangrove aspect of this story that attracted me, as we have copious amounts of this interesting plant in Cairns, like more than you would ever believe – so that was my link.
Okay, this 50 page treat for 10-12 year olds describes the day of Nenek Tata (Nenek = Grandparent) as she goes to the mangroves to check the crab traps. The cat loving Nenek Tata also finds time to send her husband Nenek Jantan to the shops before it rains, as monsoon season is approaching.
Well, the whole monster and mangrove thing was actually scary. It’s true. The art work certainly helped as did the strory line. I won’t tell you how it ends but this was a very worthwhile picture story book for kids. Beautifully illustrated – bright and green, just as the tropics should be.
Good fun 4-Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this sweet, scary book in exchange for my review....more
The Shade Tree by Theresa Shea, the winner of the 2020 Guernica Prize for Literary Fiction, is a commanding tome with a prominent theme of systemic raThe Shade Tree by Theresa Shea, the winner of the 2020 Guernica Prize for Literary Fiction, is a commanding tome with a prominent theme of systemic racism. This story is a stark reminder of how contemporaneous, the subjugation of people of colour and mixed race is in America. By the way – this badge of shame is not unique to the US, countries such as Australia have committed all types of atrocities on the original custodians of this continent. Others include the Belgians in the Congo, the British in India/Africa, the Spanish in South America – so on and so on and so on.
This particular story commences in 1930s Florida, following the lives of Ellie and Mavis Turner. The girls are members of a farming family who benefit from systematic racism, much of which is extremely violent. Their parents are racists in the truest sense of the word and happily attended lynchings, these events were often accompanied by family picnics, with nice cakes and tasty biscuits, refreshing beverages and smiley group photographs of families alongside the poor mutilated corpses of their black victims, usually swinging from a tree.
If you check up the number of lynchings in the US from the late 1880s to the 1960s, you’ll see Mississippi is the leader of the pack, followed by Georgia – and Florida is in the chasing cohort (present tense intended).
Ellie was a nasty, manipulative and spiteful young woman who would think nothing of pointing her finger at a young black man for taking advantage of her, when the true story was clearly the opposite. Mavis’ naivete was astonishing, she was bullied by her older sister, but make no mistake she was very much a co-beneficiary of the rampant racism of the time. This is considered more thoroughly in the latter half of the book. Sliver (midwife) and Mamie (housemaid for the Turners) are other significant female leads in this book. These were black women working 24/7 keeping the whites living the lives they believed they were entitled to. There are numerous Mulatto (offensive term – I apologise) babies and children around, these poor kids, the obvious products of black/white sexual encounters.
A previous read of mine, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, made mention of current day black women being indifferent (at the very least) to the tears of white (usually Liberal) women, often expressed following the latest act of violence committed against a black person. These white tears, were often the very tears which culminated in the violent deaths of countless black men (and women) back in the day. A hapless white lady, tearfully pointing the finger at some poor black guy. Talk about a power imbalance.
This story mainly follows the lives of Ellie, Mavis and Sliver. However, there is also a large cast of other white, black and mixed race people present – each adding to the harsh reality of this story. Their narrative’s are worthy of some thought and reflection for the reader.
In some ways, tales such as Handmaids Tale are considered as some sort of dystopian fantasy. But, this seems exactly how black people lived in the latter part of the 19th to the mid-20th Century. Faith also, seems to play a keen role in both narratives unfunnily enough.
Again, much like DiAngelo’s work – being a fair-minded, liberal thinking white person isn’t enough. White people have always and continue to benefit from institutionalised, systemic racism. This story hammers this important point home.
A powerful, heavy, dark story of a period of very recent history.
4 Stars
Many, many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers of this book for providing me with a copy of this powerful story in exchange for my review....more
I’ve always loved a touch of reality television, just a bit – well only, Survivor. Amongst the cut and thrust of our everyday lives – there’s always tI’ve always loved a touch of reality television, just a bit – well only, Survivor. Amongst the cut and thrust of our everyday lives – there’s always time for cranial evacuation by watching a dash of other people arguing, conniving, scheming and faux suffering.
Well Stranded by debut author Sarah Goodwin is a cracking good story about a reality television series on STEROIDS – this group of likely Survivors are thrown onto a remote Scottish Island with meagre supplies, body cams and a period of around a year to survive.
Goodwin hurls the usual types of characters you’d expect at us – the aggressive alpha male, the followers, the meek and mild, the lazy middle-aged dude, the middle-aged mum – you get it. But the one we get to learn the most about is Maddy as she is the narrator. This is a wonderfully paced story where the reader will know it’s all going to hell, but this reader didn’t quite know how and was so invested in (a) the narrator and (b) the cast of characters he found it utterly riveting.
One theme that resonated with me in this one was ostracisation. The feeling of being left out, picked on bullied by the group. The depiction of this was visceral, it was a little upsetting and frustrating in parts. There was violence, gossiping, peer group nonsense all done in a way that wasn’t silly, stupid or too thickly laid on.
A very engaging, interesting story that had me to the very end – an ending, by the way, that was excellent. This is a real tidy piece of work.
4 Stars
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty was a very enjoyable read.
The story revolves around Stan and Joy Delaney, a couple of tennis tragics – having runApples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty was a very enjoyable read.
The story revolves around Stan and Joy Delaney, a couple of tennis tragics – having run a Tennis Academy in Sydney for many years. They have now sold their business and have four adult children, Logan, Amy, Troy and Brooke. Parents and kids alike were all terrific tennis players, just on the cusp of ‘making it’. As with any large family, there’s some interesting interplay between family members, such as sibling rivalries, jealousies – resentments and the parents have the usual smattering of issues you’d expect from any long-term married couple. This alone is interesting enough for a story.
Enter Savannah, a mysterious girl who comes into the lives of the Delaney family. This turns the family on its head – the reader is left guessing what this young woman is all about, why is she there?
You know, I’m not sure if it was the familiarity of Australian life (in Sydney), the sport of Tennis – which, along with cricket is a staple of the Aussie sporting diet over the summer months, or the writing. It’s probably all of these factors that made this a very enjoyable read for me. I found it fresh and lively and I was looking forward to picking it up after a day at work. The ending was a little unexpected, which was good.
If you enjoy a mystery with a good dash of family drama – you’ll probably enjoy this one.
4 Stars
Many thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for my review....more
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