29 Jun 2009
A New Find.
Whilst having a browse, I came across this lovely animated piece about a hedgehog, entitled ' Hedgehog In The Fog ', it is one of the masterworks of Russian animator Yuri Norstein - I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Make me laugh!
Good grief, it's been a long night - too warm and sticky (by English weather standards anyway) to sleep well plus both Hubby and I have had a bad night, himself with his back and me with my leg. Then to cap it all, just when I seemed to be settling, our 'house guest' saunters in at 4.15 this morning making enough noise to wake the dead. Anyway I digress.
Having seen a joke I had posted on FaceBook (see 'Yummy!' below), conversation, at the quiz last night, turned to humour and how my jokes were unfunny and/or as old as the hills. Okay, so they might have a point, but could they do any better I challenged. Here is one of their suggestions, please let me know what you think or even share your favourite joke with me - I could do with a laugh.
This little blonde girl comes home to her mammy and says " Mammy, we learned to count today. Everyone else counted to five but I counted to ten. Isn't that very good? Isn't that because I'm blonde, Mammy? "
" Yes, dear, " says the mammy, " that's because your blonde."
The same thing happens the next day with the alphabet. " Mammy, Mammy, " says the little blonde girl, " all the other girls only got as far as D, but I got as far as K. Isn't that very good, Mammy? Isn't that because I'm blonde? "
" Yes, darling, " says the mammy. " That's definitely because your blonde."
The third day she runs in to tell the mother that at school today, they all went swimming. " And all the other girls had no breasts, Mammy, but look at me! I'm thirty- six D. Isn't that good, Mammy? Isn't that because I'm blonde? "
" No darling, " says the mother. " That's because your twenty-five."
And whilst on the subject of favourite jokes, perhaps now is a good time to share one of Hubby's.
Q: What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back?
A: A stick.
Having seen a joke I had posted on FaceBook (see 'Yummy!' below), conversation, at the quiz last night, turned to humour and how my jokes were unfunny and/or as old as the hills. Okay, so they might have a point, but could they do any better I challenged. Here is one of their suggestions, please let me know what you think or even share your favourite joke with me - I could do with a laugh.
This little blonde girl comes home to her mammy and says " Mammy, we learned to count today. Everyone else counted to five but I counted to ten. Isn't that very good? Isn't that because I'm blonde, Mammy? "
" Yes, dear, " says the mammy, " that's because your blonde."
The same thing happens the next day with the alphabet. " Mammy, Mammy, " says the little blonde girl, " all the other girls only got as far as D, but I got as far as K. Isn't that very good, Mammy? Isn't that because I'm blonde? "
" Yes, darling, " says the mammy. " That's definitely because your blonde."
The third day she runs in to tell the mother that at school today, they all went swimming. " And all the other girls had no breasts, Mammy, but look at me! I'm thirty- six D. Isn't that good, Mammy? Isn't that because I'm blonde? "
" No darling, " says the mother. " That's because your twenty-five."
And whilst on the subject of favourite jokes, perhaps now is a good time to share one of Hubby's.
Q: What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back?
A: A stick.
28 Jun 2009
Yummy!
Two cannibals were eating a clown.
One says to the other " Is it just me or does this taste funny? "
One says to the other " Is it just me or does this taste funny? "
The Observations.
The Observations By Jane Harris.
Scotland, 1863. In an attempt to escape her past, Bessy Buckley takes a job working as a maid in a big country house. But when Arabella, her beautiful mistress, asks her to undertake a series of bizarre tasks, Bessy begins to realise that she hasn't quite landed on her feet.
Arabella Reid, mistress to a succession of maids including Morag, Nora who was ' in many respects, almost the perfect servant and certainly knew what to do with a full stop ' and now Bessy, the new in-and-out girl, carries out a series of 'experiments' - for she has ' heard tell of distinguished and learned gentlemen who spend all night in their laboratories, mixing chemicals in vials and scrupulously recording the results of their experiments' - which she then records in her book, The Observations. It is when Bessy happens across this book that the adventures begin.
A debut novel, The Observations is original, warm, funny,well observed and full of 'real' characters. It is bawdy, full of intrigue and, at times, a social comment on how people lived in those times. Once started, it is difficult to put down.
Based around three very different women, all of them strong and, yet somehow, needy, The Observations is one story with several strands running through it.There blossoming relationship between servant Bessy and Mistress Arabella, then the much more fragile, at times abusive, relationship between Bessy and her mother Bridget. All three characters are very human and despite, maybe because of, their flaws they are all very likable. If only the same could be said of the far fewer male characters who do not fare nearly so well - much less likable, they come across as either weak-willed, mean and/or lecherous.
Scotland, 1863. In an attempt to escape her past, Bessy Buckley takes a job working as a maid in a big country house. But when Arabella, her beautiful mistress, asks her to undertake a series of bizarre tasks, Bessy begins to realise that she hasn't quite landed on her feet.
Arabella Reid, mistress to a succession of maids including Morag, Nora who was ' in many respects, almost the perfect servant and certainly knew what to do with a full stop ' and now Bessy, the new in-and-out girl, carries out a series of 'experiments' - for she has ' heard tell of distinguished and learned gentlemen who spend all night in their laboratories, mixing chemicals in vials and scrupulously recording the results of their experiments' - which she then records in her book, The Observations. It is when Bessy happens across this book that the adventures begin.
A debut novel, The Observations is original, warm, funny,well observed and full of 'real' characters. It is bawdy, full of intrigue and, at times, a social comment on how people lived in those times. Once started, it is difficult to put down.
Based around three very different women, all of them strong and, yet somehow, needy, The Observations is one story with several strands running through it.There blossoming relationship between servant Bessy and Mistress Arabella, then the much more fragile, at times abusive, relationship between Bessy and her mother Bridget. All three characters are very human and despite, maybe because of, their flaws they are all very likable. If only the same could be said of the far fewer male characters who do not fare nearly so well - much less likable, they come across as either weak-willed, mean and/or lecherous.
26 Jun 2009
The Good Wife's Guide.
* Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.
* Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people.
* Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
* Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
* Gather up school books, toys, paper etc and then run a dishcloth over the tables.
* Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
* Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimise all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
* Be happy to see him.
* Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
* Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
* Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.
* Your goal: try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
* Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
* Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Compare this as a minor to what he might have gone through that day.
* Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
* Arrange his pillows and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
* Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
* A good wife always knows her place.
An actual 1955 Good Housekeeping article. Thanks for that Hubby, it's interesting to note that the original e-mail was sent by a MALE work colleague.
* Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people.
* Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
* Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.
* Gather up school books, toys, paper etc and then run a dishcloth over the tables.
* Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
* Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimise all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
* Be happy to see him.
* Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
* Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
* Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.
* Your goal: try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquility where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
* Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
* Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Compare this as a minor to what he might have gone through that day.
* Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
* Arrange his pillows and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
* Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
* A good wife always knows her place.
An actual 1955 Good Housekeeping article. Thanks for that Hubby, it's interesting to note that the original e-mail was sent by a MALE work colleague.
It's The Bells.
In the USA, a clergyman has been given a 10-day suspended prison sentence because locals have complained his church bells are too loud. Bishop Richard Painter is appealing. He says the bells at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Phoenix are three decibels quieter then the jingles played by ice cream vans.
25 Jun 2009
Oddest eBay Auctions.
* In 2006, a man tried to sell his soul before eBay bosses booted him off, insisting he had to produce written permission from 'a higher authority'.
** Justin Timberlake's half-eaten French toast, plus the fork and plate he used, were auctioned for £1,700 in 2000.
*** In 2004, a debt-ridden 18-year-old Bristol University student turned to eBay to auction her virginity. She received 400 bids before the internet company stopped it.
**** In 2003, Simon Holland sold a chip for £150. Simon, from Winconsin Rapids in the US, claimed that the six and three quarter incher was the world's biggest French fry.
***** A skeleton of a 50,000-year-old mammoth fetched £61,000 in 2004.
****** A mystery buyer stumped up £1 million to buy the Californian town of Bridgeville in 2002. The lot, offered on eBay, included 82 acres, 10 houses, 4 cabins and even it's own postcode.
******* A tooth said to have been pulled from Elvis Presley's mouth after he suffered an injury failed to attract the minimum £63,000 selling price on eBay in July 2007.
Thanks to an old friend for that piece of trivia.
** Justin Timberlake's half-eaten French toast, plus the fork and plate he used, were auctioned for £1,700 in 2000.
*** In 2004, a debt-ridden 18-year-old Bristol University student turned to eBay to auction her virginity. She received 400 bids before the internet company stopped it.
**** In 2003, Simon Holland sold a chip for £150. Simon, from Winconsin Rapids in the US, claimed that the six and three quarter incher was the world's biggest French fry.
***** A skeleton of a 50,000-year-old mammoth fetched £61,000 in 2004.
****** A mystery buyer stumped up £1 million to buy the Californian town of Bridgeville in 2002. The lot, offered on eBay, included 82 acres, 10 houses, 4 cabins and even it's own postcode.
******* A tooth said to have been pulled from Elvis Presley's mouth after he suffered an injury failed to attract the minimum £63,000 selling price on eBay in July 2007.
Thanks to an old friend for that piece of trivia.
23 Jun 2009
What a load of twaddle.
Have just completed one of those daft quizzes on FaceBook - what can I say, curiosity eventually got the better of me. Entitled 'What's your name meaning?', it came up with 'Woah! You've got an aggressive name. Your name reflects a strong personality and you are always up for trouble. Chill out man' MOI - Aggressive? As I say, a load of twaddle (and beware anyone who says anything different!)
Twisted Minds.
Twisted Minds By Hilary Norman.
From the day he sets foot in the house in Hampstead that belonged to his new wife's first husband, Matthew Gardner begins to realise that life with Caroline is going to be infinitely rougher then he'd hoped. Two of her three teenage daughters, Flic and Imogen - charming to him in public - actually loathe him.
If only their mother could see Matthew through their eyes, the girl's feel, life would be much easier. As things are, however, Flic and Imo - two young sociopaths in the making - are utterly determined to get rid of their stepfather, and chillingly ruthless in the way they go about it.
" Tread carefully. Girl's who've lost their father that young are bound to be fragile."
" More then anything, I figure what these girls - young women - need, in the long haul, is people to care for them, be on their side.
I have a lot of love I can give to her daughters, and I know they may not be ready to let another man love them, but I can be patient."
But what happens when that sense of duty and wanting 'to do the right thing is so strong' and you have two, perhaps three, obviously damaged, teenage girls who are prepared to do almost anything to get you out of their lives.
Twisted Minds is a roller coaster of a read , just when you think an end is in sight there is yet another twist. I don't think I have ever read a more chilling, stomach churning novel, so full of sinister intent and malice, it's unbelievable and yet at the same time all too convincing. The characters are superbly written, with the exception of only one or two, they constantly had me yelling " What are you thinking of? Do something." This book must be every stepfather's nightmare come true.
From the day he sets foot in the house in Hampstead that belonged to his new wife's first husband, Matthew Gardner begins to realise that life with Caroline is going to be infinitely rougher then he'd hoped. Two of her three teenage daughters, Flic and Imogen - charming to him in public - actually loathe him.
If only their mother could see Matthew through their eyes, the girl's feel, life would be much easier. As things are, however, Flic and Imo - two young sociopaths in the making - are utterly determined to get rid of their stepfather, and chillingly ruthless in the way they go about it.
" Tread carefully. Girl's who've lost their father that young are bound to be fragile."
" More then anything, I figure what these girls - young women - need, in the long haul, is people to care for them, be on their side.
I have a lot of love I can give to her daughters, and I know they may not be ready to let another man love them, but I can be patient."
But what happens when that sense of duty and wanting 'to do the right thing is so strong' and you have two, perhaps three, obviously damaged, teenage girls who are prepared to do almost anything to get you out of their lives.
Twisted Minds is a roller coaster of a read , just when you think an end is in sight there is yet another twist. I don't think I have ever read a more chilling, stomach churning novel, so full of sinister intent and malice, it's unbelievable and yet at the same time all too convincing. The characters are superbly written, with the exception of only one or two, they constantly had me yelling " What are you thinking of? Do something." This book must be every stepfather's nightmare come true.
22 Jun 2009
Good On Mrs. Laybourn (?)
MESSY WRITING CAUSES ANGER.
Benefit bosses have launched an investigation into one of the most bizarre cases I (Mr. Justice) have ever passed on to them.
Reader Dorothy Laybourn said she was furious because ... She was paid the wrong amount? She had her benefit cut? She was given poor advice?
No, none of the above. She was angry because they addressed a letter in bad hand writing.
Dorothy, of Jarrow, South Tyneside, told me " The letter was sent by the Department of Works and Pensions in Belfast. I would like you to see what kind of people the Government have employed. It looks like the writing of a child, not a grown-up person. If possible, can you please send the envelope back."
Dorothy is not a woman to be messed with, so back it went. It was obviously written at speed in a mix of capitals and lower-case letters. Some letters were not formed - one of the 'r's in Jarrow looked like an 'n' and the 'k's looked like 'i' and 'c'.
I asked the DWP why the envelope - I can't copy it here because it would mean revealing Dorothy's address - was sent in that form in the first place.
They said " If you have the opportunity I would be grateful if you would pass on my apology to Mrs. Laybourn on behalf of DWP.
This department sends out thousands of letters to customers every week and many, like Mrs. Laybourn's are addressed by hand, usually in order to save time. Sometimes perhaps neatness is sacrificed for speed.
However, we do pride ourselves on our customer service and we take complaints like Mrs. Laybourn's very seriously.
I have passed this query to my colleague on the operational side of the department in the hope that the office which issued the letter, and possibly the individual who addressed it, can be identified and Mrs. Laybourn's comments brought to their attention."
Taken from the pages of 'Mr Justice', The Sunday Sun, Sunday 21st of June.
Benefit bosses have launched an investigation into one of the most bizarre cases I (Mr. Justice) have ever passed on to them.
Reader Dorothy Laybourn said she was furious because ... She was paid the wrong amount? She had her benefit cut? She was given poor advice?
No, none of the above. She was angry because they addressed a letter in bad hand writing.
Dorothy, of Jarrow, South Tyneside, told me " The letter was sent by the Department of Works and Pensions in Belfast. I would like you to see what kind of people the Government have employed. It looks like the writing of a child, not a grown-up person. If possible, can you please send the envelope back."
Dorothy is not a woman to be messed with, so back it went. It was obviously written at speed in a mix of capitals and lower-case letters. Some letters were not formed - one of the 'r's in Jarrow looked like an 'n' and the 'k's looked like 'i' and 'c'.
I asked the DWP why the envelope - I can't copy it here because it would mean revealing Dorothy's address - was sent in that form in the first place.
They said " If you have the opportunity I would be grateful if you would pass on my apology to Mrs. Laybourn on behalf of DWP.
This department sends out thousands of letters to customers every week and many, like Mrs. Laybourn's are addressed by hand, usually in order to save time. Sometimes perhaps neatness is sacrificed for speed.
However, we do pride ourselves on our customer service and we take complaints like Mrs. Laybourn's very seriously.
I have passed this query to my colleague on the operational side of the department in the hope that the office which issued the letter, and possibly the individual who addressed it, can be identified and Mrs. Laybourn's comments brought to their attention."
Taken from the pages of 'Mr Justice', The Sunday Sun, Sunday 21st of June.
20 Jun 2009
Choo, Choo, THUD!
Earlier this week I wrote about 'the light at the end of the tunnel generally being the train that's about to knock you down'. Well, Hubby and I can now consider ourselves 'knocked down'. Yesterday, for the second time this year, our 19 year old niece, after a series of arguments with her mother, was told to leave the house. Needless to say, it was our doorstep that said niece turned up on. Families?
19 Jun 2009
The Snow-Walker Trilogy.
The Snow-Walker Trilogy By Catherine Fisher.
From the swirling mists and icy realms beyond the edge of the world came the Snow-Walker Gudrun to rule the Jarl's people with fear and sorcery. No sword is a match for her rune-magic and it seems the land may never be free from her tyranny. But there is a small band of outlaws determined to defeat Gudrun and restore the rightful Jarl. This trilogy follows their quest from the terrifying journey to meet the mysterious Snow-Walker's son, to the final battle in the land of the soul thieves.
This book includes:
* The Snow-Walker's Son
** The Empty hand
*** The Soul Thieves.
The Snow-Walker's Son.
Sent into exile by Jarl Ragner and the Snow-Walker Gudrun, cousins Jessa and Thorkil travel to the wilderness that is Thrasirshall where many years previously the babe Kari, son of Ragnar and Gudrun, was also sent.
Once there, they, along with Kari and his companion Brachael, make their escape and travel, amongst others, with, fellow outlaw and last of the Wulflings, Wulfgar and poet (skald) Skapti back to the Jarsland where events come to a climax.
A slow start, no doubt to set the tone for the rest of the series, but an exciting ending. However, for most of the way through, I was strongly reminded of ' The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe ' by C. S. Lewis and, in particular, the scenes where the group take flight with Mr and Mrs. Beaver. After all we have an Ice Queen/Snow-Walker with influence over a vast snowy land who, for a time, has a strange hold over a small boy which could endanger both himself and others. In all honestly, I kept expecting Father Christmas to turn up.
The Empty Hand.
Having now read the second book in the series, book one, 'The Snow-Walker's Son', seems to have much more meaning as, as I suspected, it does indeed lay the foundations for this much more exciting novel.
With Wulfgar the new Jarl, all should be well but 'The creature moved down from the north, travelling quickly. All the long night it had blurred and flickered through blizzards, leaving it's prints briefly on the open tundra, until the snow clogged them' and now it's heading towards Jarlsand. Sensing this Kari, along with Brachael, travels back from Thrasirshall to lend his support but suspicion and mistrust of Gudrun's son is stll rife amongst the people of the Jarlshall
A pacier, more action packed story with characters developing in strength. Very cleverly written in that though 'the creature' was believed to be totally evil, you could not help but be moved by it's plight at the same time.
The Soul Thieves.
A wedding is about to take place but during the feast a strange, icy mist descends on the Jarshall leaving everyone, except Kari, asleep - locked in their own personal nightmares. Eventually Kari awakens all but one, Signi, the bride-to be. "She's gone. Gudrun has taken her." "Taken her! She's not dead." "Not even that. Taken her soul; taken it far away." And so, with Signi growing ever colder, off go Kari, Brachael, Jessa, Skapti and Hakon, a once disabled 'thrall' (slave), who is now one of Wulfgar's warband in search of her lost soul.
An interesting end to what turned out to be an enjoyable trilogy. Exciting and suspenseful with a few new characters thrown in for good measure. However, as in 'The Snow-Walker', I couldn't help but be reminded of ' The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe ' - the comparison of a land turning to one of ice and snow was just too great. Also, puzzling, what happened to Thorkil who was mentioned in the first book, never to be mentioned again? All in all - a good read, growing stronger with each of the books.
From the swirling mists and icy realms beyond the edge of the world came the Snow-Walker Gudrun to rule the Jarl's people with fear and sorcery. No sword is a match for her rune-magic and it seems the land may never be free from her tyranny. But there is a small band of outlaws determined to defeat Gudrun and restore the rightful Jarl. This trilogy follows their quest from the terrifying journey to meet the mysterious Snow-Walker's son, to the final battle in the land of the soul thieves.
This book includes:
* The Snow-Walker's Son
** The Empty hand
*** The Soul Thieves.
The Snow-Walker's Son.
Sent into exile by Jarl Ragner and the Snow-Walker Gudrun, cousins Jessa and Thorkil travel to the wilderness that is Thrasirshall where many years previously the babe Kari, son of Ragnar and Gudrun, was also sent.
Once there, they, along with Kari and his companion Brachael, make their escape and travel, amongst others, with, fellow outlaw and last of the Wulflings, Wulfgar and poet (skald) Skapti back to the Jarsland where events come to a climax.
A slow start, no doubt to set the tone for the rest of the series, but an exciting ending. However, for most of the way through, I was strongly reminded of ' The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe ' by C. S. Lewis and, in particular, the scenes where the group take flight with Mr and Mrs. Beaver. After all we have an Ice Queen/Snow-Walker with influence over a vast snowy land who, for a time, has a strange hold over a small boy which could endanger both himself and others. In all honestly, I kept expecting Father Christmas to turn up.
The Empty Hand.
Having now read the second book in the series, book one, 'The Snow-Walker's Son', seems to have much more meaning as, as I suspected, it does indeed lay the foundations for this much more exciting novel.
With Wulfgar the new Jarl, all should be well but 'The creature moved down from the north, travelling quickly. All the long night it had blurred and flickered through blizzards, leaving it's prints briefly on the open tundra, until the snow clogged them' and now it's heading towards Jarlsand. Sensing this Kari, along with Brachael, travels back from Thrasirshall to lend his support but suspicion and mistrust of Gudrun's son is stll rife amongst the people of the Jarlshall
A pacier, more action packed story with characters developing in strength. Very cleverly written in that though 'the creature' was believed to be totally evil, you could not help but be moved by it's plight at the same time.
The Soul Thieves.
A wedding is about to take place but during the feast a strange, icy mist descends on the Jarshall leaving everyone, except Kari, asleep - locked in their own personal nightmares. Eventually Kari awakens all but one, Signi, the bride-to be. "She's gone. Gudrun has taken her." "Taken her! She's not dead." "Not even that. Taken her soul; taken it far away." And so, with Signi growing ever colder, off go Kari, Brachael, Jessa, Skapti and Hakon, a once disabled 'thrall' (slave), who is now one of Wulfgar's warband in search of her lost soul.
An interesting end to what turned out to be an enjoyable trilogy. Exciting and suspenseful with a few new characters thrown in for good measure. However, as in 'The Snow-Walker', I couldn't help but be reminded of ' The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe ' - the comparison of a land turning to one of ice and snow was just too great. Also, puzzling, what happened to Thorkil who was mentioned in the first book, never to be mentioned again? All in all - a good read, growing stronger with each of the books.
Cutting your, err, nose off to spite your face.
In Egypt a 25-year-old labourer in Sheikh Eissa has cut off his penis in protest against the choice of bride his parents have arranged for him to marry. Doctors - who have not been able to re-attach it - say he staged his drastic protest because he was in love with another woman who his parents wouldn't let him marry.
18 Jun 2009
Ever heard the saying .....?
Has anyone ever heard the saying 'The light at the end of the tunnel is generally the train that's about to knock you down'? Well, my day has just become one of those days. Can't say too much but to comment 'You can pick your friends but not your family' probably says it all.
Only Strange People Go To Church.
Only Strange People Go To Church By Laura Marney.
Maria, a community worker, looks after an unruly gang of mentally disabled people. She wants to put on a community show but lacks both a venue and a community to perform in. Ray's workshop, actually a deconsecrated church, could be the answer to her prayers. The trouble is, Ray wields an unnatural influence over people. Can he be trusted? On the other hand, Dezzie, her colleague, is a great guy; he's tall, handsome, and he doesn't mind women with concave chests.
After an alarming incident with a flasher and auditions that include the Can-Can Grans, Maria succeeds in setting up a Musical Extravaganza. However, in doing so she suffers a moral dilemma that would a curl a bishop's hair. If Maria does 'the right thing' she'll wreck careers, break hearts and end up alone and flat chested. What is 'the right thing' and should she do it?
A surprising book. At first view it seems to be light-weight, what I would call an easy read, but then there are the thought provoking events and an occurrence that is both shocking, explosive and totally unexpected.
'Only Strange People' is ironic, full of exaggerated characters and twists and turns, sometimes far fetched and occasionally offensive but it is also extremely warm and full of humour. Anyone who has ever worked in a community setting is bound to recognise some of the characters and events portrayed.
Firstly, there is Maria, key worker to Blue group (Brian, Fiona, Jane and Martin), who decides to organize the Community Event with her colleague, Dezzie, with a view to both her promotion and 'solving the Inclusion Issue'. Then there is Ray who, with his 'Come One, Come All' policy, quickly becomes a firm favourite in the community and, finally, there are all the various characters who make the book what it is - but beware, very few are as they first seem.
Maria, a community worker, looks after an unruly gang of mentally disabled people. She wants to put on a community show but lacks both a venue and a community to perform in. Ray's workshop, actually a deconsecrated church, could be the answer to her prayers. The trouble is, Ray wields an unnatural influence over people. Can he be trusted? On the other hand, Dezzie, her colleague, is a great guy; he's tall, handsome, and he doesn't mind women with concave chests.
After an alarming incident with a flasher and auditions that include the Can-Can Grans, Maria succeeds in setting up a Musical Extravaganza. However, in doing so she suffers a moral dilemma that would a curl a bishop's hair. If Maria does 'the right thing' she'll wreck careers, break hearts and end up alone and flat chested. What is 'the right thing' and should she do it?
A surprising book. At first view it seems to be light-weight, what I would call an easy read, but then there are the thought provoking events and an occurrence that is both shocking, explosive and totally unexpected.
'Only Strange People' is ironic, full of exaggerated characters and twists and turns, sometimes far fetched and occasionally offensive but it is also extremely warm and full of humour. Anyone who has ever worked in a community setting is bound to recognise some of the characters and events portrayed.
Firstly, there is Maria, key worker to Blue group (Brian, Fiona, Jane and Martin), who decides to organize the Community Event with her colleague, Dezzie, with a view to both her promotion and 'solving the Inclusion Issue'. Then there is Ray who, with his 'Come One, Come All' policy, quickly becomes a firm favourite in the community and, finally, there are all the various characters who make the book what it is - but beware, very few are as they first seem.
16 Jun 2009
Book Teaser
Whilst visiting Sherrie in Just Books (find her in 'My Blog List'), I came across a post entitled 'TEASER TUESDAY ' which I thought was an interesting idea. To take part all you need do is:
* Grab your current read
* Open at a random page
* Share two 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page
* Be careful not to include 'spoilers' (make sure you don't give too much away! You don't want to spoil it for other readers)
* Share the title and author so that other participants can add to their To Be Read lists if they like the teasers.
My Teasers, from 'Only Strange People Go To Church' By Laura Marney, are
* The show is set; it's been set for weeks, running order and time agreed.
** He looks and sounds exactly like Madonna.
* Grab your current read
* Open at a random page
* Share two 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page
* Be careful not to include 'spoilers' (make sure you don't give too much away! You don't want to spoil it for other readers)
* Share the title and author so that other participants can add to their To Be Read lists if they like the teasers.
My Teasers, from 'Only Strange People Go To Church' By Laura Marney, are
* The show is set; it's been set for weeks, running order and time agreed.
** He looks and sounds exactly like Madonna.
The Perfect Sinner.
The Perfect Sinner By Will Davenport.
Guy de Bryan is the perfect gentle knight, regarded far and wide as s good man, renowned for his devotion to chivalry. But when he sees Elizabeth, he knows what he feels for her is anything but courtly love. It is an emotion so strong that it will lead him into mortal danger, make him act in a way he would have thought impossible - and change the course of both their lives.
Elizabeth's sin must never come to light, and Guy will not reveal it even in confession. But as he leads a fraught, dangerous mission across the freezing alps, his secrets torment him. And a young squire accompanying him begins to draw out what de Bryan has hidden for so long - a remarkable tale of chivalry, murderous deception and deep passion.
Six hundred years later high-flyer Beth Battock is caught in a drama of her own. Forced back to her home village by a political scandal, she most come to terms with her own and her family's history, the thread that binds them to the de Bryans and the realisation that she is not alone in her mistakes...
This novel is the poorest, most dull book I have read in quite a while. "Powerful historical fiction, utterly convincing" claims the wonderful author Philippa Gregory on the front cover. Had we read the same book? I found most of it, especially the chapters concerning de Bryan, to be unconvincing and extremely long winded, with not a lot actually seeming to happen. For me it was one of those rare books in that, though you are reading it, nothing is really being retained from one page to the next. Perhaps there was nothing about the story or characters to capture the imagination. However certain bits of it were (unintentionally?) funny - take, for example, this sentence which had me giggling for a while afterwards " William and his horse weren't getting on ....."
The Perfect Sinner covers the story of Guy de Bryan who, along with the Sir John Molyns of the book, actually existed and the Battock family who, six hundred years later, still honour a vow to say a special mass for Elizabeth, Guy's one true love, on St Petronella's Day, May 31st, - the day Elizabeth died in 1359. With the ill health of both grandmother, Eliza and father, Lewis, it will be up to Beth to carry on the tradition but is she able to?
The book is interesting in that it covers two battles, Crechy in which cannons were used for the first time and then the Second World War when troops were preparing for the beach landings in Normandy. It also covers three love stories - the love Guy has for Elizabeth, the short lived love of Eliza for her American GI, Sergeant James Kimber, and the rekindled love of Beth and, her teenage friend and romance, Luke. Most interesting of all those is the Historical Note at the end of the book which explains the squire of the book was in fact Geoffrey Chaucer who, I learnt, undertook many diplomatic missions for the king and fifteen years or so after the mentioned journey to Genoa, began to write the Canterbury Tales, including the Knight's Tale.
Guy de Bryan is the perfect gentle knight, regarded far and wide as s good man, renowned for his devotion to chivalry. But when he sees Elizabeth, he knows what he feels for her is anything but courtly love. It is an emotion so strong that it will lead him into mortal danger, make him act in a way he would have thought impossible - and change the course of both their lives.
Elizabeth's sin must never come to light, and Guy will not reveal it even in confession. But as he leads a fraught, dangerous mission across the freezing alps, his secrets torment him. And a young squire accompanying him begins to draw out what de Bryan has hidden for so long - a remarkable tale of chivalry, murderous deception and deep passion.
Six hundred years later high-flyer Beth Battock is caught in a drama of her own. Forced back to her home village by a political scandal, she most come to terms with her own and her family's history, the thread that binds them to the de Bryans and the realisation that she is not alone in her mistakes...
This novel is the poorest, most dull book I have read in quite a while. "Powerful historical fiction, utterly convincing" claims the wonderful author Philippa Gregory on the front cover. Had we read the same book? I found most of it, especially the chapters concerning de Bryan, to be unconvincing and extremely long winded, with not a lot actually seeming to happen. For me it was one of those rare books in that, though you are reading it, nothing is really being retained from one page to the next. Perhaps there was nothing about the story or characters to capture the imagination. However certain bits of it were (unintentionally?) funny - take, for example, this sentence which had me giggling for a while afterwards " William and his horse weren't getting on ....."
The Perfect Sinner covers the story of Guy de Bryan who, along with the Sir John Molyns of the book, actually existed and the Battock family who, six hundred years later, still honour a vow to say a special mass for Elizabeth, Guy's one true love, on St Petronella's Day, May 31st, - the day Elizabeth died in 1359. With the ill health of both grandmother, Eliza and father, Lewis, it will be up to Beth to carry on the tradition but is she able to?
The book is interesting in that it covers two battles, Crechy in which cannons were used for the first time and then the Second World War when troops were preparing for the beach landings in Normandy. It also covers three love stories - the love Guy has for Elizabeth, the short lived love of Eliza for her American GI, Sergeant James Kimber, and the rekindled love of Beth and, her teenage friend and romance, Luke. Most interesting of all those is the Historical Note at the end of the book which explains the squire of the book was in fact Geoffrey Chaucer who, I learnt, undertook many diplomatic missions for the king and fifteen years or so after the mentioned journey to Genoa, began to write the Canterbury Tales, including the Knight's Tale.
15 Jun 2009
Doctor, Doctor.
PATIENT : Doctor, Doctor, whenever I drink my coffee , I get a pain in my eye.
DOCTOR : Hmm. Try taking the spoon out of your cup.
I keep on seeing big purple dots in front of my eyes.
Have you seen a doctor?
No, just big purple dots.
DOCTOR : Hmm. Try taking the spoon out of your cup.
I keep on seeing big purple dots in front of my eyes.
Have you seen a doctor?
No, just big purple dots.
12 Jun 2009
Nonsense Rhymes.
I don't know quite where it came from but, as I was sitting, a 'nonsense rhyme' that my nana taught us as children came to mind. It's the only such rhyme I know but surely other people know of similar ones so please get your thinking caps on and let me know if you have any.
One find day in the middle of the night
Two dead men got up to fight.
Back to back,
They faced each other.
Drew their swords
And shot each other.
My (naughty?) little sister has just reminded me of this rhyme, another one of Nana's that I'd forgotten all about.
One night, upon the stair,
I met a man who wasn't there.
He wasn't there again today,
Oh how I wish he'd go away.
Apparently she remembers it so well as it gave her nightmares for weeks afterwards.
One find day in the middle of the night
Two dead men got up to fight.
Back to back,
They faced each other.
Drew their swords
And shot each other.
My (naughty?) little sister has just reminded me of this rhyme, another one of Nana's that I'd forgotten all about.
One night, upon the stair,
I met a man who wasn't there.
He wasn't there again today,
Oh how I wish he'd go away.
Apparently she remembers it so well as it gave her nightmares for weeks afterwards.
A warning to all men ....
In Russia, a dumped lover didn't take the news well that her boyfriend was going back to his ex-wife. The woman, known only as Kira V, invited him to dinner, where she plied him with drink. When he fell asleep, she stripped him, tied fireworks to his manhood and let them off. She faces 12 years in jail, while her ex-lover is in intensive care.
The Reckoning.
The Reckoning By Sue Walker.
Thirty years ago, eleven-year-old Miller McAllister's father, Douglas, was locked up for killing three teenage girls on the tiny Scottish island of Fidra. Now Douglas is dead and Miller - always believing in his father's guilt - returns home to bury him and his crimes forever.
But Miller's father has one last surprise for his son, along with the legal papers concerning the case there is a letter written by Douglas on his deathbed. A letter that turns Miller's world upside-down. Was he wrong about his father's guilt all these years? Was Douglas the victim of a miscarriage of justice? And if so. who was the real killer - and where is he now?
You know when you get one of those crime novels that grips you till the end, full of mystery and suspense? Well, sadly, isn't one of them.
Badly written with some extracts printed in italics that were so small and faint they were almost unreadable. The characters were badly drawn, unrealistic and, on the whole, quite one dimensional, their actions, especially those of the main character, Miller, unconvincing.
The plot, meanwhile, was extremely thin with nothing of any real relevance happening until more than half way through and then it wasn't until the last fifty or so pages that things became clear or as clear as they got in this book. Even then it was all a bit of a let down with so many questions left to be answered. A real disappointment.
Thirty years ago, eleven-year-old Miller McAllister's father, Douglas, was locked up for killing three teenage girls on the tiny Scottish island of Fidra. Now Douglas is dead and Miller - always believing in his father's guilt - returns home to bury him and his crimes forever.
But Miller's father has one last surprise for his son, along with the legal papers concerning the case there is a letter written by Douglas on his deathbed. A letter that turns Miller's world upside-down. Was he wrong about his father's guilt all these years? Was Douglas the victim of a miscarriage of justice? And if so. who was the real killer - and where is he now?
You know when you get one of those crime novels that grips you till the end, full of mystery and suspense? Well, sadly, isn't one of them.
Badly written with some extracts printed in italics that were so small and faint they were almost unreadable. The characters were badly drawn, unrealistic and, on the whole, quite one dimensional, their actions, especially those of the main character, Miller, unconvincing.
The plot, meanwhile, was extremely thin with nothing of any real relevance happening until more than half way through and then it wasn't until the last fifty or so pages that things became clear or as clear as they got in this book. Even then it was all a bit of a let down with so many questions left to be answered. A real disappointment.
11 Jun 2009
Mummy and Baby Polar Bear
A mummy polar bear and a baby polar bear are at the North Pole sitting on their icebergs, when baby polar bear says " Mummy, am I really a polar bear?" Mummy polar bear replies "Of course you are ,darling. Your daddy is a polar bear, I am a polar bear and you are a polar bear."
Ten minutes later baby polar bear looks at his mum again and says " Mummy, am I really, really a polar bear?" She replies " Of course you are darling. Yor daddy is a polar bear, I am a polar bear and you are a polar bear."
Ten minutes later baby polar bear yet again looks at his mum and says "Mummy, am I really, really, really a polar bear?" Mum, now getting a little annoyed, says " I have told you, of course you are a polar bear. Your daddy is a polar bear and I am a polar bear. Why do you keep asking me?"
To which baby polar bear replies " Because, mummy, I'm bloomin' freezing!!"
Ten minutes later baby polar bear looks at his mum again and says " Mummy, am I really, really a polar bear?" She replies " Of course you are darling. Yor daddy is a polar bear, I am a polar bear and you are a polar bear."
Ten minutes later baby polar bear yet again looks at his mum and says "Mummy, am I really, really, really a polar bear?" Mum, now getting a little annoyed, says " I have told you, of course you are a polar bear. Your daddy is a polar bear and I am a polar bear. Why do you keep asking me?"
To which baby polar bear replies " Because, mummy, I'm bloomin' freezing!!"
10 Jun 2009
Iris And Ruby.
Iris And Ruby By Rosie Thomas.
The unexpected arrival of her wilful teenage granddaughter, Ruby brings life and disorder to 82-year-old Iris Black's old house in Cairo. Ruby, driven by her fraught relationship with her own mother to run away from England, is seeking refuge with the grandmother she hasn't seen for years.
An unlikely bond developers between them, as Ruby helps Iris to record her fading memories of the glittering, cosmopolitan Cairo of World War Two, and of her one true love - the enigmatic Captain Xan Molyneux - whom she lost to the ravages of the conflict.
This long-ago love has shaped Iris's life, and, as becomes increasingly apparent, those of her daughter and granddaughter. And is to affect them all, again, in ways they could not have imagined.
Iris And Ruby is the story of three generations of women - Grandmother Iris, daughter Lesley and nineteen year old granddaughter Ruby. Ruby is the typical teenager, rebellious, unhappy at home and unable to get along with her mother and step-father, who takes off to Egypt and her grandmother who gains a new lease of life with her granddaughter's arrival. Iris is a frail elderly women who, still grieving for her lost love and the child she miscarried over sixty years ago, is desperate to keep her now fading memories of times past. Whilst, the lesser portrayed, Lesley, is a woman looking for a love and acceptance she feels she has never had - neither from her mother (" She still wants Iris to be her mother. Even though she's fifty- whatever herself, she still wants a mum." ), nor from the men in her life or, indeed, the headstrong Ruby.
An enjoyable enough read with well drawn characters, both main as well as supporting, and vivid, well researched, descriptions of an Egypt both past and present. Mainly about relationships but also the differences as well as the similarities between the different generations and cultures, the novel, I felt was slightly let down by certain unrealistic events and an ending that, though begging for a sequel, was an easy option.
The unexpected arrival of her wilful teenage granddaughter, Ruby brings life and disorder to 82-year-old Iris Black's old house in Cairo. Ruby, driven by her fraught relationship with her own mother to run away from England, is seeking refuge with the grandmother she hasn't seen for years.
An unlikely bond developers between them, as Ruby helps Iris to record her fading memories of the glittering, cosmopolitan Cairo of World War Two, and of her one true love - the enigmatic Captain Xan Molyneux - whom she lost to the ravages of the conflict.
This long-ago love has shaped Iris's life, and, as becomes increasingly apparent, those of her daughter and granddaughter. And is to affect them all, again, in ways they could not have imagined.
Iris And Ruby is the story of three generations of women - Grandmother Iris, daughter Lesley and nineteen year old granddaughter Ruby. Ruby is the typical teenager, rebellious, unhappy at home and unable to get along with her mother and step-father, who takes off to Egypt and her grandmother who gains a new lease of life with her granddaughter's arrival. Iris is a frail elderly women who, still grieving for her lost love and the child she miscarried over sixty years ago, is desperate to keep her now fading memories of times past. Whilst, the lesser portrayed, Lesley, is a woman looking for a love and acceptance she feels she has never had - neither from her mother (" She still wants Iris to be her mother. Even though she's fifty- whatever herself, she still wants a mum." ), nor from the men in her life or, indeed, the headstrong Ruby.
An enjoyable enough read with well drawn characters, both main as well as supporting, and vivid, well researched, descriptions of an Egypt both past and present. Mainly about relationships but also the differences as well as the similarities between the different generations and cultures, the novel, I felt was slightly let down by certain unrealistic events and an ending that, though begging for a sequel, was an easy option.
8 Jun 2009
"The old ones are ...."
It's been a while since I last posted what Hubby lovingly refers to as one of my' so-called jokes' but today I have that urge. Now, this is a golden oldie, popular when the Star Wars films were first being shown, but then the old ones are sometimes the best - yet again!
Luke Skywalker and his dad Darth Vader are sitting round the tree on Christmas morning. Luke goes to open his first present when Darth stops him and says " Wait, Luke, I know what that present is, it's a teddy bear." Sure enough, Luke opens the present and it's a teddy bear.
He goes to open his next present, but Darth again stops him and tell him it's a train set. Luke is amazed and starts to open his last present. Before he can get the paper off, Darth says " That's a new jumper, Luke."
Luke is amazed by this and asks Darth how he knew what they all were. Darth turns to him and says " I felt the presents, Luke ...."
Well, I did try to warn you.
Luke Skywalker and his dad Darth Vader are sitting round the tree on Christmas morning. Luke goes to open his first present when Darth stops him and says " Wait, Luke, I know what that present is, it's a teddy bear." Sure enough, Luke opens the present and it's a teddy bear.
He goes to open his next present, but Darth again stops him and tell him it's a train set. Luke is amazed and starts to open his last present. Before he can get the paper off, Darth says " That's a new jumper, Luke."
Luke is amazed by this and asks Darth how he knew what they all were. Darth turns to him and says " I felt the presents, Luke ...."
Well, I did try to warn you.
5 Jun 2009
A whole new meaning to 'Body Art'?
Art Lovers in Cape Town have flocked to an exhibition and demonstration by an Australian painter who doesn't use brushes, but paints with his penis instead. Tim Patch, who goes by the name 'Pricasso', makes his own paints and says he has to use really smooth paper to avoid getting abrasions on his privates!
He's back.
Just to inform those who may not already know, Hubby is no longer in hospital, he was released (sorry, discharged) from their care after it was discovered it was neither kidney, nor loose gall, stones as was first suspected. It turns out several internal lesions from previous surgeries had torn - nasty.
4 Jun 2009
The Drowning Girl.
The Drowning Girl By Margaret Leroy.
"She's my daughter, but in some weird way I feel she isn't really my child."
Young, single mum Grace is drowning. Her little girl Stlvie is distant, troubled and prone to violent tantrums which the child psychiatrists blame on Grace. But Grace knows there's something more to what's happening to Sylvie.
There has to be.
Travelling from the London suburbs to the west coast of Ireland, Grace and Sylvie embark on a journey of shocking discovery, forcing Grace to question everything she believes in and changing their lives forever.
I don't know what it is about this book but I couldn't put it down. I have never read anything quite like it though it did remind me of a BBC1 series that was shown a while ago.
With well written characters, you could literally feel the despair of Grace and the sometimes fear of Sylvie, The Drowning Girl was, at times, totally predictable, though just when you thought you knew what was about to happen the story took a twist. It was also, somehow, slightly unbelievable, with a plot that didn't always make sense but never the less a good, compelling read though I personally believe the author could have made more of certain aspects of the book.
"She's my daughter, but in some weird way I feel she isn't really my child."
Young, single mum Grace is drowning. Her little girl Stlvie is distant, troubled and prone to violent tantrums which the child psychiatrists blame on Grace. But Grace knows there's something more to what's happening to Sylvie.
There has to be.
Travelling from the London suburbs to the west coast of Ireland, Grace and Sylvie embark on a journey of shocking discovery, forcing Grace to question everything she believes in and changing their lives forever.
I don't know what it is about this book but I couldn't put it down. I have never read anything quite like it though it did remind me of a BBC1 series that was shown a while ago.
With well written characters, you could literally feel the despair of Grace and the sometimes fear of Sylvie, The Drowning Girl was, at times, totally predictable, though just when you thought you knew what was about to happen the story took a twist. It was also, somehow, slightly unbelievable, with a plot that didn't always make sense but never the less a good, compelling read though I personally believe the author could have made more of certain aspects of the book.
3 Jun 2009
WHAT A WEEK.
What a week it's been and to think it isn't over yet. Firstly, there was me and my toe and now it's Hubby. He was admitted to hospital this evening with what the doctors suspect are either kidney stones or loose gallstones. Kidney stones I can understand but gallstones when he had his gall bladder removed in December? Anyhow, hopefully, he will be having a scan in the morning and we'll know more then. It looks like it's our National Health Service to the rescue again.
2 Jun 2009
The Return.
The Return By Victoria Hislop.
Beneath the majestic towers of the Alhambra, Granada's cobbled streets resonate with music and secrets. Sonia Cameron knows nothing of the city's shocking past; she is here to dance. But in a quiet cafe, a chance conversation and an intriguing collection of old photographs draw her into the extraordinary tale of Spain's devastating civil war.
Seventy years earlier, the cafe is home to the close-knit Ramirez family. In 1936, an army coup led by Franco shatters the country's fragile peace, and in the heart of Granada the family witness the worst atrocities of the conflict. Divided by politics and tragedy, everyone must take a side, fighting a personal battle as Spain rips itself apart.
The Return, another epic family based saga, is like the author's debut novel, The Island, in that the adventure starts off with a woman (Sonia) finding an old photograph and setting off to discover the story behind it. Sadly though it is not as good and has a weak, predictable ending which entails the reader having to suspend disbelief.
Set in both the present but mainly the 1930's the story, narrated by Miguel, concentrates largely on the effects that the civil war has on the various members of the Ramirez family and then, ultimately, with the evacuation of Mercedes on board the Habana, how refugees were received by Europe at that time. The novel is interesting in that it is told through the eyes of several different characters, informative, full of passion and love both lost and found as well as moving, tragic and, at times, quite horrific but the ending, sad to say, slightly spoilt this otherwise thoroughly enjoyable read.
Beneath the majestic towers of the Alhambra, Granada's cobbled streets resonate with music and secrets. Sonia Cameron knows nothing of the city's shocking past; she is here to dance. But in a quiet cafe, a chance conversation and an intriguing collection of old photographs draw her into the extraordinary tale of Spain's devastating civil war.
Seventy years earlier, the cafe is home to the close-knit Ramirez family. In 1936, an army coup led by Franco shatters the country's fragile peace, and in the heart of Granada the family witness the worst atrocities of the conflict. Divided by politics and tragedy, everyone must take a side, fighting a personal battle as Spain rips itself apart.
The Return, another epic family based saga, is like the author's debut novel, The Island, in that the adventure starts off with a woman (Sonia) finding an old photograph and setting off to discover the story behind it. Sadly though it is not as good and has a weak, predictable ending which entails the reader having to suspend disbelief.
Set in both the present but mainly the 1930's the story, narrated by Miguel, concentrates largely on the effects that the civil war has on the various members of the Ramirez family and then, ultimately, with the evacuation of Mercedes on board the Habana, how refugees were received by Europe at that time. The novel is interesting in that it is told through the eyes of several different characters, informative, full of passion and love both lost and found as well as moving, tragic and, at times, quite horrific but the ending, sad to say, slightly spoilt this otherwise thoroughly enjoyable read.
My LEFT Toe.
I'd just like to say thank you to Hubby for yesterday's post regarding my mishap. Unfortunately, and worse for me, though it was in fact my left toe and not my right. I say unfortunately as, of course, my left leg is my 'good' leg and as the doctor warned me means it will probably take longer to heal as it does the lion's share of the work - he suspects a mere 8 weeks instead of the usual 6. Oh happy days, I don't know just when it seems like we are actually getting somewhere.
Still I have little to complain of really, a good husband who, when all is said and done, puts up with a lot plus the advantages of a National Health Service which, though we moan about it, a lot of us couldn't do without. I dread to think what would have happened if it hadn't been available to us and ours.
Still I have little to complain of really, a good husband who, when all is said and done, puts up with a lot plus the advantages of a National Health Service which, though we moan about it, a lot of us couldn't do without. I dread to think what would have happened if it hadn't been available to us and ours.
1 Jun 2009
A misfortune...
Sorry not herself, tis me the hubby...
My beloved has had an unfortunate little accident whilst in the shower yesterday, slipping and breaking the middle toe on her right foot. Apparently this prevents her from blogging at the moment and she wished me to let you know that normal service will be resumed as soon as possible. Explains why it takes her so long to type stuff, I should have told her it was OK to use your fingers on the keyboard.
My beloved has had an unfortunate little accident whilst in the shower yesterday, slipping and breaking the middle toe on her right foot. Apparently this prevents her from blogging at the moment and she wished me to let you know that normal service will be resumed as soon as possible. Explains why it takes her so long to type stuff, I should have told her it was OK to use your fingers on the keyboard.
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