The Rag Nymph (by Catherine Cookson)

(Amazon UK link)

'The Rag Nymph' is a historical novel by the prolific writer Catherine Cookson.

This book, which I borrowed, is the story of Millie. She is a child whose mother has been forced into prostitution, and is arrested. Millie ends up with Aggie, a large rag trader, and their lives change over the years.

It's not really my kind of book, which is rather what I had expected. I've read some of this author's books before, and have found them rather too realistic with unpleasant detail of the kind I would prefer not to read.

Still, 'The Rag Nymph' is well-written and quite readable. It's a good story if you like this kind of 'gritty reality' historical fiction.


Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 1999

Under the autumn garden (by Jan Mark)

(Amazon UK link)

'Under the autumn garden' is a children's book by Jan Mark. I've no idea where we picked it up; we have quite a few random books on our shelves at present. It seemed like one that would be suitable for reading aloud to my sons, aged 10 and 12.

I don't think I have ever read a fictional book with so little plot. In a nutshell: Matthew decides to dig for historical artefacts in his garden rather than get on with his history homework. 

And that's about it.

Still, there's some nice humour here and there in the book, which we probably appreciated more because I was reading aloud. There's also a delightful character in the form of Matthew's crusty neighbour, Mr Bagnall. He reminded us quite strongly of a teacher we used to know. 

But it's a remarkably slow-moving book. We kept thinking something interesting would happen... and kept being disappointed.

Not a book that any of us is likely to read again. 

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews

A web of dreams (by Tessa Barclay)

(Amazon UK link)

'A web of dreams' is a historical novel by Tessa Barclay. I don't think I've read any books by this author before. 

This is a realistic book set in mid-nineteenth century Scotland. A girl called Jenny Cornill learns about men. As she grows up she discovers new emotions.

All this is within the background of the tartan-weaving trade of the time. Many characters are apparently based on real people.

I thought it was quite readable, and nicely plotted. But it didn't stand out, and is probably not a book that I'll read again.

'A web of dreams' is not currently in print, but fairly widely available second-hand.

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews

The war with Grandpa (by Robert Kimmel Smith)

(Amazon UK link)

I picked up 'The war with Grandpa' wanting a light read that wouldn't take me long. This book is by the American author Robert Kimmel Smith, and belongs to my 10-year-old. I assume he was given it as a present.

I thought it a good story on the whole. A boy resents having to give up his bedroom when his recently-widowed grandfather comes to live with his family. It is written in a slightly strange style, but the people are believable and the plot well-written.

Intended for children of about 8-11. I thought this well worth reading as a book that encourages thinking about other people, and perhaps developing some empathy.

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews

Gifts differing (by Isabel Briggs Myers)

(Amazon UK link)

'Gifts differing' is rather deeper than most books on the Myers-Briggs personality theory. This is partly because the author, Isabel Briggs Myers, was one of the people who developed Jung's theories into something that could be used and understood by ordinary people. The subtitle is 'Understanding personality type', and the book is considered a classic by those interested in the Myers-Briggs theories.

This book looks at how and why we develop into the people we are, assuming no prior knowledge. It has insights into characteristics inherent in our personality preferences, as well as observed generalities.

It's ot really a book to read straight through, as it's a bit heavy on detail. But I thought it very useful as a reference guide.

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews

Champagne promises (by Meg Hudson)

(Amazon UK link)

'Champagne promises' is a light romantic novel by Meg Hudson. I had not heard of her, and probably wouldn't have chosen this book myself. But I was given it as a gift.

It felt like a slightly longer version of a Mills and Boon style book. A girl trying to get away from it all meets a handsome guy who once saved her life as a doctor.

As is normal for this kind of novel, clashes and resolutions are peppered with misunderstandings. However, there are rather more believable characters than is usual for this sort of book. Then there is a typically predictable happy ending.

It was nothing special, but overall I thought it a pleasant enough light read.

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews