General Chat

Please review the books that you have read this time.

From Helen

Mr Brigg's Hat.

Oh dear, I'm very sorry to whoever suggested it but I was soooooooo bored. I read it on my Kindle and, when I first got tired of it, I was
horrified to see I was only 14% of the way through. Luckily a lot of the ending was acknowledgements and so on so I skipped them.

To begin with I was interested in the historical period (I love history) and the fact that all this technical, detailed detective work was going on at the same time that Scarlet O'Hara was marrying her various beaux in "Gone With The Wind" in the US Civil War. The forensic details and the development of the case against Mueller is very carefully laid out. But the story goes over all this intricate stuff very often - probably just like a real court case - and this is when I started losing interest.

If you haven't read it I won't divulge whether Mueller was guilty of murdering Mr Briggs or not, but on the Kindle there were photos printed which gave the game away. Suffice to say at the beginning I thought one thing and at the end I had revised my opinion, but as soon as I learn how to manage books on the Kindle I am going to delete this one. Sorry, girls.

The Daisy Picker.

This was sweet. I was in Ireland at the time and, having Irish in-laws, I recognised some of the characters!! An older daughter, looking after her parents, goes off for a bit of a life and has a great time. What's not to like! It was all lovely and I really want to visit the little town our heroine ended up in! Kind of a Beach Book but I really liked it.

The Kingmaker's Daughter.

This was great. I am a bit Philippa Gregoried out these days but I loved this one about Anne Neville, who became the wife of Richard 111, and I also loved the books the Red Queen, the White Queen and the stories of the Plantaganets and hooray!! there is a series coming up on TV very soon that encompasses all these books! I think I said before as a family we have visited the places in Leicester where Richard 3 turned up fairly recently, and his battlefields and so on (my daughter's friend works for the Leicestershire Tourist Board, who'd have thought there was one, lol). I loved the way the story brings all the other threads together and makes sense of it all. It was a very dangerous time to be a Celeb, our latest wannabes don't know how lucky they are.

Also I am beginning to understand how all the Royals of the time linked together, for example Bradgate Park in Leicester belonged to the Grey family, the first husband of Elizabeth Rivers, the White Queen. Her deceased 1st hubby's ggg grandaughter (or maybe even more greats) was Lady Jane Grey, which explains her fatal claim to the throne. Anyway.

So, to get back to the novel, Anne starts out as a fairly minor noblewoman who marries a younger son who ends up as Richard 111. Her family and in particular her father, were great supporters of the monarch, hence the title. I realise I'm not explaining this very well but the story is full of court intrigues, murder, unkindnesses, worry, terror, short lives and an awful lot of travelling in the rain and mud from castle to castle. Do read it if the Plantaganets fascinate you. What a wicked bunch of turncoats.

Will be back (soon)

Will be back (soon)

The Internet went down I will add mine later.

The Daisy Picker by Roisin Meaney

Lizzie loves to bake, engaged to Tony but something is missing. She works in his family restaurant. At the dentist she reads in a magazine about a 85 year old woman who says 'if I had my life again these are the things I would do differently. '
I would ride more merry go rounds
I would take more chances
I would pick more daisies
I would eat more ice cream and fewer beans
I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets,
I would start bare foot in spring and stay that way later in the fall.

Lizzie decides to take her advice, end her engagement and go on an adventure. Which she does.
It is a good story nothing very deep but it held my attention and I loved the idea behind it of not being too 'safe'.
The characters were well thought out and believable. I liked it and would read more of hers.

River of Destiny by Barbara Erskine

I have never read a book by Barbara Erskine that I have not enjoyed. But this one was one of the best I have read I didn’t want it to end yet I was desperate to know what happened.
The story is told on three levels, AD865, AD 1865 and today. Not really a time slipping novel as the stories are told separately but merged by the ghosts of the past.
And over all a love story in the present day.
The characters were all so very well written. The ones who made the most impression were Lady Emily the imperious wife of the squire in 1865 who was so selfish and who had no idea of the repercussions her actions would cause. And Daniel the gentle smith.
And in the present day Rosemary, the rambler determined to ‘do right’ about rights of way no matter who or what she trampled on. There are actually people like her amongst ramblers.
Ken, another one wrapped up in what he wanted from life with no thought for what his wife Zoe wanted. I liked Zoe’s character and the fact that she was scared of sailing and admitted it, despite the derision of her husband. And Leo, the hero I could almost fall for him myself, an intriguing character.
Loved the Watts family with all their aggravating traits, despoilers of the peace of the little community, but likeable with it, except Jackson. Jade so believable as the pre teen from hell who was so desperate for love that she misunderstood kindness for it.
Loved it, sorry I’ve finished it!

Kingmakers daughter by Philippa Gregory

There is no way I would ever have wanted to live in the days of the Plantagenets. you would never know if you were talking to friend or foe. Life was so cheap and dangerous. And everyone changed sides so often even they must have wondered who they followed.

Another good book by Philippa Gregory which I enjoyed very much. I always learn or relearn a lot about history from these books so they are well worth reading and I see she has the next one lined up.

Weavers daughter by Elizabeth Jefferey
An easy read, a romantic saga really but with some very good historical information.
Anna, who is Dutch, whose father intends to marry her off to a wealthy elderly man to pay his debts, runs away to England with her boyfriend. Is directed to Colchester where many of her fellow countrymen have fled, to avoid the Spanish who are trying to enforce the R Catholic religion on them. Before she leaves her Mother tells her about her birth and that her real father is in England. She stays with the Dutch Methodist minister who turns out to be not all he seems and she leaves there to live with a wealthy clothier. Various things happen including the plague, and a threatened hanging for witch craft.
It is a good story, a good read and I learnt a lot about the Dutch clothiers and how they were hated by the English Clothiers, weavers, spinners and dyers, although they were forced to work together in the trade. There were also interesting pieces of information about the actual trade, how some of the spinners were still using distaffs and other spinning wheel, how they were fined if the cloth was not good enough in any way and the thread spun on the spinning wheels was finer and smoother than that on the distaffs so the latter incurred more fines because their masters wouldn’t pay out on new equipment.
I would certainly read more books by this author as she seems to have thoroughly researched her subject and I enjoy books that are informative as well as entertaining, while not being dry.

The Daisy Picker by Roisin Meaney,


Just THE book to read in wet miserable weather, or when you are feeling a bit down. The Daisy Picker is a funny and sweet book with some sad and serious bits - jusy enough to stop it from being sickly sweet.

While not too deep the "journey" both physically and emotionally, made by Lizzie is inspiring. I reckon that it might give hope to other people who are stuck in a rut and want to climb out of it.
The pictures that Roisin Meaney draws of her charecters is first class The conversations are often very amusing. The descriptions of Merway were appealing, in fact - I want to visit there.

I would read the story again, especially when life seemed to be getting too serious.

P.S I want to meet the gorgous Pete - have already got a list of things that he can do for me.

Review The King Makers Daughter by Philippa Gregory.

I had already read The White Queen and The Red Queen and still have them on my book shelves.
I got King Makers Daughter from the local Library, and have had to return it already (unfortunately).

Although I had previously read of Richard 111, it somehow passed me by the his wife, Anne, was a daughter of The King Maker. (or that her sister married George, brother of Edward 1V and Richard 111. Before this I had thought of Anne, wife of Richard as being little shy Anne.

It was interesting to read of the times of "the cousins war" from someone elses point of view. Philippa Gregory gave "shy Anne" her own voice.
The book tells of how important Anne's father (The King Maker) was to her.
I couldn't help but feel that his influence was TOO far reaching. She was a pawn in her father's schemes and even continued to do what she thought he would have wanted, after his death.

It was he who caused her jealousy and fear of Elizabeth Woodville, (THe White Queen), perhaps these two women would have trusted each other without his interference.

Although a lot was happening with plots, counter plots, intrigue, battles, births and deaths Phillipa Gregory does not stint on descriptions, making it easier to feel that I was sitting in the room (or hiding behind the curtains) while the story unfolded.

I could do with buying my own copy of the book, so that I could directly compare what each of the three women (Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret and Ann) said about different situations, especially when their paths crossed.

Enjoyed the book + + + +

P.S For those in the UK (just in case you didn't know) The White Queen wil be on t.v starting on Sunday 16th June.


Tess

Not a Review!!

Mr Brigg's Hat.

I didn't read this book, but saw from the description of it (in the suggestion list) that I already knew something about the story (not the book).

I recently watched a t.v programm which told the full story - including (or should I say especially) about the investigations, following the crime.

I suppose that in those days the investigations would have been quite cutting edge.

As I knew how it all turned out, I chose to vote for two other books.

Sorry Helen that the pictures you saw on Kindle spoiled the did he?, didn't he?
part of the story. A big mistake on their part.

Finally got Mr Penumbra's 24hour Bookstore.

Not my thing and did not realise it delved into SciFi, and the way we are heading with computers and google. The search engine has come along way since it first started but I was impressed by the style of writing by Robin Sloane and the fact that you were still in the here and now while transporting yourself back into medieval history and forward again by computerised communication and clever manipulation of photography. It reads a bit off the wall but could very well happen. It is not too far fetched and the interaction between the characters all made for a good story. I found it compelling reading. The font referred to in the book can be looked up on "google" of course.. and I quote "Turns out that "Griffo Gerritszoon" the font creater from the book, is actually Francesco Griffo who was born in the same year as Aldus (1450) and died three years after him (1518)." I do like it when there are actual links with the past in fiction. So the book went from being not my thing to being very intriguing.

How far away are the next changes to the computerised world that we live in:
Google Glass is being developed and about 1000 people are trialing them.. it is a wearable computer with a head-mounted display. It can interact with the internet by voice commands and are designed to be fitted to your normal glasses or sunglasses. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Glass

Mr Briggs' Hat by Kate Colquhoun

OKay it is a true story, so one knew from the beginning... well more by looking at the photographs before reading who would be hung for the murder of Mr Briggs.. But what a fascinating tale of historical detective work. The things that the police overlooked and lack of forensic evidence must have led to quite a few hangings etc in times gone by. I got a bit bored with it about half way through but regained my interest when attending the trial sometime later. The poor bloke not being allowed to speak on his own behalf and all the people that could have provided him with an alibi after the hanging. Do have to wonder how one got on in long train journeys being confined to a carriage without passage way to facilities?

On the whole I would rather have just read the first bit and the last bit and left out quite a lot of the middle.. but dear me it was me who suggested it so stuck with it... er ah um.

The Murderer's Daughters by R S Meyers

Got the book from the library and recognised the cover, started reading it and realised I have already read it but couldn't remember it all. But knew it as I went along. When I suggested it, I had just read a review of it and it looked good. I remember that it was compelling reading when I started it but that petered out and I don't think I well and truly finished it at the time. Finished it properly now or paid attention better. Should Lulu have told her children about her father.. I am not sure. I do think quite a few parents would have done what she did but there would also be those that took the approach that Merry took. The author had it that the children were okay with the fact that their grandfather had killed their grandmother and were not nearly as interested as they were when Lulu told them that their parents died in a car crash. I don't think it could be that simple. They still don't get to see him and maybe they will want to when they are older and Lulu needed to face up to that possibility. So often in this type of book it is what is not said that one thinks about.

The 100 yearold man

I saw where there was a waiting list for this so did not vote for it. Went to pick up books for himself and he was one of those that had ordered it. I read it and I think I must have had a smile on my face most of the way through it.. but I will let my OH do his review of it instead:

The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared.

Don’t believe the blurbs on the back cover “Hilarious” “Dynamic comedy” “Incredibly funny” This man played a very serious role in the history of the 20th Century! The help Allan Karlsson gave to various world leaders in times of crisis is beyond measure in spite of the daft way he went about it. He was an equal opportunity irritant to politicians on the left and the right as he refused to even think about politics (nor religion). Some these grandees, not fully appreciating his true genius, ordered his execution. That he reached the age of 101 and still going is down to a combination of very good luck, gormless guile, and the stupidity of others. He was helped through much of it by his loyal compadre Einstein. No, not that one! Herbert Einstein, who was definitely no Einstein.

Allan was not a deep thinker. To him, what was, was, and what will be, will be. Provided he had a regular supply of vodka and plenty of opportunities to rest he was content.

That he disappeared very soon after climbing out of the window (incidentally it was to escape his 100th Birthday party) was a good thing as he was soon being pursued vigorously by several Police Departments plus a very nasty gang. The press was very excited by the story – what they didn’t understand they made up. The local prosecutor made his reputation on the case – then lost it again – then restored it without any clue how it happened.

It all ended happily, thanks to luck, ingenuity, good fortune, and Sonya the elephant. As it says in the Bible (or not) “They all lived happily ever after”

The scenery in Sweden is much like New Zealand – lakes, rivers, forests, farms, drunks, motorcycle gangs, crazy drivers etc. The people are the same – classless (no class?), apolitical, political, and totally convinced that immigrants of a brown hue either bludge off welfare or take jobs from the locals without paying any tax. So the action and colours in my head were man.. mag.. maf.. maginfi… really good!

Others may have giggled their way through this book but I took it very seriously. And I would prefer that no one else should read it. I would like to keep it as my own delicious secret.

The Daisy Picker...

I did so want to read this but this is not at any of our libraries though other books by Roisin Meaney are but they are more recent. I will keep a watch out for it.. might pick up one cheaply at some time. Again this was why I did not vote for it but now I have read your reviews I am definitely going to search secondhand and on line for it.

Cheers Persie

The Dairy Picker
Not a lot to this story and quite predictable, but nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it.

Mr. Briggs' Hat
Don't apologise Ann. I suggested it and I, too, found it boring. In fact, I haven't quite finished it yet. I can only take so much in one session of new people being brought in to examine the evidence. That's all that seemed to be happening all the way through.

Berona, it was Helen that was bored with it, I just added her review.

Perse I am pleased that I am not the only one to start reading a book that I have forgotten I have read. Comes from reading so many books over the years I guess.

Thanks to your OH for such an excellent review. :-)

Have seen this and will add later

Thanks to Perse's O.H. A fab. review. I really must request it from the library..

Ann in Glos. I was smitten by the womans list that Lizzie read in the waiting room. Perhaps I should make one of my own, and try a few things out - while I can!

Rock Climimg comes to mind. (there is an indoor place near my home).

Yes I loved the old woman's list as well Tess.