REVUES AND COMMENTS
This is the section of our website where we offer Book Revues, stories and any other articles of interest to the library and its patrons. If you have read a good book, listened to an enjoyable audio or have a favourite you would like to share with us, please stop by the library in Buckhorn or submit your words via email to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
attention Anne. We would love to hear from you.
The Scottish Prisoner
By: Diana Gabaldon
Review by: Judith Jamieson-Mitton
Fifteen years have passed since the abortive '45 attempt to restore the Stuarts to the throne. Scotland has been "cleansed", the leaders executed, the rank and file transported, the clan system destroyed and Bonnie Prince Charlie is, once again, in exile. The Cause is dead.
Jamie Fraser, having survived Culloden and imprisonment in Ardsmuir Prison has been paroled to a farm in the English Lake District. Absolutely the last thing Jamie needs or wants to hear is that another restoration attempt is being planned, this time from Ireland and the Jacobeans need and expect his assistance .
At the same time, Jamie's warden at Ardsmuir, Lord John Grey has in his possession a sheaf of documentation containing incontrovertible proof of another officer's corruption. An incongruous inclusion in these papers is a poem written in the Irish variation of Erse, the language common to the Scottish Highlands, which may be merely accidental or an indication of subterranean rumblings heralding another rebellion .
Lord John's brother, Harold, Duke of Pardloe, has ordered John to proceed to Ireland and bring back the officer to face court martial proceedings. Jamie has been brought to London, and under the threat of having his pardon revoked, has been ordered to make a translation of the poem and accompany Lord John to Ireland to assist in the apprehending of that officer. During Jamie's term in Ardsmuir, a friendship had developed between him and John Grey. The friendship was severed at their last meeting.
The events that follow challenge their respective core values of duty, honour and loyalty to the past and the present and in the process mend their fractured friendship .
For Gabaldon's fans of her Outlander series, The Scottish Prisoner is a pacifier as they wait for the eighth [and not necessarily The Final] "chapter" in the life of Jamie Fraser and his English wife, Claire. As all of Gabaldon's volumes, The Scottish Prisoner stands alone. Where relevant, short explanations are provided about past events. The characters are well defined and consistent. The plots and sub-plots are interesting, well woven and unpredictable. Gabaldon's eye to accurate historical detail is unparalleled.
The sole "criticism" of the Outlander series concerns Jamie Fraser. As one fan observed: "you know this is FICTION--Jamie Fraser is just too good of a man to be true, either in the 18th or the 21st century. He's what a man should be."
The Distant Hours
By: Kate Morton
Review by: Judith Jamieson-Mitton
Take:1 centuries-old English castle with original family
Add: a liberal dose of family secrets .
1 dash each of family loyalty and betrayal .
Mix well .
Heat and bring to a slow boil with a letter delivered 50 years after it was mailed .
Yield: hours of enjoyment with Australian author Kate Morton's third novel The Distant Hours. Her first two novels, same genre, are The House at Riverton and The Forgotten Garden .
The Distant Hours features a great plot, very well developed characters [majority of which are female] and masterful transitions between present day and World War II England which lead the reader along to a surprise ending in the very last few pages .
Morton's rich descriptions at times wander over into the territory of tedious. For those readers who need to "get on with it" [ I am one], these "riches" are easily bypassed by scanning the ensuing paragraphs for any potential clues and important hints of future events and landing to where the author decides to "get on with it". The Distant Hours will leave the reader avid for her first two novels. No announcement has been made about any forthcoming volumes.
Before the review, I would like to thank our reviewer. I put out a request(s) to patrons, to submit reviews, comments or even recommendations for us to print in the newsletter. Actually it was more like begging. I don't mind writing reviews but sometimes the business of library takes over and I don't have the time to write or read. Then there's the reality that Sports fans are not likely to see a review from me on the latest hockey biography. I like what I like. I branch out from time to time but some areas are just not my schtick.
Reading is a very subjective thing like art or music. Tastes differ. Personally I'm a wee bit faint of heart and generally a scaredy cat so I don't do true crime or psycho killer stuff. This is not to say that I'm a complete woosy. I don't have a problem with the odd battle scene or wicked suspense.
Most of us pleasure read to escape, so we dive into pages that comfort or appeal to us emotionally or intellectually. Which ever your bent, I would love to hear from you. Send an email, mail a letter or write it out and drop it in to the library in Buckhorn or Cavendish.
Your comments don't have to be about books. They can be about other things to do with the library or our community. Besides, I'm looking forward to the fan mail.
Send emails to: library@galwaycanvendishharveylibrary. Subject line should be : Att. Anne
The Work
By Martina Cole
Joanie Brewer is a single mother devoted to her three children, a loyal and trusted friend and a well-respected person in her East London neighbourhood. Joanie's life is a replication of her mother's. Joanie supports her children by prostitution. When Joanie's youngest child, twelve year-old Kira, completely disappears, the story that follows is gritty, spell-binding and not for the faint of heart. The long running British series, East Enders, comes off like Sesame Street in comparison. Joanie Brewer is a survivor with a true, consistent, unfailing moral compass, rare in her tough, immoral and vicious world of London's pitiless and violent gangland.
The Work is a hard-hitting novel with a skilfully woven plot. The reader is seamlessly moved from one set of characters to another until each strand of the cord is finally joined together. Few hints appear along the way to telegraph the ending. Each character possesses, with a couple of exceptions, at least a modicum of goodness and conscience. "Justice" is meted out to the gangland misfits at the story's conclusion. Retribution is swift and immediate.
Martina Cole's first novel, Dangerous Lady, appeared in 1992. The Know [2003] is the tenth of her long list of novels, several of which became series on the telly. Number eighteen, The Faithless, is due for release in December of this year. Coles's writing has authenticity, a ring of truth unlike a lot of authors. From first to last it is evident that Cole writes what she knows. Her passage from poverty to first class author mirrors J.K. Rawling's rags to riches saga. A whole section of Martina Cole's novels, like those of P.D. James and Robin Cook, is to be wished for.
Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
A dynamic duo. I first read one of their books for a library course I was taking. It sounded different and I was supposed to find something out of my usual comfort zone. “The Book of the Dead” is a treasure hunting, murder mystery, power struggle, intrigue that takes place in a museum. Great fun. Its not Dostoyevsky but I'm Ok with that. Turns out that the book actually was up my alley. It was historical and that's my favourite. Anyway, I enjoyed it so much that I passed it on to my Father. He also loved it and has been asking for more books by this team ever since.
I also read Thunderhead. This team of writers has found its knish. They work well with historical information, intrigue and modern day treasure hunting. This book is another hunt for a fabled treasure in the desserts of the southern U.S. There is always a not so nice guy somewhere in the mix but you are not certain who it is until he really makes his move. Good guys can often seem like bad guys and the “bad-uns” turn over new leaves.
The last one I read was Riptide. In fact I just finished it. It is not a newly published book nor is it new to the library, but often times we find great reads in older or previously overlooked titles. This was one of those times. Again the theme is treasure hunting, though this hunt has a personal twist for the main character. Claustrophobics be warned. Dive in as a high tech team attempts to master the devious construction of a 17th century architect, which holds the fortune of an infamous pirate
Sarah Addison Allen
“Garden Spells” was the first book I read by Sarah Addison Allen. I grabbed it impulsively at one of those airport “ grab their last few bucks before they get on the plane” shops while waiting for my delayed plane. Bored out of my mind I settled down with my new book. I was very pleasantly surprised. It turned out to be the perfect book for the start of a relaxing holiday. Tweaked with a little romance, a good cast of southern characters and a touch of magic, I thoroughly enjoyed this light-hearted read.
The second title I found was an audio book called The Sugar Plum Queen. Again I found it light and engaging, the story easy to read and relaxing. If you're looking for a roller coaster ride try Cussler, King or Patterson. Sarah Addison Allen lulls you into a smooth southern rhythm.
Recently I picked up “The Girl Who Chased the Moon”. While battling my spring cold/flu I found this little book my mind off my whining and sniffling. Odd bits of magic, extra senses and abilities, seeing what is right in front of you for the first time and cake. What could be more diverting.
I will likely pick up the next and newest book by Sarah Addison Allen “The Peach Keeper” as a soft summer read
HAMLET
A revue by Kirby Hughes
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
A classic we know and love, (excluding the odd high school English student), Hamlet is a tale for the ages. The world may have changed substantially between the 16th century and the 21st. However, the human behaviours, which have perplexed and driven writers to mirror life, have not. Numerous elements in Hamlet persist in present society. Love, Hate, Greed, Sorrow, Power, Vengeance and remorse.
In a grade 12 IB English class at I.E. Weldon Secondary School, I have just finished studying Hamlet. In our first class our teacher gave a preliminary lecture. He informed us that Hamlet is a play about ears. While everyone laughed, it later became apparent how significant ears truly are in Hamlet. Every significant piece of information is passed from mouth to ears, character to character. Lectures and commandments, a highly significant product of plot are received through the ears. It is entertaining that such a renowned and respected piece of work can be summed up by the use of ears, or, to put it in a more sophisticated way, the processes of communication.
Our class, of course, discussed more than just the ears in Hamlet. We studied the play in wonderful detail with an enthusiasm I have never before seen applied to high school English. I'll be the first to admit my class is a bit quirky. I expected to have trouble understanding and contributing to class discussion. There are always questions. However, after reading every word in class, and through discussions of detail and idea, unexpected performances and the impromptu acting out of the final scene in which Hamlet, Laertes, Claudius and Gertrude are killed, the play became not only understood, but admired.
I have found the best way of understanding Shakespeare is to act it out, as it was meant to be. This year I have become involved in my high school’s theatre program and am playing two roles in the upcoming productions. One is the role of an obnoxious stepsister in a small play called Approaching Lavender with a cast of only three. The other Role is Puck in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream. Playing this role has improved my approach and understanding of Shakespeare, not to mention the fun we have and the racy jokes we never picked up on before. It seems that a dirty mind being a terrible thing to waste is a timeless truth as well
I do love Shakespeare’s timeless works and now I feel as if I can tackle anything and come out comprehending and adoring the story and its magnificent creator.
I HAVE A PROBLEM AND
“THE AVIARY GATE”
by Kate Hickman
By: Anne Kulmala
OK - I have a problem - I need a special program - I’m addicted!!! I can’t stop with the books. Whether its hardcover, audio book, paperback etc., I can’t seem to stop. I have an upstairs book that I read when I’m going to bed at night, a downstairs book that I pick up when I need a break from the workshop or the housework or whatever I’m doing and then I have the audio book in the car that I listen to on the way to and from ...well everywhere.
The difficulty with having that many stories on the go at once is that you can get them confused. They tend to intermingle creating some very weird scenarios in your brain. For instance this morning I was picturing the modern young witch like woman and her leprechaun friend from” The Enchanted Emporium” creeping soundlessly into the Sultan’s Harem in 1599 Constantinople as I listened to “The Aviary Gate” on the way to work. Now picture that! I’m not really a morning person and the fog in my brain was still a little thick so it took a moment for me to realize what, exactly, I was listening to. I figured it out; back tracked the disc, and started fresh. It all worked out fine, but when I pick up the Enchanted Emporium tonight I’ll have to shake the image of the leprechaun in the Harem.
My daughter and I both work at the library and whenever new books come in or for that matter just perusing the shelves, I inevitably come out with at least one or mabe 6 books I just have to read. My wise and wonderful daughter grabs me by the shoulders, looks deeply into my eyes and says Mom, calm down and “Just Say No!” She’s probably right. I should just read one at a time. It would be far less confusing but perhaps less fun.
The idea here was to write a review so I will go with “THE AVIARY GATE” By Kate Hickman. I am currently listening to disc #9 of this 12 disc set. I downloaded this title from Overdrive, our new database of audio books free to all library patrons. When it popped up saying it would be 12 Cds I almost didn’t bother. I’m glad I did. Thus far this story is a good one, well told, finely detailed and expertly read. It has pulled me directly into Constantinople in 1599, the Harems, the Sultans and slaves, the English merchants and the politics of old. A double-sided story, “The Aviary Gate”, offers the perspective of a modern young woman researching the life of a particular English woman whom she believes was taken into the Sultan’s Harem. The 2 stories are woven neatly together and I can’t wait to find out what happens to both of these intriguing women.
CITY OF BONES
young adult fiction
By Cassandra Clare
By: Kirby Hughes
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare is an excellent young adult novel and kicks off the exciting and thrilling Mortal Instrument Trilogy. For anyone who enjoyed the Twilight Saga, the author, Stephenie Meyer, is quoted having said, "The Mortal Instrument series is a story world that I love to live in. Beautiful!" The City of Bones begins the series by following a normal teenage girl, Clary and her best friend Simon into an all ages night club where Clary witnesses a strange Murder, or as the killers would call it, a vanquish. The strange part being that Clary is the only one who can see them. Clary soon discovers an entire world she'd been blind to all of her life. The secret world leads her to discover an incredibly attractive and arrogant teenage boy she can't help but be drawn to, the hidden truths in her mothers past, and the father she always thought was dead. Clary has spent her entire life in safe, blissful ignorance and now faced with Demons, Shadow hunters, Werewolves the mysterious Clave, Clary is beginning to realize the danger of this incredible world and why her Mother chose a life of feigned normality. Cassandra Clare's writing is exquisite in detail and description and exciting to follow. The connection developed to the characters brings them to life and insinuates the inevitable guessing and hoping into the readers day to day life. City of Bones is an easy read to speed through leaving anticipation for the rest of the story in its final lines
SERVING CRAZY WITH CURRY
By Amula Malladi
By: Anne Kulmala
I actually pick this book up because I couldn’t resist the title. Turns out - it was pretty good. Unusual subject matter with a mix of humour & heart wrenching emotion. The book tackles some pretty heavy subjects without being depressing.
Imagine a suicidal young woman with a very traditional East Indian family who finds the only thing that keeps her going is food. I don’t mean eating her way through the Hagen Daas section of the grocery store. Devi takes on Indian cuisine. Creating havoc in her Mother’s anally organized kitchen gives Devi a way to express herself until she re-discovers her voice. The hot angry curries, fruity biryani and all manner of other concoctions drive her traditional mother to distraction but inevitably bring together a wonderfully flawed family in an unexpected way.
The story is interspersed with mouth watering recipes, humour, twists I didn’t see coming and a vibrant group of characters.
“Serving Crazy with Curry” is an enjoyable little read, perfect for that sunny day relaxing by the water.
THE DAY THE FALLS STOOD STILL
By Cathy Marie Buchanan
By: Anne Kulmala
An intriguing read centred around Niagara Falls. The legend and lore, myth and majesty of the Falls is interwoven with history and the lives of fictitious characters loosely based upon the real life riverman William “Red” Hill.
The story takes us from just after the turn of the last century to about 1923, a time when the Falls was quickly being exploited for Hydro electric power plants. The ideas of the time, the thoughts of people regarding the Falls and the development of Canada’s hydro electric power industry provide not only interesting reading but a glimpse of the perspective at that time.
Photos are interspersed with the text, actual events are described and some of the tourist attractions, such as the races across the ice bridge which extended from the Canadian to American shores of the river. Disasters occurred as the ice bridge broke apart with tourists still stranded on the great chunks of ice.
If you like history and are intrigued by the great pull of thundering torrents of water going over the brink of the falls, pick this book up the next time you are at the library
.
AN ECHO IN THE BONE
By Diana Gabaldon
By: Anne Kulmala
I have just finished the long awaited seventh book in the Outlander series. I am a history nut and must admit that the Outlander series are in fact my favourite books so I may be a tad bias.
I enjoyed the recounting of events during the American war of independence, which becomes a vibrant reality for the reader. Diana Gaboldon has a way of writing, which, for me, pulls the reader right into the time and place and captures the physical and emotional sensations of her characters.
This book takes us on a journey in 2 separate times. It opens up several new threads and develops some secondary characters that now become major factors in the lives of Jamie, Claire and company. The existence of a family living in separate worlds and times offers a unique connectedness with the past.
This book is a bit of a cliffhanger leaving several story lines unfinished. Most of Diana Gabaldon’s other books, although part of a series, could be read as stand alone stories. I feel “An Echo in the Bone” needs the prior books to complete the story. I also get the feeling that Our Jamie and Claire may be starting to take a back seat to some of the younger characters. I suppose this makes sense, they are getting a bit long in the tooth to be scrambling over the highlands, flirting with French Kings and escaping from Prisons, never mind fighting in the American war. I’m not sure I’m ready for them to get old just yet. I can’t quite see Jamie sitting in his rocking chair watching the world go by without his avid participation. Claire may have a thing or two to say about that as well.
I have only one major complaint. I will have to wait for a year or two to get my hands on the next book.
|
