By Phyllida Law
I previously read Notes to my Mother-in-law by the same author (actress, wife of Magic Roundabout writer, Eric, and mother of Emma Thompson). A short little book comprised of genuine fridge notes between from the author and occasionally others. As her m-i-l was getting forgetful Ms Law found this a useful way of reminding her of things to do. Quick and easy to read I suspect it would never have been published had it not been for the author's fame.
In this book, which is more like a diary, the author recounts her widowed mother' worsening dementia and failing health. Which sounds quite depressing but is both entertaining and moving as Ms Law has to move to a Scottish island to take care of her mother and still manages, with the the help of local carers, to fit in a few acting trips. It's more varied than her first book and better. And again quick and easy to read. I say that as if it's a race to fit in as many books as possible - and I suppose it is in a way - but I mean it's ideal for times when you don't want to get engrossed in anything too long or detailed that requires lots of concentration. ***
by Kate Helm
Some time ago I went to a book group at Waterstones with the intention of networking - failed - but came away with several free new books, including this one.
Many years ago, way back when I was starting to write I belonged to a blogging writing group. (For the life of me I can't remember what it was called.) Kate Harrison was also part of this group (I think) before she became a successful author and I met her in person when I travelled to London for the launch of her first book. Since then she's had a number of books published but this is her first venture onto the crime scene, hence, I suppose the alias.
The narrator of the story is a court artist who believes she can see evil in people and draws them accordingly, thus affecting how others view them and increasing the likelihood of them being found guilty or not. She also has a tragic past of her own that she has hidden from everyone.
There are a number of twists in the story that revolves around an old case and the final twists are very surprising. I can't say I liked the narrator That's only just occurred to me. She should be a sympathetic character because she's been through a lot and carries a lot of pain and guilt within her. It's not that I wished her ill but I suppose I didn't warm to her.
But a very good and unusual story. ****
by Claire de Vries
Mystery: I can't find this book on Amazon. But it definitely exists as I have it here in my hand.
The author, a young woman, gives up her job to travel across the United States - with her 19-year-old Burmese cat, Claudius. Described on the back as a mixture of chick-lit and travelogue, it is an unusual book. Like George, Claudius has plenty to say for himself.
About half-way through I was beginning to get a bit bored but as the journey continued I was willing Claudius to survive to the end. I found myself putting off reading the last few chapters because I didn't want him to die. ***
3 comments:
There are 30 zoos in Holland so probably 100-200 camels, mostly Bactrians.
That third book is only for people who mistook it for "I,Claudius". Methinks the publisher was aiming for the uninformed reader :-(
You'd pass the dementia test then, Stu. Loved I, Claudius. In spite of all the murdering and goings-on.
I always enjoy a good book about cats!
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