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Merissa (11958 KP) rated Landscape of a Marriage in Books
Aug 2, 2021 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)
LANDSCAPE OF A MARRIAGE is a historical fiction story based on true events and people. In fact, the author is distantly related to one of the main characters by marriage.
Instead of focusing on the man himself, we follow his wife, Mary, and see their life through her eyes. They had good times and, undeniably, bad times too. Mary fell in love with her husband of convenience, and he, with her. That led them to a life of adventure and hardship, love and loss.
This was a great read, full of freeze-frame moments, stuck in time. The emotions come across clearly and help move this character-driven story forward. Some of the real-life events were glossed over slightly and I would have liked to have known more, but then, was Mary involved in them anyway?
I will admit to getting lost in the times given. I relied on Mary to tell me that Marion had grown, or that John was now forty-one, as there was no way I would remember from just seeing dates at the beginning of each chapter.
This was a historical fiction novel that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 2, 2021
Instead of focusing on the man himself, we follow his wife, Mary, and see their life through her eyes. They had good times and, undeniably, bad times too. Mary fell in love with her husband of convenience, and he, with her. That led them to a life of adventure and hardship, love and loss.
This was a great read, full of freeze-frame moments, stuck in time. The emotions come across clearly and help move this character-driven story forward. Some of the real-life events were glossed over slightly and I would have liked to have known more, but then, was Mary involved in them anyway?
I will admit to getting lost in the times given. I relied on Mary to tell me that Marion had grown, or that John was now forty-one, as there was no way I would remember from just seeing dates at the beginning of each chapter.
This was a historical fiction novel that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 2, 2021
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated A Duel for Christmas (Pevensey Mysteries, #3) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
After seven long years in Devon, Lady Maud Worlington returns to London to reclaim life on her own terms, but a nefarious shadow and the prospect of financial ruin dog her steps. An impulsive and unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe creates a connection with Geoffrey, the handsome, young Duke of Tilbury. Yet as pleasant as it is to have a suitor, Maud is not sure how a boy of one-and-twenty can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her.
The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death, that affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.
My Thoughts: A story full of mystery, suspense, romance, and some charming characters. I truly enjoyed this story, based on the twelve days of Christmas, in true Victorian style. The characters were well developed and easy to relate to. Some you liked and some you dislike. It was good to see the strengthening of Maude's character, that she was finally able to stand up for herself and to go on with life without being bullied or blackmailed. This story takes many twists and turns and has many surprises for the reader. This is a book for those who like historical fiction. A wonderful read just in time for the Christmas season!
The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death, that affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.
My Thoughts: A story full of mystery, suspense, romance, and some charming characters. I truly enjoyed this story, based on the twelve days of Christmas, in true Victorian style. The characters were well developed and easy to relate to. Some you liked and some you dislike. It was good to see the strengthening of Maude's character, that she was finally able to stand up for herself and to go on with life without being bullied or blackmailed. This story takes many twists and turns and has many surprises for the reader. This is a book for those who like historical fiction. A wonderful read just in time for the Christmas season!
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Between the Stops: The View of My Life from the Top of the Number 12 Bus in Books
Nov 17, 2019
A disjointed look into the life and mind of a modern-day icon.
Sandi does start this “memoir” off by stating it’s not going to be your run of the mill standard life story and that was undoubtedly true. Set along the route of the number 12 bus we get a mixture of Sandi’s life recollections, historical facts about London and observations about the people on the bus. An inventive idea to say the least and despite some truly interesting recollections, I didn’t find the format as a whole worked for me.
Each chapter roughly focuses on an area on the number 12 bus route but from there we jump almost in each paragraph between historical facts, recollections, and observations. It fails to develop any flow and where we do get some lovely passages of insight into Sandi’s fascinating life and experiences we are drawn all too quickly out of the experience to find out what used to be sold in this particular part of London in the dim and distant past, or what terrible bus habit another passenger may be exhibiting.
This book just was too all over the place as a sit down read, it would make a great addition to any toilet library though (and I truly mean that in the nicest way) as all the little titbits of facts and anecdotes are individually interesting they just don’t seem to flow together. I could easily read a more standard memoir from the ever amazing and inspiring Sandi based on the passages in this book that focused on her. Equally, I could read a book on the neglected women through history written by her or a general history of London but changing focus every paragraph or so was not for me.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Each chapter roughly focuses on an area on the number 12 bus route but from there we jump almost in each paragraph between historical facts, recollections, and observations. It fails to develop any flow and where we do get some lovely passages of insight into Sandi’s fascinating life and experiences we are drawn all too quickly out of the experience to find out what used to be sold in this particular part of London in the dim and distant past, or what terrible bus habit another passenger may be exhibiting.
This book just was too all over the place as a sit down read, it would make a great addition to any toilet library though (and I truly mean that in the nicest way) as all the little titbits of facts and anecdotes are individually interesting they just don’t seem to flow together. I could easily read a more standard memoir from the ever amazing and inspiring Sandi based on the passages in this book that focused on her. Equally, I could read a book on the neglected women through history written by her or a general history of London but changing focus every paragraph or so was not for me.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Up is a beautifully crafted film that is full of child’s play and adult in jokes. The magicians at Pixar have again triumphed and added another winning film to a growing list of previous hits.
Carl Fredrickson (Edward Asner) is a 70s something old man who has spent his life in love with Ellie, an aspiring day dreaming adventurer he met when he was a small boy. The pair marry and seem to live happily ever after. When Ellie dies (shown in a tear jerking montage) Carl loses the biggest piece of his life yet but must battle on and keep a promise he made to her years before – to reach a set of falls deep in the South-American jungle.
The opening is extremely moving. It shows Ellie and Carl growing up together and facing life’s troubled times and happiest moments. Even for the most hardened film critic Pixar knows how to tap into our emotions. As with any Pixar film it’s the characters that make it. Up is no different. Russell (Jordan Nagai) is an over enthusiastic wilderness scout who teams up with Carl on his adventure. Russell also harbours a secret in his life which is not that dissimilar to Carl’s. Dug (Bob Peterson) is a loveable but slightly dimwitted talking dog, and as for Kevin, his (or should I say her) inclusion is the icing on the cake.
The moment Carl unleashes the balloons from his house in a explosion of colour you know that you’re in for the ride of your life. What follows is a true adventure story. The humour flows right from the beginning and the quirky simplicity of the jokes are brilliant. There are more tear jerking moments and of course a happy ending. Up may surely be Pixar’s finest work yet!
Carl Fredrickson (Edward Asner) is a 70s something old man who has spent his life in love with Ellie, an aspiring day dreaming adventurer he met when he was a small boy. The pair marry and seem to live happily ever after. When Ellie dies (shown in a tear jerking montage) Carl loses the biggest piece of his life yet but must battle on and keep a promise he made to her years before – to reach a set of falls deep in the South-American jungle.
The opening is extremely moving. It shows Ellie and Carl growing up together and facing life’s troubled times and happiest moments. Even for the most hardened film critic Pixar knows how to tap into our emotions. As with any Pixar film it’s the characters that make it. Up is no different. Russell (Jordan Nagai) is an over enthusiastic wilderness scout who teams up with Carl on his adventure. Russell also harbours a secret in his life which is not that dissimilar to Carl’s. Dug (Bob Peterson) is a loveable but slightly dimwitted talking dog, and as for Kevin, his (or should I say her) inclusion is the icing on the cake.
The moment Carl unleashes the balloons from his house in a explosion of colour you know that you’re in for the ride of your life. What follows is a true adventure story. The humour flows right from the beginning and the quirky simplicity of the jokes are brilliant. There are more tear jerking moments and of course a happy ending. Up may surely be Pixar’s finest work yet!
Vladimir Jabotinsky's Story of My Life
Brian J. Horowitz and Leonid Katsis
Book
Vladimir Jabotinsky is well remembered as a militant leader and father of the right-wing Revisionist...
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Sea Gate in Books
Sep 24, 2020
This book is told from a dual perspective by Becky and Olivia. Becky is tasked to make the old crumbling house livable for Olivia. Becky is lovely, but quite a troubled character. Grief, unsatisfying love life, fear of illness and other things occupy Becky’s mind very often… I really liked Olivia in this novel, at present she is this tough old cookie but when we start delving into her childhood, we can see how wonderful she truly is. I enjoyed Olivia’s parts because she was very mysterious throughout this book, and I really enjoyed all the little discoveries that author had to offer with every single chapter.
I liked the narrative and how all the events were flowing throughout the pages. Present mixed with the past, never left me bored, and I was hooked to find out what will happen next. This novel has a lot to teach us, not only about self-discovery but also about how it was to live during WWII, especially when you are young, want to be carefree, but are left to fend for yourself with a very annoying child bestowed on you. I see a lot of the author’s experience in this book, such as life in Cornwall, true love for the sea and great knowledge about Morocco and it’s people.
I loved the writing style, it feels serious, but at the same breezy and enjoyable. The topics discussed in this book were abusive relationships, self-discovery, romance, survival, small community and it’s ways of life etc. The chapters are very well designed and didn’t leave me feeling bored. I liked the ending of this book, and I think it rounded up this story very nicely. So, to conclude, it was a very pleasantly surprising novel, filled with intriguing, different timelines as well as absorbing characters and their life stories.
I liked the narrative and how all the events were flowing throughout the pages. Present mixed with the past, never left me bored, and I was hooked to find out what will happen next. This novel has a lot to teach us, not only about self-discovery but also about how it was to live during WWII, especially when you are young, want to be carefree, but are left to fend for yourself with a very annoying child bestowed on you. I see a lot of the author’s experience in this book, such as life in Cornwall, true love for the sea and great knowledge about Morocco and it’s people.
I loved the writing style, it feels serious, but at the same breezy and enjoyable. The topics discussed in this book were abusive relationships, self-discovery, romance, survival, small community and it’s ways of life etc. The chapters are very well designed and didn’t leave me feeling bored. I liked the ending of this book, and I think it rounded up this story very nicely. So, to conclude, it was a very pleasantly surprising novel, filled with intriguing, different timelines as well as absorbing characters and their life stories.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Taming of Ilona ( Vampire Memoirs 2) in Books
Apr 22, 2023
48 of 235
Kindle
The Taming of Ilona ( Vampire Memoirs 2)
By Nicola Ormerod
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ilona lives a simple life in the seventeenth century. She is the youngest daughter of a farming family and is the apple of her father's eye. Then her world is turned upside down when her father sells her hand in marriage to an older wealthy businessman. Cut off from her family, raped and abused, Ilona struggles to cope with the hand she has been given. She befriends a local businesswoman and friend of her husband, Katrina, who teaches her how to fit into higher society. When she falls pregnant, she tries to see it as a blessing and tries to make the best of her new, brutal life. But Ilona is desperate to know what it is like to be held tenderly and, in her hour of need, turns to her friend and asks her to arrange one night, one night where she will know love and passion. She is introduced to Redvick. He is tall, dark, and gorgeous. Un-natural sparks fly between them, their passion is undeniable, and Redvick is forced to reveal his true nature. Their love is forbidden, but they are soul mates, connected in mind, body, and spirit, but how can they ever overcome their impossible situation and be together.
I absolutely devoured this book in 1.5 hours. It almost broke me in the middle been a while since a book made me cry! Maybe the mother in me. This is the story of Reds mother and how she dealt with her life and believe me it was hard! I thought the first book was good but this just was brilliant! I classic vampire love story was entwined with the tragic life of a 15 year old new wife. Loved it!
Kindle
The Taming of Ilona ( Vampire Memoirs 2)
By Nicola Ormerod
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ilona lives a simple life in the seventeenth century. She is the youngest daughter of a farming family and is the apple of her father's eye. Then her world is turned upside down when her father sells her hand in marriage to an older wealthy businessman. Cut off from her family, raped and abused, Ilona struggles to cope with the hand she has been given. She befriends a local businesswoman and friend of her husband, Katrina, who teaches her how to fit into higher society. When she falls pregnant, she tries to see it as a blessing and tries to make the best of her new, brutal life. But Ilona is desperate to know what it is like to be held tenderly and, in her hour of need, turns to her friend and asks her to arrange one night, one night where she will know love and passion. She is introduced to Redvick. He is tall, dark, and gorgeous. Un-natural sparks fly between them, their passion is undeniable, and Redvick is forced to reveal his true nature. Their love is forbidden, but they are soul mates, connected in mind, body, and spirit, but how can they ever overcome their impossible situation and be together.
I absolutely devoured this book in 1.5 hours. It almost broke me in the middle been a while since a book made me cry! Maybe the mother in me. This is the story of Reds mother and how she dealt with her life and believe me it was hard! I thought the first book was good but this just was brilliant! I classic vampire love story was entwined with the tragic life of a 15 year old new wife. Loved it!
ClareR (5686 KP) rated The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho in Books
May 7, 2024
The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho was a real eye opener of a novel. I listened to the audiobook, read so well by the author, Paterson Joseph.
This is the true story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, fictionalised somewhat, but only so that the modern day reader can begin to grasp what living in London as a black ex-slave in the mid-1700’s would have been like. And whilst Sancho may have had a more privileged life than most, it wasn’t his own life to live until he ran away from his first owners - sisters who used him as their entertainment.
Charles has a fear of the slave catcher, and rightly so, as they could kidnap any black person and sell them into slavery - whether they had escaped or been freed. These men were a constant threat.
Charles though, catches the eye of a duke who helps him to become educated, and he even works for the King for a while. He ends his life as a business owner and the first black person to vote in Britain. All of this from a life begun on a slave ship.
I don’t think it really matters how much of this book was fictionalised - we can never exactly know what went on in his head, but we can have a fair guess - and I like to think that Paterson Joseph has really caught the essence of the real Charles Ignatius Sancho. I liked Charles very much, and the love he shows for his son through the letters included in the novel are so touching.
I’d recommend this book, it’s a great read (or listen - I can definitely vouch for that!).
This is the true story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, fictionalised somewhat, but only so that the modern day reader can begin to grasp what living in London as a black ex-slave in the mid-1700’s would have been like. And whilst Sancho may have had a more privileged life than most, it wasn’t his own life to live until he ran away from his first owners - sisters who used him as their entertainment.
Charles has a fear of the slave catcher, and rightly so, as they could kidnap any black person and sell them into slavery - whether they had escaped or been freed. These men were a constant threat.
Charles though, catches the eye of a duke who helps him to become educated, and he even works for the King for a while. He ends his life as a business owner and the first black person to vote in Britain. All of this from a life begun on a slave ship.
I don’t think it really matters how much of this book was fictionalised - we can never exactly know what went on in his head, but we can have a fair guess - and I like to think that Paterson Joseph has really caught the essence of the real Charles Ignatius Sancho. I liked Charles very much, and the love he shows for his son through the letters included in the novel are so touching.
I’d recommend this book, it’s a great read (or listen - I can definitely vouch for that!).
If the Corncrake Calls
Ian Niall, Sheila Pehrson and Barbara Greg (Illustrator)
Book
When the Scottish writer John McNeillie died on the 24th June 2002 aged 85, he left behind a legacy...
Awix (3310 KP) rated Shin Godzilla (2016) in Movies
Feb 10, 2018 (Updated Feb 10, 2018)
He's New, He's True, He's Covered in Goo
Toho's first Godzilla movie since 2004 attempts to square the circle by sticking relatively closely to the feel of the original film while offering a radical new take on Godzilla himself ('Shin', lest you be wondering, is a conveniently ambiguous Japanese word that can mean 'New', 'True', and 'God').
Everyday life in Tokyo is disrupted by the appearance in the bay of a bizarre new form of life, a fast-evolving creature which slithers ashore, causing (but of course) massive property damage, before mutating into something a bit more recognisable as Godzilla. Clearly the government response team have a lot on their hands, but can they come up with a solution before the Americans take charge of the situation and plaster the city with nukes?
Some people may take exception to the movie's very different take on Godzilla (the design of the monster's initial form is unintentionally funny), and it's always a bit of a problem when Godzilla doesn't have anyone to fight in the final reel, but this is still an impressive attempt at a serious Godzilla film that honours the memory of the original. It's also obviously a post-Fukushima movie, fierce in its satire and criticism of useless government bureaucrats and the red tape that surrounds them.
When it all kicks off between Godzilla and the JSDF the special effects sequences are spectacular, and the human characters are quite well-played too. I must confess to missing the sense of fun and imagination that you find in the best Godzilla films - this is kind of like the Batman Begins of Godzilla films, in that it's hard to imagine many of the other classic characters existing in this universe - but this is a smart and serious movie that respects its source material.
Everyday life in Tokyo is disrupted by the appearance in the bay of a bizarre new form of life, a fast-evolving creature which slithers ashore, causing (but of course) massive property damage, before mutating into something a bit more recognisable as Godzilla. Clearly the government response team have a lot on their hands, but can they come up with a solution before the Americans take charge of the situation and plaster the city with nukes?
Some people may take exception to the movie's very different take on Godzilla (the design of the monster's initial form is unintentionally funny), and it's always a bit of a problem when Godzilla doesn't have anyone to fight in the final reel, but this is still an impressive attempt at a serious Godzilla film that honours the memory of the original. It's also obviously a post-Fukushima movie, fierce in its satire and criticism of useless government bureaucrats and the red tape that surrounds them.
When it all kicks off between Godzilla and the JSDF the special effects sequences are spectacular, and the human characters are quite well-played too. I must confess to missing the sense of fun and imagination that you find in the best Godzilla films - this is kind of like the Batman Begins of Godzilla films, in that it's hard to imagine many of the other classic characters existing in this universe - but this is a smart and serious movie that respects its source material.