A Review By Joe Maiden
A classic ghost story but with an original twist, this is not a tale for the faint-hearted. Young Michael’s mother has recently died and he has passed into the care of a mysterious benefactor. He is taken away from his home in the city and is brought to his new carer’s manor house. When he arrives strange things start to happen throughout the house and Michael’s sanity is tested as he is visited time and time again by a mysterious presence. Can he find the source of the disturbances, or has he truly gone insane? A thrilling read for teens and adults alike.
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A Review By Keith Smith
A story, rather remarkable really, of someone who decided to live in a run-down, isolated, virtually derelict cottage in mid-Wales where he saw no-one for weeks on end. So this is a lovingly-written account of his communion with nature and all the multifarious creatues that surrounded him. Lyrical and magical are two words that would best describe it.
Because he had little to do, other than survive, he came to know every inch of ground around the cottage and he knew the animals and birds almost by name, certainly as individuals. Such a privilege is rarely given to anyone. Indeed very few would put themselves in his position to find out. We learn about bats and goshawks, otters and ravens, sparrowhawks and starlings….and we feel we get to know them as intimately as he did. A wonderful book. So much missing in our lives!
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A Review By Tamsin
Also published for the occasion of Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee is the Royal Collection’s Souvenir Album. This is a lovely, small-sized coffee table book with many photographs that chronicle the life of the Queen: the many gifts from around the world presented to her, articles of clothing and jewellery for official appearances, letters, books and even early toys and pets.
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A Review By Tamsin
With his usual flair Andrew Marr turns his attention to Elizabeth II and the events of her Reign. He looks at her role and influence as Head of State and her position within the great but unwritten constitution of Britain.
Rather than writing a chronological biography, Andrew Marr has arranged his book by theme: relationships with Politicians, her role in our economic fortunes and her work abroad for example. He gives us an almost photographic insight into what the Queen actually does with her time from the hours spent with red boxes, to the meticulous organisation of a walkabout. He argues carefully, and with the great skill as a journalist and historian, that far from being a detached but privileged family, under her scrutiny the Royal institution has been made into something already fit for purpose for a 21st century society.
Replete with Marr’s engaging style and the thorough research for which he is rightly so highly regarded.
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A Review By Keith Smith
Just the words are enough to transport you back to what must seem like historic times to most people….Sindy dolls, ten bob notes, Play Doh, felt-tip pens, Velcro, Teasmades, the Mersey Sound, Blue Peter, Steptoe, Thunderbirds, Simon Dee, Spam, Beeching, Murray Mints, Opal Fruits, Smash, donkey rides….the text might wander, but it wanders into some very interesting and nostalgic places…a real treat (only if you grew up in the sixties of course)!
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