Yes, I know AA Milne is the guy who wrote Winnie the Pooh, but he also wrote this book! It is a classic mystery novel based on the Sherlock Holmes titles with witty references to Watson and Holmes. The characters are vivid and surprisingly fresh, I enjoyed this mystery because AA Milne believed that no one wanted to read a mystery or detective novel with a love story:
'A reader, all agog to know whether the white substance on the muffins was arsenic or face-powder, cannot be held up while Roland clasps Angela's hand "a moment longer than the customary usages of society dictate." Much might have happened in that moment, properly spent; foot-prints made or discovered; cigarette-ends picked up and put in envelopes. By all means let Roland have a book to himself in which he clasps anything he likes, but in a detective story he must attend strictly to business.'
(sorry if anything is mis-spelt I was typing with one hand)
He wrote this in 1926 and I wish someone else would listen to it. It is the most perfect detective novel because it is fast-paced, witty, full of quick thinking and clues, the detective is an amateur and we can all pretend to be as astute as he.
For lovers of The Moving Toyshop and Sherlock Holmes this is a gem. Other readers should pick it up, just so they can see what AA Milne was capable of, not just Tigger's and Piglet's but complex murder mystery plots! A perfect companion to your Hundred Acre Wood collection!!!
A Quiet Belief in Angels by RJ Ellory
Okay, so we all probably know my taste by now and you might think 'STOP! This book is NOT for you!' All I can say is, I completely agreed with you when asking in my local (and lovely) library a few weeks ago for this title. It was in the crime section, a place I'm not too scared of or anything, but a place I don't really wander into. The back cover blurb also made me cringe, as it is about little girls getting raped and murdered and the Richard & Judy sign on the front cover. I know, this is a very successful move that got loads of people reading, but I honestly cannot stand the idea of reading something picked out for the Richard & Judy fan club. (However, and I do cringe writing this, my all time favourite book was also a R&J pick! But I did not know this when I first read it.)
So as you can see all signs were pointing to, NO, you will dislike this book, put it down. Instead I got it out of the library, using their new-fangaled machines and left the building to begin reading on the bus the next day. From the first few pages I kept looking for the scary crime-writer speak, the sign posts that all is not well inside this dwelling, or that the main character is some psycho - but instead it is narrated by a young boy who is sensitive and kind. We get to learn of the horrible occurrences through his own thoughts and fears, we see the way his life changed due to these murders and unless you are an uncaring person you cannot help but feel deeply for him.
I say now that the story is about little girls being raped and killed by an older man, a man they must have trusted. It is a horrific story to tell, but RJ Ellory does it in such an eloquent way I sometimes forgot the subject matter. His prose is pure poetry, I know this because I couldn't help but show it to many people I know who hate crime novels and they loved his writing. Even claiming they would read this book despite the subject matter. A feat for someone who loves poems and movies with subtitles.
The ending is a complete and utter twist, as RJ Ellory himself stated, he didn't know until the end who was the murderer. This way the story keeps you on tender hooks until the very last page. This is a must read even for those who hate crime novels, because it is so beautifully written and such a moving story I think you, dear readers, will love it.
On a more personal note, with only a few pages left of this book I felt the need to buy another of RJ Ellory. Having learnt from my last experience I didn't read the back, I chose one that I liked the cover of and that was that. I know no matter what, that I will love this new book. I am waiting for the glorious sunshine and maybe a holiday before I start reading it. But feel I must confess something, this book did give me nightmares, which meant I have been reading Meg Cabot's 'Boy' series before sleeping, just to make sure no horrible thoughts wake me up in the middle of the night.
So as you can see all signs were pointing to, NO, you will dislike this book, put it down. Instead I got it out of the library, using their new-fangaled machines and left the building to begin reading on the bus the next day. From the first few pages I kept looking for the scary crime-writer speak, the sign posts that all is not well inside this dwelling, or that the main character is some psycho - but instead it is narrated by a young boy who is sensitive and kind. We get to learn of the horrible occurrences through his own thoughts and fears, we see the way his life changed due to these murders and unless you are an uncaring person you cannot help but feel deeply for him.
I say now that the story is about little girls being raped and killed by an older man, a man they must have trusted. It is a horrific story to tell, but RJ Ellory does it in such an eloquent way I sometimes forgot the subject matter. His prose is pure poetry, I know this because I couldn't help but show it to many people I know who hate crime novels and they loved his writing. Even claiming they would read this book despite the subject matter. A feat for someone who loves poems and movies with subtitles.
The ending is a complete and utter twist, as RJ Ellory himself stated, he didn't know until the end who was the murderer. This way the story keeps you on tender hooks until the very last page. This is a must read even for those who hate crime novels, because it is so beautifully written and such a moving story I think you, dear readers, will love it.
On a more personal note, with only a few pages left of this book I felt the need to buy another of RJ Ellory. Having learnt from my last experience I didn't read the back, I chose one that I liked the cover of and that was that. I know no matter what, that I will love this new book. I am waiting for the glorious sunshine and maybe a holiday before I start reading it. But feel I must confess something, this book did give me nightmares, which meant I have been reading Meg Cabot's 'Boy' series before sleeping, just to make sure no horrible thoughts wake me up in the middle of the night.
The Sign of Seven Trilogy by Nora Roberts
So, I know I'm supposed to be reading very good books that stretch my own reading habits and your thinking: Hmmmm, well this isn't very impressive. I don't even want to read Nora Roberts, neither do I care and I categorically wish she would stop reading them and give us some proper books!
But, this is my blog and not yours so I am allowed to talk about Nora and the trilogy I just read! So there.
Yes, I know it is very childish to behave this way, but I have been a little bit stressed, what with everything going on and the upcoming London Book Fair, that I had to read something to calm me down. However, I was actually quite impressed with this series, it is scary and atmospheric and of course lots of love and happiness is involved too! Sorry.
But I won't take up too much space with this post, only to say if you like romance books and scary stories (do not read if you think this will be a horror story!!!) then give this series a go. It's pretty recent and therefore shows you how Nora is developing as a writer (quite nicely in my opinion). The story is about 3 boys who happen to be born on the same day and on their 10th birthday they climb up to the Pagan's Stone and happen to decide to become blood brothers, this unfortunately unleashes a demon into the world that terrorises their town every seven years, causing havoc, destruction and truly horrific consequences. Good thing these boys are now bullet proof. Well that's the story, it involves some girls as well and all 6 of them have to battle the demon together.
Not for the young or faint of heart, this is a fantastic trilogy.
and now I'm done! Reading R.J. Ellory's A Quiet Belief in Angels now, so never fear a proper review will soon be here!
But, this is my blog and not yours so I am allowed to talk about Nora and the trilogy I just read! So there.
Yes, I know it is very childish to behave this way, but I have been a little bit stressed, what with everything going on and the upcoming London Book Fair, that I had to read something to calm me down. However, I was actually quite impressed with this series, it is scary and atmospheric and of course lots of love and happiness is involved too! Sorry.
But I won't take up too much space with this post, only to say if you like romance books and scary stories (do not read if you think this will be a horror story!!!) then give this series a go. It's pretty recent and therefore shows you how Nora is developing as a writer (quite nicely in my opinion). The story is about 3 boys who happen to be born on the same day and on their 10th birthday they climb up to the Pagan's Stone and happen to decide to become blood brothers, this unfortunately unleashes a demon into the world that terrorises their town every seven years, causing havoc, destruction and truly horrific consequences. Good thing these boys are now bullet proof. Well that's the story, it involves some girls as well and all 6 of them have to battle the demon together.
Not for the young or faint of heart, this is a fantastic trilogy.
and now I'm done! Reading R.J. Ellory's A Quiet Belief in Angels now, so never fear a proper review will soon be here!
The Moving Toyshop by Edmund Crispin
Now, once again I warn you, do not confuse this book with Angela Carter's The Magic Toyshop. This book is a comic crime novel, or a pastiche or a satirical comment on crime novels of the 1930s (as it is set in 1938, though was published, and I guess written, in 1945), etc. Anyway, this book is hilarious, not only is it exciting, rich in interesting and vivid characters, but also very very funny. The image of an Oxford Don and famous British poet racing around Oxford town, chasing a young woman, drinking at all hours, waking up in cupboards, being tied up by thugs and in general acting as if they are James Bond when they aren't. If none of these scenarios appeal to you, then this book probably isn't for you, but if you at all like books and have read a few you might enjoy my favourite part: the literary games. Richard Cadogen (the poet) and Gervase Fen (the Don) play ridiculous games, but I won't ruin it for anyone.
Here is the plot, and I am so sorry to have previously been remiss in stating it:
Cadogen is a poet, he even has a publisher and this is where we first meet our indefatigable hero, talking his publisher into lending him some money (50 pounds!!!!!), so he can go on holiday and have an adventure. Being middle aged and a little tired, Cadogen feels he needs some excitement in his life, so he can be inspired to write more poems. He decides to go to Oxford, his old university city and jumps straight on the train (by the way, I am not ruining the story for you, this all happens in the first chapter!). He has to hitch a ride to the outskirts of Oxford, because of train confusions (nice to know they happened back then too) and ends up walking into Oxford when he spots a Toyshop with the door slightly ajar...
Now I will stop, the rest of the story involves a dead woman and getting knocked unconscious, police stations, running away, a car that backfires, moving shops and the wonderful Fen and Cadogen looking for clues and chasing up leads.
Absolutely brilliant to the last page, this book is a classic. I've also heard P.D. James named it as one of her favourite books too, so I guess I have some good company.
As a little plug, if you do happen to buy the Magic Toyshop instead, never fear that book is absolutely genius, though not terribly funny.
Here is the plot, and I am so sorry to have previously been remiss in stating it:
Cadogen is a poet, he even has a publisher and this is where we first meet our indefatigable hero, talking his publisher into lending him some money (50 pounds!!!!!), so he can go on holiday and have an adventure. Being middle aged and a little tired, Cadogen feels he needs some excitement in his life, so he can be inspired to write more poems. He decides to go to Oxford, his old university city and jumps straight on the train (by the way, I am not ruining the story for you, this all happens in the first chapter!). He has to hitch a ride to the outskirts of Oxford, because of train confusions (nice to know they happened back then too) and ends up walking into Oxford when he spots a Toyshop with the door slightly ajar...
Now I will stop, the rest of the story involves a dead woman and getting knocked unconscious, police stations, running away, a car that backfires, moving shops and the wonderful Fen and Cadogen looking for clues and chasing up leads.
Absolutely brilliant to the last page, this book is a classic. I've also heard P.D. James named it as one of her favourite books too, so I guess I have some good company.
As a little plug, if you do happen to buy the Magic Toyshop instead, never fear that book is absolutely genius, though not terribly funny.
Tender is the Night
Hold on to your hats boys and girls, this book is a wonderful and exciting ride into the difficult and compelling relationship of Nicole and Dick Driver. Not to spoil the story or anything but the book is set into 3 parts, the first shows Dick and Nicole's relationship from outsiders eyes (though we do get to see their inner thoughts and feelings as well), the second goes a bit back in time to explain some of the queries the first part raised and the third is a conclusion of sorts. It is a powerful story and exploration into one of the big questions - is love ever enough. Relationships erode as we all know, but it is this underlying belief that some people have that love is all conquering, all powerful when really it isn't. Outside pressures and the true self (as Dick discovers) is more powerful than love, love is not something constant for the Driver's it is a battle sometimes.
I hope I don't ruin this for anyone, but the story is about Nicole who is schizophrenic and Dick is her doctor, or at least he was for a while and now he has married her, he is her full time carer. When understood in this light it is easy to understand Dick's own feelings and constant need to find amusement, a break from reality as well as his constant need for approval.
Well I'm not explaining this very well but I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in Fitzgerald and his works. It is a fantastic piece of literature that is not pretentious but is honest and true to life's little truths. On finishing this novel I decided however, to take a break from Fitzy boy because one cannot read too many books of this nature, you would begin to loose faith in the human condition. Instead I am now reading a lovely hilarious books called The Moving Toyshop not to be confused with The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter which is brilliant too, but not quite the same. I shall write about that one when I finish it, but for now good-bye I am off to the races (or well to do something else).
I hope I don't ruin this for anyone, but the story is about Nicole who is schizophrenic and Dick is her doctor, or at least he was for a while and now he has married her, he is her full time carer. When understood in this light it is easy to understand Dick's own feelings and constant need to find amusement, a break from reality as well as his constant need for approval.
Well I'm not explaining this very well but I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in Fitzgerald and his works. It is a fantastic piece of literature that is not pretentious but is honest and true to life's little truths. On finishing this novel I decided however, to take a break from Fitzy boy because one cannot read too many books of this nature, you would begin to loose faith in the human condition. Instead I am now reading a lovely hilarious books called The Moving Toyshop not to be confused with The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter which is brilliant too, but not quite the same. I shall write about that one when I finish it, but for now good-bye I am off to the races (or well to do something else).
The Great Gastby
So my first Fitzgerald has come and gone, quick read to be honest and a rather heavy one after so many romance novels and easy reading. I liked it a lot though, while I may inherently dislike Daisy (even from the beginning) and her husband (ugh!) I enjoyed the narrators tone and the exploration of characters during a specific setting and time. Gastby himself is a mystery and I felt at the end that his death was a sad coincidence after all he had to deal with and I really wanted to hear more about his life. But that is what great literature can do. It can prolong out interest in a character after his death, after the end of the novel. Still I wonder about him in a haunting way. (if you hadn't noticed I seem to enjoy rather haunting characters and books that stay with you - its a flaw).
It has inspired me to read Tender is the Night (a book I am informed that is loosely based on Fitzgerald's own relationship with Zelda his wife) next. I have a very battered copy of it that has a creepy woman depicted twice as if she is reflected in a mirror or something, however her eyes and face look different in both images. Spooky!!!! I hope it is as good as Great Gastby, as I really enjoyed it.
It has inspired me to read Tender is the Night (a book I am informed that is loosely based on Fitzgerald's own relationship with Zelda his wife) next. I have a very battered copy of it that has a creepy woman depicted twice as if she is reflected in a mirror or something, however her eyes and face look different in both images. Spooky!!!! I hope it is as good as Great Gastby, as I really enjoyed it.
Back again
Dear all,
I am sure that there are most probably none of you out there who even care that I have been frantically reading romance novel after romance novel. However, all has been completed and I am back to my old self again, casually considering my burgeoning book cases and sighing when considering how difficult it would be to either pack up all my books or how much money I have spent on books in my life...this is a maths equation I never want to know the answer to.
Anyway, I found my way along a shelf of things I like to think of as classics, but not my kind of classics. That basically means, I have yet to read it, and its not really a choice, I just feel that I should read these kinds of books. These books range from Edith Warton's Age of Innocence, Anna Karenina, Moby Dick, and some Fitzgerald books found second hand, The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night. So what did I do, well I considered my options and then out of obligation and an intense need for something educational I chose The Great Gatsby.
I shall soldier on and see how I do, I have high hopes, but I think I start every novel out that way!
I am sure that there are most probably none of you out there who even care that I have been frantically reading romance novel after romance novel. However, all has been completed and I am back to my old self again, casually considering my burgeoning book cases and sighing when considering how difficult it would be to either pack up all my books or how much money I have spent on books in my life...this is a maths equation I never want to know the answer to.
Anyway, I found my way along a shelf of things I like to think of as classics, but not my kind of classics. That basically means, I have yet to read it, and its not really a choice, I just feel that I should read these kinds of books. These books range from Edith Warton's Age of Innocence, Anna Karenina, Moby Dick, and some Fitzgerald books found second hand, The Great Gatsby and Tender is the Night. So what did I do, well I considered my options and then out of obligation and an intense need for something educational I chose The Great Gatsby.
I shall soldier on and see how I do, I have high hopes, but I think I start every novel out that way!
A final word
I shall be taking a tiny hiatus from my serious reading. I am currently working on something that demands all my reading abilities and am only allowed to read romance novels...yes I know but I am slightly enjoying it. Just finished beloved Nora's 'Key of Light' and will start something new in a minute, but I wanted to write this down here so I forgive myself the break...but I promise to return soon and will constantly shift my to read pile in anticipation!!!
Never Let Me Go
So once I had finished with true crime I went back to something a little lovely and well it was more then I expected. It was wonderful, I spent the first part thinking 'these kids never seem to get a holiday' until I realised these 'kids' were not ordinary kids. With the all the new developments in science (be they amazing and fantastic), I can understand the horror this advancement could have on the world, but the whole way through the novel I felt more sorrow then fear.
These children were still children, but they were children with their lives already done. Their experiences were on borrowed time, their lives had already been bought and the only way of avoiding the inevitable fourth donation was to be a carer. But really you are then only circling the drain from a bit of a distance (or is that an awful way of trying to describe it?) they know that eventually they will become donors, donors who are created so people (real people...or so they believe themselves to be) can live on, survive cancer and any other life threatening disease. Throughout the novel I felt these people were stalking the main characters, that any brief bit of joy they had was somehow shadowed by the inevitable. But it never took away the simple way I began to love them.
Kathy, Tommy and Ruth were so real, so perfect that knowing they would not live forever, marry, have children, and enjoy all life's potentials filled me with sadness. However, I also laughed, felt myself bursting with glee when Kathy found her tape and when...well I suppose I won't tell you any more of my favourite moments as that would spoil it...but trust me this book is full of hope.
Hope that is something that you can just about touch, but seems always to pull away at the last moment and all of a sudden you realise the importance of such simple moments. The way a sunset looks, the tune of a favourite song, the moment with people you love when everything is calm and still. The true meaning of friendship and forgiveness.
If you couldn't tell I am a bit in love with this book. I'm eager to see the film, but of course, like all book lovers wary of what it will do to my perfect experience of reading it.
Like Remains of the Day this book will be constantly haunting me in the best way possible. Read it, I beg you.
These children were still children, but they were children with their lives already done. Their experiences were on borrowed time, their lives had already been bought and the only way of avoiding the inevitable fourth donation was to be a carer. But really you are then only circling the drain from a bit of a distance (or is that an awful way of trying to describe it?) they know that eventually they will become donors, donors who are created so people (real people...or so they believe themselves to be) can live on, survive cancer and any other life threatening disease. Throughout the novel I felt these people were stalking the main characters, that any brief bit of joy they had was somehow shadowed by the inevitable. But it never took away the simple way I began to love them.
Kathy, Tommy and Ruth were so real, so perfect that knowing they would not live forever, marry, have children, and enjoy all life's potentials filled me with sadness. However, I also laughed, felt myself bursting with glee when Kathy found her tape and when...well I suppose I won't tell you any more of my favourite moments as that would spoil it...but trust me this book is full of hope.
Hope that is something that you can just about touch, but seems always to pull away at the last moment and all of a sudden you realise the importance of such simple moments. The way a sunset looks, the tune of a favourite song, the moment with people you love when everything is calm and still. The true meaning of friendship and forgiveness.
If you couldn't tell I am a bit in love with this book. I'm eager to see the film, but of course, like all book lovers wary of what it will do to my perfect experience of reading it.
Like Remains of the Day this book will be constantly haunting me in the best way possible. Read it, I beg you.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Now, I must admit to being slightly lazy over the Christmas holidays, I spent too much time watching marginally good Christmas films, eating too much good food and reading a few fantastic books. But I didn't update my blog. I feel quite terrible about it and hope that two posts on one night will make it up to myself.
John Berendt's book is a fascinating compilation of rich characters, nail biting stories and hilarious dialogue. His thoughtful approach and stunning prose kept me exhilarated to the very last page. I read the whole book cover to cover, I mean all of it, the pages without page numbers, the bit at the end about the author and all the characters. I had to read it all, because this book is so brilliant putting it down was not an option.
Part of me still wonders about this sleepy little place, the place that resists change in all forms, lives on with drunken drivers represented on the trees lining the beautiful squares they are so proud of. The graveyard that is a place for quiet reflection, black magic games and trysts. This is a place of all things so lost within itself it is unaware of the rest of the world. Its own gossip is more then enough to keep all inhabitants happy and at some points riveted. The cafe with the man who may eat or not, but always orders his food; the drag queen who is so spunky and powerful while always being true to herself (and yes honey she is a she!!!); the man who opens his house to all and sundry relying on his charm and dumb luck to keep him out of financial trouble and the woman travelling around in her car from one end to the other playing the piano for everyone and enjoying every minute of it. I would love to meet these characters and completely understand why Berendt had to write a foreword explaining that they really were real people, this book is not fiction though it reads like one. I suppose we only tell ourselves its fiction because it is one of the best books I've ever read and how could it possibly have really happened...but it did! And I love it all the more for that.
If I could only get my hands on his other book, its a travel book, but seeing as true crime was not a disastrous foray, I was thinking reading a nice little travel book might be perfect...if only I could find a bookshop with it in stock.
My verdict: read it, even if you think true crime is bogus or awful. It really is a complete and utter gem!!!!
John Berendt's book is a fascinating compilation of rich characters, nail biting stories and hilarious dialogue. His thoughtful approach and stunning prose kept me exhilarated to the very last page. I read the whole book cover to cover, I mean all of it, the pages without page numbers, the bit at the end about the author and all the characters. I had to read it all, because this book is so brilliant putting it down was not an option.
Part of me still wonders about this sleepy little place, the place that resists change in all forms, lives on with drunken drivers represented on the trees lining the beautiful squares they are so proud of. The graveyard that is a place for quiet reflection, black magic games and trysts. This is a place of all things so lost within itself it is unaware of the rest of the world. Its own gossip is more then enough to keep all inhabitants happy and at some points riveted. The cafe with the man who may eat or not, but always orders his food; the drag queen who is so spunky and powerful while always being true to herself (and yes honey she is a she!!!); the man who opens his house to all and sundry relying on his charm and dumb luck to keep him out of financial trouble and the woman travelling around in her car from one end to the other playing the piano for everyone and enjoying every minute of it. I would love to meet these characters and completely understand why Berendt had to write a foreword explaining that they really were real people, this book is not fiction though it reads like one. I suppose we only tell ourselves its fiction because it is one of the best books I've ever read and how could it possibly have really happened...but it did! And I love it all the more for that.
If I could only get my hands on his other book, its a travel book, but seeing as true crime was not a disastrous foray, I was thinking reading a nice little travel book might be perfect...if only I could find a bookshop with it in stock.
My verdict: read it, even if you think true crime is bogus or awful. It really is a complete and utter gem!!!!
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