Author Archives
Blogger, theatre goer, nature lover and an avid reader of books.
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BOOK REVIEW: Great Polar Bear
Journey into the magnificent and mysterious world of the far north in Great Polar Bear, Carolyn Lesser’s poetic and scientifically accurate story about a year in the life of a polar bear.
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How to Read a Novel: Week #1
I have completed the first week of my free online course, How to Read a Novel, and I’m relieved to report that I’m making good progress.
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Winding Up the Week #7
This week we look at books read and reviewed, discover what is happening with the Ulysses Readlong and highlight fascinating literary features from across the Internet.
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BOOK REVIEW: The Second Winter
Craig Larsen’s novel is a harrowing tale of survival in desperate circumstances. It will undoubtedly appeal to readers of gritty noir wartime thrillers.
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How to Read a Novel
Follow my progress as I take part in a four week online course with the University of Edinburgh on How to Read a Novel.
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BOOK REVIEW: The Only Story
A moving story of first love told in old age, looking back at a hidden world of suburban secrets and sham respectability.
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Winding Up the Week #6
This week we appraise books read and reviewed, look ahead to World Book Day 2018 and highlight fascinating literary features from across the Net.
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THOUGHTS ON: Burmese Days
George Orwell’s 1934 novel is a tale from the waning days of British colonialism, when Burma was ruled from Delhi as a part of British India.
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Winding Up the Week #5
This week we look at books read and reviewed, discover what’s been happening with the Persephone Readathon and highlight fascinating literary features from across the Internet.
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BOOK REVIEW: Estoril: A War Novel
Estoril is a comedy-cum-spy story set in a luxurious hotel during the height of the Second World War.
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THOUGHTS ON: A Month in the Country
In the balmy summer of 1920 Tom Birkin arrives penniless at Oxgodby station with his nerves “shot to pieces” and a commission to restore a Medieval work of art.
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Winding Up the Week #4
This is the fourth of my weekly posts in which I summarize books read, reviewed and currently on my TBR shelf. In addition to a variety of literary titbits, I look ahead to forthcoming features, see what’s on the night-stand and keep readers abreast of various book-related happenings.
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Books Before the Blog
This is the start of an occasional feature in which I highlight a small selection of books that I read and enjoyed at some point before publishing this blog.
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BOOK REVIEW: The Word for Woman is Wilderness
There is much to admire in Abi Andrews’ debut novel. She has created an inspiring female protagonist, one you will think of long after reading the final page.
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Winding Up the Week #3
This is the third of my weekly posts in which I summarize books read, reviewed and currently on my TBR shelf. In addition to a variety of literary titbits, I look ahead to forthcoming features, see what’s on the night-stand and keep readers abreast of various book-related happenings.
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BOOK REVIEW: The House of Impossible Beauties
Cassara’s novel follows the often complicated lives of several homogeneous characters from House of Xtravaganza, one of the most famous and enduring ‘drag houses’ of New York.
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Winding Up the Week #2
This is the second of my weekly posts in which I summarize books read, reviewed and currently on my TBR shelf. In addition to a variety of literary titbits, I will look ahead to forthcoming features, see what’s on the night-stand and keep readers abreast of various reading challenges.
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BOOK REVIEW: Her Body and Other Parties
Carmen Maria Machado’s debut short story collection has marked her out as an effervescent talent in fermentation.
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Winding Up the Week #1
The first of a weekly post in which I summarize books read, reviewed and currently on my TBR shelf.
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BOOK REVIEW: Asymmetry
Asymmetry is a story in which nothing and nobody is equal. It is inventive, compelling and altogether unforgettable. We should expect to hear a great deal more of its promising author over the coming months.