The Time Traveller's Guide to Restoration Britain: Life in the Age of Samuel Pepys, Isaac Newton and The Great Fire of L
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Imagine you could see the smiles of the people mentioned in Samuel Pepys’s diary, hear the shouts...
Thick: And Other Essays
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Smart, humorous, and strikingly original thoughts on race, beauty, money, and more—by one of...
Christmas Past
8.0
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Behind every Christmas tradition is a story — usually, a forgotten one. Each year, as we decorate...
Eurovision: A Plea For Respect
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Discover the hidden treasures of Europe's greatest music tradition - The Eurovision Song Contest: A...
history
Inês: Queens of Portugal Trilogy
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An heir to the throne, a gorgeous blonde lady-in-waiting, the king's trusted advisor. When a father...
Historical Fiction Medieval Biographical
It follows the lives of Efe and Sam, best friends from school who get married and have a child. Efe is reluctant to become a mother and is pressured into doing so by her family and Sam. She has unresolved childhood trauma, and pregnancy/ motherhood does nothing to help her get over that. She is a woman suffering under the weight of all the things other people expect her to do. There’s the odd moment where Eve does what she wants, but cultural expectations seem to be the winner in all this.
There’s a lot of lead up too this point where we get to know Efe and Sam and the reasons why they make their later choices. It’s a frustrating read at points, but then other people’s choices lives can be just that when their choices are different to those that you imagine you would take in their place! It’s always good to look at the other side, I think.
Efe and Sam are people who would have benefitted from counselling, parenting classes and more support!
Be prepared for a very sad ending, though - tissues at the ready!
ClareR (6210 KP) rated This Motherless Land in Books
Nov 23, 2025
Funke is by no means from a poor family in Lagos, in fact quite the opposite. Instead of ‘just’ class (as in Mansfield Park), this novel shows the attitudes and racism towards Funke, and the class they perceive her to be based on that racism, when she is sent to live with her grandparents in England. Instead of the love and support she needs and deserves, her family are detached and racist. Her cousin Liv is the only one who makes an effort, and they form a special relationship as children. But even this relationship isn’t safe, and after a misunderstanding, Funke faces more tragedy.
I loved this book. Told over three decades, I really got to know the characters (although I could have really done without ever knowing Funke’s English aunt). There are emotional highs and lows for Funke and her family. Grief and loss are central themes. I loved the cultural contrasts between Nigeria and England and the way they were described - these countries are worlds apart.
I was RAGING at some parts of this book - such was the frankly excellent writing. I was all in!!
Ambulance Services: Leadership and Management Perspectives: 2015
Paresh Wankhade and Kevin Mackway-Jones
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This volume provides fresh insights and management understanding of the changing role of the...
Rolling Stone: Stories from the Edge
5.3
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Directed by Oscar-winner Alex Gibney (HBO’s Taxi to the Dark Side and Going Clear: Scientology and...
Daniel Johnson (11 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Books
Sep 5, 2017
While I do not believe this is the best Harry Potter book (Read the Goblet of Fire, it is perfect) this book is up there with the best. With a plot that is simple yet magical, it will no doubt be remembered alongside the adventures of Tolkien, with an epic story that is character driven and imaginative to the extreme.
The book takes an even greater appeal when considered alongside the rest of the series, and with the addition of the final book, rereading is crucial. Easter eggs and secrets are hidden deep within these pages and make it a joy to read again, theorise about and delve deep into.
J.K is famous for her world building, creating something of epic scale that feels real despite how crazy it sounds. While avoiding spoilers in this review, it is important that I emphasise the importance of this book with the addition of The Order of the Phoenix. an addition that creates a thrilling new plot line that develops characters masterfully. We see the golden trio grow more than ever before, and it is a joy to experience.
Read Harry Potter, you won't regret it, and you will be a part of the biggest book series since records began. The one that defines this generation of teens, and inspired some of the greatest creators since.