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| 1472269780
| 9781472269782
| B08573NHG1
| 3.61
| 673
| unknown
| Sep 03, 2020
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it was amazing
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My thanks to Headline and NetGalley for a review copy of this book. This absolutely fascinating and engrossing read is the story of the Savoy (theatre My thanks to Headline and NetGalley for a review copy of this book. This absolutely fascinating and engrossing read is the story of the Savoy (theatre and hotel) but more so (as other reviews also mention) of the D’Oyly Carte family, three generations of which ran the two for over a century, each with their individual flair and tastes, but all with a business sense that was very different from the conventional. Their focus was their guests’ (never customers) enjoyment and comfort, and their own satisfaction rather than making money. The book starts with the story of Richard Cart, father of Richard D’Oyly Carte, a poor but talented flautist who through his work and talent joined and became partner in a musical instrument business, Rudall, Carte and Co, giving his children a good start in life. Young Richard D’Oyly Carte, always interested in performing, joined his father’s business but his heart lay in theatre and he ran a casting company alongside (from a backroom) before moving on to it full time. After a wobbly start, and ups and downs (Oscar Wilde as a 26-year-old was also a client, with a lecture series in America organized for him by D’Oyly Carte), D’Oyly Carte saw success with Gilbert and Sullivan, a partnership that he pretty much brought together (or at least kept together). Able to achieve his dream of setting up the Savoy Theatre which was different from any other, both in its ambience (plush and opulent, ensuring every comfort that a guest would desire, with no hidden costs) to its offerings (light British Opera with lavish costumes and sets, the details of which were always carefully attended to), he worked with (and sometimes had to face animosity from) Gilbert and Sullivan to make his venture a success. D’Oyly Carte’s experiences travelling abroad with his operas and other performers highlighted to him to dearth of quality hotels in his own country, and filling that gap soon also became a dream—one which he fulfilled by giving London the Savoy Hotel. Like for the theatre company, in setting up the hotel, D’Oyly Carte spared no expense, his philosophy of doing things to his satisfaction and things which customers would appreciate and be comfortable in taking precedence over profit. If this meant stocking the wine-cellars above paying dividends, then so be it. This was the philosophy that D’Oyly Carte’s son, Rupert (younger for Rupert’s older brother Lucas who trained as a barrister, died of consumption), and later his granddaughter Bridget (her brother too died young, in an accident in which he was not at fault) followed through their lives. The family had their share of tragedy, and the hotel (which expanded eventually to four hotels including Claridge’s) and theatre businesses saw their ups and downs and faced problems (legal wrangles were a constant), but things were always done the best, with attention to detail and no expense spared. The D’Oyly Cartes may have been unconventional, even somewhat eccentric but they and their ventures gave us much—from Gilbert and Sullivan operas to ‘fairy lights’ (the term coming from the little bulbs used in fairy costumes in Iolanthe, the first public building to be fully lit by electricity to dishes like Peaches Melba and Melba toast created in honour of the singer Nellie Melba (one for when she was on a diet and the other when not), and much more. P.G. Wodehouse’s Psmith, his only character based on a real person, was most likely inspired by Lucas (although there is some confusion whether it was Rupert or Lucas that was the inspiration), and the inspiration for ‘007’ (the number and partly the character) also came from a guest at the Savoy. The Savoy Hotel was marked by luxury and innovation; from having baths with running hot and cold water (something unheard of when it started); its own systems for generation of electricity and drawing water; innovative menus and food intended to entice people into dining out; to successful in-house bands and performances by George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra and Noel Coward (with live and recorded broadcasts accessible to all) among others. Its Laundry (a separate facility set up by Rupert) once again was equipped with the most modern facilities at the time (with an English country garden in its courtyard), and everything from mattresses to crests was made/embroidered in-house, while crockery and cutlery were made for them (including sets with motifs from Gilbert and Sullivan). Staff were well treated through the generations, loyalty to the family remaining high throughout, and turnover was fairly low. The hotels (not just the Savoy but also the D’Oyly Carte’s other hotels, particularly Claridge’s) had the choicest guests from royalty to Hollywood stars (Edward VII to Queen Elizabeth II; Laurel and Hardy to Marilyn Monroe), politicians (Churchill among them), artists (like Monet and Whistler) and literary giants (like F. Scott Fitzgerald), for many of whom they served as a second home. Churchill conducted many of his meetings at the Savoy even during the war, while Claridge’s became his home after he lost power. (Williams’ mention of the combination of guests and pricing systems that D’Oyly Carte worked out reminded me a little of Agatha Christie’s Bertram’s Hotel; Christie herself was a guest at and hosted parties for her plays at the Savoy, but whether it was an inspiration I don’t really know). The Secret Life of the Savoy is a really captivating account of the family and their ventures. Packed with anecdotes—events and happenings at the hotel (from the innocuous to the scandalous—Oscar Wilde’s case to a possible murder), we are taken through the lives of the three D’Oyly Cartes who ran the hotel and theatre company, looking at both the businesses and developments in their own lives (not without their trials either). I especially loved Williams’ vivid descriptions in the book, whether it was of the lovely houses that different members of the family built for themselves—the one on D’Oyly Carte island in the Thames (where they even had a pet crocodile, and for which if I remember correctly the artist Whistler mixed up special colours) built by Richard D’Oyly Carte or Rupert’s hideway home in Pudcombe Cove between Brixam and Dartmouth (I wouldn’t have minded living in either house), with its gorgeous gardens—or the lavish parties thrown at the Savoy, among them a Gondolier-themed birthday party with the cake pulled in by a baby elephant or a winter-themed party with silver-tissue icebergs and fake snow. This was an excellent read which kept me completely absorbed from cover to cover. Five stars to this one! Merged review: My thanks to Headline and NetGalley for a review copy of this book. This absolutely fascinating and engrossing read is the story of the Savoy (theatre and hotel) but more so (as other reviews also mention) of the D’Oyly Carte family, three generations of which ran the two for over a century, each with their individual flair and tastes, but all with a business sense that was very different from the conventional. Their focus was their guests’ (never customers) enjoyment and comfort, and their own satisfaction rather than making money. The book starts with the story of Richard Cart, father of Richard D’Oyly Carte, a poor but talented flautist who through his work and talent joined and became partner in a musical instrument business, Rudall, Carte and Co, giving his children a good start in life. Young Richard D’Oyly Carte, always interested in performing, joined his father’s business but his heart lay in theatre and he ran a casting company alongside (from a backroom) before moving on to it full time. After a wobbly start, and ups and downs (Oscar Wilde as a 26-year-old was also a client, with a lecture series in America organized for him by D’Oyly Carte), D’Oyly Carte saw success with Gilbert and Sullivan, a partnership that he pretty much brought together (or at least kept together). Able to achieve his dream of setting up the Savoy Theatre which was different from any other, both in its ambience (plush and opulent, ensuring every comfort that a guest would desire, with no hidden costs) to its offerings (light British Opera with lavish costumes and sets, the details of which were always carefully attended to), he worked with (and sometimes had to face animosity from) Gilbert and Sullivan to make his venture a success. D’Oyly Carte’s experiences travelling abroad with his operas and other performers highlighted to him to dearth of quality hotels in his own country, and filling that gap soon also became a dream—one which he fulfilled by giving London the Savoy Hotel. Like for the theatre company, in setting up the hotel, D’Oyly Carte spared no expense, his philosophy of doing things to his satisfaction and things which customers would appreciate and be comfortable in taking precedence over profit. If this meant stocking the wine-cellars above paying dividends, then so be it. This was the philosophy that D’Oyly Carte’s son, Rupert (younger for Rupert’s older brother Lucas who trained as a barrister, died of consumption), and later his granddaughter Bridget (her brother too died young, in an accident in which he was not at fault) followed through their lives. The family had their share of tragedy, and the hotel (which expanded eventually to four hotels including Claridge’s) and theatre businesses saw their ups and downs and faced problems (legal wrangles were a constant), but things were always done the best, with attention to detail and no expense spared. The D’Oyly Cartes may have been unconventional, even somewhat eccentric but they and their ventures gave us much—from Gilbert and Sullivan operas to ‘fairy lights’ (the term coming from the little bulbs used in fairy costumes in Iolanthe, the first public building to be fully lit by electricity to dishes like Peaches Melba and Melba toast created in honour of the singer Nellie Melba (one for when she was on a diet and the other when not), and much more. P.G. Wodehouse’s Psmith, his only character based on a real person, was most likely inspired by Lucas (although there is some confusion whether it was Rupert or Lucas that was the inspiration), and the inspiration for ‘007’ (the number and partly the character) also came from a guest at the Savoy. The Savoy Hotel was marked by luxury and innovation; from having baths with running hot and cold water (something unheard of when it started); its own systems for generation of electricity and drawing water; innovative menus and food intended to entice people into dining out; to successful in-house bands and performances by George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra and Noel Coward (with live and recorded broadcasts accessible to all) among others. Its Laundry (a separate facility set up by Rupert) once again was equipped with the most modern facilities at the time (with an English country garden in its courtyard), and everything from mattresses to crests was made/embroidered in-house, while crockery and cutlery were made for them (including sets with motifs from Gilbert and Sullivan). Staff were well treated through the generations, loyalty to the family remaining high throughout, and turnover was fairly low. The hotels (not just the Savoy but also the D’Oyly Carte’s other hotels, particularly Claridge’s) had the choicest guests from royalty to Hollywood stars (Edward VII to Queen Elizabeth II; Laurel and Hardy to Marilyn Monroe), politicians (Churchill among them), artists (like Monet and Whistler) and literary giants (like F. Scott Fitzgerald), for many of whom they served as a second home. Churchill conducted many of his meetings at the Savoy even during the war, while Claridge’s became his home after he lost power. (Williams’ mention of the combination of guests and pricing systems that D’Oyly Carte worked out reminded me a little of Agatha Christie’s Bertram’s Hotel; Christie herself was a guest at and hosted parties for her plays at the Savoy, but whether it was an inspiration I don’t really know). The Secret Life of the Savoy is a really captivating account of the family and their ventures. Packed with anecdotes—events and happenings at the hotel (from the innocuous to the scandalous—Oscar Wilde’s case to a possible murder), we are taken through the lives of the three D’Oyly Cartes who ran the hotel and theatre company, looking at both the businesses and developments in their own lives (not without their trials either). I especially loved Williams’ vivid descriptions in the book, whether it was of the lovely houses that different members of the family built for themselves—the one on D’Oyly Carte island in the Thames (where they even had a pet crocodile, and for which if I remember correctly the artist Whistler mixed up special colours) built by Richard D’Oyly Carte or Rupert’s hideway home in Pudcombe Cove between Brixam and Dartmouth (I wouldn’t have minded living in either house), with its gorgeous gardens—or the lavish parties thrown at the Savoy, among them a Gondolier-themed birthday party with the cake pulled in by a baby elephant or a winter-themed party with silver-tissue icebergs and fake snow. This was an excellent read which kept me completely absorbed from cover to cover. Five stars to this one! ...more |
Notes are private!
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2
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Jun 16, 2021
not set
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Jun 20, 2021
not set
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Sep 07, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 3.69
| 871
| 1937
| 1937
|
really liked it
|
Third in the series of mysteries featuring Inspector Meredith by English author Ernest Carpenter Elmore, who wrote as John Bude, The Cheltenham Square
Third in the series of mysteries featuring Inspector Meredith by English author Ernest Carpenter Elmore, who wrote as John Bude, The Cheltenham Square Murder is in some ways the typical golden age murder with a closed circuit of suspects in a small tight-knit neighbourhood, but it still has its novelty in terms of the murder weapon (a bow and arrow) and in that a large section of that small neighbourhood just happen to be members of the local archery club, many of them fairly good shots. We are introduced to the small u-shaped Regency Square in Cheltenham, with 11 homes set around it, and to each of their inhabitants—from a patrician and his wife to a vicar, a stockbroker and a doctor, the stereotypical spinster with her menage of dogs, two spinster sisters sharing a home, and a bank manager among them. This is a tranquil neighbourhood but not one without its small and not-so-small troubles. There is an ongoing battle over an old elm which half the neighbours want chopped down while the rest vehemently oppose; more seriously there is also an open flirtation between the wife of one resident Mr West and another, the disreputable Captain Cotton—causing the former his fair share of marital troubles, though not its only cause. But things take a more serious turn when one of the residents is killed while visiting another—shot with an arrow in the back of their skull. Inspector Long of the local police is sent to investigate; but luckily for them, at number 8 visiting mystery-writer Aldous Barnet is none other than Inspector Meredith. Long and his superior Chief Constable Hanson not only don’t opposite his presence but positively welcome it, his reputation having preceded him and soon sort out permission issues so that he can work with them on the case. It isn’t a secret that the victim was not well liked but whether and which person’s dislike was enough to lead to murder remains a puzzle. Then there is the method of murder, a bow and arrow—easy enough to work that out but where was it shot from, that too in the dark? And then the numbers of residents of Regency Square who are adept at archery add further layers of complication. Long and Meredith slowly work on each lead, in the process uncovering several secrets. But the murderer isn’t quite so easy to track and more than once Meredith and Long find themselves at a dead end. Do they manage to solve it? Even though fairly straightforward (not many twists and turns), this was an enjoyable mystery to read, for its setting and characters as well as the mystery. I enjoyed ‘meeting’ the different characters, all distinct and well-drawn out, whether Sir Wilfrid and Lady Eleanor Whitcomb at the White House who think the other residents hoi polloi and only wish to get away from the unpleasantness of the murder to the unscrupulous broker Mr Buller, the young couple, bank manager Mr Fitzgerald and his wife, Miss Nancy and Emmeline Watt who enjoy a simple life with morning jaunts to the pump room and other gentle pursuits to the formidable Miss Boon and her dogs (at the receiving end of some unflattering and not too PC observations from Inspector Long). The mystery unfolds more like a police procedural with Meredith working on each line of investigation interviewing all involved, following up on alibis, tracking down physical clues and even working out how the arrow might have been shot (for which he turns to a professional archer as well). But this also does have elements of the whodunit; there were two clues that were easy to pick up on which pointed to the murderer (and one rather obvious point in the murder itself) but this didn’t mean I didn’t suspect others or wonder whether another line of thought pointed at was the actual answer. Alongside there are other developments and revelations too which complicate things for Meredith and Long but add elements of interest for us readers. In Meredith, to whom this was my introduction, we see an intelligent enough but certainly not beyond the ordinary detective. His method is simple painstaking work, his answers coming not only from tracking down leads and clues but (at least in this case) also chance occurrences or a good bit of luck. I did like though that when faced with the murder, the novelty of it made him keen to be ‘in’ on the investigation. For those bothered by these things as I am, there are two incidents of animal harm—not dwelt upon much, but I felt I should mention them anyway. Slightly slow moving and not exceptional in terms of its mystery, but still a nice enough GA mystery. 3.75 stars rounded off ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 21, 2024
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Apr 22, 2024
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Apr 21, 2024
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Hardcover
| |||||||||||||||||
| 1782277897
| 9781782277897
| 3.94
| 63
| Mar 14, 2023
| Nov 24, 2022
|
really liked it
|
I received a review copy of this book from Pushkin Press via Edelweiss for which my thanks. Pushkin’s Essential Stories series has given me a chance to I received a review copy of this book from Pushkin Press via Edelweiss for which my thanks. Pushkin’s Essential Stories series has given me a chance to explore many new-to-me writers of which Polish writer and artist Bruno Schulz, born in Drohobych, part of today’s Ukraine is the latest I picked up. Nocturnal Apparitions (2023) a collection of 14 short stories from his pen, written originally in Polish and translated in this version by Stanley Bill. With vivid imagery and beautiful descriptions, these stories, categorised as ‘magical realism’, are among the strangest I’ve read (yet also rather singular) conjuring up images from the purely fairy-tale-like to sometimes unsettling to others quite psychedelic or even disorienting. The (except the last which is a previously unpublished one) stories are set around the narrator, a young boy in most of them, slightly older in others and his family—his parents who run a shop and the maid Adela, with his father suffering from illness and in various stages of mental instability at different points, sometimes taking to setting up an aviary and hatchery in the attic, at others morphing into a cockroach or crayfish (from simply taking on their behaviours to ‘becoming’ them) and on one occasion even being in a sanatorium. There are also a brother and sister, mentioned sometimes, and various shop attendants who work into their shop and lodge with them as well as lodgers they sometimes forget about and who seem to simply disappear. At times we go with the narrator to different parts of town, whether the seedy Crocodile Street or an night time excursion which unfolds dream-like, or away to the sanatorium to visit his father, at others, we are in the house and shop, as different episodes unfold either of his father unravelling in different ways, disappearing for days together within the home or of the narrator’s small adventures. Reading these, right from when one cracks open the book’s covers, it is the imagery that strikes, clearly a reflection of his being an artist. Like in the opening piece, ‘August’ where the narrator’s father is away taking the waters somewhere while he and his mother are home in the scorching summer, as Adela returns with the shopping: glistening cherries bursting with juice under transparent skins; dark mysterious morellos whose fragrance always surpassed their flavour; apricots whose golden pulp harboured the core of long afternoons. Alongside this pure poetry of fruit, she unloaded sides of meat, with their keyboards of ribs swollen with strength and nourishment, and seaweeds of vegetables like dead molluscs and jellyfish: the raw material for a dinner whose flavour was as yet unformed and barren; the vegetative, telluric ingredients of a meal whose aroma was wild and redolent of the fields. Or this lovely passage from what was my favourite in this collection, ‘Cinnamon Shops’: The colourful map of the heavens expanded inro a measureless dome piled high with fantastical lands, oceans, and seas, marked with the lines of starry currents and eddies, the luminous lines of heavenly geography. The air became radiant and light to breathe, like silver gauze. Trembling anemones emerged from under white kurakuls of woolly snow, holding sparks of moonlight in their delicate cups. The whole forest seemed to be illuminated with thousands of lights and stars, which the December firmament had poured down in floods. The air breathed with a kind of secret spring, an inexpressible purity of snow and violets. And it isn’t only the sights but the sounds and smells too, pretty much all the senses, as again one sees here from another story, ‘My Father Joins the Fire Brigade’: As we drove the wood became darker and darker, smelling ever more aromatically of snuff, until at last it locked us in, as if inside the dry body of a cello that the wind had dully tuned. Yet, the stories themselves are decidedly strange, bringing out perhaps the madness, depravity, the emotion that lies just beneath or perhaps even far beneath the surface of people and of places, below the acceptable facades that are kept up (or perhaps not). In the various episodes surrounding his father, the behaviours range from eccentric (even Quixotic) but possible to Kafka-like metamorphoses—sometimes people morphing into animals and animals into people, or even the author into the patient at the sanatorium or simply visiting his father. His father goes through various stages of being, disappearing little by little, rather than suddenly: By this time, my father has definitively died. He had died multiple times, but never quite completely, always with certain reservations that necessitated a revision of fact. But at the sanatorium, he lives multiple lives parallelly—running a substitute shop, weak and deteriorating in bed, gluttonous in a restaurant—the times of these various possibilities coexisting at this place, where much for our narrator is hazy. The meanings of these explorations, whether it is (real) human nature or the shades and dream-like possibilities beneath the surface or whether an attempt to make what is lost stay on in a parallel space is left to the interpretation. While certainly peculiar and even bewildering, I was glad to read these, especially for their uniqueness and beautiful descriptions. 3.5 ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 28, 2024
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Mar 2024
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Mar 01, 2024
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Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 1837908451
| 9781837908455
| B0CLRWF1ZX
| 4.37
| 1,227
| Feb 20, 2024
| Feb 20, 2024
|
really liked it
|
In The Library Murders, author Merryn Allingham once again brings readers a charming 1950s cosy (though there is some blood involved), with a mystery
In The Library Murders, author Merryn Allingham once again brings readers a charming 1950s cosy (though there is some blood involved), with a mystery that keeps one guessing, a bookish backdrop and a chance to meet or catch up with the residents of Abbeymead, old and new! In their eighth adventure, bookshop-owner Flora Steele and her partner in crime solving and now life, mystery writer Jack Carrington are back in their Sussex village of Abbeymead (after their trip to France in their last outing). Here Jack has been roped into helping organise a mystery writers’ conference by Basil Webb, who runs the Dirk and Dagger society. Many eminent crime writers are on the list of speakers and Flora has been invited to set up a stall selling their bestsellers and new releases while the mobile library in the charge of Maud Frobisher, an old friend of Flora’s aunt Violet, will also be present at the venue for those who can’t afford to buy. But the conference has not even opened when Flora makes a chilling discovery, Maud Frobisher killed in cold blood in her van and a man standing beside her with the murder weapon (a very heavy and very bloody Tolkein trilogy, of all things). She is shocked to see that this is Lowell Gracey, an old friend she knew back in college and who was also a friend of Richard, her former boyfriend. Lowell, a chemist, turns out surprisingly to have been working for Maud. And she had with her a first edition Dickens saved up for auction—a book that’s now gone missing. There is much that is suspicious around Lowell and Inspector Alan Ridley is quick to take him into custody but Flora is not convinced Lowell could be a killer whatever the circumstances may be. Jack on the other hand, perhaps a tad jealous on account of the old friendship isn’t initially keen to help, but soon enough both begin to look into the matter. Lowell was in need of money and had argued with Maud on the day of the murder but it emerges that there are others at or connected with the conference who may have had motive as well—Rose Lawson, a divorcee who has just moved into the village and is in dire straits, Basil Webb the conference organiser himself, and crime writer Felix Wingrave known to go to any lengths to get his hands on a first edition, being among them. But who actually did it? Alongside, we follow the developments in the village with Flora and Jack’s wedding upcoming (postponed for the conference in fact), a stranger visiting Flora as also the minor tensions that arise between Flora and Jack when they are not quite communicative with each other. Flora’s friends Alice and Kate are excited about the wedding and trying to make preparations while Charlie Teague, Jack’s errand boy is growing up and turning to new ventures. The Library Murders turned out as delightful a read as I’d expected and I had fun with it all through. While the Flora Steele books generally have plenty to do with books (with Flora’s shop and often a reference or two to the new releases of the time, plus Jack as a writer), this one did even more so with a book as the murder weapon, a stolen first edition, crime writers (published and aspiring) and agents all over the village and even connections with book collectors and speciality book stores. This was something I particularly loved. As always, I was also pleased to follow along the developments in the village and Flora and Jack’s relationship; the former seeing some changes, for instance in the life of her friend Sally who runs the Priory hotel and young Charlie who’s exhibiting some surprising talents besides of course the excitement around Flora and Jack’s wedding. There are also developments in both Flora and Jack’s lives with unexpected offers coming to each and while a slight disconnect does arise between them, things are mended soon as well. Each time I read one of these books, especially the ones set in Abbeymead, it feels like I’m catching up with news about old friends and acquaintances—and some of the gossip too (incidentally, village gossip or at least that of Flora’s little group of friends provides our sleuths some useful information as well). The mystery in this instalment was nicely done with developments and a solution I did not see coming. There are plenty of people on whom suspicion falls at one point or other (each of whom has things to hide and possible motive) giving us many possibles to ponder over. This time around, that second body (of course there is one) took me completely by surprise as I neither expected it to turn up when it did, nor did I guess at who it could have possibly been right till the reveal. While by the time of the denouement, one does manage to work out the solution to an extent, there is still a little surprise waiting for us. I can’t wait to see what mystery faces our sleuths next; their wedding is something to look forward to as well, but I do hope the body doesn’t turn up amidst it! ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 13, 2024
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Feb 15, 2024
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Feb 13, 2024
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ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 0860720276
| 9780860720270
| 0860720276
| 3.40
| 207
| 1955
| Jan 01, 1979
|
really liked it
|
The second set of Savages back-to-back, though not linked with the first at all, except that both books have children in them with this one focusing o
The second set of Savages back-to-back, though not linked with the first at all, except that both books have children in them with this one focusing on them more than on the adults. But before I say anything about the book itself, I just have to say that my new favourite word (noun/adjective, whichever one sees it as) is Howliboo! I loved it the moment I read it and am sure will be using it often! Back to the beginning now. When Arpita from a Bag Full of Books announced over on her Instagram page a readalong of Christmas with the Savages, I was immediately interested as from the cover itself it looked a lovely children’s book and the author Mary Clive was a completely new name to me. So I went ahead and ordered a copy. Lady Mary Clive or Mary Katherine Clive (who died in 2010 at the age of 102) was the author of memoirs of her family, some biographies (John Donne and Edward IV) as well as a handful of novels written under the pseudonym Hans Duffy. A debutante in 1926, she wrote amusing memoirs (Brought Up and Brought Out) of her experiences and the rather disappointing crop of young men (‘bumper dowdy year’) whom she and others met. Christmas with the Savages (1955), though fictionalised, is based on Christmas spent with her mother’s parents, the Earl and Countess of Jersey and the various children portrayed are based on her own brothers and sisters and cousins. Christmas with the Savages is narrated in the voice of the fictional Evelyn, about eight years old, the only child of wealthy parents in London, brought up with every comfort and also a little spoiled perhaps (by the standards of the day) being allowed in the drawing room regularly unlike others of her age. Being mostly on her own, Evelyn is accustomed to thinking herself rather grown up, and carries herself with various airs and graces. As the book opens, we see in a typical scenario that Evelyn’s parents are away in Scotland where her father has taken ill, with the result that they won’t be back as planned and Evelyn is to spend Christmas with her mother’s friend Lady Tamerlane, whom she remembers as ‘brisk’ and ‘not playful’ but who sometimes gave her half crowns. But she won’t be ‘alone’; there will also be Lady Tamerlane’s grandchildren, the Savages. On the train down from Paddington with her maid she meets them, Lionel the oldest, absorbed in his book, Betty, fat and round, the youngest in her picture book, and Rosamund and Harry in the middle, out to classify everyone they meet as Cavalier or Roundhead. There’s also a baby who stays with his nurse. Unused to children Evelyn is somewhat taken aback by their constant chatter and chanting of poems. At Tamerlane Hall are also the Glens, Peter and Peggy and the older Malcolm and Alister who sit with the grownups, and the smaller and pretty ‘Howliboos’, the eldest of whom is Tommy and whose real surnames we never learn, nor indeed the other children’s names as they are much too young to play. As the visit carries on, the children get up to various antics, from reciting poetry to playing games, besides (when the weather is good) going out for walks and rides and exploring the house itself (a rather interesting old place). Then there are the Christmas celebrations of course and other little entertainments, including the putting up of a play (which needless to say turns out hilarious in its performance), the writing of a magazine and even the running of a marathon, as we also witness the interactions and dynamics between the children This turned out a charming and humorous read, which though surprisingly not strongly Christmassy, gives one a delightful look into childhood (and more broadly life in a typical country home) in Edwardian England. I liked how each of the children has their different personality and quirks, all of which we see through the eyes of Evelyn—Betty for instance (and it is she who is our author, and not Evelyn) strongly voices her opinions against anything she thinks is untrue, not sparing even her grandmother; Lionel is the leader, writer of plays but also quite cruel to poor Peter Glen, though the others do manage to get him back. Evelyn herself is keen to be taken notice of by the grown-ups, seen as a ‘grown up’ (the Savages to her are ‘childish’) and seeks admiration, but it is apparent that she is very much a child and starts to almost enjoy being part of the group, and even getting up to mischief of her own (including snatching a mouthful of jelly on the sly and then not knowing what to do with it for swallow it, she can’t). She enjoys playing with little Tommy Howliboo too, though she mayn’t want to admit it, but does admit she doesn’t treat her nurse too well. The grown-ups are good fun too, not your typical stuffy adults, with some admitting the mischief they committed as children, Papa Savage sharing quite a good relationship with his ever-curious children and having some wise things to say, and Lady Tamerlane too (though she insists on calling Evelyn Everline, even though Evelyn has corrected her) kind to them in her own way. No one minds their mischief, even the governesses (and the butler Mr O’Sullivan) overlooking their tricks, except when they do sometimes take things too far. But by and large, they are allowed to do as they please and have a grand time of it. Their relationships and dynamics do keep changing of course, as things between children do, and it is interesting to watch these unfold. As I mentioned, this wasn’t contrary to expectation a book that felt entirely Christmassy but that doesn’t mean we don’t get any Christmas either. In fact, I loved seeing the Christmas celebrations, from decorations being put up (including by the children in their rooms) to the stockings going up, the anticipation over what they would contain, preparations (nice and not-so-nice) to welcome Santa and the opening of presents from others, dancing and feasting. There is plenty of humour in here, in the writing, the various characters and their antics, and there re plenty of laughs all through. I’m not sure if the original version had illustrations across the book, but this Puffin ed I got has lovely pictures by Phillip Gough at the start of each chapter giving one a perfect flavour of what’s to come. A gentle and amusing tale of a simpler time when children could simply be children, entertaining themselves with their imaginations and enjoying themselves thoroughly. 3.75 rounded off ...more |
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| 1915014433
| 9781915014436
| B09LMCK4FC
| 4.06
| 453
| 1948
| Jan 03, 2022
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really liked it
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Light-hearted and enjoyable Young Mrs Savage (1948) by D. E. Stevenson is a post-war story, of family, of relationships and bonds and things that may
Light-hearted and enjoyable Young Mrs Savage (1948) by D. E. Stevenson is a post-war story, of family, of relationships and bonds and things that may test or tug at them, one of new beginnings and of recovery and rejuvenation. Twenty-eight-year-old Dinah Savage is the Mrs Savage of the title and we meet her living in Neetleham with her four children, Polly the eldest, twins Mark and Nigel, and the youngest Margy. Her only friends are her neighbours Irene and Henry Barnard but she manages alright, though money is tight. Married at only 19 to the devastatingly handsome and charming Gilbert Savage, who is mostly away at sea, Dinah realises even now, some time after his death, that their marriage was not quite what marriages are meant to be, something which has left its scars. What has been a very busy (and tiring) but monotonous existence however changes when Dinah’s twin Dan retires from the navy and returns to civilian life. Not only does this bring new life into their home, Dan almost immediately arranges for Dinah and the children to go to Seatown, the place he and Dinah grew up in to spend a month in their childhood home, now run as a boarding house by their old Nannie, Mrs Anderson. Revisiting old memories and haunts, and having so many of her daily cares taken away by Nannie, Dinah begins to relax and recover. Soon she and the children are exploring the place and making some new friends, while being able to talk to Dan with whom she shares a deep bond means she also starts unburdening her mind of the troubles of her marriage she has been carrying with her. What starts as a holiday and change from daily life leads to more lasting changes as more than one new beginning is made, with some surprises along the way. While Young Mrs Savage is largely a light and charming holiday story and one of fresh starts and even romance, some more serious themes also run in the background from marriage troubles to parenting dilemmas, family dynamics and even the impact of war-time injuries and trauma (the latter on another character). Dinah does a good job by her children but finds herself constantly evaluating her approach, in view of the very different characters of her children and in contrast with her experiences of her and Dan’s childhood and the very different relationship they shared with each other and their widower father. There are many ethical questions she has to face, but these one realises aren’t simply a result of her age, for anyone in her place would likely face much the same. Alongside, she must make peace with the marriage troubles she faced, especially the fact that she didn’t handle things as she had expected or as was usual for her nature. But these threads mostly run in the background while on the surface is the holiday itself, immediately relieving Dinah of her daily chores and giving her time to rest, while she and the children explore the beaches and also her and Dan’s old haunts as she also recalls their own adventures and escapades. Some of these are much like children’s adventure stories, one episode especially reminding me of the One End Street children. Alongside is the romance or chances at romance that Dinah finds, which play out somewhat typically complete with misunderstanding and its resolution. There is also one other family-linked surprise in the mix, which I saw coming some way in, though it was revealed only at the end, but a nice touch all the same. We also have some descriptions of place, and of Dinah and Dan’s childhood home and furniture. There are some animals here including Mark’s rabbits who barely make an appearance, and a very fat silky-eared spaniel named Trot who has multiple meals, again only briefly met. And as a holiday book, there are jaunts and explorations, teas and visits, even a shopping trip, and memorably a visit to Tantillion Castle where the children try to look for places from Dinah’s telling of the story of Marmion. This was a lovely and pleasant read from D. E. Stevenson and I’m glad I have plenty more of her books left to explore. ...more |
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| 1529098076
| 9781529098075
| B0BSFR97M2
| 3.70
| 557
| Oct 25, 2023
| Oct 26, 2023
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really liked it
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My thanks to Pan Macmillan for a review copy of this book via NetGalley. Having enjoyed The Cat Who Caught a Killer (2022) by L. T. Shearer last year, My thanks to Pan Macmillan for a review copy of this book via NetGalley. Having enjoyed The Cat Who Caught a Killer (2022) by L. T. Shearer last year, I was so pleased to see Lulu Lewis and Conrad the cat back for their second adventure, and put up my hand for it immediately. Lulu Lewis is a retired Met police detective who is living on a narrowboat, The Lark as after her husband’s death she can’t bear to live in the house they shared. One day, a very unique cat, Conrad walks onto her boat—a calico who is a male (they’re usually female)—and makes himself at home. If that wasn’t unusual enough, Conrad is very special in another way, he can talk—yep, actual human speech—but he does so only to Lulu. Plus, he loves his Evian as he makes clear from the start (but sharp and witty though he may be, he isn’t your typical sarcastic feline). Soon he becomes not only a comforting friend but also a partner in crime-solving as they encounter an unexplained death. I absolutely loved Conrad and the bond that develops between him and Lulu, which made the book so much more special than just a cosy mystery. In this second adventure, Lulu and Conrad have driven down (narrowboats aren’t sailed) to Oxford where Lulu is to attend the sixtieth birthday celebrations of Bernard Greenville, husband of her old friend Julia. Julia was a once a colleague from SOCO, but later left and started up a pharmaceutical company (with others) and the couple are now extremely wealthy—living in a house much too big for the two of them, eating M & S food ordered in all the time, expensive art on the walls, and designer clothes overflowing with many never ever worn. But when Lulu arrives, she finds that just a few days earlier there was a robbery in the house, with an insurance assessor having been killed, Bernard badly injured and some artwork stolen. Lulu’s detective instincts kick into gear and she begins to casually ask questions, encouraged by the fact that the young inspector in-charge of the case Tracey Calder is happy to have her inputs (though Tracey realises as Julia’s friend, she probably shouldn’t be involving her). As you can tell from the title, this isn’t the only murder involved and soon enough there is a second body on their hands. The Greenvilles claim they have no enemies, and life has been carrying on comfortably for them, so who is it that could be after them and why? It’s up to Lulu and Conrad to find out. The Cat Who Solved Three Murders (2023) was another enjoyable entry in this series (I am so glad to see this is turning into one), which while again not the strongest of mysteries makes for a wonderful read in large part because of Conrad—he might not ‘solve’ the murders on his own, but certainly does spot important clues, raises some relevant questions, sounds warnings when there are suspicious noises at night, and also provides comfort to those in need of it. And oh yes, he confronts the ‘villains’ too! The fantasy element in the book is confined to his ability to ‘talk’ to Lulu but he talks (in meows) to others as well, and so is seen as a ‘talking cat’. Another useful ability is his reading of people’s auras (which he can see in colour) which can help determine any undesirable or suspicious shades in their character. By and large he does well here, but I didn’t like that this facet of his character was not brought up in a couple of cases where he could easily have seen red flags. His conversations with Lulu are a great deal of fun, and one enjoys his interactions with everyone he meets. The mystery in this instalment was much better than the one we were faced with in their debut adventure, but still it was one where the reader can see the answer just about half way into the book. Not work out every detail, for there are some threads to unravel but one does get the idea. Still it doesn’t take away from the fun reading on to see how Lulu and Conrad work it out and whether it indeed turns out as we have guessed. A decision that Lulu makes at the end though didn’t feel right, though it is left ambiguous in a sense. Some of the themes explored in the story are luxury/decadence (versus a simpler life), loss and grief, ethical considerations (some red flags here), the changing face of the police—getting younger, having to operate strictly by manuals, and such—as well as perceptions of the authorities among the more ordinary (vulnerable, disadvantaged) populace. If you go into this book for the mystery element alone, you might come out a touch underwhelmed, but as a book with a bit of fantasy in the form of a lovely talking calico cat, some nice settings (though we don’t really explore Oxford as we did Maida Vale in the first book), and a mostly likeable main character, I do find these light, pleasant and entertaining reads. Can’t wait for the next instalment. 3.75 stars rounded off ...more |
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Oct 31, 2023
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Nov 02, 2023
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| 1838852662
| 9781838852665
| 1838852662
| 4.28
| 161
| unknown
| Apr 07, 2022
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it was amazing
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My thanks to Canongate Books for a review copy of this book via NetGalley. Powerful, poignant and beautifully written, Homelands (2023) by Chitra Ramas My thanks to Canongate Books for a review copy of this book via NetGalley. Powerful, poignant and beautifully written, Homelands (2023) by Chitra Ramaswamy is part biography, part memoir, also a story of friendship in a sense which explores themes of belonging and identity, home and family and much much more. Although separated in age by five decades, when the author (also a journalist) Chitra Ramaswamy is assigned a story on an elderly Jewish couple, Henry and Ingrid Wuga who had first arrived in Britan in 1939 as part of the Kindertransportees, a friendship immediately develops between the two, one that translates into many conversations and visits, as the two and soon their families bond in part over the thing that ties them, the immigrant experience. Eventually these conversations, the sharing of stories and experiences and along with them the developments in their lives in the present weave together and start forming into a book—the one we are reading. (There is an interesting ‘breaking the fourth wall’ moment with the book being written and coming together inside itself!) The book can perhaps be described as set essentially around Chitra (whose parents emigrated to England in the 1960s) and Henry, but as is obvious no life is ‘independent’, rather it is tied with many others (family, friends, parents, partners, children, neighbours) and so all of their stories intertwined as they are or become, are what we read. Going back and forth in time, between present, past, recent past, in various vignettes we visit little episodes, small snatches of memory, moments, each bringing with it a gamut of experiences and emotions, and all of which together in their way form a story or several intertwined ones. Born in Nuremberg to a Jewish mother and Austrian (non-Jewish father), the rising power of Hitler’s party and the increasing violations and dehumanisation of the Jewish community being witnessed every day, means his family tries to send Henry to safety taking advantage of the Kindertransportee programme, which is not the generous venture it is made out to be by the English government—children sent must have some sort of sponsor or one has to be found for the government is willing to bear no expense (besides other conditions as you can imagine). While Henry’s (who luckily does have a sponsor) arrival and initial time in England is comfortable, his correspondence with his family in Germany (even though he is only 15 years old at this time) marks him for the government as ‘dangerous’ and once he turns 16, he finds himself transported from one interment facility to another—some reasonably bearable (pleasant even), others torturous in their conditions and attitudes, essentially a situation Hannah Arendt’s words, which Ramaswamy quotes aptly describe: … history has created ‘a new kind of human beings—the kind that are put in concentration camps by their foes and internment camps by their friends’. Ultimately freed, narrowly escaping terrible fates (whether the SS Arandora Star on which he well might have landed, or denial of naturalisation—the latter he learns many years later), Henry falls in love, continues his training as a chef (begun in Germany by the foresight of his mother who knew that he would have to be trained to do something given the circumstances) and goes on to build a successful career and life over the decades that follow. While he may be seen as having ‘escaped’ what lay before him in Germany, his life is by no means easy, with various hardships and challenges from the internment camps to later those of language and identity, decisions which illustrate how lived experiences can’t all be black and white, and contributing to advocacy and awareness as Holocaust educators, sharing their stories and experiences as Kindertransportees and as refugees with others who might be unaware or have their own experiences and much more. Reading Henry’s story as he tells Chitra and as she further explores through documents, his lectures, and much else, one can’t but admire and be in awe—not only that after being though so much, how Henry (and indeed Ingrid) managed to do so much (they were active skiers and ski instructors till their late 80s, and Henry was at least lecturing well into his 90s. While Ingrid sadly passed in 2020 aged 96 [she could still thread a needle till a few years earlier], Henry is still with us at 99), but also from the hope that they kept up all through. He has been though much, and yet when he narrates it, he seems to take it far better than any of us ever would. In fact even reading it, especially of the fates of his family and others (neighbours, people they knew) in Germany, one can’t but be heartbroken (and very angry), and still unable to process how humans can knowingly, intentionally (and clearly sadistically) do what they did, and continue to do so. While we don’t go into terrible detail, it cannot but wrench one’s heart and bring out all emotion. Alongside is the author’s own story—life as a second-generation immigrant with her own experiences of belonging, racism, her partner and children, the story of her parents, relationship with her family as also loss and grief (another that she and Henry share). Homelands is of course these personal stories, but interwoven in them are also issues of history, of government and politics—the appalling (yet unsurprising) lack of humanity exhibited and which continues to be so and its counterpart of sorts in society or amongst the general popular in racist and like attitudes. In telling these stories, the author is not simply conveying fact but emotion, and does this both in her own case and that of Henry by describing the moments in all their dimensions—whether the flowers she is looking on at when told bad news, or the smell and taste of food her mother created, or in Henry’s listening to the music that he speaks of having enjoyed or the scents that he associates with specific moments or people. Just earlier in the week I was reading a review by Susan at A Life in Books where she described an unusual set of acknowledgements in the volume she reviewed. In this one interestingly was an unusual bibliography, since not only does the author list the different volumes (also audio, film and journalistic sources) that have inspired her and that she had relied on, but also describes what she got from each—not content as much as approaches, literary devices, techniques, ways of being and much else. These range from W.G. Sebald who forms a pivot of sorts for the narrative to Hannah Arendt, Deborah Levy, Walter Benjamin, Susan Sontag and many others. Deeply felt and emotional, with moments heart-wrenching and despairing, but also plenty of warmth, love, joy and friendship, this is an account that mightn’t fall within neat categories but is an excellent one to delve into, which will lead to many thoughts and touch many chords. ...more |
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| B00MWBWD6E
| 3.87
| 5,372
| 1934
| Sep 01, 2014
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really liked it
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Set in her somewhat typical dysfunctional family with a despicable patriarch and over a country-house weekend, The Unfinished Clue by Georgette Heyer
Set in her somewhat typical dysfunctional family with a despicable patriarch and over a country-house weekend, The Unfinished Clue by Georgette Heyer was first published in 1933. But despite playing out in the usual frame that she follows in her mysteries, this standalone gave one a solid mystery, a range of well-fleshed out (though certainly far less eccentric than usual) characters, and a thoroughly good read. The book opens in the midst of a weekend at the Grange, the home of the ill-tempered and domineering General Sir Arthur Billington-Smith. He is married to the much younger and soft natured Fay, always at the receiving end of his outbursts. At the house are staying Basil and Camilla Halliday whom the General has recently befriended. While Basil is a weakly kind, the beautiful and provocative Camilla encourages the General’s attentions, hoping to benefit from them (the Hallidays aren’t financially stable), something Basil strongly disapproves. There is also Stephen Guest, a relation of sorts of the General, who is much in love with Fay. The latter reciprocates but is unwilling to bear any unpleasantness (like the divorce courts) even if this will free her from the stifling life she’s leading. Then the General’s nephew Major Francis Billington-Smith is visiting, and the General’s son from his first marriage, Geoffrey, an artistic, and also weakly type is bringing home his new fiancée, the beautiful and fashionable Lola de Silva, a cabaret dancer! A formula for trouble as you can already see. Amidst this mess also arrives Fay’s younger sister, Dinah Fawcett who has far more spunk than the delicate Fay and not only gives her some comfort but also stands up to the General defiantly. At dinner, a few more guests join in, among them an old friend of the General Mrs Twining and the Vicar and his wife (the latter two disapproving of the General’s lifestyle and ways) Expectedly the fireworks begin almost instantly between the General’s brazen flirtations with Camilla, annoyance with Geoffrey (but more so the lovely Lola, who makes no secret of her mercenary intentions), and Fay being ‘blamed’ by him for all that goes wrong. Francis, perpetually in need of money hopes to touch the General for some more, and the foolish Geoffrey believes the sight of Lola would soften his father, and also that Lola actually loves him! Disagreements abound and tempers boil over, and just as the weekend comes to an end, with some guests having departed and others preparing to leave, the General is found murdered in his study—stabbed in the back with his own dagger. The local police, Superintendent Lupton and Sergeant Nethersole arrive and interview the guests, but the Chief Constable realises soon enough that the matter is far beyond their competence (the worst they’ve handled are robberies and road mishaps) and calls in the Yard. Inspector Harding arrives—a gentleman policeman, educated at Oxford but having joined the force after the war. What follows is of course the investigation, mostly interviewing a range of suspects all of whom had ample reason to want to do away with the General and also ample opportunity. But as these interviews proceed, rather than getting simpler, the mystery begins to only get denser with each as likely to have committed the crime as the next. Can he get to the bottom of it all? While The Unfinished Clue doesn’t have Heyer’s usual profusion of eccentrics (the only truly eccentric character is Mrs Fawcett, Dinah and Fay’s mother with her fads and penchant for (melo)drama, but she remains offscreen), she does give us a great set of suspects, each with motive and opportunity; each has their interests and secrets (some might be open secrets), and while none may seem ‘capable’ of murder, who knows? As Inspector Harding speaks to each, we can see as he does that each is not only holding back things, but also that they are trying to shift suspicion away from either themselves or those they care about. In the conversations too, we can see small points of facts that don’t agree from account to account, but do they really amount to anything? And may be I was wrong about the eccentrics for we do have La Lola, who is certainly a singular character, quite open about her objects and interests, and given to drama, hoping to be taken for the ‘assassin’ if only that would bring her good publicity. With Heyer’s mysteries that I have read so far (mostly the Hannasyde and Hemingway ones, and one standalone), my experience of the puzzle itself has been mixed. While some did give complicated ones where some aspects were hard to work out, in others I had whodunit quite easily. This one was different in that it did take me by surprise. About two-thirds of the way into the book, I was sure I had the answer but of course read on for confirmation. But guess what? I didn’t, or rather I got only part of it right—spot on about whydunit, but who, I wouldn’t have thought of that person at all (she’s done this to me in one other mystery I read), so this was certainly very satisfying on that account. Although we get our share of banter in the book, it wasn’t that sparkling and clever dialogue that one finds in some of her others, but all the same quite enjoyable. There is also a thread of romance which we spot early on (that is as soon as the characters in question ‘meet’), and it was fun watching it play out. Another entertaining Heyer mystery, enjoyable both for the puzzle and the characters! ...more |
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Aug 02, 2023
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Audible Audio
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| 0008470901
| 9780008470906
| B0B9ZVVRKT
| 3.79
| 1,217
| Mar 02, 2023
| Mar 02, 2023
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it was amazing
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My thanks to Harper Collins UK for a review copy of this book via NetGalley. Sinister Spring: Murder and Mystery from the Queen of Crime (2023) is anot My thanks to Harper Collins UK for a review copy of this book via NetGalley. Sinister Spring: Murder and Mystery from the Queen of Crime (2023) is another season themed collection of (reprinted) short stories from Christie’s pen. Like a previous volume of these I read Midsummer Mysteries (2021), we have in this collection 12 stories covering various types of crimes from murder to theft, and featuring both recurring detectives (Poirot and Marple, as also Tommy and Tuppence, Harley Quin, and Parker Pyne) as well as standalone stories. The seasonal elements are brought out by mostly by gardens and gardening, which feature in many of the stories Opening as the previous volume did, with a short extract from Christie’s autobio, this time an episode called the Gunman, based on her childhood nightmare, we move to the first story featuring Poirot where he and Hastings, accompany Japp to Market Basing, in ‘The Market Basing Mystery’ with plans to enjoy a quiet weekend since ‘no one knows who they are’. So naturally, they are soon to be involved in a mystery, as the local constable seeks their help in investigating the death of a Mr Protheroe who was found shot but couldn’t have done so himself. Poirot reaches the answer of course, in this mystery the broad frame of which is the basis of another Christie short story as well. ‘The Case of the Missing Lady’ featuring Tommy and Tuppence was one new to me, and a rather fun story, with an adventurer who returns to England earlier than planned to find his fiancée has gone on a visit but isn’t to be found at the place she supposedly went to, nor do any friends know her whereabouts. Tommy and Tuppence get on the case to find a very unexpected answer, which leaves the reader with a smile on their face (though in the current context, perhaps not the most PC). From The Thirteen Problems (a Marple collection in which dinner guests describe murders and mysteries they are aware of leaving it to the others to ‘solve’), we have ‘The Herb of Death’ where a young girl staying with her guardian, and on the verge of being married and starting a new life dies of poisoning when foxglove leaves are picked with the sage that is to be used for dinner. Mrs Bantry poses the problem rather simply, and it is from the other dinner guests’ questions that one gets to the nuances; but only Miss Marple sees things in the right light. Featuring Hercule Poirot is ‘How Does Your Garden Grow’, again one I was familiar with. An old lady writes to Poirot seeking his help over a mysterious problem the details of which are not revealed in her letter, but before he can reach her, she is dead. Poirot decides to visit her home all the same and finds the police convinced it’s murder. ‘Swan Song’ is a more tragic standalone, where an opera star agrees to perform at a country house where she is invited, on condition that Tosca is what’s performed. Why, you have to read the story to find out! ‘Miss Marple Tells a Story’ sees Miss Marple tell of a case she’s personally proud of, where a lawyer Mr Pretherick approaches her to help a client who’s going to be accused of murder. The client is sceptical, but as he explains the circumstances of hs wife’s death in a hotel where they were staying, Miss Marple is on to the answer. A recently married young woman, travelling on the Simplon express in ‘Have You Got Everything You Want’ confides her troubles to Parker Pyne, suspicious her husband is attempting to harm her in some way while she is on the train. Pyne mayn’t be a ‘detective’ in the traditional sense, but that doesn’t stop him from reaching the rather unexpected solution to this mystery. We’re back with Poirot in ‘The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan’ where Hastings treats Poirot to a stay at the Grand Metropolitan. There they run into the Opalsens and Mrs Opalsen who is very fond of jewellery, wishes to show them her priceless pearls, but the necklace vanishes before she can. Also from The Thirteen Problems is ‘Ingots of Gold’ where Miss Marple’s nephew Raymond West narrates an incident that occurred with him when he visited an acquaintance in Cornwall who was looking for a ship lost in the Spanish Armada. But unfriendly locals and more recent events make the trip a more dangerous one than he bargained for. ‘The Soul of the Croupier’ takes us to Monte Carlo where Mr Satherthwaite (usually seen in the Harley Quin stories) is on his annual visit. Here he runs into an old acquaintance, the Countess Czarnova whom he’s seen there for years, each time in the company of a new admirer. On this trip, it’s a young American. A girl travelling with the young man truly cares for him, and Mr Satherthwaite realises they belong. Harley Quin is also on the scene, and the two can only look on as a drama with a thread of pathos unfolds. Agatha Christie writes a very Wodehousian tale in ‘The Girl on the Train’ which rather reminded me of A Damsel in Distress by Wodehouse (even our ‘hero’ is called George, like George Bevan in Damsel). In this George Rowland, after a night on town and arriving late for work, is turned out by his uncle. He decides to head to Rowland Castle simply because it bears his name, and on the way in the train helps a beautiful young woman who seems to be running away from some one and dives into his compartment. This turns into the adventure of a lifetime as she entrusts him with a sealed package and asks him to trail a bearded stranger. To wrap up the collection, we return to Miss Marple as her nephew Raymond West takes a friend to visit a property in the neighbourhood with an interesting story behind it, Greenshaw’s Folly, now lived in by an old Miss Greenshaw, the last of her family. Later, Raymond’s wife’s niece takes up a job there, only to become involved in a murder. Luckily, Miss Marple is there to ensure the puzzle is pieced together. This was an entertaining collection which covered many moods from the tragic to the humorous, and gives the reader mysteries and puzzles, as also fun, adventure and and romance. One can get a taste of the various genres Christie writes in, though of course not the depth of her full-length mysteries. I liked all the stories in the collection (many of which were revisits for me) but my particular favourites this time were two of the humorous ones, ‘The Case of the Missing Lady’ and ‘The Girl on the Train’ both new to me, and both loads of fun. 4.5 stars ...more |
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Mar 28, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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| 1399082507
| 9781399082501
| 1399082507
| 3.27
| 15
| unknown
| Apr 06, 2023
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really liked it
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My thanks to Pen & Sword for a review copy of this book via NetGalley. I first heard or rather read Ada Lovelace’s name way back in class V, where our My thanks to Pen & Sword for a review copy of this book via NetGalley. I first heard or rather read Ada Lovelace’s name way back in class V, where our introductory textbook on computers talked of Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine (with I think a diagram of the machine) and of Lady Ada Lovelace who worked in connection with it. At that time, neither did I know that Ada Lovelace was Byron’s daughter, nor did I really understand the significance of her achievements especially in terms of a woman in her time working in the field of science and mathematics, but the name stuck in my mind and I got even more interested in her later on when I discovered these other things. But so far, I hadn’t really got a chance to read anything about her and my knowledge was fairly superficial. So, of course when I spotted this book, I immediately put in a request and was very pleased to get a chance to read the book. In this short volume, author and historian Beverley Adams explores the life of this intelligent and complex woman, a romantic figure because of her connection with Byron and her early death, and for which reason she was also always closely watched, an imaginative and gifted young woman skilled in mathematics who made significant contributions, but also a woman who had a troubled emotional and personal life and went through many ups and downs. Beginning with some background of the Byron family, and Byron’s life and his toubled marriage with Annabelle, Adams takes us through Ada’s unusual childhood, which saw her under her mother’s strict control; her inventive mind and work with mathematics and Charles Babbage; her married life which was impacted by both the emotional scars of her childhood and perhaps the Byron personality; the scandals that came to be associated with her; her illness and death; and the legacy she left behind. Annabelle’s troubled marriage with Byron translated to a very strict and controlled upbringing for Ada, so as to ensure that she was protected from things that afflicted Byron. But while this may have had its benefits, especially in Ada being educated in science and mathematics (perhaps to keep her away from poetry), it also led to her lacking friends and affection, and later in life perhaps unable to even bond with her children very deeply. And while she was able to make significant contributions in terms of identifying the true potential and applications of Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, her marriage had its share of troubles (despite a very understanding husband), and she struggled with gambling, weight issues, and illness, making her in a sense as complicated and multifaceted a person as her father (and to an extent also her mother). For a person who didn’t know much about Ada Lovelace, I thought this book did a good job of giving one an idea of Ada’s life and the many facets of her personality. I especially enjoyed reading about her early attempts at inventing a flying machine (and this was not mere imagination but she had undertaken serious study of birds and set up a mechanism with ropes and pulleys), as also her later, more significant contribution to Babbage’s Analytical Engine. Although Adams doesn’t go into the details of the paper Ada wrote, we are able to guage how Ada was able to see potential in the Analytical Engine far beyond what Babbage himself did, including how it could calculate Bernoulli numbers. Alongside we also see how the cold and strict upbringing she received affected the other parts of her life, in terms of relationships, ill-judged romantic attachments, and even imprudent gambling schemes. Adams, I thought brought out well, how all three personalities, Byron, Annabelle and Ada were rather complex and hard to classify (Ada’s husband William King was by comparison far more ‘normal’)— Byron’s ill-treatment of Annabelle (which I thought Adams lets him off rather lightly for) and initial reaction at Ada’s birth contrasting with his expression of concern for and keeping up with news of Ada later; Annabelle’s experience with her marriage translating to a cold, controlling and at times decidedly cruel treatment of Ada; and Ada’s upbringing and her Byron personality bringing out sides to her which lead to emotional and relationship troubles, while on the other hand her skills with numbers (like her father’s with words) leading to contributions more important than even she realised. One can to an extent sympathise with each of them, but particularly so Ada who never really got the space or the freedom to really be herself—always watched, always controlled. However, despite all of this, reading the book, one somehow feels one doesn’t get to know the real Ada—we are told what she may have felt at different points, or what she went through, but there lacks a direct connection—perhaps extracts from her writings (here I’m not really sure what is available) or letters might have helped give one that feeling of hearing from her rather than about her. Also, another minor issue that one finds at the start of the book is that a significant part (nearly 30 per cent) is devoted to the Byron family, Byron and Annabelle, which means (as some other reviewers also note), it takes some time to actually get to Ada and her story. But on the whole, this is a nicely written and readable book, which helped me learn much about Ada Lovelace and her interesting, though complicated (and not always happy) life and achievements. I also rather liked that Adams’ resources range from works on Babbage and Lovelace; and Byron to the Little People Big Ideas volume on Ada! 3.75 stars rounded off ...more |
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Hardcover
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| 0712353283
| 9780712353281
| 0712353283
| 3.55
| 1,044
| Jan 01, 1956
| Jan 01, 2022
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really liked it
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My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for a review copy of this book via NetGalley. Taking us into the rather ruthless world of book collectors, runners, sel My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for a review copy of this book via NetGalley. Taking us into the rather ruthless world of book collectors, runners, sellers and prized first editions, Death of a Bookseller by Bernard J. Farmer, first published in 1956 is being republished as a British Library Crime Classic, after decades of being out of print. The author Bernard J. Farmer (1902-1964), as Martin Edwards points out in his introduction, was a most fascinating person, who held a succession of interesting jobs from designing machinery to mining and even selling insurance. But what’s relevant for this book is two other jobs/interests—his work as a policeman for seven years and his interest in book collecting on which he also published a volume in 1950. His writing career, from the glimpses of it one gets in Edwards’ introduction was almost as versatile including short stories, novels, detective fiction and books for young adults. In Death of a Bookseller, we meet Sergeant Jack Wigan, a good hearted and conscientious policeman, who supervises men on the section. One day on the way back home, he runs into a drunk man and escorts him back home. The man is Mike Fisk who makes his living buying and selling rare books, and he’s been celebrating the finding of a first edition Keats (which Keats had had printed for himself), hence his condition. Fisk and Wigan soon become friends calling on each other from time to time, and Mike manages to pass on his love for (and some knowledge) of rare books on to Wigan. Then one day, Fisk is found dead, stabbed with a knife and Wigan is the one to find him. The CID is to investigate of course, and DI Saggs is given charge of the case but books and collectors being a world they are ignorant about, Wigan is deputed to assist them in the investigation. All the evidence points to a runner (one who looks for and acquires rare books and then sells them to shops or collectors) called Fred Hampton, a man who has a rather bad (and short) temper and has managed to pick a fight with almost everyone he’s met. A case is made out and Fred is arrested and tried. But Wigan has his doubts and belives Hampton to be innocent. But who else could have done it? Wigan decides to look into the matter on his own—the CID interestingly doesn’t prevent him from doing so though they aren’t in favour of it while his own department isn’t as cooperative. Still with whatever time he gets, he begins to look into the world of runners, sellers and collectors, helped by a runner called Charlie North. Their efforts though keep running into dead ends while time continues to run out for Fred. Does Wigan find the murderer in time? What I absolutely loved about this book was the setting in the world of book collectors and rare books which this book recreates so wonderfully. This isn’t a tame or innocuous world by any measure, in fact quite the opposite (which also seems the case in real life as Edwards points out an eerily parallel real-life case many decades after the book was published, or as I found reading The Book Hunters of Katpadi, another volume about collecting and rare books [with theft though, not murder], but as ruthless and full of double-dealing, crime and deception). We get a look into how the rare book trade plays out with the runners doing much of the hard work, scouring through stacks and finding gems, often (at the time it was written) walking many miles every day to do so; and of course, how prices increase with each person that becomes involved. Each level (except perhaps some ‘rich’ collectors) are as skillful at identifying gems, but many times the person who buys isn’t one who necessarily appreciates it beyond its dollar/pound value. There were plenty of books as well of course, among them prominently those of G. A. Henty, a few of whose titles I have enjoyed and so enjoyed the references to (Farmer has written a book about him, too). The mystery itself on the other hand is quite different from the usual in that while Wigan and Charlie North seem to put in a lot of effort into the matter going to places and speaking to people, they don’t make much headway at all, really, through almost the whole of the book. While this element disappoints, the sense of urgency is done well, with time running out for Hampton, and not a single ray of hope emerging. The answer to the the mystery wasn’t one I saw coming but also interestingly, the way it comes about was also different to my expectation. There is also a supernatural-ish element woven in as Fisk not only dealt in works on the occult, he dabbled in it as well. Another aspect that stood out was the thread of realism that comes in when Fred Hampton is dealing with the consequences of his trial which ends in a conviction. At the time of course, the sentence was inevitably death, and we get a sense of the absolute terror (far too mild to describe it really) that he experiences having to face this fate. This was unsettling and terrifying and had me wondering how people (even if ‘criminal’) continue to be put through this in so-called (civilized) modern day society. Overall a book I really enjoyed for its setting amidst the world of books, even though the detective elements weren’t as successful. ...more |
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| 0689840349
| 9780689840340
| 0689840349
| 4.00
| 31,128
| 1974
| 1997
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While I’ve given up any pretence of trying to catch up with the readalong of the wonderful Dark is Rising sequence hosted by Annabelle at AnnaBookBel,
While I’ve given up any pretence of trying to catch up with the readalong of the wonderful Dark is Rising sequence hosted by Annabelle at AnnaBookBel, I am of course continuing to read the books, which I am enjoying very much. This will however, be the last of the books I will be able to review this year. Greenwitch (1974), the third of the five books in the sequence, brings the threads from the previous two books together as Drew children and Will Stanton, the last of the ‘old ones’ work with each other (even if the former don’t quite know it) to recover some treasures from the Dark. In Over Sea, Under Stone, the three Drew children, Simon, Jane and Barney while on holiday in Trewissick, a fictional Cornish village had come across a strange manuscript in the Grey House, where they were staying, and with help from their Great Uncle Merry had recovered a grail, one of the Things of Power that the forces of Light must use in their fight against the Dark. In The Dark is Rising, we met Will Stanton, the seventh son of a seventh son, who discovers on his eleventh birthday, that he is no ordinary boy but the last of the ‘old ones’ charged with finding the six signs of Light and thereafter has a role in the fight against the Dark. As Greenwitch opens, we learn that the grail that the Drew children had recovered and donated to the British Museum has been stolen. The children are naturally upset, but then are pleased to learn from Great Uncle Merry that they will spend a week again at Trewissick and attempt to recover it. Alongside, Will Stanton’s uncle who is on a visit from the United States, invites Will to spend a week with him and his wife at Cornwall—there they will be staying with his friend Merriman Lyon and his nephews and niece. And so it happens that the Drew children and Will Stanton come to stay in twin cottages at Trewissick. The Drews aren’t too pleased with Will’s presence, and Simon and Barney at least plan to get rid of him while Jane wishes to at least be polite. The Drews aren’t to be told who Will really is, but Jane soon begins to catch on. Meanwhile at Trewissick, an annual ritual, the night of the Greenwitch is to be celebrated. The tradition involves a ‘Greenwitch’ woven out of leaves and stems by only the women of the village and then sent ‘home’ to the sea by the menfolk the next morning. Jane alone can attend, being the only girl among them, and Uncle Merry asks her to pay special attention. But a strange dark-haired artist is hanging around in the village making attractive paintings but ones which give out powerful and sinister vibes. He, it seems, also doesn’t want the children (or the old ones) to approach the Greenwitch who is holding a secret they must access. The Drew children with limited knowledge, and Merriman, Will and another of the old ones, Captain Toms, must battle this representative of the Dark and also face greater and more dangerous powers as they attempt to recover the grail and uncover the secret of the Greenwitch. Greenwitch is an enjoyable and interesting entry in the sequence, a quest story with elements of fantasy, magic, mythology, folklore and legend. The story takes us between fantasy and ‘reality’, part of it also unfolding in a dreamy space, where time isn’t flowing in its usual course, and past and present blend. In the book while Simon, Jane and Barney are ordinary humans, who are in a sense ‘protected’ from the truth of the old ones, and the full extent of the fight being Dark and Light, they all play important roles without which even the Light can’t defeat the Dark. Simon uses his memory and wits while Barney has powers that even he isn’t himself aware of, besides his artistic skills, now emerging. But of the three Jane, perhaps, surprises us the most. She is the first one who is able to see that Will isn’t quite the 11-year-old boy he appears to be (and even before this, it is her first who wants to be kind to him, where the others simply wish to avoid him) and it is her compassion, sensitivity and kind heart that do what no one else can. The Greenwitch herself, is however, the most intriguing character in the book—compelling, complex; ostensibly just a figure woven out of branches and leaves, an offering of sorts to the sea, she is one that defies definition or categorization. She is unique, ‘hypnotic … (with) no she quality … unclassifiable, like a rock or a tree’, and also extremely powerful this silent image held within it more power than she had ever sensed before in any creature or thing. Thunder and storms and earthquakes were there, and all the force of the earth and sea. It was outside Time, boundless, ageless, beyond any line drawn between good and evil. And yet, an unhappy figure with a home at sea may be, but also without anyone or thing she sees as her own; everyone only wanting something from her. And it is this strange, vulnerable, yet mighty figure whose secret the old ones need; and the key lies in unexpected quarters indeed. Compared to the previous two books, the feeling of danger in this one isn’t ever present, yet we certainly have unsettling moments—be it in the strange artist’s curious paintings that have unexpected power as does the art decorating his caravan, to the uncanny image of the Greenwitch and the feeling it inspires, or the formidable forces even the old ones must face as they carry out their quest. And then there are the eerie elements, a dreamy space where time isn’t quite stable and also spaces or rather periods of time where magic is at work and its objects unaware they have even been touched. Thoroughly enjoying my first visit of this wonderfully written and engrossing fantasy series! 4.5 stars ...more |
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Dec 23, 2022
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Paperback
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| 1913527727
| 9781913527723
| B08MGZNVJ9
| 3.82
| 241
| 1948
| Jan 04, 2021
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A charming piece of fiction, The Foolish Gentlewoman (1948), which falls exactly midway between Margery Sharp’s twenty-five novels for adults (number
A charming piece of fiction, The Foolish Gentlewoman (1948), which falls exactly midway between Margery Sharp’s twenty-five novels for adults (number 13; she also wrote children’s books), unfolds in post-war England. As the book opens, sixty-year-old Simon Brocken, a typical bachelor (with no very high opinion of women, especially their intelligence), arrives at Chipping Hill, the home of his widowed sister-in-law, Isabel Brocken, the ‘foolish gentlewoman’ of the title, where he has been invited to stay while his own home which was damaged in the war is repaired. Here he finds he isn’t the only guest. Isabel’s nephew, Humphrey Garrett, recently demobbed is staying there as is a Miss Jacqueline Brown, who was in the ATS and is now here as Isabel’s companion. Also living on the premises but separately are the Pooles. Mrs Poole was appointed by Simon as caretaker for the house while it was empty, and she continues to stay on doing small chores and the (hot) cooking, while Jacqueline and Isabel take care of the rest. Mrs Poole’s fourteen-year-old daughter, who is very attached to her mother, stays with her. And there’s Isabel’s old Sealyham, Bogie. This is a rather motely group of people—Isabel, a nice-looking plump widow of fifty-five, who is good natured and good hearted, wanting those around her to be happy, the young ones Humphrey and Jacqueline who are slightly romantically interested in each other but also in much need of rest after the war, while also having to think of what next, and the grumpy and pompous Simon who wishes mostly to be left alone, and disapproves all the changes that have taken place since the wars. But they soon learn to adjust to each other’s ways and settle into a comfortable life. The Pooles have their own routines and enjoyments and neither group bothers much with the other. But Isabel has something on her mind. Soon after Simon has moved in, Isabel brings up a sermon she has recently heard (and she isn’t a regular church goer) about past ‘sins’ having to be made up, and Simon’s general agreement with these views leads her to extend an invitation to her distant cousin, Tilly Cuff, who had lived with them for a while when Isabel and her sister, Ruth were young, and whom Isabel feels she has wronged. Not only that, she also intends to make over all of her fortune to Tilly. Simon, Humphrey and Jackie are naturally shocked but there seems little they can do to dissuade Isabel from giving effect to her plan, except Simon managing to convince her to delay telling Tilly Cuff the full extent of it at least till the latter settles in. Tilly was not a very likeable person when they first knew her, and Simon hopes perhaps Isabel might change her mind or at least won’t give away all the money. Even before Tilly’s arrival, the other three seem to dread it, and when she does arrive, things slowly turn from bad to worse. In small ways, Tilly starts to create trouble, raking up matters that were left alone earlier, making every one uncomfortable and nervy and not getting along with each other as they did. Only Isabel seems to carry on as usual and even though she realises Tilly is not very nice, she seems determined to give effect to her plan. Does she? How do things turn out? I loved reading this book and how Margery Sharp told this unusual little tale. She gives us a good feel of post war England, with the changing face of the neighbourhood—some people having lost their lives, others moved away, old houses lost or badly damaged; the different views and problems—the older ones like Simon and Isabel reminiscing over the world before the war (Isabel more about people and homes, and Simon more about changing mores and lifestyles), while the younger ones are still recovering, and also wondering (particularly Jacqueline who hasn’t had much of an education) what lies ahead for them. Alongside the Pooles are into football pools (er… no pun intended), film stars, and perms, and Mrs Poole goes dancing every week. The story is gentle and told with humour and yet also realistic all through (Bogey’s loyalties included). We have an assorted set of people who manage to get along happily enough but whose life is disrupted by the arrival of Tilly Cuff. All of them realise that she is trying to make trouble, yet they aren’t able to entirely withstand the effects or carry on as normal. There is no great drama, but small changes and annoyances which make life far less pleasant that it was. None of our characters have any grand changes of heart or transformations, each of them remains as they essentially are at the core, yet some can and do surprise. I liked that despite feeling that Isabel isn’t exactly taking a most sensible decision, the others are almost all able to see and appreciate the sentiment behind it, and none tries to compel her into doing otherwise or into changing her mind (apart from Simon’s obvious disapproval); and that Isabel is the one person who seems to keep her calm and good nature all through while the others are affected in more ways than one. How things play out at the end is also quite realistic; surprising, but not storybook, which I also thought was nicely done. 4.5 stars ...more |
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Dec 08, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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| 0312330871
| 9780312330873
| 0312330871
| 4.28
| 1,422,421
| Nov 06, 1939
| May 03, 2004
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it was amazing
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Many nursery rhymes, much like fairy tales, even though they are now largely read by children, have rather dark and sinister meanings and undertones,
Many nursery rhymes, much like fairy tales, even though they are now largely read by children, have rather dark and sinister meanings and undertones, whether it is ‘Three Blind Mice’ or ‘Ring a Ring o Roses’ or ‘Mary Mary Quite Contrary’ dealing with themes like the plague or religious persecution. Agatha Christie is quite the master of using these ominous poems to build her mysteries around and with great effect. And ‘Ten Little Soldier Boys’, another of these, which originally appeared in at least two earlier versions, both containing racial slurs or insensitive language, is similarly used by her in 1939 novel, And Then There Were None, a book which came out on top in the vote for the world’s favourite Agatha Christie, organized for her 125th birthday; like the poem, the book too had to be purged of its originally racist title. But leaving those discussions aside, it isn’t hard to see why this book won that vote, or indeed why Christie more than deserves that epithet—Queen of Crime—when one reads it. Before I get to the book and my thoughts on it (though, I’ve actually already said what I thought, haven’t I?), I just wanted to briefly go back to the confusion I had as to my reading of this book, and that was that I wasn’t sure when I bought a copy of this recently whether I had ever actually read it before. I knew the story having seen and read various versions and adaptations, but just couldn’t remember if the original was among these. And this is though I’ve been reading Christie since my early teens, am a great fan, and have read well over 50, perhaps even over 60 of her books so far. But now that I did read it, I realised that I hadn’t in fact done so because every scene, and every detail felt new, it didn’t all come flooding back as things do with a book read long ago and forgotten. And I am glad I did finally read it. And Then There Were None opens with a varied set of people, a school teacher who takes up a secretarial post during the vacations, a former army man, a retired judge, a doctor, and a spinster, among them, responding to somewhat vague invitations from people claiming acquaintance or invoking common friends. All of them, eight to be precise, are travelling to Soldier’s Island, a place on which a modern house was built by an American millionaire who later sold it, and where elaborate parties are thrown and entertainments organized, and as to the ownership of which rumours abound, especially among residents of the nearby village. When the guests arrive, they find they are to be attended on by a couple, Mr and Mrs Rogers, and their hosts, the Owens, whom we soon find none of them have seen or even heard of before will join them the next day. The house is well provided for, and each room, besides other ornaments, has on its wall a copy of the sinister rhyme, Ten Little Soldier Boys which seems befitting given the island’s name That evening at dinner, though, all present, including the Rogers are in for a shock for suddenly a voice begins to play, accusing each of them of murder, naming victims, years, and locations. A chill goes through the room and each accused reacts differently. Some like Philip Lombard accused of letting over 20 men of an East African tribe die, or Anthony Marson accused of running over two children in his car are brazen with no remorse or regret over their actions and no denial, some defend themselves dubbing what happened accidents or mere performance of duty, some outrightly deny any knowledge or role (while admitting it to themselves), while one, Miss Brent doesn’t believe there was anything wrong with her actions. Shaken thoroughly but not knowing what to make of the indictment, the guests proceed to dinner but then their mysterious accuser strikes and one guest falls down dead. And then by the next day, another. Before long they realise that each death corresponds to the lines of the ominous children’s song. But can they find the person responsible in time? Can they get away? And is there any truth to the accusations? And Then There Were None may not be the first time that a plot with a closed circle of people, a remote and cut-off location, and each person present with the equal chance of being the victim or the perpetrator was done (I read a review very recently of a similar plot done earlier, but I can’t find my note for it), but even knowing the broad structure of the plot and possible outcome, Christie has done such an excellent job of it that one comes away enjoying every moment, for not only is the plot executed perfectly (and in a way that one really doesn’t know who, with one major clue coming only very close to the end), there are also developments that one doesn’t see coming, and more than even all this, that creepy and menacing atmosphere that comes across in the book that I’ve never felt work as well in any of the adaptations. The atmosphere was probably the aspect I enjoyed most in the book for one knows that each of those present will be targeted but one is always on one’s toes waiting to see who and how. I found myself turning back to the rhyme over and over wondering how each line would be interpreted in the next murder and whether there was a particular victim the sentence might suit best. Meanwhile the guests are planning their escape, their hopes set on the boat that delivers essentials to the island, but no boat arrives the next day, and then the weather turns making it well-nigh impossible, no matter how many SOSs are sent. Adding to this already fraught atmosphere are ten statutes of soldiers in one of the rooms, a statue vanishing each time a new victim is added. Each person is clearly more or less suspicious of the other, but we see different groups band together at different points, testing out their suspicions—initially the possible presence of a ‘hidden’ outsider, and then later each other. As to the characters themselves, one can’t really say what one feels about them—whether it is the cold and overrighteous Miss Brent who doesn’t believe herself guilty of any wrong, or the defiant Lombard and Marston, or even those who admit to themselves at least that they were responsible for what happened, there is none that one feels the slightest bit of sympathy for. But do they deserve what they are getting and how? Does the terror serve at fitting punishment? The denouement is one we don’t see coming both in terms of who did do it (I didn’t remember from the various versions which one this would be so this was a surprise), but also in the form in which it is written. Saying what will be spoiler for those who haven’t read or seen it so I won’t but there is an element of the dramatic in the way it comes about, and the form if I were to compare matches with another later Christie where has used a similar if not the same way in which we learn the outcome. If like me, by any chance, you haven’t read this yet, don’t wait any longer. Go get a copy and read it! p.s. Being written when it was, there are of course some ideas (like the women automatically taking over the kitchen and only one of the men helping since he considers himself a ‘domestic sort’) which would perhaps not gel with current-day readers, but one has to consider the time it was written and not attach much to these. ...more |
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Aug 26, 2022
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Aug 27, 2022
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Aug 26, 2022
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Paperback
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| 3.88
| 48,611
| Feb 07, 2019
| Feb 19, 2019
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really liked it
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Lancashire 1612: The trial of the ‘Pendle witches’, twelve accused living around Pendle Hill in Lancashire at the time, most from two families the Dev
Lancashire 1612: The trial of the ‘Pendle witches’, twelve accused living around Pendle Hill in Lancashire at the time, most from two families the Devices and Chattoxes who apparently also made allegations against each other, besides others including one Alice Grey. The group was alleged to be responsible for the deaths of 10 people through witchcraft. The only contemporary record of the trial, The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster, was published by the court clerk. And while it is by and large like the witch trials of the period, with healers being among the targets, there is one little mystery event that formed part of the process (I won’t say what and urge you not to read about it till you’ve read the book for part of the outcome would be revealed in that way). It is around this event and ‘mystery’ that English author Stacey Halls’ debut historical fiction work, The Familiars (2019) is based. In The Familiars, we meet young and naïve Fleetwood Shuttleworth, living at Gawthorpe with her husband Richard. Little more than a child, at seventeen, Fleetwood has already been married four years, and has lost all her children so far either suffering miscarriages or still births. While she loves Richard and credits him with having brought her away from her mother’s home which she hated, her youth means she is diffident as far as the home and servants are concerned, hesitating to give orders or make her voice heard. On the other hand, also because of her youth, she plays mirthfully and somewhat boisterously with her French Mastiff, Puck, and rides as actively, something to which Richard and others attribute her frequent miscarriages. Now expecting her fourth child, Fleetwood fears the worst, losing her child, Richard’s love and her own life. Plagued by nightmares, her health deteriorates by the day. But one day, out riding in the woods she meets Alice Gray. Little older than her, Alice has learnt the use of herbs and natural remedies from her mother and worked as a midwife, and Fleetwood hires her, convinced that only Alice can help her become a mother safely. Before long, she starts to see results—she looks better, her appetite improves, and the nightmares subside. But then, Alice is accused in the Pendle witch trial, for she was present with them on one occasion. And almost simultaneously, developments in Fleetwood’s home shake her faith in things she has trusted so far. Determined to bring her baby safely into this world, and also to save Alice who has in many ways been the only friend she has, Fleetwood takes matters into her own hand and sets out looking for evidence to prove Alice innocent. On that path, she finds obstacles she has to face which hadn’t realised existed before simply because she is a woman, becomes more aware of what the world beyond the one she’s known is really like, and emerges a very different Fleetwood than the one with whom we start our journey. Using the Pendle witch trial as her base and as her historical note tells us, real-life characters, Alice Gray (who was among the accused) and Fleetwood and Richard Shuttleworth who did indeed live at Gawthorpe at the time, besides others, Stacey Halls weaves us an engrossing tale, wonderfully written, rich in its historical detail, and a plot that one can’t quite predict in terms of the developments that take place or how Fleetwood goes about trying to rescue her friend. In Fleetwood, we have an excellent heroine. When we start our story, she is young, naïve, happy in her life, yet anxious and fretful because of past miscarriages. Having lived a privileged life, she is blissfully unaware of the world around, and her assessment of her own relationships is largely on face value. She is bold and adventurous on the one side, but also lacks courage and authority when she is handling (or rather, mostly not) her home. But as events progress, she is tested in different ways and emerges stronger, more purposeful, and confident, even if hurt in the process. There is much she has not had to deal with in life so far (even though she has faced her share of problems), and which she begins to realise only as the story progresses. Being a story focusing on a witch trial, the ‘woman question’ is one that arises all through the book. While the Pendle ‘witches’ did include a couple of men, they were mostly women, some accused by each other, others by those that bore them a grudge, it is brought out how it was usually wise women or healers who were the victims, targeted perhaps by people who feared those who knew more or better or even (as in this story) by people who played on the King’s agenda against witchcraft for their own political and social advancement. Alice questions this prejudice against wise women and the king’s approach having driven them into the shadows. But this wasn’t of course the only form of discrimination for as Fleetwood soon realises, when she wants to help her friend, her actions are seen as obstinate and immature, something out of place for women; she cannot even really testify in Alice’s favour for women can only speak when in the dock; and in other matters too, she must simply accept and bear. Though she doesn’t always do this of course, travelling where she must and speaking to whom she must to get to her goal. The contrast between the gentry and the poorer segments of society like Alice too comes up in the story, and Fleetwood brings out an interesting distinction, for from her perspective, rich girls could only sit and wait for a suitable husband to arrive, while the poor could choose for themselves even as equals. Although there was some truth to her view, other chains continued to bind those like Alice who alone is faulted for decisions taken. I enjoyed the historical detail in the book which I felt was woven in really well, showcasing different aspects from food and apparel to social interactions and mores, entertainments, and gender and class equations, yet all this without seeming too heavy on the detail or incorporated simply to put information across. Instead, it was just the extent and amount needed to flesh out the story in the best possible way. Alongside we have that slightly unsettling atmosphere, in line with the witchcraft theme explored. The plot, while entirely fictional, is done in a way that gives us a quite believable story with the characters acting in agreement with their personalities, and by and large the time period. Even the questioning of social norms where they do takes into account their character and circumstances, though I did wonder at some places whether they would, given the time period, have done so quite so directly. I liked how things are resolved at the end—things are put to rights in a way, but also realistically in that while some misunderstandings are resolved, compromises too, have to be made. There is also a touch of magic realism at play which I really liked. A quite excellent read over all, and one doesn’t certainly feel like a debut. Copy reviewed: paperback; London: Zaffre, 2019, pp. 420; own purchase. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 22, 2022
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Aug 24, 2022
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Aug 24, 2022
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Hardcover
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| 1844080412
| 9781844080410
| 1844080412
| 3.98
| 21,400
| Sep 1941
| Jan 01, 2003
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really liked it
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Frenchman’s Creek is a novel of romance, of adventure, of pirates and of Cornwall, and rather different from the gothic, suspense/thriller themes one
Frenchman’s Creek is a novel of romance, of adventure, of pirates and of Cornwall, and rather different from the gothic, suspense/thriller themes one usually associates with her. A novel I’d enjoyed very much on my first read years ago, this was a revisit for Ali’s #DDMReadingWeek (https://heavenali.wordpress.com/ddmre...) for this year. In Frenchman’s Creek, we meet the daring and impetuous, Lady Dona St Colomb, married to a baronet, the good natured, but clumsy and not very bright Harry. She scandalises those around her and makes herself the talk of London by going out drinking and dining with Harry, ‘the only wife amongst a crowd of mistresses’, flirts with his friend Rockingham (who proves to be a rather unpleasant person, to say the least), and plays pranks. But one prank having gone too far, she realises how much she actually despises London life and all that she’s become, and decides to escape with her two children, Henrietta and James, and their governess Prue to Navron House, Harry’s family home in Cornwall, which has been unoccupied many years. This decision too is on the spur of the moment and must be given effect to as rapidly, irrespective of how any one else feels in the matter. At Navron, she finds the house in the charge of only one servant, William, who unlike the usual rung of servants is quite forward in his responses, but somehow Dona takes to him and allows him to remain. She begins to spend her days simply enjoying the peace and quiet, and nature. A short visit from Goldolphin one of her husband’s old friends (whom she finds a ‘turnip’) makes her aware of the presence of pirates in the neighbourhood, but she knows even from his account that their deeds seem far too exaggerated, and the local nobility far too dim-witted to be able to outwit them. Nonetheless when she falls within their path, she is a little afraid but soon finds the band, and indeed their leader Aubéry very different from what she’d pictured pirates to be. Soon, she finds herself falling in love and also finding excitement in life once again, joining in on their adventures. But these adventures are no pranks that she played in London and the consequences and dangers very real, and the decisions she takes will impact her whole life! Like my first time reading the book, once again, I found this one entertaining and thorough good fun. The story is a romance at its heart, no doubt, but there is plenty more too it as well which makes it a far richer reading experience. The ‘pirate’ that Dona falls in love with, Jean-Benoit Aubéry, is a gentleman-pirate, who like her has escaped the life he was leading back on his estates, his adventures (usually well planned and executed) bringing him a sense of contentment that he never had. Dona joining the crew on its adventures, finds excitement, and feels herself alive once again, bringing about a complete change in her. As is the case with most of du Maurier’s novels, Cornwall shines through in this book as well. There are some lovely descriptions of the area around Helston River, and of course, of the sea, and the experience of sailing. In fact, on this reading I noticed more consciously how much nature played a part in this book. Aubéry is fond of birds, observes them carefully and makes sketches of them often; when Dona first comes to Cornwall and starts spending time outdoors, simply lying in the grass, she begins to observe the butterflies, and more so, when she meets and begins spending time with Aubéry, she too begins to appreciate nature, observing the birds—curlews and swans, night-jars and herons—and really also all the beauty around her. More generally also, she begins to appreciate the joy that simple pleasures bring—among them food—the meals she enjoys whether of vegetable soup or fish or chicken roasted over an open fire or a spit, or simply a hunk of toasty (almost black) bread with butter and cheese—all of these bring her much more pleasure than the elaborate meals she is accustomed to. So as much as the sense of excitement, and adventure, the feelings of peace and contentment that simple things in life bring, even time spend in silence amidst nature, are also what contribute to Dona’s happiness. Dona in her rebellion whether in her London life or here again in Cornwall, is in a way also bringing up the issue of the lot of women in her day—she longed to ride with her brothers as a child but couldn’t being a girl, and tries perhaps to achieve that sense of excitement and pleasure through her daring as an adult. That rebellion also reflects in her contempt of the more dull and conventional men around her or in her reaction at ‘dutiful’ wives having to endlessly bear children till the desired heir is born. I had fun with the adventure elements of the story, especially when Dona joins the crew on a pirating adventure. The thoughts and doubts in her mind during this episode were well done, and ones one would expect someone in her position to experience. But towards the end when things take a more dangerous turn, I felt things became a little too dramatic for my liking. However, I did like how du Maurier chose to end the book—it seems just right somehow. I was pleased to have revisited this book after so long. p.s. I also rather liked the opening chapter which reminded me of Kipling’s Way Through the Woods. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 14, 2022
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May 15, 2022
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May 14, 2022
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Paperback
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| 0099493640
| 9780099493648
| 0099493640
| 3.84
| 4,508
| 1936
| May 23, 2006
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really liked it
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Behold, Here’s Poison (1936) is the second of Georgette Heyer’s mysteries featuring Superintendent Hannasyde; in these Hemingway, who later features i
Behold, Here’s Poison (1936) is the second of Georgette Heyer’s mysteries featuring Superintendent Hannasyde; in these Hemingway, who later features in his own subset of mysteries, is Sergeant. Behold, Here’s Poison opens below-the-stairs in Poplars, where the unpleasant and domineering patriarch Gregory Matthews lives with his older sister, Harriet, widowed sister-in-law, Zoe, and Zoe’s two children—Guy, who works as an interior decorator in his own venture in partnership with a friend, and Stella. Living close by is Gregory’s married sister, Mrs Lupton, with her husband, Henry and one daughter Janet while another married daughter Agnes also lives not too far. Another nephew and Gregory’s heir Randall lives in London. The morning our story opens, Gregory is found dead in bed. The family put it down to natural causes for Gregory had heart trouble, and had eaten a heavy meal the previous night (including ‘duck’ as Harriet stresses multiple times, rather than the cutlets she’d ordered for him). The doctor, Deryk Fielding agrees that the symptoms are all of syncope, but Mrs Lupton, who is rather like her brother in character, demands a post mortem. While this may have been done just out of spite, it turns out that Gregory had in fact been murdered, poisoned, and with nicotine no less—not a very ‘common’ poison. Hannasyde arrives with Hemingway and the local inspector in tow, only to find yet another dysfunctional family, full of eccentrics, most of them constantly at loggerheads, if not at each other’s throats. Any of them could have done it and most did have a motive—money and love—the usual suspects among them. But which of them did? In its broad structure, this book was much like the previous Hannasyde mystery, Death in the Stocks, with a dysfunctional family with an unlikeable patriarch, a pair of siblings, of which the girl (here Stella) is engaged to a man whom the patriarch disapproves of (here Dr Fielding); the boy in need of money (and here also in danger of being shipped off to Brazil), among other elements. But despite the similarities, it was very much its own story. This book one once again stands out for its writing, eccentric characters and humour. Among the characters, a couple of standouts for me were aunt Harriet, who has an economy-mania to the extreme—so much so that she does some rather morbid things, apart from trying to cut back on expenses so much that people are loath to eat a meal in the house. Then, somewhat on the lines of the Vereker siblings in the previous book, we have Randall Matthews, who drips sarcasm but is also far brighter than he’d like to let on, although we get many hints of this as our story progresses. We also run into a few of the characters from the previous book, which I very much enjoyed, since like in Barbara Pym’s books for instance, one gets to know what they’ve been up to since our previous meeting. Heyer’s writing and the humour in the story are wonderful as always, though in terms of pure dialogue, I felt there was more sparkle in the previous book. There is also a romance thread to which I picked up a hint fairly early on, which led me to count one character at least out of it (though I did wonder if Heyer would still surprise me). There is a fair bit of banter between them, but Stella, at least seems to mean it some of the time. As far as the mystery itself was concerned, I could not at all guess whodunit so that element took me entirely by surprise. Also, the why was something I didn’t work out, but there were a couple of elements as to which I was able to pick up clues as the story progressed (and I think other mystery readers would be able to as well), but which Hannasyde seems to pick up on much later (but then again, we’ve seen and heard things he hasn’t). A delightful read with a great set of characters, and a mystery I could not guess, this one kept me engrossed all the way till the end. 4 stars ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 13, 2022
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Mar 13, 2022
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Mar 13, 2022
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Paperback
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| 1398502227
| 9781398502222
| 1398502227
| 3.92
| 8,283
| Oct 26, 2021
| Feb 03, 2022
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it was amazing
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My thanks to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for a review copy of this book. The Language of Food is a beautiful story of food and of recipes, and als My thanks to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for a review copy of this book. The Language of Food is a beautiful story of food and of recipes, and also of poetry, but more than that of two women who want to dream of and do things that weren’t approved of in the time they wanted to do them or seemed far out of their reach—and who each in their own way lived somewhat beyond convention. The story is based on two real life figures—Eliza Acton, a writer who revolutionised in a sense, the way cookbooks were written, making them not only of the kind we are familiar with today, with elements of precision and clarity, but also weaving into them poetry and a sense of appreciation for food—so far described in only mechanical terms—and her maid, Ann Kirby—who had abilities (and indeed ambitions) that one from her background would not have been expected to have in those days, and worked alongside Eliza for ten years developing and testing the over 500 recipes in the book. As the book opens, we find Ann Kirby, at 17 looking after a mother who is fast deteriorating due to mental illness and requires more and more care and a father who has lost a leg in the war, is an alcoholic and is unable to find or hold on to work. Then the local Reverend Thorpe offers to find her Mam a place in an asylum where she will be looked after while Ann can take a place as maid with a new family who is unaware of the ‘taint’ on her family. Alongside we have the Eliza a spinster at 36 who has published one volume of poetry and dreams of publishing another. But a promising meeting with the publishers, Longmans, turns out quite the opposite when Eliza is told quite categorically that poetry isn’t ‘women’s’ business and she should consider writing a gothic novel, or even better, a cookbook. Shocked, her dreams shattered, and feeling understandably insulted, Eliza leaves. But when her father becomes bankrupt, circumstances change, and she and Mrs Acton must run a boarding house. Now, the prospect of a cookbook seems a way out of their predicament. Having looked at some existing cookbooks, Eliza not only finds how poorly written and unhelpful they are—lacking clarity, and in most cases, also measurements of ingredients—but memories are stirred up of how she had enjoyed food when she travelled to France in the past. Needless to say, Ann is the new maid in the boarding house. Eliza finds Ann’s ability to read and write and interest in food just what she needs to help her, and the unconventional Eliza who treats Ann more as a friend and partner in work rather than a maid captures Ann’s interest as the two work together to create the recipe book. The book is narrated in first person, with alternative chapters in the voices of Ann and Eliza. Alongside the putting together of the recipe book, we also follow the two women’s lives as they deal with opportunities that arise and the problems that face them. This was a beautifully written and very engaging read for me right from the start. I enjoyed following the two women’s lives and both narratives. They two kind of run in continuum with each other since they are for the most part working together on the book, but there are segments where we also follow each of them individually as certain subplots unfold. This is a book about food, so if course there is plenty of it—I loved the process of Eliza working on recipes, testing them out—sometimes on their own, while at others for guests at the boarding house—and how she works at writing them as well. Ann might start out as a maid but soon proves that she can be more in terms of giving her inputs on flavours and even adding her own little touches—something Eliza appreciates. It was interesting to see how Eliza brought about such a revolution in the way cookbooks were written, and was able to, through her poetic writing, take them to a different level. In fact, that poetic approach to and appreciation of different ingredients and tastes comes through in this book as well. For those interested, the author has included a few of the recipes at the end. But more than the food, poetry and family dynamics and relationships (there are also broader social reflections like the attitude to mental illness, the harassment and downright abuse that maids were subjected to by guests, etc.) what I liked best was that both the central characters—Eliza and Ann—are strong women who dare to dream and dare to live beyond convention (They also have more in common than thy realise, both families having secrets which if revealed can have consequences). Eliza for instance is a spinster who wants only to write and publish poetry—and wants to be identified with it—not use pseudonyms or disguises—something much disapproved of by her mother since she thinks Eliza’s poems reveal too much of her emotion. When she picks up the cookbook project, she has no qualms about turning cook in the boarding house, nor does she treat Ann as a conventional maid. She sees this not as simply a cookbook, but something that will change the way things are being done in the country—perhaps bring more women back into the kitchen. In fact, only as the story progresses, we come to appreciate this much more, and Eliza for the choices she has made. Ann too, is somewhat unconventional, having been taught to read and write by her mother. She dreams of being a cook (like her brother Jack who is apprenticed to a chef in London), even though this is not possible at her age (at 17 she is too ‘old’ to climb too far), but she is lucky that with Eliza she has a chance to realise these ambitions. But luck apart, she is also someone who speaks up for herself and questions what she finds unfair. (The author’s note mentions that little is known about Ann so her story is mostly fictionalized while Eliza’s is more based on fact, though her in her case too, information was limited). All-in-all this made for an engrossing read, with strong main characters, which I enjoyed very much. I would be remiss in this review if I don’t mention the lovely cover of the book (which reminds me very much of Delft pottery). While I reviewed an e-arc, the physical copy which I have seen pictures of is absolutely gorgeous, including the lovely painted book edges. 4.5 stars ...more |
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Mar 07, 2022
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Mar 10, 2022
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Mar 07, 2022
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Hardcover
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| 3.71
| 799
| Jun 20, 2023
| Jun 20, 2023
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really liked it
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My thanks to Inkshares and Edelweiss for a review copy of the book. Unnatural Ends is a murder mystery set in a small village in the Yorkshire moors in My thanks to Inkshares and Edelweiss for a review copy of the book. Unnatural Ends is a murder mystery set in a small village in the Yorkshire moors in the 1920s involving family dynamics, secrets and centred around a rather unsettling theme. As the book opens, we meet three siblings, Alan, Roger and Caroline Linwood arriving at their home Linwood Hall, as their father, Sir Lawrence Linwood has died. The three are shocked to learn that their father’s death was not a natural one, and he was rather brutally murdered in his own study. Not only that, according to the terms of his will, whichever of the three solves the murder stands to inherit Linwood Hall. We soon learn that the three siblings were all adopted by Sir Lawrence and two of them are of mixed race. Sir Lawrence was harsh and strict but brought up the three children to achieve laurels in their own ways; always trying to make them ‘strong', with no room for emotion, even towards each other. Sir Lawrence was much admired in his village for his scientific work had helped improve agriculture and bring prosperity to most. So who could have killed him and why? As the siblings start to look into this, on their own and together, they start to not only understand the kind of person Sir Lawrence really was but also discover secrets from their own pasts. Told in third person, the narrative shifts between different perspectives; essentially the three siblings but also a couple of times, Inspector Mowbray who is in charge of the case, Lady Linwood, their mother, and Iris Morgan, Robert's girlfriend/fiancée who has accompanied him home. We also get some glimpses of the past when the three were children. I enjoyed these shifts in perspective, particularly between Alan, Roger and Caroline as with these, the lines of enquiry they undertake shift and we also get to see things from each of their viewpoints—Alan is an archaeologist so his views always take into account the past; Roger works with planes and cars, engineering his own improvements while Caroline who works as a journalist and was destined by their father for parliament, is also interested in the theatre and that comes through in her view of things. The dynamics between the three have changed somewhat ever since the war and the three having followed their separate paths, but while they pursue their own investigations they also share the information eventually forming a more complete picture. The atmosphere in the book was quite well done too; Linwood Hall is an imposing old house looking over the village and the moors but more than its age and past, it is Sir Lawrence who looms large through it all. Whether it is when the three were children or now when they’ve grown and set off on their own paths, they continue to be under his shadow and control, always trying to live up to his expectations and doing what he'd want them to. While it isn’t that they haven’t got their interests and personalities but one can see them being stifled almost by their father's shadow. The mystery itself was pretty interesting as well, though I managed to guess whodunit pretty early on. The book did get me to doubt what I thought with some of its twists and turns, but then I found more clues. The why on the other hand was something I did not guess (and pieced together with the siblings), nor some of the other details. The explanation when it emerged while realistic and possible was all the same very unsettling and that and other details did send some chills down my spine. Overall though this made for an interesting and engrossing read both for its plot and characters. 4.25 stars (I lowered my rating a tiny bit because the who was guessable.) ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 04, 2022
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Feb 07, 2022
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Feb 04, 2022
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Kindle Edition
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Lady Clementina
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| 3.61
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it was amazing
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Jun 20, 2021
not set
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Sep 07, 2024
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| 3.69
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really liked it
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Apr 22, 2024
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Apr 21, 2024
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really liked it
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Mar 2024
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Mar 01, 2024
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| 4.37
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really liked it
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Feb 15, 2024
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Feb 13, 2024
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| 3.40
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really liked it
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Dec 24, 2023
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Dec 24, 2023
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| 4.06
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really liked it
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Dec 21, 2023
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Dec 21, 2023
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| 3.70
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really liked it
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Nov 2023
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Nov 02, 2023
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| 4.28
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it was amazing
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Sep 29, 2023
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Sep 27, 2023
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really liked it
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Aug 02, 2023
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Aug 02, 2023
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it was amazing
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Mar 27, 2023
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Mar 28, 2023
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really liked it
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Mar 23, 2023
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| 3.55
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really liked it
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Feb 13, 2023
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| 4.00
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it was amazing
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Aug 26, 2022
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really liked it
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Aug 24, 2022
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Aug 24, 2022
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| 3.98
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really liked it
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May 15, 2022
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May 14, 2022
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| 3.84
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really liked it
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Mar 13, 2022
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Mar 13, 2022
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| 3.92
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it was amazing
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Mar 10, 2022
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Mar 07, 2022
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| 3.71
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really liked it
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Feb 07, 2022
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Feb 04, 2022
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