The Peregrine: The Hill of Summer & Diaries: the Complete Works of J. A. Baker
Mark Cocker, John Fanshawe and J.A. Baker
Book
Reissue of J. A. Baker's extraordinary classic of British nature writing Despite the association of...
Operation Chastise: The RAF's Most Brilliant Attack of World War II
Book
The attack on Nazi Germany’s dams on May 17, 1943, was one of the most remarkable feats in...
English Spanish Dictionary C.
Reference and Education
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USERS LOVE IT! 5 STARS “The synonyms allow me to quickly suggest more appropriate words to my...
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated That Inevitable Victorian Thing in Books
Jan 11, 2018
It's not realistic in the least - everything falls together nicely and it's a bit of a "princess saves the day by virtue of being a princess" kind of plot. But the twist on the history is a very pleasant one - and making the British Empire an Empire that values diversity and the melding of cultures and not looking down on anyone because they're different is a really nice change of pace. It's a WONDERFUL bit of escapist fantasy given today's world, I have to say.
I'd actually really like to see the darker side of this same world explored. One of the main plot points in the book is that there is a computer database of genetics. Everyone in the British Empire, when they turn 18, is encouraged to have their DNA sequenced and entered into the computer to find good genetic matches. They then have the opportunity to chat with those matches and eventually meet them. It's accepted custom, and you're definitely viewed as odd if you choose NOT to do it, though Helena's parents were a love match and never had their DNA matched through the computer. Helena's love interest is a boy she grew up with, she really only ran her DNA through the computer for kicks. So it's not mandatory - except for royals. But that this computer and database exists leaves room for a darker side. What about genetic modification? Forced marriages for certain genetic outcomes? That has to be happening somewhere. That Inevitable Victorian Thing really only looked at the fun, light-hearted, good uses of this technology. I'd love to see the other side.
Oh - while the book definitely has a Victorian flavor, it's definitely set in modern day, or perhaps a little past. It's not Victorian era.
Fun little book. A good escape from a racist, homophobic world to a more diverse, accepting one. But a little TOO fluffy bunny for my personal tastes.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
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Games and Entertainment
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Grow a flourishing civilization and journey through all of human history as the leader of a mighty...
Awix (3310 KP) rated Official Secrets (2019) in Movies
Oct 18, 2019
There's a lot going on here, plotwise, with various strands following Knightley's personal situation, the attempts of journalists to verify and publish her story, and the court case that ensued, but the story is always engrossing and never difficult to follow. Knightley's performance is possibly a little overcooked, but she is extremely well supported by a cast including Matt Smith, Ralph Fiennes, and Rhys Ifans. Raises some serious issues about the rights of a government to keep secrets from its secrets; stirs up some recent history, too, for what it's worth. An excellent piece of intelligent entertainment.
The Solitary Spy: A Political Prisoner in Cold War Berlin
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Of the 2.3 million National Servicemen conscripted during the Cold War, 4,200 attended the secret...
Wilson: Confusions and Crises, 1915-1916: Volume IV
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The fourth volume of Mr. Link's biography of Woodrow Wilson and the history of his times covers the...
X Platoon
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For three decades one of the most secretive units in the British military has been a mystery force...
Redefining William III: The Impact of the King-Stadholder in International Context
David Onnekink and Esther Mijers
Book
William III (1650-1702) was Stadholder in the United Provinces and King of England, Scotland and...