Gyles Brandreth is a genius! Throughout this wonderful mystery I had to keep reminding myself that Oscar Wilde was not actually sharing his own story. I have long been a fan of Wilde. In fact, here is a recording of the man himself reciting a portion of The Ballad of Reading Gaol: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVoJLjWlJng. It send chills up my spine!
As any Oscar Wilde aficionado knows, the man was tried, convicted, and sentenced to 2 years of hard labor in punishment for gross indecency as a result of his homosexual affair with Lord Alfred Douglas. While imprisoned he suffered a serious injury to his eardrum that is believed to have contributed to his death in 1900 at age 46. Brandreth seamlessly incorporates significant biographical details of Wilde's life, such as this one, into his story, making it difficult to discern where reality leaves off and imagination takes over. This incredible mystery is set primarily during Wilde's two year stint in prison. Brandreth's research of the inner workings of the English prison system in the 1890s is meticulous and his graphic depictions of an inmate's life transport the reader right into the heart and soul (or lack thereof) of Reading Gaol. Wilde's relationship with Arthur Conan Doyle is referred to frequently throughout, adding an extra touch of personality and authenticity to the story. The concept of Oscar Wilde as detective is in and of itself fascinating, but the incredible twists and turns, threats and deaths, and Wilde's observations and conclusions make this an outstanding mystery. There are several untimely deaths in Oscar Wilde and the Murders at Reading Gaol, but it is not until the final pages that the reader discovers the true depth and breadth of Wilde's powers of observation and, at the same time, Brandreth's own genius. I highly recommend this series!
BIBLIOPHILY
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
KNITTING (Ann Bartlett)
Knitting was not what I expected. It was darker, sadder, and more complex than the usual novels I've read on the subject. Knitting is about 2 very different women, both widowed, middle-aged, and childless, one who knits and one who studies textiles.
Martha, the knitter, lost her young husband years ago, a few months after their marriage. She is soft and caring, an immensely talented knitter who occasionally relapses toward the mental and emotional breakdown she suffered after her husband's death. She obsessively carries 3 bags of knitting with her wherever she goes. Sandra is an efficient college professor who has recently lost her husband to cancer. She is focused and efficient, but bereft at the loss of her spouse and best friend. Sandra is an intellectual, not a crafter, and she has a hard edge and ambition (to help her forget her loneliness) that often results in a lack of empathy and inability to connect emotionally. The two women meet when Cliff, a homeless man, suffers a seizure on the street and they rush to his aid. Martha and Cliff form a close bond (but not as close as Cliff would like) while Sandra prefers to distance herself from any further contact. When Sandra discovers that Martha is a creative and expert knitter, she enlists her help in reproducing historical knitted garments for an exhibition designed to showcase the progression of knitting as a utility and an art during the 20th century. Martha agrees to help and their friendship develops, but Sandra fails to realize that she has piled so much responsibility on to Martha's shoulders that the joy of knitting that has defined Martha's life is now in danger of being destroyed.
Knitting is an interesting study of two women whose broken lives begin to heal through knitting. What makes this novel unique is the way that knitting is approached, not as a traditional healing and bonding activity, but more as an untangling and ordering of two lives connected with knitting in very different ways. This is not your typical novel about a group of women finding friendship, happiness, and a measure of contentment through knitting. It's more about 2 women together learning how to be alone and to forgive themselves for not always being perfect. It's definitely worth reading.
Martha, the knitter, lost her young husband years ago, a few months after their marriage. She is soft and caring, an immensely talented knitter who occasionally relapses toward the mental and emotional breakdown she suffered after her husband's death. She obsessively carries 3 bags of knitting with her wherever she goes. Sandra is an efficient college professor who has recently lost her husband to cancer. She is focused and efficient, but bereft at the loss of her spouse and best friend. Sandra is an intellectual, not a crafter, and she has a hard edge and ambition (to help her forget her loneliness) that often results in a lack of empathy and inability to connect emotionally. The two women meet when Cliff, a homeless man, suffers a seizure on the street and they rush to his aid. Martha and Cliff form a close bond (but not as close as Cliff would like) while Sandra prefers to distance herself from any further contact. When Sandra discovers that Martha is a creative and expert knitter, she enlists her help in reproducing historical knitted garments for an exhibition designed to showcase the progression of knitting as a utility and an art during the 20th century. Martha agrees to help and their friendship develops, but Sandra fails to realize that she has piled so much responsibility on to Martha's shoulders that the joy of knitting that has defined Martha's life is now in danger of being destroyed.
Knitting is an interesting study of two women whose broken lives begin to heal through knitting. What makes this novel unique is the way that knitting is approached, not as a traditional healing and bonding activity, but more as an untangling and ordering of two lives connected with knitting in very different ways. This is not your typical novel about a group of women finding friendship, happiness, and a measure of contentment through knitting. It's more about 2 women together learning how to be alone and to forgive themselves for not always being perfect. It's definitely worth reading.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
OBSESSED (Mika Brzezinski)
This book left me with an uneasy feeling, for some reason. I found the facts on the American diet to be horrifying, but not necessarily surprising. I agree with Mika's assessment of changes needed to our diet and exercise routines and I do believe that a large number of people are destroying their health with their dietary choices. I myself need to lose at least 10 pounds and I know that willpower is difficult to maintain with the media's constant barrage of misleading invitations, packaged in mouthwatering TV ads, billboards, and store displays, to consume fats, sugars, and other basically unhealthy foods. I am, however, a great believer in all things in moderation rather than deprivation and dieting. This is the way to maintain good health, as Mika points out.
I especially enjoyed Diane Smith's story of her ongoing journey from obesity, which was having a detrimental effect on both her mobility and her career, to a healthy weight through nutrition and exercise. I also appreciated the statistics and first-person commentary by experts and people who had conquered difficult weight problems, as well as Mika's admission that her own eating and exercise habits have for years been geared toward appearance rather than good health. "Obsessed" is a valuable collection of facts and insights into the health issues associated with obesity. I think the thing that bothered me about this book, though, was the constant undertone of thinner (not just thin enough) being better. I remember at one point her stating that 135 was a healthy weight for a woman 5'7" or 5' 8" (she was referring to a couple of people other than herself). While this is certainly true (you can't argue with a BMI of 20 or 21), a weight of 150 is also healthy for that height range, with a BMI of around 23 and well within the guidelines for healthy weights, but Mika was rather absolute in her assessment of what is healthy. She did mention Gayle King, who is over 5'10" tall, being happy with her weight of 162 (again, a BMI in the 22-23 range), but the tone implied not that Gayle was fit and healthy but, rather, that it was nice that Gayle was psychologically able to accept herself at this weight. Maybe I'm just reading too much into Mika's observations because I am obsessed with my waistline (or lack thereof). I appreciate her willingness to admit and take action on her own weight issues and I agree completely that the American diet needs an overhaul. Maybe she could lighten up a little bit, though, for all the people who are actually at a healthy BMI, but not at the lower end. I do believe that this is a book worth reading and I would recommend it, but unless you are either at a BMI of 20 (you probably are if you are 16 years old - I know I was!) or vigorously working out and eating healthy all the time, be prepared to feel a little bit defensive.
I especially enjoyed Diane Smith's story of her ongoing journey from obesity, which was having a detrimental effect on both her mobility and her career, to a healthy weight through nutrition and exercise. I also appreciated the statistics and first-person commentary by experts and people who had conquered difficult weight problems, as well as Mika's admission that her own eating and exercise habits have for years been geared toward appearance rather than good health. "Obsessed" is a valuable collection of facts and insights into the health issues associated with obesity. I think the thing that bothered me about this book, though, was the constant undertone of thinner (not just thin enough) being better. I remember at one point her stating that 135 was a healthy weight for a woman 5'7" or 5' 8" (she was referring to a couple of people other than herself). While this is certainly true (you can't argue with a BMI of 20 or 21), a weight of 150 is also healthy for that height range, with a BMI of around 23 and well within the guidelines for healthy weights, but Mika was rather absolute in her assessment of what is healthy. She did mention Gayle King, who is over 5'10" tall, being happy with her weight of 162 (again, a BMI in the 22-23 range), but the tone implied not that Gayle was fit and healthy but, rather, that it was nice that Gayle was psychologically able to accept herself at this weight. Maybe I'm just reading too much into Mika's observations because I am obsessed with my waistline (or lack thereof). I appreciate her willingness to admit and take action on her own weight issues and I agree completely that the American diet needs an overhaul. Maybe she could lighten up a little bit, though, for all the people who are actually at a healthy BMI, but not at the lower end. I do believe that this is a book worth reading and I would recommend it, but unless you are either at a BMI of 20 (you probably are if you are 16 years old - I know I was!) or vigorously working out and eating healthy all the time, be prepared to feel a little bit defensive.
WEDDING NIGHT (Sophie Kinsella)
Kinsella's latest is a hilarious comedy of missed cues and opportunities, wrong choices, family interference, and sexual tension. Lottie is hungry for marriage and a family and feels that she has finally found the right man in Richard until the "question" that he takes out to dinner to ask turns out to be about air miles instead of the proposal she expected. Devastated and angry, she breaks up with Richard and embarks on another of what her older sister Fliss refers to as her "unfortunate choices, " deciding on the spur of the moment to marry Ben Parr, who seeks her out 15 years after their gap-year romance on the island of Ikonos, Greece. Can a man and a woman find true love and fulfillment in a marriage based on a powerful physical attraction and starry-eyed memories of a youthful fling? Not if big sister Fliss can help it!
As editor of a travel magazine, Fliss has enough connections in the industry to block all of Lottie and Ben's attempts to consummate their marriage, leaving the way open for the annulment that Fliss is sure should follow the hasty marriage. Joined by her 7-year-old son Noah, Ben's business partner (and Fliss's recent fling) Lorcan, and, eventually, a contrite Richard, Fliss battles air delays, communication problems, and her own marital issues to save her sister from her latest "unfortunate choice." It's certainly not rocket science, and you're not going to learn anything that improve your mind or your health, but if you are looking for a relaxing and hilarious escape from real life, Kinsella has just the ticket!
As editor of a travel magazine, Fliss has enough connections in the industry to block all of Lottie and Ben's attempts to consummate their marriage, leaving the way open for the annulment that Fliss is sure should follow the hasty marriage. Joined by her 7-year-old son Noah, Ben's business partner (and Fliss's recent fling) Lorcan, and, eventually, a contrite Richard, Fliss battles air delays, communication problems, and her own marital issues to save her sister from her latest "unfortunate choice." It's certainly not rocket science, and you're not going to learn anything that improve your mind or your health, but if you are looking for a relaxing and hilarious escape from real life, Kinsella has just the ticket!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
KNIGHTS OF FOREVER (Mike Walsh)
To start with, I have to say that I am not normally a reader of speculative fiction of any kind. My taste runs more towards historical fiction and cozy mysteries, perhaps with a touch of romance, and I have to say that it surprises me (pleasantly) that there are many elements of these genres in "Knights of Forever."
Rod Serling supposedly said that "science fiction is the improbable made possible." Mike Walsh has created a story that takes the improbable, time travel, and makes it look and feel like something that will naturally evolve as science and technology develop. He draws the reader into the story from the first page, when we are introduced to the mysterious man in black walking in the autumn sunshine. We have the sense that we are in a rural, pre-industrial-era setting, but we could just as easily be in some sort of post apocalyptic world where humanity is struggling to start from scratch technologically. Though quite spare in his descriptions, the author manages to convey a great sense of the personalities of his characters. They are starkly good or evil and there is no mistaking who is the villain here. The intrigue comes not from trying to figure out motivations of the various characters or who will emerge victorious in the end, but from the undercurrents, the sense of family and hope for the future that are mostly implied yet come through loud and clear in the relationships among the various characters. Nick is a wonderful young man, an innocent and loving son who, despite his gentle upbringing, is capable of killing reflexively for love and honor of family.
Mike Walsh packs a lot into 78 short pages. I think that what I enjoyed most about this novel is not so much what I read on the pages, but what I read between the lines. This author can convey in a brief phrase what another writer might take three pages to say. Thinking about what you have read is one thing, but thinking BEYOND the pages of a novel is quite another. I am intrigued by the idea of time travel, by the possibility of knowing the future or of deliberately or accidentally influencing historical events. I would consider any book that keeps you thinking after the fact to be successful, and this one fits into that category.
Rod Serling supposedly said that "science fiction is the improbable made possible." Mike Walsh has created a story that takes the improbable, time travel, and makes it look and feel like something that will naturally evolve as science and technology develop. He draws the reader into the story from the first page, when we are introduced to the mysterious man in black walking in the autumn sunshine. We have the sense that we are in a rural, pre-industrial-era setting, but we could just as easily be in some sort of post apocalyptic world where humanity is struggling to start from scratch technologically. Though quite spare in his descriptions, the author manages to convey a great sense of the personalities of his characters. They are starkly good or evil and there is no mistaking who is the villain here. The intrigue comes not from trying to figure out motivations of the various characters or who will emerge victorious in the end, but from the undercurrents, the sense of family and hope for the future that are mostly implied yet come through loud and clear in the relationships among the various characters. Nick is a wonderful young man, an innocent and loving son who, despite his gentle upbringing, is capable of killing reflexively for love and honor of family.
Mike Walsh packs a lot into 78 short pages. I think that what I enjoyed most about this novel is not so much what I read on the pages, but what I read between the lines. This author can convey in a brief phrase what another writer might take three pages to say. Thinking about what you have read is one thing, but thinking BEYOND the pages of a novel is quite another. I am intrigued by the idea of time travel, by the possibility of knowing the future or of deliberately or accidentally influencing historical events. I would consider any book that keeps you thinking after the fact to be successful, and this one fits into that category.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
THE COLD LIGHT OF MOURNING (Elizabeth J. Duncan)
My friend Korina, a fellow mystery buff, recommended "The Cold Light Of Mourning." I knew I could trust her judgment!
Penny Brannigan, a single 50-something Canadian ex-pat living in Llanelan, Wales, loses her dearest friend just before the wedding of the son of the village's most prominent citizen. When the bride, Meg Wynn Thompson, disappears on the morning of her big day, everyone naturally suspects a case of cold feet. However, Penny notices something odd about the grave at her friend's funeral. Soon the groom is one of the prime suspects in Meg Wynn's murder. With a number of potential suspects in addition to the groom, including Meg Wynn's abusive father, and the involvement of a very attractive member of the local constabulary, Penny can't help but to get involved in the investigation. The appealing characters and cozy village setting make this a good choice for any fan of lighter mysteries set in the UK.
Penny Brannigan, a single 50-something Canadian ex-pat living in Llanelan, Wales, loses her dearest friend just before the wedding of the son of the village's most prominent citizen. When the bride, Meg Wynn Thompson, disappears on the morning of her big day, everyone naturally suspects a case of cold feet. However, Penny notices something odd about the grave at her friend's funeral. Soon the groom is one of the prime suspects in Meg Wynn's murder. With a number of potential suspects in addition to the groom, including Meg Wynn's abusive father, and the involvement of a very attractive member of the local constabulary, Penny can't help but to get involved in the investigation. The appealing characters and cozy village setting make this a good choice for any fan of lighter mysteries set in the UK.
THE MIDDLESTEINS (Jamie Attenberg)
Edie Middlestein is
grossly overweight and, as a result, in poor health, and after 30 years her
husband Richard, a pharmacist, has had enough of married life. He leaves her for greener pastures, much to
the disgust of his school-teacher daughter, Robyn, and his son and daughter-in-law, Benny and
Rachelle. Robyn is furious at her father
and feels that he is to blame for the disintegration of their family. Rachelle is determined to help Edie lose
weight and regain her health and equally determined to shut Richard out of the family. Benny,
often in a pot-induced state of mellowness, is inexplicably losing his
hair. Edie, in the meantime, continues
to gorge herself, stuffing in as much food as possible as often as possible.
Both Edie and Richard are sympathetic characters. Edie has had issues with
food throughout her life and chose Richard as a suitable husband without a
great deal of thought. One of the most delightful and prescient passages
in the novel refers to the day that Edie and Richard marry, describing
Richard as not knowing that he would never again be as happy. The
Middlesteins are in many ways a typical, middle-class Jewish family that is
coming apart at the seams. Interestingly,
despite the anger of their children and disruption to all their lives, Richard
and Edie seem happier apart. I’m still thinking
about this novel, but I’d recommend it without reservation.
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