tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82041560771688642242024-03-13T18:22:52.280+00:00Daydreams and DelightsA bit of this, and a bit of that, but mainly books, films, TV drama and anything else that catches my eye.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-32312450708115207702013-10-01T13:45:00.001+01:002013-10-01T13:45:32.949+01:00The Stranger's Child by Alan Hollinghurst<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAFk0xnC4TJQvj-EHiq9H67pj7zwXM69AuxSs9nnH9jUJbFOFAVJxG4Q1RvFGer5CmI1fHScKgS0oKK9VsFUQVozEjoqyNfDzxqbuRfuXuwHK7Wq_jDGDcRsnIs0PAogt3bzNK2s4fYw/s1600/The+Stranger's+Child+by+Alan+Hollinghurst.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAFk0xnC4TJQvj-EHiq9H67pj7zwXM69AuxSs9nnH9jUJbFOFAVJxG4Q1RvFGer5CmI1fHScKgS0oKK9VsFUQVozEjoqyNfDzxqbuRfuXuwHK7Wq_jDGDcRsnIs0PAogt3bzNK2s4fYw/s1600/The+Stranger's+Child+by+Alan+Hollinghurst.jpeg" /></a></div>
I'm not quite sure how, but I have not read any Alan Hollinghurst until now. It seems like a gross oversight and I am sure I would enjoy his novels. Booker winner with The Line of Beauty, Somerset Maugham winner with The Swimming Pool Library - really, what's not to like? And yet, I've never really felt inclined to read any of them. I'm rather ashamed to admit that what really drew me to get The Stranger's Child out of the library was (in descending order): the cover, the fact it was a shiny new copy which looked pleasingly hefty and the blurb. The blurb put me in mind of Brideshead Revisited, possibly The Cazalet series and a fair dollop of Atonement. A good, old-fashioned family saga and a romp through gorgeous country houses in the first half of the twentieth century. It certainly ticked a good number of my boxes. And true to it's word, it was very enjoyable and I finished it in (for me) record time (just over two weeks - I'm not an especially fast reader and I am still coming to terms with the fact that a one year old doesn't leave you with much time, or energy, for reading). It did remind me of Brideshead, well, certainly the first part did when we got to know Cecil, Daphne and George, but also the character of Paul Bryant brought to mind Charles Ryder - rather unpleasant and distinctly unlikeable, not to mention that unsettling sycophancy and fantasism. What I found particularly clever was the way Hollinghurst shifted between the different parts of the novel. There was no great exposition about how many years had passed, or how these people connect with the previous storylines, but it was never confusing. It just flowed and I think this is to be commended. All too often you get the feeling the author enjoys making you stumble around trying to work out what the heck is going on, but Hollinghurst balances this perfectly - you don't feel it is being explained to you, nor do you feel it is long-drawn out and un-explained. I'm not explaining this very well...but you get my point that the shift in time, central character etc in the novel's separate parts is handled with skill and without compromising the story-telling.<br />
The only problem with the novel is that it, well, it just sort of peters out. So much so that I actually wondered if I was missing a final chapter (always a worry with library books, I don't know why) and it took me a few minutes to realise that no, that was it. A couple of days on and I have come to terms with it - and I almost like that it left me feeling that way. After all, life doesn't have a tidy ending, does it? We don't finish any stage of our lives thinking 'great, that's all sorted then, nothing left over for the next generation to worry about.' It also gives you the chance to use the old grey cells, and think about what you have read. What did I learn through these characters? What did I learn about myself and my own family? Of course, this will be different for every reader and we will never know the truth about the Valances, Keepings et al. And for once, I am quite happy with that.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-18794318510130922912013-09-27T13:39:00.000+01:002013-09-27T13:39:11.980+01:00My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaZj1NfexzuDG3_j7FT2cqD36XjPB1SQ8L-nR0L4Pj49pJnyqz2hyQefUwYhmdaETUniZRRJLrunW6kbeOWtx1BA1izMggkWmZRviRy6yXCqXSyh6m-izBqMFH_FPEX3NkrElStbNIj4/s1600/My+Cousin+Rachel+by+Daphne+du+Maurier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaZj1NfexzuDG3_j7FT2cqD36XjPB1SQ8L-nR0L4Pj49pJnyqz2hyQefUwYhmdaETUniZRRJLrunW6kbeOWtx1BA1izMggkWmZRviRy6yXCqXSyh6m-izBqMFH_FPEX3NkrElStbNIj4/s200/My+Cousin+Rachel+by+Daphne+du+Maurier.jpg" width="127" /></a>Having enjoyed Rebecca so much, I thought I would jump straight in with another Daphne du Maurier. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cousin-Rachel-Virago-Modern-Classics/dp/1844080404/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298642931&sr=8-1">My Cousin Rachel</a>, like Rebecca, centres around a mysterious woman. In this case, it is the narrator's distant cousin, Rachel. We never really get to know Rachel, but she has many of the characteristics of Rebecca. She is charismatic and has an aura around. What I find interesting is why Du Maurier was so drawn to writing about female characters like this. At first read it can seem that she is saying that women are deceitful and secretive, manipulative and scheming, but I think her intention was very different. What Rebecca and Rachel have in common is misconception. Both women are thought to be different to how they are and I think it is this that Du Maurier is railing against.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-71305513838517145622011-09-04T15:05:00.003+01:002011-09-04T15:05:50.132+01:00The Group by Mary McCarthy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55x0orQkkRmKnVkZyYLK8HpENH3B_PT8WY_K-F_2jj6cmus6nYVuMeWAjaFpKoQ93GtILVlUgi7q6hK4FpGQqJQb_6kH2P9yu2pZQPNm8G0Shen_WFcWlFZKappMCSbWqfDBW-6ktGYM/s1600/The+Group+by+Mary+McCarthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55x0orQkkRmKnVkZyYLK8HpENH3B_PT8WY_K-F_2jj6cmus6nYVuMeWAjaFpKoQ93GtILVlUgi7q6hK4FpGQqJQb_6kH2P9yu2pZQPNm8G0Shen_WFcWlFZKappMCSbWqfDBW-6ktGYM/s320/The+Group+by+Mary+McCarthy.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
This book had been sitting on my shelf since I stumbled across it in a charity shop about a year ago. I think it had been re-issued a couple of months previously and there was a good deal of buzz about it. As with so many books that I pick up second-hand I didn't get around to reading it straight away and then it got forgotten as other more demanding books took my fancy.<br />
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When I noticed a couple of weeks ago my enthusiasm for it had completely waned. It was only because I had just finished Lucy Moore's wonderful <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anything-Goes-Biography-Roaring-Twenties/dp/1843547783/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1315144139&sr=1-1">Biography of the Roaring Twenties: Anything Goes</a> that I was considering reading it. But if there is one thing I have learnt over my years of reading it is that just because a book doesn't feel like the right book to read at the moment doesn't mean that you won't enjoy it and be proved utterly wrong. And so it was with <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Group-Mary-McCarthy/dp/1844085937/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315144273&sr=1-1">The Group</a>. I'm not sure how, but I had the impression that this was a non-fiction book. That was my first eyebrow-raising moment. Second was the joy of Candace Bushnell's introduction. If I had previously doubted whether I wanted to read the book or not I had completely changed my mind by the end of the Introduction. Candace describes it as a book that her Mother had recommended to her as a teenager. At that age she had not enjoyed it and I think therein lies the secret of this book. The story, of a group of girl-friends from Vassar college, follows the girls as they make their way in the big, bad world outside of college. They all have hopes, dreams and expectations, just like young women today, and they none of them quite know what life will throw at them. Suffice to say that within the group they all suffer, they all gain and they all show strength and resilience in the face of challenges and disappointments. Their story is timeless. OK, so the specifics may have changed, but the central theme of the story is that we cannot predict how life will turn out... and that's not a bad thing. My only criticism of the book is that it could have told me more. I had grown to love these women, for all their idiosyncrasies and flaws. They reminded me of friends, acquaintances and colleagues and their stories were all ones I had seen play out in real life, and for that reason I understand why it might not appeal to younger readers. It is the mirror it holds up to our own lives (and those of our friends) that make it such an intriguing and genuinely touching read.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-51431756523984256202011-07-31T13:20:00.000+01:002011-07-31T13:20:41.479+01:00The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByJzCyLFFwWE-9uhBalKM6eSnjXgW6aNG_ZvqdIspPEr5jXs9BYh2Vbi7DH1BSIQB08dLtqQW-LsufWayExZgJrp4ekQ-pan43ztIRJjIl3SfEHUcZZlJ7_lDPCyjgRJ-RWFTZWeSXqc/s1600/The+Red+Queen+by+Philippa+Gregory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByJzCyLFFwWE-9uhBalKM6eSnjXgW6aNG_ZvqdIspPEr5jXs9BYh2Vbi7DH1BSIQB08dLtqQW-LsufWayExZgJrp4ekQ-pan43ztIRJjIl3SfEHUcZZlJ7_lDPCyjgRJ-RWFTZWeSXqc/s200/The+Red+Queen+by+Philippa+Gregory.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>I would describe Philippa Gregory's historic fiction as a guilty pleasure but you know what? I don't actually feel that guilty about it. Her writing is compelling and enjoyable and she really makes the characters come alive, by giving them motives and backgrounds. This is the second of the Cousins trilogy and is as fascinating and well written as The White Queen. Following the life of Margaret Beaufort, we see the Lancastrian side of the story this time and what I really enjoyed was the cross-over between the two books. Margaret Beaufort and Elizabeth Woodville's lives are set against each other and reflect the contrasts and conflicts of the Lancastrians and the Yorks.<br />
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I'm sure for scholars or students of the period the historic fact is a little too black and white, but for me it simply enthuses me and makes me want to learn more about the period, which can only be a good thing, surely?Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-74823500898445023642011-02-13T10:46:00.000+00:002011-02-13T10:46:49.059+00:00The Warden by Anthony Trollope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m3BTWPDleXPdPy4jx9C-JiTaO_X9CwXjFEc2shkRCMbRwFW-7iWtH3GvWuiZbSXAKV8pjiGojo2h_Qc6Bz249qkc78TkVtNMnef8dnRaI-SjbPq-GYASV4N7jK0ZH0CbgPLnu9H4pCM/s1600/The+Warden+by+Anthony+Trollope.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m3BTWPDleXPdPy4jx9C-JiTaO_X9CwXjFEc2shkRCMbRwFW-7iWtH3GvWuiZbSXAKV8pjiGojo2h_Qc6Bz249qkc78TkVtNMnef8dnRaI-SjbPq-GYASV4N7jK0ZH0CbgPLnu9H4pCM/s1600/The+Warden+by+Anthony+Trollope.gif" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Discovering Anthony Trollope is a wonderful experience - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/019953778X/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0140432140&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1SBAH0DV6B8ZYBPGWMTD">The Warden by Anthony Trollope</a> is the first of his Barsetshire novels and only my second ever Trollope read. Having been a life-long fan of Dickens, I admit to being a little biased and resisting Trollope for some time. I'm so glad that I decided to go against my better judgement and give Trollope a chance. His writing is just wonderful and his characters more than compare to Dickens.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Warden tells the story of Septimus Harding who is the warden (no surprise there) of an almshouse in Barchester. The plot centres around a legal action against Mr Harding, challenging the living he makes from the wardenship. Trollope examines the effects of investigative journalism on those involved and how it colours opinions and can damage reputations. There is biting satire - Dickens is lambasted as Mr Popular Sentiment, an author writing novels pandering to the masses and manipulating their emotions. But it is also a story about human relationships and what brings us happiness.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc7J_tNSfVBZH4emgev0YoHMdo-jdc_wjf6J9xTbhMu_DG2HXf_z9i2OvbS4TG1MGuTq5iIJNk0K2NwOP4fmNZb0jTi2KBQuDanM8dNgEPZxUc7rNGbRBwb-GRzF22tJ77nJku08EodI/s1600/Anthony+Trollope.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc7J_tNSfVBZH4emgev0YoHMdo-jdc_wjf6J9xTbhMu_DG2HXf_z9i2OvbS4TG1MGuTq5iIJNk0K2NwOP4fmNZb0jTi2KBQuDanM8dNgEPZxUc7rNGbRBwb-GRzF22tJ77nJku08EodI/s200/Anthony+Trollope.gif" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthony Trollope</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">What I find so intriguing about this novel is how it has remained so fresh and applicable to society today. Journalism and publishing still influence opinion and can manipulate the general public.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IbDU7pGazETY9Kxv0gCjF13asBgAAnG41JzI-3zCCe75e0eUpprPu9BOejZEYDubVIgWcL6sMg0bg_QXk49vtkSSa2Eq6w-AiJeRfgaccRxLKQRUn2nFb06WUYQnMEXf5YV4BwjgaeQ/s1600/Charles+Dickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IbDU7pGazETY9Kxv0gCjF13asBgAAnG41JzI-3zCCe75e0eUpprPu9BOejZEYDubVIgWcL6sMg0bg_QXk49vtkSSa2Eq6w-AiJeRfgaccRxLKQRUn2nFb06WUYQnMEXf5YV4BwjgaeQ/s200/Charles+Dickens.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Popular Sentiment</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">While I will never turn my back on Dickens, I can now appreciate that Trollope is a writer of equal importance and possibly greater talent. While Dickens embraced and shaped popular thought and opinion Trollope questioned and challenged them and in some ways this makes Trollope's work more universal and lasting. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the Barsetshire novels and am grateful that Trollope was as prolific as Dickens!</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-65673224246409504372011-02-13T09:21:00.000+00:002011-02-13T09:21:26.615+00:00One Day by David Nicholls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUzV9tjPmwUduMnf7Nbgjkp0-OQTacd1lo0fBFx0b5PkSrd5gBglRcGSjosxtZYEwg2jSt1wdupxt5sJ9QsgQR6EsKrEad9m8EgvWapXU9OoQiT_m_eb0_YdN6gQZWxughfdnSN5J_hA/s1600/One+Day+by+David+Nicholls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUzV9tjPmwUduMnf7Nbgjkp0-OQTacd1lo0fBFx0b5PkSrd5gBglRcGSjosxtZYEwg2jSt1wdupxt5sJ9QsgQR6EsKrEad9m8EgvWapXU9OoQiT_m_eb0_YdN6gQZWxughfdnSN5J_hA/s200/One+Day+by+David+Nicholls.jpg" width="125" /></a>I don't think I would have ordinarily picked this book up were it not for a string of recommendations by book bloggers and friends. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Day-David-Nicholls/dp/0340896981/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297587645&sr=8-1">One Day by David Nicholls</a> turned out to be one of those books that really took me surprise. It started off as straight-forward. It's the story of two people who spent one night and day together following their university graduation. We then catch up with them on the anniversary of that day (St Swithin's day) over the next twenty years. I think the beauty of this book is that it all seems so real - Emma and Dexter are people you know, the situations they find themselves in are those that we, or our friends, go through. It's a book about the things in life that matter - love, friendship and realising your dreams. I started off thinking it was going to be a story that I have read a million times before and yet the brilliant thing about David Nicholls is that he manages to make this seemingly standard love story different and memorable. For all the things about the story that are familiar, there are still moments that surprise, and shock.<br />
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There's an up-coming film adaptation of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1563738/">One Day</a>, due later this year, starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. Having seen (and enjoyed) other films and tv projects that David Nicholls has written (Starter for Ten and Cold Feet) I have no doubt that this adaptation will work really well.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-92181601533853157152011-02-05T20:03:00.000+00:002011-02-05T20:03:16.572+00:00Brighton Rock - the film<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOa00yAxvCSbq86Q70PbtfwLEAdn_7TVj5NC5uQjWtlqnwwGfWboMN2r0fSGHZLdP3IQf5uZNGsSvy1zzE8iMgUe3-e12cxHVifs__PllO9kMIL_5JY2J4VqTLy316-xowOMmv-cXTTE/s1600/Brighton+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOa00yAxvCSbq86Q70PbtfwLEAdn_7TVj5NC5uQjWtlqnwwGfWboMN2r0fSGHZLdP3IQf5uZNGsSvy1zzE8iMgUe3-e12cxHVifs__PllO9kMIL_5JY2J4VqTLy316-xowOMmv-cXTTE/s320/Brighton+Rock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Went to see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1233192/">Brighton Rock</a> at the lovely <a href="http://www.everymancinema.com/cinemas/reigate/today/whats-on">Reigate Everyman cinema</a> this afternoon, and am still a little undecided about it. Of course, there is no arguing that the cinematography is beautiful and the acting, for the most part, is wonderful. Andrea Riseborough gives Rose an innocence and childlike quality that goes some way to making her character believable. Sam Riley, whilst certainly brooding and menacing wasn't much else and we never got a sense of why he was the way he was. I haven't read the book, but watching the film made me wonder how much more there is in the novel than they were able to squeeze into the film. So much of the story seems to be unexplained - I don't think we saw enough of Rose and her home life to understand her willingness to devote herself unconditionally to Pinkie. The religious aspects of the story are glossed over and there are many sub-plots which are hinted at, but left undeveloped. It may be that the book is much the same but I felt that many of the characters seemed quite flat because their motives were unexplained. On the plus side, the film certainly gave me a good deal to think about - what makes us love or trust people the people we do, what are we driven by? - and it also made me want to read the novel!</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-9825244885011878932011-02-05T19:24:00.001+00:002011-02-05T20:08:39.866+00:00Footsteps in the Dark by Georgette Heyer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichzwuitLpYggWwMDeeHfrmjCFSMTdqswZkvrWJfPOnO8ZDMLmQdv2Xumo3VDipTRntJtd3H7093Hx-HE1qj61ZiYCs5tr2t2KfZe7KpFsLOOy8KOM7mQrx3P2spHtWX1x5IHjhdTHE50/s1600/Footsteps+in+the+Dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichzwuitLpYggWwMDeeHfrmjCFSMTdqswZkvrWJfPOnO8ZDMLmQdv2Xumo3VDipTRntJtd3H7093Hx-HE1qj61ZiYCs5tr2t2KfZe7KpFsLOOy8KOM7mQrx3P2spHtWX1x5IHjhdTHE50/s200/Footsteps+in+the+Dark.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Having read my first Georgette Heyer crime novel a couple of weeks ago, I thought I knew what to expect from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Footsteps-Dark-Georgette-Heyer/dp/0755108957/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1296931831&sr=8-14">Footsteps in the Dark</a> and it started off true to form. Celia, her husband Charles and siblings Peter and Margaret have moved into the Priory which the Fortescue children have inherited from their Uncle. The locals are full of tales about The Monk - a mysterious ghost that haunts the Priory and its surroundings. So the Edwardian country house is there, as are the upper class heroes - but this novel has more than a touch of the supernatural about it and for much of the first half of the book I was convinced this was more of a ghost story than a crime fiction.<br />
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Heyer is so readable and perfectly draws you into the story - and that is what I love about her books. They are complete escapism and while the mysteries are not the most complex (I confess to guessing the ending, although not that much before it was revealed!) and yet it remains a real page-turner. Thank heavens she was such a prolific writer - these are the sort of novels I love to have 'on standby' for those times when I want an easy, enjoyable read.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aP3coKJ1MdhVpFRu5q9iapPUpXFOMS7dYW0kEdq5Xb2sw6mPCzQcYvIb4s85pzm4v1TO09S_f_buVlECneLXGObRXgVylJSu5jivZ1pQ-X4hElyvCXrtBhw7x0KGaFNCuMg1i2goJcs/s1600/Anthony+Trollope.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aP3coKJ1MdhVpFRu5q9iapPUpXFOMS7dYW0kEdq5Xb2sw6mPCzQcYvIb4s85pzm4v1TO09S_f_buVlECneLXGObRXgVylJSu5jivZ1pQ-X4hElyvCXrtBhw7x0KGaFNCuMg1i2goJcs/s200/Anthony+Trollope.gif" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anthony Trollope</td></tr>
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Putting aside Heyer, I have now thrown myself into the world of Barsetshire and begun <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Warden-Penguin-Classics-Anthony-Trollope/dp/0140432140/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296933670&sr=1-2">The Warden</a> by Anthony Trollope. I have only previously read one Trollope, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Way-Live-Now-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140433929/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296933601&sr=1-3">The Way We Live Now</a>, and I thought it was wonderful and I am very hopeful that The Warden will also deliver! Trollope's characters are so vividly created and his writing so smooth that it makes his novels an absolute joy to read. Much as it pains me to say, I may even end up preferring Trollope to Dickens...Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-65959483775833861932011-02-05T19:06:00.000+00:002011-02-05T19:06:46.366+00:00Pretty Woman at the Prince Charles cinema<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCRqZcjid13LqNPo0F4ovWJo6TKLLBeV399uaOTEi-ID4W1c7L2Yy2wT-3MosdYzcdV94wMl9MxbzIOZPTOCBP-V-G9L2HDezEPABXUVhVctkJaXl7gxtrnJA5yNp_mPsjRkJskj_s0k/s1600/Pretty+Woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicCRqZcjid13LqNPo0F4ovWJo6TKLLBeV399uaOTEi-ID4W1c7L2Yy2wT-3MosdYzcdV94wMl9MxbzIOZPTOCBP-V-G9L2HDezEPABXUVhVctkJaXl7gxtrnJA5yNp_mPsjRkJskj_s0k/s200/Pretty+Woman.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> Some friends and I went to see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100405/">Pretty Woman</a> and the <a href="http://www.princecharlescinema.com/">Prince Charles cinema</a> in Leicester Square last night. It's one of my favourite films and I don't think I had ever seen it on the big screen. It was one of those really lovely cinema experiences when everyone there loves the film, the audience are all in-tune with each other. Going to see a film you know is such a different experience to seeing something brand new. At the start of the film I was wondering how much of it I would remember - and about ten minutes into the fim all of us found ourselves mouthing along to some of the lines. And of course the music is fantastic! The cinema were showing this as part of their 'Feel Good Friday' series and that's exactly what it was - we all came out of the film feeling really happy (and after the day some of us had at work, that was no mean feat!) and ready for the weekend. Even on the train home we were still talking about it - and the chap sitting next to me (easily in his fifties) even joined in to say how much he loved the film (although for him it was Julia Roberts' smile that made it a favourite!<br />
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Of course, is made me want to go home and drag out all my old favourite films - <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/">Back to the Future</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090103/">The Sure Thing</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088847/">The Breakfast Club</a>... and anything with Richard Gere in it! There is something about him that is just so watchable. Unfortunately, the only thing I have at home starring Gere is Chicago, and I wouldn't say that is one of his greatest moments. So, I'm off to <a href="http://www.lovefilm.com/">LoveFilm</a> to stock up on <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080157/">Yanks</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080365/">American Gigolo</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084434/">An Officer and a Gentleman</a>!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-2583082681098652492011-01-30T12:35:00.000+00:002011-01-30T12:35:48.201+00:00A Game of Hide and Seek by Elizabeth Taylor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjjJJ-eIhKHbkDljm89zUQw83D2gy4jREaQeRwi0GyuHt2YdBH0yLa2bgctDT76S54GJ6PnmernuYlMm2xeDjwnlFcj5zdSZ7io4DsfcQmApNX0q1eq6gUrcz8optPKOLttnXz8K_1zo/s1600/A+Game+of+Hide+and+Seek+by+Elizabeth+Taylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjjJJ-eIhKHbkDljm89zUQw83D2gy4jREaQeRwi0GyuHt2YdBH0yLa2bgctDT76S54GJ6PnmernuYlMm2xeDjwnlFcj5zdSZ7io4DsfcQmApNX0q1eq6gUrcz8optPKOLttnXz8K_1zo/s200/A+Game+of+Hide+and+Seek+by+Elizabeth+Taylor.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I kept seeing these beautiful editions of Elizabeth Taylor's novels in the library and local bookshops until I could no longer resist! I had also read several other book bloggers who all sung the praises of Taylor's books. So, with that sense of excitement one gets when about to discover a new author you are sure you're going to love, I picked up <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Game-Hide-Seek-Elizabeth-Taylor/dp/1844086194/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296388382&sr=1-6">A Game of Hide and Seek by Elizabeth Taylor</a> from my local library.<br />
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A Game of Hide and Seek tells the story of Harriet and Vesey, childhood friends whose love is suppressed over many years, through circumstances both in and out of their control. After many summers spent together at Vesey's aunt's house, Harriet and Vesey drift apart. He goes to university, moving into a different social sphere. Harriet meets and marries Charles - a kind man who was jilted by his first love. She is not in love with Charles, but they fall into marriage because there seems no other option. When Vesey comes back into Harriet's life she is torn between the true and deep love and connection she feels to Vesey and the loyalty she feels towards Charles. Thrown into the mix aswell is Harriet's teenage daughter Betsy, who becomes obsessed with Vesey and his relationship with her mother.<br />
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Taylor's writing is just right - not too meandering and descriptive and not too sparse and clinical. The story is littered with interesting and comic bit players who add to the reality of the world she is creating. I particularly enjoyed the female camaraderie of the girls in the gown shop where Harriet worked and how she grew from a girl to a young woman. It is these women who teach her 'femininity' and that there is more to being a woman than men.<br />
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For me, the cleverness of this novel is the way in which Taylor so carefully balances the different aspects of the story. As a reader you feel no anger towards Harriet as she spends more time with Vesey behind Charles's back. Instead, all I really felt was her confusion as to what was truly right - the age-old quandary of heart or mind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6wxT3Cqnh6nAAdHCL10tQaTqcoMkKzoe4roXg0jwENXoub5FfBYiOrp2vSA9j-Wy4qvKsbBEHjm8Qx5FejUwShZaYGRMxMSbGZDly0U9LcBNyArS0rQoRtNjad6e4PjADPc4QbZE6HI/s1600/Elizabeth+Taylor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6wxT3Cqnh6nAAdHCL10tQaTqcoMkKzoe4roXg0jwENXoub5FfBYiOrp2vSA9j-Wy4qvKsbBEHjm8Qx5FejUwShZaYGRMxMSbGZDly0U9LcBNyArS0rQoRtNjad6e4PjADPc4QbZE6HI/s1600/Elizabeth+Taylor.jpg" /></a>One of the most interesting ideas Taylor explores is that we are born 'complete' in terms of personality, and that life is merely the unfolding and revealing of that true whole self.<br />
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I loved this book and will certainly read more Elizabeth Taylor - beautifully written, with humour and pathos. There may not be much in terms of plot, but in some ways this is an even more skilled type of story-telling - one which teaches us something about the human condition and makes us think about our own motives and decisions.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-65273033226404262011-01-23T16:28:00.000+00:002011-01-23T16:28:35.510+00:00Penhallow by Georgette Heyer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgk3Rql_0hQzSK7lNjQzGW4h7F6GuOPrzu5glu-1LEUuGM_96l9mireK35EONou4CPseCCLtWJfpAs2ypAanxVhOKWx3NZdgj_ALGI6l9w7nXx5jAgNFYotlLg-4NwDywg9JzLP_M8HA/s1600/Penhallow+by+Georgette+Heyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgk3Rql_0hQzSK7lNjQzGW4h7F6GuOPrzu5glu-1LEUuGM_96l9mireK35EONou4CPseCCLtWJfpAs2ypAanxVhOKWx3NZdgj_ALGI6l9w7nXx5jAgNFYotlLg-4NwDywg9JzLP_M8HA/s200/Penhallow+by+Georgette+Heyer.jpg" width="200" /></a>I think I may well have stumbled across a new guilty pleasure - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Penhallow-Miss-Georgette-Heyer/dp/0099493683/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295643490&sr=8-1-catcorr">Penhallow by Georgette Heyer</a> is the type of book that makes commuting a joy. I actually began to look forward to my train journey in the morning (and considering it is still dark when I leave the house, that is no mean feat) because it meant half an hour of pure escapism. Georgette Heyer is probably best known for her Regency period novels, but she also wrote a number of Edwardian novels. What really caught my eye with Penhallow was the wonderful cover - so beautifully Art Deco!<br />
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So, on with the book. Heyer's writing style is very easy to read. She creates interesting characters and her dialogue is believable. Penhallow had comedy and tragedy and moved seamlessly between the two, without trivialising either. For me, there were genuinely heart-breaking moments and the comic moments, although not perhaps laugh-out-loud funny, certainly raised a wry smile.<br />
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The story follows a large, aristocratic family dominated by the cantankerous and devilish Adam Penhallow (an interesting choice of name - Adam, the first man?) Penhallow enjoys playing with people and rules his house with fear. His first wife is set on a pedestal, whilst his second wife can do nothing right and is bullied and humiliated by her husband. Penhallow has called all his children back to the family home for his birthday and we see the whole dynamic of the family creaking and breaking under the pressure.<br />
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What is most unusual about this novel in terms of it being a murder-mystery is that there is no mystery. We know who the murderer is and how/when they commit the murder. We already have the inside story, so what is clever is how convincing and believable the false leads are. Despite knowing the culprit, I couldn't help getting drawn in by the possibilities of the other suspects.<br />
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All in all, not a masterpiece but a good read none-the-less. A great example of a book that can take you to another place and time and make you forget the ordinary and everyday for the time you are reading it.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-89383393889297111552011-01-16T16:44:00.000+00:002011-01-16T16:44:38.522+00:00The Rising Tide by Molly Keane<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0qgJPyJ1odYTJDv6LY3N_wDu6xfN_YfSXReZO5V1SDNz15z5tssR3nhie7EQB4ubw520ja0n2DvKxTd5lYhG8luGWor99WFe2NhvzSRAoVjy1m38NU1UV4xN-F9KFueGsMkqfFfSPH4/s1600/The+Rising+Tide+by+Molly+Keane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0qgJPyJ1odYTJDv6LY3N_wDu6xfN_YfSXReZO5V1SDNz15z5tssR3nhie7EQB4ubw520ja0n2DvKxTd5lYhG8luGWor99WFe2NhvzSRAoVjy1m38NU1UV4xN-F9KFueGsMkqfFfSPH4/s200/The+Rising+Tide+by+Molly+Keane.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rising-Tide-Virago-Modern-Classics/dp/1844083268/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295099410&sr=1-5">The Rising Tide</a> is the third book I have read by Molly Keane and she continues to be an absolute delight. The Rising Tide, written in 1937, was originally published under the pseudonym of M J Farrell. At that time it was considered inappropriate for women of Molly's social status to write novels and she wanted to hide her creative literary side from her hunting friends. It was not until 1981 when she began writing again after a break of nearly thirty years that she published under her own name.<br />
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Her novels describe the lifestyles of the Anglo Irish - a lifestyle with hunting and outdoor pursuits at the very heart of it. Her characters are complex and interesting and her books are full of subtle humour. She does not write comic novels, but her characterisations and plots are full of comedy. She also explores the darker side of that lifestyle - the competitive and snobbish pre-occupation with appearances and the all encompassing obsession with horses and hounds.<br />
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In The Rising Tide we meet the French-McGraths - Lord Ambrose and Lady Charlotte live in Garonlea, a Gothic mansion with their four daughters and one son. Lady Charlotte rules the house, insisting on standards of behaviour totally at odds with the interests of the children. When Desmond falls in love with and marries the beautiful Cynthia, Lady Charlotte's reign comes under threat. Cynthia befriends Diana, the youngest daughter, and Diana comes to live with her in Rathglass, a house in the grounds of Garonlea which Cynthia has taken possession of from some elderly relatives (in her perfectly charming way).<br />
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When tragedy strikes and Desmond is killed in the war, the status quo slowly begins to unravel as Cynthia eventually takes control of Garonlea.<br />
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With such a great cast of characters it would be hard not to love this book. Molly creates such a fascinating and richly described atmosphere - the house and the family really come to life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaJnMZ2qE9-1QuLI6C_UFv4A_tf1S3shK369HQItXFftAefJAigOzUWX-c5Ysx4cP89LR3DcKVe_7ZpdAxxKhAgGIqQxxczm7qe4k5y00NLvmBkaLCYdQFHkuFxAQGD7s-Y5YAo_b_6o/s1600/Georgette+Heyer.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPaJnMZ2qE9-1QuLI6C_UFv4A_tf1S3shK369HQItXFftAefJAigOzUWX-c5Ysx4cP89LR3DcKVe_7ZpdAxxKhAgGIqQxxczm7qe4k5y00NLvmBkaLCYdQFHkuFxAQGD7s-Y5YAo_b_6o/s1600/Georgette+Heyer.gif" /></a>So, from an author I have read twice before to a brand new experience. Somehow, I have managed to never read a Georgette Heyer novel. I think this was mainly because I always thought all her novels were set in the Regency period and this never particularly appealed to me. On Saturday in the library I stumbled across a number of her novels set in the Edwardian era, and so I decided to take the plunge. I am starting with <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Penhallow-Miss-Georgette-Heyer/dp/0099493683/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295195691&sr=1-1">Penhallow</a>... I'll let you know how I get on!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-29876241893322785982011-01-15T15:37:00.000+00:002011-01-15T15:37:43.735+00:00The King's Speech<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf57tTVwWtgJK7NBjgKpk-aqXNX-TiKkhZsSWmVca__q9e2yNGGLBuRX-t6EDAGe47d_NoTktHWfaQPWRJKoD8KkFZYNXtG0bxySZsYbuFvxQQhdP8ONdMQwLPca6C8GgrAZHzthMV7p4/s1600/The-Kings-Speech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf57tTVwWtgJK7NBjgKpk-aqXNX-TiKkhZsSWmVca__q9e2yNGGLBuRX-t6EDAGe47d_NoTktHWfaQPWRJKoD8KkFZYNXtG0bxySZsYbuFvxQQhdP8ONdMQwLPca6C8GgrAZHzthMV7p4/s200/The-Kings-Speech.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I went to see <a href="http://www.kingsspeech.com/">The King's Speech</a> last night in Reigate at the <a href="http://www.everymancinema.com/home">Everyman cinema</a>. Firstly, I have to sing the praises of the cinema, which is an absolute gem. With only two screens, they are quite selective about the films they show and being part of a small chain they offer a much more personal and friendly experience than the multiplexes which have overtaken the market. The manager gives a quick chat at the beginning of each performance, they produce a great monthly magazine, have fantastic drinks and snacks in the bar and even sell ice-creams between the trailers and the feature. If you're lucky enough to live near an Everyman cinema please do give them a try (if you haven't already!) They deserve to have the support of anyone who appreciates good films and the magic of the cinema.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">OK, so gushing praise for the cinema, but what of the film? More of the same I am afraid! I am always slightly wary of going to see any film that is surrounded by a huge amount of hype; the potential for disappointment is always so much greater! I can honestly say that The King's Speech met and exceeded my expectations. There are so many wonderful things about it that I am not even sure where to begin. I had expected it to be quite a sombre film, but there are laugh-out-loud moments, mostly in the scenes with Lionel Logue, the speech therapist. Geoffrey Rush plays the part beautifully - quiet and understated but completely dedicated to his task. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In fact, each part is played beautifully. Of course, Colin Firth is an absolute marvel. When I first heard the casting for this film, I could not picture how Colin Firth could make a good Bertie - he seems too 'solid' and down to earth - but his portrayal is touching and utterly convincing. Helena Bonham-Carter is perfect as Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (not that I expected anything else) and Guy Pearce quite chilling as the Duke of Windsor. And who would have thought that Timothy Spall could play such a convincing and instantly recognisable Winston Churchill?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Although there are some moments of slightly clunky exposition, I think it has actually been very finely balanced - it's not dumbed-down, nor is it inaccessible to anyone who knows nothing of the history or events of that era and the abdication crisis.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">An absolute delight of a film - I laughed and cried - and I really hope that it makes its mark in the awards' season and I firmly believe that Colin Firth can now step boldly from the shadow of Mr Darcy and stake his claim as one of the best contemporary British actors, pending full status as a National Treasure.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwjcsRHXi7chz4Vzgw4xTSFUf6slps4iJjJmlR1OswrylJV750-U0AyM-LvNCc6B-MwXSw8XqumrpHIvBjMTDrbtPg_N5Ly-MYQNspjdVTPqWbFVcThctRtQHuDUeGBIeWDUtYzdsgbw/s1600/never_let_me_go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwjcsRHXi7chz4Vzgw4xTSFUf6slps4iJjJmlR1OswrylJV750-U0AyM-LvNCc6B-MwXSw8XqumrpHIvBjMTDrbtPg_N5Ly-MYQNspjdVTPqWbFVcThctRtQHuDUeGBIeWDUtYzdsgbw/s200/never_let_me_go.jpg" width="135" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">This is the first of many must-see films this year. I am already beside myself with excitement about the release of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><a href="http://www.foxsearchlight.com/neverletmego/">Never Let Me Go</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> having absolutely loved the novel. Carey Mulligan is a captivating actress and I have even begun to appreciate Keira Knightley's talents after her performance in The Duchess.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span>The cinematography in the trailer looks gorgeous and the story is so deeply emotional that I cannot see how this can fail to be a fantastic cinema experience.<br />
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6zCAYUWWrjZxkbQqbJspTNWfK5gFA_A2aPqy8zDKrWXHXnt7CXuyIPvn0N_OyTYU-QM1yZnS5Ye15EIPSaZ31aLL6z6GvSTfeZ2pGXr0t0R4AYF2jWm1lEwIz_Zhqralcnu-KDzJ4Pw/s1600/Brighton+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6zCAYUWWrjZxkbQqbJspTNWfK5gFA_A2aPqy8zDKrWXHXnt7CXuyIPvn0N_OyTYU-QM1yZnS5Ye15EIPSaZ31aLL6z6GvSTfeZ2pGXr0t0R4AYF2jWm1lEwIz_Zhqralcnu-KDzJ4Pw/s200/Brighton+Rock.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Also, there is <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1233192/">Brighton Rock</a>, an adaptation of the Graham Greene novel. Interestingly I hear that Carey Mulligan was originally cast in the role of Rose, but ended up doing Wall Street 2 instead (having seen neither film I cannot comment on her decision!) </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">I have only ever read one Graham Greene Novel (<a href="http://daydreamsanddelights.blogspot.com/2010/07/end-of-affair-by-graham-greene.html">The End of the Affair</a>) so don't really know what to expect, but the trailer looks amazing. The other advantage of not having read the book in this case is that I won't be offended or upset by the setting of the story in the 1960s, rather than the 1930s as in the novel.</span><br />
<br />
So, plenty to look forward to in the first few months of 2011. I am planning on settling down later with Empire magazine and poring through their preview of up-coming films. What films are you itching to see?Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-29165451733775050452011-01-09T13:05:00.002+00:002011-01-09T14:55:50.652+00:00Henry: Virtuous Prince by David Starkey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZ9a1m8FDnIWLVaL4TFiIDmgHpEfp9NYrUggpKhgmpbsegwsodgbiz-e0xaF8slfCZ9Lobihz9m26F5Ne4_6HUgh-6vr0EWD4IewGdb64BP4vZaPDr8MTQqf2GiiWXc6AU6PmxV2U1E4/s1600/Henry-+Virtuous+Prince+by+David+Starkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZ9a1m8FDnIWLVaL4TFiIDmgHpEfp9NYrUggpKhgmpbsegwsodgbiz-e0xaF8slfCZ9Lobihz9m26F5Ne4_6HUgh-6vr0EWD4IewGdb64BP4vZaPDr8MTQqf2GiiWXc6AU6PmxV2U1E4/s200/Henry-+Virtuous+Prince+by+David+Starkey.jpg" width="200" /></a>Having all but forgotten I was reading this book in the excitement of Christmas and New Year, I finally finished <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Henry-Virtuous-Prince-David-Starkey/dp/0007247729/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294573153&sr=1-1">Henry: Virtuous Prince by David Starkey</a> on Friday. I say finally not because it is an arduous read, only because I can be an incredibly slow reader sometimes! David Starkey has a very definite style to his writing, partly influenced I suspect by his academic and inquisitive nature. This is particularly noticeable I felt, by Starkey's use of probing questions at the end of many paragraphs and chapters.<br />
<br />
On his marriage to his brother's widow, Catherine of Aragon:<br />
"Did Henry supress his doubts? Had he forgotten them? Did he even utter them in the first place? Or were his views invented, or at least glossed, by a hostile councillor? We do not know" <br />
<br />
On Elizabeth of York's third time of seeking refuge in the Tower of London:<br />
"Now she was a refugee in the tower again. Would it be the sanctuary next? Or worse? And what of Henry? Was he to follow in the footsteps of Richard of Shrewsbury for one last, terrible time?"<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55T8RuijjOURac4Kf6xr2YP8sag-t0om-mSKCOkOxgkCZlYUEIrpcB2HBAlDAzEhksPDhsXP3j_OCNsjSL3Ma6x8_elO3PEuRkTN73e3pFpdwDZsk_PYZKsYFG6uzkIkUO8nvMKLyJ4Q/s1600/Thomas+Howard+3rd+Duke+of+Norfolk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55T8RuijjOURac4Kf6xr2YP8sag-t0om-mSKCOkOxgkCZlYUEIrpcB2HBAlDAzEhksPDhsXP3j_OCNsjSL3Ma6x8_elO3PEuRkTN73e3pFpdwDZsk_PYZKsYFG6uzkIkUO8nvMKLyJ4Q/s200/Thomas+Howard+3rd+Duke+of+Norfolk.jpg" width="152" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Of course, these are valid questions as much of this period of history is unknown, or clouded by propaganda and the mists of time, but it is one of those quirks of style that, once you notice it, can become quite tiring.<br />
<br />
I find it quite difficult reading books about 'older' history, partly because so much is unknown, or based on supposition and deduction, but also because of names. It's challenging to keep tabs on everyone when they all have so many different names. <br />
<br />
Take, for example, Thomas Howard. That's Thomas Howard, son of Thomas Howard and father of Thomas Howard. The Thomas Howard I am referring to is the one who married Anne of York (one of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville's daughters). He was also the third Duke of Norfolk and third Earl of Surrey, as well as Lord High Admiral, Lord High Treasurer and Earl Marshall at various times in his political career. So perhaps you see my problem? Or perhaps not? I am sure those with greater knowledge of Tudor history have by now got their heads around this issue, but I am afraid I am still struggling! Thankfully, Dr Starkey does provide a family tree, but of course there are all those characters that are not 'family' who figure in the story.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NAv1HTcrMOIo48ncgNh5mS4W9ZIwlcge6zBireFW7g1yx8hsyf_0SmfmBqZTTnw73nfC9_TeyUHNl3w1Ezxg8Yn-A9JFPrUerVzZbZl4047GxNN5T7FRU0VBijJuaFn-v4CqIbV1smw/s1600/Henry+VIII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NAv1HTcrMOIo48ncgNh5mS4W9ZIwlcge6zBireFW7g1yx8hsyf_0SmfmBqZTTnw73nfC9_TeyUHNl3w1Ezxg8Yn-A9JFPrUerVzZbZl4047GxNN5T7FRU0VBijJuaFn-v4CqIbV1smw/s200/Henry+VIII.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry VIII by Hans Holbein (1537)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>All this aside, I did enjoy this book especially as I was lucky enough to go to one of the talks Dr Starkey gave at the British Library as part of his curatorship of the Henry exhibition last year. He spoke about the influences on the young Henry and how events in his life changed him from the dashing and chivalric hero of his early life, to the tyrannical and power-crazed monarch immortalised by the famous Hans Holbein portrait. What is apparent was that the young Henry was not raised to be King - his brother Arthur was nurtured as the future King whilst Henry was left to be raised along with his sisters. The young Henry was fun, sporty, virile and charming. He surrounded himself with friends and those of like mind. And he was used to getting his own way and being adored.<br />
<br />
Henry VIII continues to fascinate and I am sure we will never tire of his story. Certainly as long as academics like David Starkey continue to investigate and speculate over motives and reasons the story will never feel it is finished being told. I am certainly looking forward to the next installment 'Henry: Model of a Tyrant" due for publication later this year.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-57190724492904787772011-01-09T12:14:00.000+00:002011-01-09T12:14:51.281+00:00A Flea in her Ear at the Old Vic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8u_92FuuYW7OFsUTHrlCoXCQCh27WfUZmeMIuALUdChkoMeETRBx-I9p_UWHNEDySiWoQv0XDObuQIZ9LLHSy2hu_AZCXEx4H2SSodh2CRcZHb-aAUOqXZz0F0aDb0RUDCmhjUlWIQ0/s1600/A+Flea+in+her+Ear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8u_92FuuYW7OFsUTHrlCoXCQCh27WfUZmeMIuALUdChkoMeETRBx-I9p_UWHNEDySiWoQv0XDObuQIZ9LLHSy2hu_AZCXEx4H2SSodh2CRcZHb-aAUOqXZz0F0aDb0RUDCmhjUlWIQ0/s1600/A+Flea+in+her+Ear.jpg" /></a></div>I bought tickets for <a href="http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whatson.php?id=69">A Flea in her Ear</a> at the Old Vic as a Christmas present for my Mum and Dad, as well as tickets for me and my husband. So yesterday we all headed off to enjoy an afternoon of fast-paced French farce.<br />
<br />
As I've got older I have started to appreciate the joys of a Saturday matinée performances. Late morning train into London, delicious leisurely lunch and a glass of white wine at Auberge near Waterloo station, walk down to the Old Vic, enjoy French farce, home by 6pm (and managing to avoid any football crowds). Perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuPs8nZEV-JcuBRggcKGS2JXbb-Hxa9fNoFBf4S6MwsdN7ecX-WkYlEn-HF-1AoVztiXbpKKSiYVkngluKqdIBQ8AaJU4JCWRB-B4CxU9WbHeNDF0TWt2MdFnLrc1A8njp5TwQlkeEQc/s1600/Fawlty+Towers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLuPs8nZEV-JcuBRggcKGS2JXbb-Hxa9fNoFBf4S6MwsdN7ecX-WkYlEn-HF-1AoVztiXbpKKSiYVkngluKqdIBQ8AaJU4JCWRB-B4CxU9WbHeNDF0TWt2MdFnLrc1A8njp5TwQlkeEQc/s200/Fawlty+Towers.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>Sadly, Tom Hollander was 'indisposed' and not performing. A real shame as he was one of my main reasons for booking tickets, but I don't think his absence detracted from the play one bit. The understudy Greg Baldock was fantastic, although for me the real stars of the show were Freddie Fox as Camille and John Marquez as Carlos Homenides de Histangua - both parts played beautifully for laughs, but without becoming purely comical. Of course, having said this I can also see that Tom Hollander would be superb in the role of Victor Emmanuel, and I am sure his performance is an absolute treat for those lucky enough to see him. I had never heard of the play (or playwright, Georges Faydeau) before but reading the programme I see that it was big influence on Fawlty Towers and this is glaringly obvious when you see the play.<br />
<br />
The other great joy in going to the theatre is buying a programme and drooling over what to see next. I now have a growing list of things I want to go and see over the next few months. I have already booked tickets with my best friend to go and see <a href="http://www.inaforestdarkanddeep.com/?gclid=">In A Forest Dark and Deep</a> (influenced purely by the fact that is stars Matthew Fox of Lost fame), but now have three other events to add to my list. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ziplh6Z7ZOhbHWGQmdz8BMBIjFbVkPICskzfOs11luoS7ThUyJ0JmeokopjdFuxdrUAL_6sjl7IAkYQOMT_-qN6x37uULi8snEUirdLGKOreBrGqjDT8aSUoqxtxxFXHZ_nUmYCbeEU/s1600/Wizard+of+Oz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ziplh6Z7ZOhbHWGQmdz8BMBIjFbVkPICskzfOs11luoS7ThUyJ0JmeokopjdFuxdrUAL_6sjl7IAkYQOMT_-qN6x37uULi8snEUirdLGKOreBrGqjDT8aSUoqxtxxFXHZ_nUmYCbeEU/s1600/Wizard+of+Oz.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjS79-shm7IkOeJXyTyVD11N-hUYnUf7OLD9kKGz1vGrETxWERtd18DqnHTlIp_L5IwuKEUB6oWCbf6lDQnDUmrBzZanlKhY9XKLas9NmYidAnETS3jlJKH946MeELm3RfoM51aQwgzY/s1600/Seasons+Greetings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjS79-shm7IkOeJXyTyVD11N-hUYnUf7OLD9kKGz1vGrETxWERtd18DqnHTlIp_L5IwuKEUB6oWCbf6lDQnDUmrBzZanlKhY9XKLas9NmYidAnETS3jlJKH946MeELm3RfoM51aQwgzY/s200/Seasons+Greetings.jpg" width="200" /></a>Of course, there's <a href="http://www.wizardofozthemusical.com/">The Wizard of Oz</a> opening in February at the Palladium, then there's <a href="http://www.oldvictheatre.com/whatson.php?id=75">Richard III at the Old Vic</a> in June (with Kevin Spacey in the lead role and Sam Mendes directing this is a MUST SEE) and also <a href="http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/61749/productions/seasons-greetings.html">Season's Greetings </a>(the Alan Ayckbourn play) is still running at the National Theatre. I must admit, my brother in law had mentioned this to me ages ago (as I am a big fan of Mark Gatiss) and I utterly failed to do anything about booking tickets. Thankfully it's on until mid March, so there's still time!Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-59470976448826012252011-01-03T16:24:00.001+00:002011-01-03T16:37:02.386+00:002010 Summary - Highs and Lows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-ummzujTMy3QVYbkE7uk3aspOcQCYX5eRE4vPfRF27t8HFkamEhBuV1p3sWx-g3dJz77cIEih_DCphiEw05UMfmKrCArdhTCIotn1Yz_xZ8We1874-R-40lmEebBJ8Y2cwnJHgicqf0/s1600/pile_of_books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-ummzujTMy3QVYbkE7uk3aspOcQCYX5eRE4vPfRF27t8HFkamEhBuV1p3sWx-g3dJz77cIEih_DCphiEw05UMfmKrCArdhTCIotn1Yz_xZ8We1874-R-40lmEebBJ8Y2cwnJHgicqf0/s1600/pile_of_books.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I always find it difficult to look back over the year's reading and remember exactly how I felt about each book. I seem to be so wrapped up in each book as I read it that all previous books fade into the background (for good and bad). Of course, that's where a well-maintained blog would really help out, but as I have not managed to do that this year, I will instead have to rely mainly on memory...(could be interesting!)<br />
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<b><i>Top 5 Books read this year</i></b><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">follow the link to read either my review or to see the Amazon page for these titles</span></i><br />
<a href="http://daydreamsanddelights.blogspot.com/2010/07/rebecca-by-daphne-du-maurier.html">Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier</a><br />
<a href="http://daydreamsanddelights.blogspot.com/2010/04/we-have-always-lived-in-castle-by.html">We Have Always Lived in the Castle - Shirley Jackson</a><br />
<a href="http://daydreamsanddelights.blogspot.com/2010/05/go-between-by-l-p-hartley.html">The Go-Between - LP Hartley</a><br />
<a href="http://daydreamsanddelights.blogspot.com/2010/07/middlesex-by-jeffrey-eugenides.html">Middlesex - Jeffrey Eugenides</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Behaviour-Molly-Keane/dp/1844083241/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294069659&sr=1-1">Good Behaviour - Molly Keane</a><br />
<br />
<b><i>Favourite Non-Fiction read this year</i></b><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bess-Hardwick-First-Lady-Chatsworth/dp/0349115893/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294069688&sr=1-1">Bess of Hardwick - Mary S Lovell</a><br />
(although Stephen Fry's <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fry-Chronicles-Stephen/dp/0718154835/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294069980&sr=1-1">The Fry Chronicles</a> comes a very close second!)<br />
<br />
What I have found interesting looking back over the books I read in 2010 is how many of them were in some way or another a surprise. There were books I had eagerly awaited that didn't quite match up to my (admittedly very high) expectations (<a href="http://daydreamsanddelights.blogspot.com/2010/03/little-stranger-by-sarah-waters.html">The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Childrens-Book-S-Byatt/dp/0099535459/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294069523&sr=8-1">The Children's Book by AS Byatt</a>), books I read that I didn't expect to enjoy at all (<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rabbit-Run-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141187832/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294069559&sr=1-1">Rabbit Run by John Updike</a> and <a href="http://daydreamsanddelights.blogspot.com/2010/01/sum-forty-tales-from-afterlives-by.html">Sum: 40 Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman</a>) and books that I read under recommendation and didn't enjoy (<a href="http://daydreamsanddelights.blogspot.com/2010/02/girl-with-dragon-tattoo-by-stieg.html">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Present-Penguin-Twentieth-Century-Classics/dp/014118129X/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294069599&sr=1-6">The Present and the Past by Ivy Compton-Burnett</a>).<br />
<br />
I'm glad that my reading experiences over the past twelve months have been so varied. In 2011 I hope to keep this going - mixing fiction with non-fiction and reading books that I know I will enjoy, as well as taking the odd risk.<br />
<br />
I will also endeavour to keep up to date with blogging - both writing and reading. I really do enjoy reading others' opinions on books - finding common ground with other book fanatics as well as discovering new books and authors and exploring the new worlds these open up.<br />
<br />
<div>Thanks to all those bloggers whose blogs have inspired me to go out and read something different, and for sharing your thoughts and opinions in such interesting and varied ways; and also to those who have commented on my blogs.<br />
<br />
Here's to a bookish 2011!</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-88428493700191006882010-12-31T17:22:00.001+00:002010-12-31T21:05:31.709+00:002010 Catch-UpAs another year draws to a close, I am shocked to realise that I have not blogged on here since July! As I have no chance of ever catching up on reviewing all the books I have read since then, I thought it would be easier to do a quick listing. I shall then be able to start 2011 with a (nearly) clean sheet!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dry-Season-Inspector-Banks-Mystery/dp/0330392018/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293811936&sr=8-1"><b><i>In a Dry Season by Peter Robinson</i></b></a><br />
Not much to say about this book - Peter Robinson is one of my favourite crime writers and I always enjoy his Inspector Banks novels - but I must just comment on the recent TV adaptation. While I was thrilled to finally see Inspector Banks as a TV drama I was disappointed not only by the casting of Stephen Tompkinson in the lead role, but also in their jumping in at book number 12 (especially as it wasn't one I have read!) I have nothing against Stephen Tompkinson as an actor, but I didn't feel he was right for the role. Also, by jumping in so late in the series, we missed out on getting to know and understand Alan Banks - his background, his morality and even his personality. I think I would have enjoyed the TV version, had I not already been such a fan of the novels.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Among-Bohemians-Experiments-Living-1900-1939/dp/014028978X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293813635&sr=1-1">Among the Bohemians: Experiments in Living 1900-1939 by Virginia Nicholson</a></i></b><br />
My favourite sort of non-fiction book - one that reads almost like a novel with a wonderful cast of interesting and diverse characters. A perfect 'jumping-off point' for anyone interested in this era.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Childrens-Book-S-Byatt/dp/0099535459/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293813689&sr=1-1">The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt</a></i></b><br />
I have never read any A.S. Byatt before, despite having Possession on my bookcase for several years now. The Children's Book had appealed to me because of it's Bohemian setting (having not long read Among the Bohemians by Virginia Nicholson) and I loved the allusions to real life characters from the world of literature and art of the time. The world Byatt creates is magical and the way the story moves from character to character while never becoming bogged down or too complex is indicative of her great writing talent. On the downside, it is an overly long book and I did feel that it could have done with more aggressive editing.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stones-Fall-Iain-Pears/dp/0099516179/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293813729&sr=1-1">Stone's Fall by Iain Pears</a></i></b><br />
This is the second novel I have read by Iain Pears - the first being <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Instance-Fingerpost-Iain-Pears/dp/009975181X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293816070&sr=1-1">An Instance of the Fingerpost</a>. Strangely I could probably write the same comments for both: an interesting and unique plot, fascinating characters, well drawn and with great period detail. And yet...both books seem to lack something and I am not quite sure what it is. I enjoyed the story, I cared about the characters, but I found it difficult to read - not because of the prose, more because of a lack of impetus. The plot could be plodding and slow-moving in parts. For once, I almost wished there was a TV or film adaptation that I could watch, rather than reading the book.<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/White-Queen-Cousins-War/dp/1847394647/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293813754&sr=1-1">The White Queen by Philippa Gregory</a></i></b><br />
Another thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction from Philippa Gregory. She has moved back from the Tudor age now and this is the first in her trilogy about the Plantagenets. Elizabeth Woodville is the central character of this novel and is written as a strong and admirable female character with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Not being a history scholar I cannot really comment on how historically accurate the plot and characterisation are, but what I love about these novels is that they arouse your interest in the subject matter.<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bess-Hardwick-First-Lady-Chatsworth/dp/0349115893/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293813776&sr=1-1">Bess of Hardwick by Mary S Lovell</a></i></b><br />
Fascinating and very readable biography. Having visited and loved Chatsworth as well as devouring Lovell's biography of the Mitfords, this was a perfect book choice.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/David-Blaize-Edward-Frede-Benson/dp/1146362587/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293814049&sr=1-2">David Blaize by E F Benson</a></i></b><br />
The only Benson I had read before were the Mapp and Lucia books, which are wonderfully observed and subtlely humorous. David Blaize gives you more of the same, this time set in a boys' boarding school.<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Behaviour-Molly-Keane/dp/1844083241/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293814112&sr=1-1">Good Behaviour by Molly Keane</a></i></b><br />
Aroon St Clare is an absolutely wonderful comic character and this story follows her stumbling from one social faux pas (including the almost-accidental murder of her mother) to another, all in the name of 'Good Behaviour'. I adored this book and will certainly be reading more Molly Keane in the future.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Princes-Tower-Alison-Weir/dp/0099526964/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293814273&sr=1-1">The Princes in the Tower by Alison Weir</a></i></b><br />
Having read The White Queen by Philippa Gregory I was keen to learn more about Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Alison Weir is very readable and accessible - her books feel learned and scholarly without being fusty and exclusive. Whether I agree with her conclusion that Richard III was responsible for the princes' murder I am still not sure, although it seems there is no other viable explanation.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rabbit-Run-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141187832/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293814691&sr=1-1">Rabbit Run by John Updike</a></i></b><br />
Not really my kind of novel, and certainly not what I would normally read, but I had heard such great things about John Updike that when I found a copy of this is my local charity shop I thought I would give it a go. I'm so glad that I did - this is a really wonderful book, both comic and tragic in equal measures and with an anti-hero that you cannot help but empathise with.<br />
<br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Present-Past-Modern-Classics/dp/0140033475/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293814872&sr=1-3">The Present and the Past by Ivy Compton-Burnett</a></i></b><br />
Again, this was an author I had never read, but had heard about through other book bloggers and so picked up a second-hand copy in a charity shop. I am ashamed to admit that I didn't finish this book (I very rarely give up on books - in fact, I would say this is one of only three or four books I have ever cast aside) - I found it far too rambling and without direction. The language, and indeed most of the characterisation, seemed unrealistic and I just had no interest in what the characters would say next, or what would happen to them. One review on Amazon says that Ivy Compton-Burnett is an acquired taste - based on this novel, I wholeheartedly agree!<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fry-Chronicles-Stephen/dp/0718154835/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293815675&sr=1-1">The Fry Chronicles by Stephen Fry</a></i></b><br />
I adore Stephen Fry and I have to admit that there are very few ways in which this book could have failed to please me. Telling the story of Fry's escape from a delinquent adolescence to Cambridge University there are celebrity anecdotes and plenty of soul-searching from Fry as he tries to understand and explain his addictive personality and his drive for fame. It ends with Fry on the brink of National Treasure-dom and hints at an impending cocaine addiction. Fascinating, honest and written with humour and candour I loved every page of this biography.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-76721064291977966212010-07-27T20:59:00.001+01:002010-08-16T21:04:04.508+01:00Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY0RMwOfh0koMvwg_efKPU_36aWFuFuuHdiupNtbSo5AkTvy6KP-8BnLiaF_qj_YqG3VyrZhjN8gDoNH61-Wo2HJU4fIe2ojNVbfef_FsJUSMHWLAcpktkOUtXnTvDCvNc_BE6b0JiMo/s1600/Middlesex+by+Jeffrey+Eugenides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY0RMwOfh0koMvwg_efKPU_36aWFuFuuHdiupNtbSo5AkTvy6KP-8BnLiaF_qj_YqG3VyrZhjN8gDoNH61-Wo2HJU4fIe2ojNVbfef_FsJUSMHWLAcpktkOUtXnTvDCvNc_BE6b0JiMo/s200/Middlesex+by+Jeffrey+Eugenides.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Middlesex-Jeffrey-Eugenides/dp/0747561621/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280260511&sr=1-1">Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides</a> is one of those books that it felt like everyone except me had read. You know, the one that all the commuters seem to be reading and that you see in charity shops by the bucketful. I was therefore quite pleased when this got suggested as a book club read. I hadn't even realised it was by the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Virgin-Suicides-Jeffrey-Eugenides/dp/0747560595/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280260084&sr=1-1">The Virgin Suicides</a> which I had read and loved a year or so ago.<br />
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The great thing about this book was the number of ways in which I enjoyed it. It had the sweeping family saga (three generations!), the undiscovered secret and romance. With all of that in one story it is no wonder it has been enjoyed by so many people. The writing style is easy, straight-forward and familiar and while not comic in the traditional sense, there are certainly amusing incidents. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;">For such a chunky book, this was an incredibly quick read. Although there was no real mystery in the novel, I felt I had grown to know the narrator so well that I wanted to find out how everything ended up, like listening to a friend telling you their family history, warts and all. It's a really delightful book, despite, or perhaps because of, its unusual subject matter.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br />
</span></div></span>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-10291878624367160242010-07-23T22:29:00.001+01:002010-07-25T21:29:27.408+01:00Clara Reeve by Leoni Hargreave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDtGLX_g20JVMSNfiSrKU6osldyxGOUc3PhrEUBUjb4jt0T-OwE0BZEpc-HvFW7KuLuedQ_U4ZjUG5Ry3bexr2nEtheo5ZlYvPptxQBPCnlLNX0g4JeF9QRK74QaRvf_3nj3md2DCRV0/s1600/clara2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDtGLX_g20JVMSNfiSrKU6osldyxGOUc3PhrEUBUjb4jt0T-OwE0BZEpc-HvFW7KuLuedQ_U4ZjUG5Ry3bexr2nEtheo5ZlYvPptxQBPCnlLNX0g4JeF9QRK74QaRvf_3nj3md2DCRV0/s320/clara2.gif" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre;"></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: auto;"><a href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ukjarry1.talktalk.net/clara3.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.ukjarry1.talktalk.net/bio.htm&usg=__jLyjylQcg0QK2WVzLYe7kw3Soiw=&h=190&w=129&sz=17&hl=en&start=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=rGLFMvArPyinUM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=70&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dclara%2Breeve%2Bby%2Bleonie%2Bhargreave%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26tbs%3Disch:1">Clara Reeve by Leoni Hargreave</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ukjarry1.talktalk.net/clara3.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.ukjarry1.talktalk.net/bio.htm&usg=__jLyjylQcg0QK2WVzLYe7kw3Soiw=&h=190&w=129&sz=17&hl=en&start=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=rGLFMvArPyinUM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=70&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dclara%2Breeve%2Bby%2Bleonie%2Bhargreave%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26tbs%3Disch:1"> </a></span>was given to me by my brother-in-law who is a literary fanatic, with a book collection that could probably put the British Library to shame. His main area of interest however is science fiction, so I was very surprised when he gave me this book, of which he mistakenly had two copies. So, how does a sci-fi enthusiast end up with not one but two copies of a Victorian pastiche novel? Well, Leonie Hargreave is a pen-name, which the author Thomas M Disch was advised to use when publishing this novel which was so different to his usual output of science fiction work. </div><div style="text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: auto;">As a fan of all things Victorian, I was absolutely delighted and couldn't wait to get reading. With the background knowledge of the book being written by a) a man and b) a sci-fi author I was very much prepared for the worst. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised. Hargreave/Disch really managed to evoke the sensation novels of the Victorian era and all the trademarks are there - the mysterious continental man-servant, the mentally unstable wife, the question of inheritance and a dark secret bubbling under the surface. The period detail is well created and it really felt quite authentic, perhaps even so far as it being quite a verbose and hard-going book at times. The main character of Clara is endearing and sympathetic - all her troubles are visited upon her for no apparent reason other than an accident of her birth; very much a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. What I did find frustrating was that the denouement was so late in the book and consequently, I felt, a bit rushed. </div><div style="text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: auto;">Not one of the most memorable Victoriana novels I have ever read - it's no <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fingersmith-Sarah-Waters/dp/1860498833/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280089683&sr=1-1">Fingersmith</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crimson-Petal-White-Harvest-Book/dp/0156028778/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1280089610&sr=8-3">The Crimson Petal and the White</a> (which also was rather a departure from the authors usual subject matters and writing style) but I like to think it was one of the more authentic and unusual.</div></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-69440519600941055012010-07-23T21:54:00.000+01:002010-07-23T21:54:05.341+01:00The End of the Affair by Graham Greene<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisC_gCFbxNR08bA0uFlrlokNzKhhS0_GV0ke_VM78hI5tH-hyAQdW0Wjlp8WelpZRzv7SG9SPUuhZgmPJDHM8Q0b9RFu_IfTd6ChLFN7Li-6zUFChxjMOJbxa2zM3B8FATKmkPol5JI5U/s1600/BIGendaffair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisC_gCFbxNR08bA0uFlrlokNzKhhS0_GV0ke_VM78hI5tH-hyAQdW0Wjlp8WelpZRzv7SG9SPUuhZgmPJDHM8Q0b9RFu_IfTd6ChLFN7Li-6zUFChxjMOJbxa2zM3B8FATKmkPol5JI5U/s200/BIGendaffair.jpg" width="145" /></a></div>I can't remember the how or why of this being on my to be read pile, but there it was. <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/End-Affair-Graham-Greene/dp/0099458128/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279441675&sr=1-4">The End of the Affair by Graham Greene</a> is not the type of book I would usually choose to read, although having said that I am not really sure what kind of author I thought he was. I think I imagined his books were all about cold, wet seaside towns (Brighton Rock?) and espionage (no idea where that impression came from...) So I guess it was the title that first caught my attention. That in the period setting, and rather more specifically the cover of this particular edition which I really liked.<br />
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It wasn't what I had expected (although I'm not really sure what that was) but I did enjoy reading it. The narrator is a fairly unlikeable fellow, I thought, and through his eyes we see his and the woman's lives beginning to unravel as their affair begins, ends and resumes. He is a rather arrogant and selfish man who seems to have little regard for the effects of his actions on others. The woman is an interesting character - self-serving yet not selfish, pleasure-seeking yet not vacuous. For a book by a male author it is quite a surprising depiction of how women of the time were looking to create lives and interests of their own and how they tried to balance being a wife whilst maintaining their sense of self. <br />
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The most unexpected part of the novel for me was the exploration of faith and Catholicism. I had expected some intrigue, but not along the lines of whether someone believed in God or not, and the effect that had on those around them.<br />
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It's not a book I would jump to recommend, but it is an interesting examination of love, it's power (both for good and for bad) and how very differently people choose to live their lives in pursuit of happiness and fulfilment.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-17304698545455165562010-07-18T14:33:00.000+01:002010-07-18T14:33:22.170+01:00Brooklyn by Colm Toibin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYzzEz3Yw6g5lObUUVbsFzD1HxFpkvJEHiVmH4JyTH0neCsSLNpbah8bWaO9pUZyIeq4sBhMXqyhftUaNtdZSOr_le3WgkrzCJBsRMm8u7UDWcVL1UdQHbfDzxRT2yNI8zvyEjfZTDZc/s1600/Brooklyn+by+Colm+Toibin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYzzEz3Yw6g5lObUUVbsFzD1HxFpkvJEHiVmH4JyTH0neCsSLNpbah8bWaO9pUZyIeq4sBhMXqyhftUaNtdZSOr_le3WgkrzCJBsRMm8u7UDWcVL1UdQHbfDzxRT2yNI8zvyEjfZTDZc/s200/Brooklyn+by+Colm+Toibin.jpg" width="131" /></a>Having read Wolf Hall for our last book club we all agreed that <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brooklyn-Colm-T%C3%B3ib%C3%ADn/dp/0141041749/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279441409&sr=8-1">Brooklyn by Colm Toibin</a> seemed like a good 'easy read' choice for our next book. It was the winner of the 2009 Costa Novel award and longlisted for the Man Booker 2009 and so we had high expectations. The story is of a girl from a small town in Ireland who moves to Brooklyn to start a new life and follows her experiences there. Whilst we all thought it would be quite a light read, I think we were all surprised by just how light it turned out to be. The one male in our book club felt he had been duped into reading a chick-lit novel and, much as it pains me, I tend to agree with him. What we all felt it lacked was any depth, any real emotional tie and, indeed, any real point. I didn't feel I had learnt anything at the end of the book. The emotions and plot were all things I have read before and I failed to find anything 'novel' about it all. Few of the characters seemed likeable. Plenty of opportunities for interesting storylines seemed to be passed over (the department stores attitude towards black customers for example) and neither of the love interests fitted my idea of a romantic hero.<br />
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Who knows, perhaps we all missed the point of this book? In its defence, it is a very easy read and you do get swept along in the story. It's just that I constantly had the sense of waiting for something to happen, for a plot development that never really came. The dramatic incident that brings Eilis back to Ireland even felt to me a bit underwhelming and skimmed over. Maybe I'm too big a fan of melodrama - what do you think?Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-9009353793214492342010-07-18T14:19:00.000+01:002010-07-18T14:19:50.463+01:00Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqlY3MPCiB0_b10zN1bPkXBKADBNdrcypbXTpmZQbI1i5l1bOph6fT1fykcg4wyhcaHn6sBHMKzXyfZkXthURVfsfUdwTtQrZSch7Qy1c-tBOAFqZcq1kbH8ET2hSG0s2xMe7yxexN1c/s1600/Rebecca+by+Daphne+du+Maurier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqlY3MPCiB0_b10zN1bPkXBKADBNdrcypbXTpmZQbI1i5l1bOph6fT1fykcg4wyhcaHn6sBHMKzXyfZkXthURVfsfUdwTtQrZSch7Qy1c-tBOAFqZcq1kbH8ET2hSG0s2xMe7yxexN1c/s200/Rebecca+by+Daphne+du+Maurier.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>I am ashamed to admit that I have never read any du Maurier, and apart from the opening line I knew nothing about <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebecca-Daphne-Du-Maurier/dp/0330247093/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271878744&sr=1-3">Rebecca</a>. So, having finally finished Wolf Hall I decided that what I needed was the kind of book that I could really get swept away by and everything that I had heard about Rebecca made me think it would be perfect.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>And it was.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The atmosphere, the palpable sense of dread and uncertainty throughout the story and the pace of the plot make it a true page-turner. What I found most interesting was the almost supernatural sense that du Maurier creates. As I said, I knew nothing about the story and I was kept guessing right the way through. I thought that Mrs Danvers could be Rebecca, or that all the other characters were ghosts. The twists and turns in the plot don't feel like twists and turns - they all make sense and are perfectly possible. Somehow the fact that none of it was supernatural made the whole thing seem more sinister.</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-13719770509812359042010-07-18T14:06:00.000+01:002010-07-18T14:06:36.274+01:00Love from Nancy: The Letters of Nancy Mitford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnlxn3exvjCnBN0fNCAfayXlD5daLQJSE7TVQBq3Feiz1ECQR-xQNS_FF2ANFc9lmjlnAb2jgQiOpn0ycnDW2Ig_81NRW3xcsZvkhGu7anhuFY5euSwGYlZvnzO8j6sItXCBwb-P-efM/s1600/Love+from+Nancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnlxn3exvjCnBN0fNCAfayXlD5daLQJSE7TVQBq3Feiz1ECQR-xQNS_FF2ANFc9lmjlnAb2jgQiOpn0ycnDW2Ig_81NRW3xcsZvkhGu7anhuFY5euSwGYlZvnzO8j6sItXCBwb-P-efM/s200/Love+from+Nancy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>My fascination with the Mitford sisters seems to have a never ending source of fuel. My latest venture into their lives came in the form of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Nancy-Letters-Mitford/dp/0340599219/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270582094&sr=8-1">Love from Nancy: The Letters of Nancy Mitford</a> These letters have been edited by Charlotte Mosley, Diana's grand-daughter-in-law. Faced with what must have been an inexhaustible supply of materials, Charlotte Mosley has produced a comprehensive and highly readable volume. We follow Nancy from childhood right through to her last days. The beauty of reading a volume of letters as opposed to a biography is that you hear the subject's true voice and consequently feel you are really getting to know them. Nancy's dry and sometimes caustic wit rings clearly through all the letters, yet it is so liberally tempered with warmth and affection that it is hard to imagine anyone ever taking it the wrong way and being upset by her manner. Nancy's life was not easy - Diana and Unity's associations with Nazism and Hitler caused her moral anxiety and pain, as did Jessica's elopement and emigration to the USA. Even her love life was not straight-forward - her marriage to Peter Rodd whilst not necessarily an unhappy was certainly not a fulfilling one and her affection for 'the Colonel' never seems to have been fully reciprocated. <br />
A wonderful insight to a wonderful lady - this collection is well worth reading. I had it on my bedside table for some time and found it perfect to dip in and out of when no other reading material seemed to be the right choice.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-858890732334724462010-05-01T15:59:00.004+01:002010-05-01T16:25:36.990+01:00The Go-Between by L P Hartley<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9wFWqFFTN57H1RwFt-vEmp10A7gFJ4gJFwiWzY-tf3BEzkTKZbRp8l-66yixMsOhRM5-hFcDp7KlGXJoa-UZmQsyGJijf0ElutqhV__mG5N7VnkkOb9PbiCvZ-51BrKxRq-BZ1_txm0/s1600/The+Go-Between+by+L+P+Hartley.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9wFWqFFTN57H1RwFt-vEmp10A7gFJ4gJFwiWzY-tf3BEzkTKZbRp8l-66yixMsOhRM5-hFcDp7KlGXJoa-UZmQsyGJijf0ElutqhV__mG5N7VnkkOb9PbiCvZ-51BrKxRq-BZ1_txm0/s200/The+Go-Between+by+L+P+Hartley.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466320176525381218" /></a><div>I wasn't sure about this book for about the first two chapters. It seemed to start very slowly and I even wondered if I had made a big mistake in choosing to read it. Like most book-worms, I hate wasting time reading a book I am not enjoying (when there are so many other books out there to be enjoyed) but at the same time I'm not one to give up halfway through and not finish the book. So, much to my delight, The Go-Between by L P Hartley does get into it's stride almost at the exact point you begin to question whether you want to continue reading it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The edition I read was a Penguin Classic, with notes and a textual appendix. For all the additional information it gave me (there are a lot of classical and Shakespearian references throughout the book) I found this quite distracting - flicking to the relevant note broke the flow of reading and by then I was so caught up in the story that I resented being taken away from it. What I did like about the notes though was the extra dimensions it brought to the story. It reminded me of reading books for my A-Levels, when rather than reading the books for enjoyment you were focusing on the themes and symbolism in the story. I really enjoyed discovering these themes in a more relaxed way, without worrying about how I could discuss them in an essay and it surprised me how much you absorp without realising it - a good writer should make the themes more like an atmosphere, or a feeling, than just flashing beacons and footnotes and I really think that Hartley achieved this in The Go-Between. I utterly felt the heat of the Summer, the oppression of the weather conflicting with the (to begin with) care-free nature of Leo's stay at Brandham Hall.</div><div><br /></div><div>The story centres around the memories of Leo of the Summer he spent at Brandham Hall - the family home of his school-friend Marcus. With Marcus struck down with measles, Leo is left to fend for himself. Marcus's sister Marian takes him under her wing and he begins to carry messages for her to the local farmer, Ted Burgess. Marian is engaged to Lord Trimingham, the local Viscount who was disfigured in the Boer War. Leo also becomes a go-between for Lord Trimingham and Marian and slowly these errands begin to reveal to him the adult world, with all it's complications and secrets. We live through Leo's triumphs at the village cricket match and after-game dinner when he sings solo, as well as his confusion and bewilderment at being thrust into a world and life he knows nothing about. Leo's worries and embarrassment are all too recognisable and throughout the story there is the feeling that as the heat rises, we are moving faster and faster towards an inevitable tragedy.</div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, everything was so beautifully and vividly drawn that I wondered why I had never seen a film of it - it seemed absolutely perfect for an adaptation. A quick search on Amazon revealed that it had been made in to a film - starring Julie Christie and Alan Bates. I cannot think of a more perfect casting for this film, and I hope this gives you a sense of the novel itself.</div><div><br /></div><div>The story is tragic and heart-breaking, but told in such an authentic and believable way. The characters seem real and there are even humorous passages, which of course heighten the sense of foreboding which runs throughout the story. A real gem of a book and one that, I think, should be more widely read.</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8204156077168864224.post-14866858322262224872010-04-21T20:44:00.006+01:002010-05-01T16:42:01.561+01:00We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfeveiMevQ2SjHMpVinFMSMDsTDWetYySxtWLSfGD3txt80rFBSMB00AVkg8jBdzYdldSupQKmvIRqGj3QokLQfRKXfRGgCwue2Ir75WcBbwyoAdTmYsxZ8JuigpX0FSUx__Ov1XX4ro/s1600/We+Have+Always+Lived+in+the+Castle+by+Shirley+Jackson.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfeveiMevQ2SjHMpVinFMSMDsTDWetYySxtWLSfGD3txt80rFBSMB00AVkg8jBdzYdldSupQKmvIRqGj3QokLQfRKXfRGgCwue2Ir75WcBbwyoAdTmYsxZ8JuigpX0FSUx__Ov1XX4ro/s200/We+Have+Always+Lived+in+the+Castle+by+Shirley+Jackson.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466324765392374786" /></a>Over the past months I have read a number of rave reviews for <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Always-Castle-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141191457/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271879022&sr=1-1">We Have Always Lived in the Castle</a> by Shirley Jackson, so when I was lucky enough to stumble across a second-hand copy in my local charity shop I snapped it up! Having just finished Wolf Hall I was looking forward to reading something compact and manageable.<div><br /></div><div>I loved this book - everything about it was just magical. It was funny and sad, sinister and heart-warming. The characters are wonderful and so engaging - even Jonas the cat feels like an old friend. The atmosphere is so well built up with the mystery of the Blackwood family being revealed slowly and never spelt out for the reader until the very end, making the book a real page-turner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Merricat (Mary Catherine), her sister Constance and Uncle Julian live in the family home, hidden away from the villagers. From the beginning we know a terrible tragedy has befallen the Blackwood family and that it has made the villagers wary of the remaining family members. The villagers fear and resentment eventually boils over in a frightening and destructive attack on the Blackwoods, before calm is restored once again and Constance (true to her name) and Merricat continue to live their reclusive lives.</div><div><br /></div><div>A chilling but thoroughly enjoyable book, I am sure it will stay with me for many years to come.</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04162449837376128737noreply@blogger.com1