Complexity Management in Engineering Design: A Primer: 2017
Book
The treatise supports understanding the phenomena of complexity in engineering, distinguishes...
Weyward
10.0
Rate It
Book
KATE, 2019 Kate flees London – abandoning everything – for Cumbria and Weyward Cottage,...
Historical fiction Witches Magical Realism Trigger Warning: domestic violence
ClareR (5824 KP) rated Death in Delft in Books
Apr 17, 2020
Master Mercurius certainly has his work cut out for him. He must find the person responsible and hopefully locate the other two girls before anything happens to them, using 17th century methods. Luckily, he has the artistic flair of Vermeer to call on with regards to pictures of the missing girls, and the logical mind of van Leeuwenhoek. It’s actually Vermeer who gives him a clue as to the link between three seemingly unconnected girls. Vermeer is a great character, much liked by Master Mercurius (and can I just say how much I like Mercurius’ name?!). He’s a catholic artist in a Reformed society, much like Mercurius himself. He’s keen to be of help in whatever way he can - he’s the father of nine children after all!
This is a great read, and a series that I will be following and enjoying, of that I have no doubt!
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Knives, Daggers & Bayonets
Book
This is an authoritative history and visual directory of sharp-edged weapons and blades from around...
Strings of Pearls: A Collection of Poems
Janie Hextall and Barbara McNaught
Book
While having fun with Washing Lines: A collection of poems, Barbara and Janie discovered they have...
Daughters of the Winter Queen
Book
From the author of The Rival Queens, a lively group biography of Elizabeth Stuart, the Winter Queen,...
Stocks Widget - Track stock market portfolios and quotes inside the Today notification center
Finance and Utilities
App
View streaming stock quotes and portfolio changes (gains/losses) inside the Today notification...
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated The Mercies in Books
Jan 23, 2020 (Updated Jan 23, 2020)
The book begins with a freak storm killing most (all the able-bodied) men who were fishing from the small village of Vardo. (This is based on a true story - the storm thing really did happen to a village of that time.) It’s a horrific tragedy and the women left behind have to work out how to survive without their husbands and sons. From the village, the tale is told from the perspective of Maren who loses her father, brother and betrothed.
With news of the circumstances of the village spreading a commissioner is appointed and travels from Scotland to oversee the village (because God only knows what could happen if you left women to sort stuff out themselves!!) It being the 17th Century, travel takes a long time and he stops off to get himself a wife on the way (must-have travel accessory) so the village gets by for many a year without oversight. With the arrival of the commissioner and his wife (Ursa) life again gets turned on its head as it turns out the new Commissioner has a knack for witch-hunting.
Although I found the pace a bit too slow for my liking it had a great feel and really evoked the frustration for the world women lived in at the time. With at times graphic descriptions of the way witch hunts were operated it’s at times a hard read. With the slow build, I did find the ending a bit rushed and unsatisfying but was left with plenty to reflect upon.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Keeper of Portals
8.0
Rate It
Book
‘All I have to do is think, walk through a door and I come out another. There is nowhere I cannot...
ClareR (5824 KP) rated Blood on the Stone in Books
Apr 26, 2019 (Updated Apr 26, 2019)
Luke Sandys, Chief Officer of the Bailiffs, is called on to solve the murder of an MP (Member of Parliament), and also to stop a treasonous plot against the King.
The Bailiffs were an early precursor of the modern police force from what I could make out. There’s some great historical detail about them, about everyday lives at this time, and about religious and political tensions between Protestants and catholics. It’s just a really good story overall!
There is a historical note at the end of the story that was very interesting, and I really appreciated the extra information.
In all, a well researched and exciting story!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author, Jake Lynch, for reading along!