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Nica's Dream: The Life and Legend of the Jazz Baroness
Book
It's a misty night in 1950s New York. A silver Rolls-Royce screeches to a stop at the neon-lit...
D.O.M.: Rediscovering Brazilian Ingredients
Sam Gordon, Alex Atala and Alain Ducasse
Book
'I believe that cuisine is the most important link between nature and culture.' Alex Atala 'A...
The Vanishing Irish: Households, Migration, and the Rural Economy in Ireland, 1850-1914
Book
In the years between the Great Famine of the 1840s and the First World War, Ireland experienced a...
ET
Expelling the Poor: Atlantic Seaboard States and the Nineteenth-Century Origins of American Immigration Policy
Book
Expelling the Poor examines the origins of immigration restriction in the United States, especially...
The Book of Delights: Essays
Book
“Ross Gay’s eye lands upon wonder at every turn, bolstering my belief in the countless small...
Well researched historical background (2 more)
Intriguing characters
Jamie Fraser
Like many other reviewers of this book, the genre of this story is not my first go to. This aside, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Outlander.
The novel is set in two different time periods, the first the aftermath of the Second World War, the second during the 1740s and the build up to the battle of Culloden. One of the strengths of this book, is that Diana Gabaldon has researched the historical settings of this novel well, and paints a fantastic image of the times for the reader. With a background in the study of history, I am normally the first to start picking faults in the historiography of a story, however in this case, I was unable to, and instead able to relax into the plot line itself. The novel also encouraged me to carry out further research into Scotland in the 1740s and even visit the Culloden battlefield (and of course the Fraser stone).
The characters in the novel are well thought out and all have their faults as well as strengths (which in my eyes makes them more believable). Clare, the main character is a strong willed and independent woman, however can be outspoken before her time. Jamie is a character that see through Clare’s eyes and as such, we understand why she falls in love with him, is at times held by the constraints about how men and women should act in marriage during the 1740s, and struggles to cope with Clare’s independence.
As readers we are led through a story of 1740s clan culture in Scotland (including the brutal behaviour of the British officer Jack Randall), as well as the emerging love story between Jamie and Clare. This is ultimately a love story, but sexual scenes are much more subtle in text than the dramatisation of the TV series. As is often the case with books that have been dramatised onto the screen, we also get a much deeper insight into the feelings and emotions of a character, which often struggles to translate onto screen.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly await picking up the sequel to find out what will happen next to Clare, Jamie and Frank.
The novel is set in two different time periods, the first the aftermath of the Second World War, the second during the 1740s and the build up to the battle of Culloden. One of the strengths of this book, is that Diana Gabaldon has researched the historical settings of this novel well, and paints a fantastic image of the times for the reader. With a background in the study of history, I am normally the first to start picking faults in the historiography of a story, however in this case, I was unable to, and instead able to relax into the plot line itself. The novel also encouraged me to carry out further research into Scotland in the 1740s and even visit the Culloden battlefield (and of course the Fraser stone).
The characters in the novel are well thought out and all have their faults as well as strengths (which in my eyes makes them more believable). Clare, the main character is a strong willed and independent woman, however can be outspoken before her time. Jamie is a character that see through Clare’s eyes and as such, we understand why she falls in love with him, is at times held by the constraints about how men and women should act in marriage during the 1740s, and struggles to cope with Clare’s independence.
As readers we are led through a story of 1740s clan culture in Scotland (including the brutal behaviour of the British officer Jack Randall), as well as the emerging love story between Jamie and Clare. This is ultimately a love story, but sexual scenes are much more subtle in text than the dramatisation of the TV series. As is often the case with books that have been dramatised onto the screen, we also get a much deeper insight into the feelings and emotions of a character, which often struggles to translate onto screen.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly await picking up the sequel to find out what will happen next to Clare, Jamie and Frank.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Black Mirror - Season 5 in TV
Jun 15, 2019
Not up to it’s usual high standard
Black Mirror is known for having a dark and futuristic take on modern society, and this is why it has always succeeded. It’s bleak and harrowing at times and whilst it’s not a happy programme to watch, it’s bloody good. The problem with series 5 is that it feels like an entirely different show, and not for the better.
Whilst each episode has it’s own take on modern society and technology (VR, social media and musical pop culture), none of this felt particularly new or unique. Don’t get me wrong, the episodes aren’t bad at all. But they’re just not brilliant. There are good performances (Andrew Scott especially) and the storylines are vaguely interesting, they just don’t get pushed far enough into the dark and bleak Black Mirror world we’re used to. Not only that, but none of these stories have particularly bad endings. It all just feels a little bit meh and after the rather wonderful Bandersnatch, I’d been looking forward to another great season. Sadly, it’s been a bit of a letdown. I’m really hoping that this is just a blip and that the next series is back on form, and not a sign that Black Mirror has run out of decent ideas...
Whilst each episode has it’s own take on modern society and technology (VR, social media and musical pop culture), none of this felt particularly new or unique. Don’t get me wrong, the episodes aren’t bad at all. But they’re just not brilliant. There are good performances (Andrew Scott especially) and the storylines are vaguely interesting, they just don’t get pushed far enough into the dark and bleak Black Mirror world we’re used to. Not only that, but none of these stories have particularly bad endings. It all just feels a little bit meh and after the rather wonderful Bandersnatch, I’d been looking forward to another great season. Sadly, it’s been a bit of a letdown. I’m really hoping that this is just a blip and that the next series is back on form, and not a sign that Black Mirror has run out of decent ideas...
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Shelter of the Most High (Cities of Refuge, #2) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Connilyn Cossette continues to bring a refreshing voice to Biblical Fiction. Expanding the horizons and bringing us thrilling and captivating stories to satisfy this nerd girl's heart.
I absolutely love discovering what life was like in ancient times. Cossette brings the lives of these people and their cultures to life in ways that will astound you. Sofea grew up in an isolated culture. Throughout this story, she is on a journey to learn who this God of the Hebrews is. His gentleness, His kindness, His love for His children. Eitan is a swoony hero in all his long-haired, bearded manliness...A protector and a fighter. Don't you dare come between him and those he loves...You will regret it. I loved watching their romance unfold. With two cultures clashing, you can imagine that it wasn't all smooth. But the results were definitely worth it.
I highly recommend Connilynn's stories (yes, all of them). She opens the history books for us in a way that is unique and compelling. I can not get enough of her stories, and neither will you!
I received a complimentary copy of Shelter of the Most High from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I absolutely love discovering what life was like in ancient times. Cossette brings the lives of these people and their cultures to life in ways that will astound you. Sofea grew up in an isolated culture. Throughout this story, she is on a journey to learn who this God of the Hebrews is. His gentleness, His kindness, His love for His children. Eitan is a swoony hero in all his long-haired, bearded manliness...A protector and a fighter. Don't you dare come between him and those he loves...You will regret it. I loved watching their romance unfold. With two cultures clashing, you can imagine that it wasn't all smooth. But the results were definitely worth it.
I highly recommend Connilynn's stories (yes, all of them). She opens the history books for us in a way that is unique and compelling. I can not get enough of her stories, and neither will you!
I received a complimentary copy of Shelter of the Most High from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Mischief, Morality and Mobs: Essays in Honour of Geoffrey Pearson
Book
Geoffrey Pearson, who died in 2013, was one of the outstanding social scientists of the post second...