28 Mar 2011

Scandal in the village (by Rebecca Shaw)

Scandal in the village by Rebecca Shaw
(Amazon UK link)
Some years ago I started reading books in the 'Turnham Malpas' series by Rebecca Shaw. It's an ongoing village saga, featuring a rather attractive rector called Peter, his doctor wife Caroline, and various residents of the village. What's odd is that I wasn't all that impressed by the novel, although I was interested enough to keep reading. And yet, any time I see one in a charity shop, I pick it up. I must have about nine or ten of them now.

So when I was in the local thrift store at the weekend, and spotted 'Scandal in the village', I read the blurb on the back. It didn't sound at all familiar, and was only 50c, so I bought it. And, wanting something light and quick to read on Sunday afternoon, I thought I might as well try it...

It was only when I reached about the sixth chapter that I began to feel a sense of deja vu. So I switched on my computer, and searched.. and sure enough, I had read it before. Slightly embarrassingly, it was only two years ago that I first read 'Scandal in the village'. Evidently I have another copy somewhere... but it wasn't so familiar that I remembered anything much about what happened.

There are, as with all these books, a mixed selection of subplots involving a variety of people. So many that there's a cast list in the front, which I find myself referring to frequently. (There's also a map of the village, but I don't usually bother with that).

From memory, off the top of my head, this book includes Caroline having a mysterious ailment which she doesn't want to tell Peter about; the barman's wife Georgie starting an affair (or, at least, a romance) with Dicky Tutt, a broken leg, and a fight about harvest decorations. Oh, and a rather dramatic fight at the top of the church tower.

I was surprised that I did quite enjoy reading it. I tend to feel that these books could do with some editing, but I didn't find the ultra informal style or wordiness to be too much of a problem. I'd totally forgotten how the book ended, and how most of the problems were resolved, so felt it was worth reading again.

All the 'Turnham Malpas' novels stand alone, but it's probably easiest to read them in approximate order. First in the series is 'The new rector'.


Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 28th March 2011

27 Mar 2011

Mixed Doubles (by Jill Mansell)

Mixed Doubles by Jill Mansell
(Amazon UK link)
Having read and enjoyed 'Perfect Timing', by Jill Mansell, I decided I would look for a few more of her books. I came across this one in a charity shop, in excellent condition. The cover (shown at the side) wasn't very appealing but I thought I'd try it anyway. More recent editions have much more attractive covers.

'Mixed Doubles' is the story of three young women in their early 30s, who have been best friends for many years. Dulcie is, to all appearances, happily married to a rather nice guy called Patrick. He's considerate and good-looking, and works very hard. Rather too hard, in Dulcie's estimatation, as he refuses to take time off and she barely sees him. Dulcie is rather impetuous, with good ideas that don't always pan out the way she intended... and she decides that her new year's resolution is to get divorced.

Pru's husband is not such a pleasant man; he drinks too much and is a womaniser, although Pru - whose self-esteem is pretty low - can't imagine life without him. So her resolution is simply to stay married.

As for Liza - she's single, and has had no problem attracting any man she likes. Unfortunately, she gets bored with each one within a few weeks. She's had enough of this, and decides that she would like to get married; the only problem is that she hasn't yet met anyone whom she would like to marry...

The book follows their year, and all their love-lives, with several lively sub-plots involving various other characters. I found the sheer number a bit overwhelming at times and found myself forgetting who was whom, but it wasn't a huge problem.

I suppose this is classic chick-lit, with rather shallow people who appear to leap into bed with as many people as they can... and yet, I kept reading, wanting to know how the various plots would resolve, and whether any of the three friends would achieve her resolution - and, indeed, whether they would remain on speaking terms with each other.

Despite their rather childish behaviour at times, I did find myself warming to all three of the main characters before the end, feeling pleased when some of their problems were resolved.

This would be fine for holiday reading; there's nothing overtly sexual (although a great deal goes on off-stage) and it's not at all demanding.


Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 27th March 2011

23 Mar 2011

The man who knew too much (by G K Chesterton)

The man who knew too much by GK Chesterton
(Amazon UK link)
I have quite an admiration for GK Chesterton, perhaps best known for his 'Father Brown' mysteries. He also wrote some theology books, and is highly respected in the Christian writing world. I struggle a bit with some of the long-windedness of the Father Brown books, but have enjoyed the stories, so was pleased to see some of his works available, free, for the Kindle.

'The man who knew too much' is a book of short stories featuring Horne Fisher, an amateur sleuth, who, in his own words, always knows too much. He understands quite a bit about human psychology, and is also aware of a great many other details about people and events that are missed by most of those around him.

I enjoyed most of the earlier stories in the book, while finding them a bit lengthy and over-detailed in places. But there are some unusual situations, and Fisher seems to be a likeable person. I didn't find myself racing through the book, however. It took me three weeks to get through it, usually reading about half a chapter at a time.

However, towards the end, the book takes a decidedly political turn. Suddenly, rather than solving mysteries, we hear of Horne Fisher's early forays into the political world, and learn of several of his relatives, also politicians. I found it impossible to keep track of who was whom - the names were too similar, and while the plotting is clever, the characters mostly feel rather flat.

The final story is the worst of all, in my opinion. It features more political intrigue, an over-gory scene in the middle, and a highly unpleasant ending. It was quite bad enough to make me determine that I would not to read this book again, and to be glad that I had downloaded the free version although it's available in print editions too.

Probably worth reading once, although I wouldn't recommend the last two stories.


Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 23rd March 2011

21 Mar 2011

Highland Twins at the Chalet School (by Elinor M Brent-Dyer)

The Highland Twins at the Chalet School by EM Brent-Dyer
(Amazon UK link)
Having started - albeit slowly - re-reading through most of my Elinor M Brent-Dyer collection of 'Chalet School' books, I decided to pick up another of them a few days ago.

I last read 'Highland Twins at the Chalet School' in 2003, when I enjoyed it as much as I did when I was a teenager. Possibly more so. I'm particularly pleased to have a hardback copy of this in my possession, now; it was re-printed a few years ago by 'Girls Gone By' but is not currently in print, and even the abridged Armada paperback editions tend to be expensive.

This book is the story of the orphaned eleven-year-old twins Fiona and Flora McDonald, who have lived on a small island in the highlands, educated by their sister Shiena. Now, during World War II, their island has been taken over by the Admiralty, and Shiena goes into war work.

Shiena has no idea what to do with her young sisters until a friend recommends the Chalet School to them. And since they're not used to crowds of people, and are prone to be shy, they start off by staying with Jo Maynard and her busy household.

Fiona and Flora have a secret documents which leads to a great deal of tension and excitement later in the book; Fiona also has a mystical gift which is perhaps a tad unlikely, but which is very helpful when tragic news is given to someone she cares for. In addition to these unusual subplots, there is the regular life of the school and its neighbours, with the usual friendships and welcome, as well as a few arguments and stresses.

One of the best of the Chalet School books, in my view, although I realise that teenage school stories don't appeal to everyone!

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 21st March 2011

16 Mar 2011

Sprig Muslin (by Georgette Heyer)

Sprig Muslin by Georgette Heyer
(Amazon UK link)
When I want some comfort reading that's a little more challenging than teenage fiction, I very often turn to Georgette Heyer. I try to leave a gap of about five or six years between each re-reading, although her book sare so well-written and enjoyable that I could happily re-read them more often.

I last read 'Sprig Muslin' in 2005 and, when I started it, had mostly forgotten what it was about. The plot gradually returned to me as I read, although I had not remembered all the twists and excitements. The story is a bit like 'Charity Girl', but I think, overall, I like this one even more.

Sir Gareth Ludlow is the hero of this book. He's not a typically dashing man - he's in his thirties, and knows it's his duty to be married. Many years ago he lost the girl of his dreams, and has not found anyone to match up to her.

So, after much thought, he decides to make an offer to his friend Lady Hester, a girl in her late 20s who is thought to be on the shelf. She lives with her obnoxious brother and sister-n-law and is rather too biddable, running around after her various relatives, not liking to argue with any of them.

However, on the way to Hester's home, he comes across a spirited girl of nearly 17 who has run away from home. Sir Gareth is a man of high principles, which would make him a bit dull if he weren't also endowed with a nice sense of humour.

He feels morally obliged to take care of Amanda, thinking of his own niece who is around the same age... but in doing so runs into a great deal more adventure than he could possibly have imagined.

It's a lovely story, with very low-key romance, plenty of amusement and several chases as Amanda's fertile imagination and extreme naiveté run away with her. Very enjoyable.


Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 16th March 2011

14 Mar 2011

The Chalet School Goes to it (by Elinor M Brent-Dyer)

The Chalet School Goes to it by Elinor M Brent-Dyer
(Amazon UK link)
There's nothing like a favourite childhood novel for relaxed weekend reading. So I decided to pick up another Elinor M Brent-Dyer from my collection.

I'm fortunate enough to have a hardback version of 'The Chalet School Goes to it'. In the 1980s, when re-published by Armada, the abridged version of this was re-titled 'The Chalet School at War', which was, perhaps, a more suitable title. However, in recent years the 'Girls Gone By' publishers have produced another version with the full text, and the original title.

In this story, which follows on from 'The Chalet School in Exile', war conditions have become an everyday reality. The school staff decide that it would be safest to move the school, yet again, from Guernsey to Armiford, nestled in the West of England. Out of the blue the perfect building is offered to them... along with Gwensi, a rather angry child who does not in the least want her lovely home taken over by noisy schoolgirls.

It's many years since I'd read this book - I'm not sure why, as I've re-read most of Brent-Dyer's lengthy series many times. I didn't find it as moving or powerful as one or two of the other books written around this time, but it was still a solid, mostly interesting account of everyday boarding school life in the 1940sunder rather stressful conditions.

This book, if nothing else, could be considered as a nice piece of low-key social history, too, with the girls observing blackouts and 'digging for victory' while, mostly, safe from the worst horrors of the war.

Joey Maynard and her famous triplets feature, as ever, including quite an exciting crossing from Guernsey. And there's a slightly far-fetched episode in a secret passage, no doubt included to add to the excitement of the book. Not as run-of-the-mill as some of the later Chalet School stories, with plenty going on outside of the school.

Enjoyable.

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 14th March 2011

13 Mar 2011

The queen of new beginnings (by Erica James)

The Queen of new beginnings by Erica James
(Amazon UK link)
I've been reading novels by Erica James for about twelve or thirteen years now, and enjoyed almost all of them. In the past year or so I started re-reading them, so was very pleased to discover that she had written a new book. I was given it for Christmas and have been reading it in the past week.

'The Queen of New Beginnings' is how Alice considers herself. She doesn't like to think too much about her past, but something has drawn her back to her childhood village, and, temporarily out of work, she agrees to a cleaning job despite some serious reservations...

Clayton used to be part of an excellent script-writing duo, but things fell apart when his girlfriend and his writing partner decided to get together. Right now he's in hiding - on his agent's advice - because of something terrible he did recently, for which the media is hounding him.

Naturally, given the genre, Alice and Clayton meet, and the sparks fly. A nice twist is that Alice - whose talent is for acting and voiceovers - pretends to be someone completely different, and they find each other unbearably rude. To add to the fun, there's a redoubtable old lady called George, an upper-class eccentric living nearby, who takes an interest in them both. An unexpected friendship develops.

As the book progresses, we learn why Alice tries to avoid thinking about her past, as she unburdens herself to Clayton in what turns out to be rather a therapeutic way. We learn, too, why Clayton is so unpopular with the press... although I found that part somewhat unbelievable and exaggerated. I couldn't quite believe in Clayton's ex-girlfriend; some of the other minor characters are caricatures too, but since they took a lesser part in the story, that didn't matter so much.

When things seem to be going well, Alice discovers that Clayton is - as it seems - betraying her confidence in the worst possible way. I found her reactions to this discovery rather overdone, with high drama and not much emotion. But probably inevitable.

The eventual resolution seemed a bit far-fetched too, but overall it's quite a light-hearted book and I don't mind a slight suspension of reality now and then, even in contemporary fiction of this kind.

All in all, I enjoyed the book. Recommended.

Bizarrely, the Kindle edition of this book is more expensive than the paperback, at least in the UK.


Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 13th March 2011

7 Mar 2011

The Black Moth (by Georgette Heyer)

The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer
(Amazon UK link)
I do like Georgette Heyer's novels. I pull one out to re-read whenever I'm in the need of a bit of comfort reading, and even keep a list of the order I read them in, so that I can always find one that I haven't read for a few years.

I last read 'The Black Moth' at the end of 2004. It's a very special book, in one sense as it was the first one Heyer wrote, at the age of only 17. It was intended for her brother, and as such contains perhaps rather more excitements and sword fights than I'm entirely comfortable with. 

Nonetheless, it's an exciting and fast-paced novel with more than a hint of romance. This isn't just between the two main characters, but demonstrated between some of the married couples who appear in the book.

The hero is Jack Carstairs, who is also the Earl of Wyncham. We quickly learn that he has become a highwayman, after having being forced to flee the country some years previously. His brother Dick is married to the beautiful Lavinia, but carries a huge emotional burden, and is being bled of his money by his rather unpleasant in-laws.

Carstairs manages to retain his charm and chivalry, which means that he's not a terribly successful highwayman. However, he finds himself drawn more and more to a beautiful girl with a sense of humour and - eventually - romance blossoms.

The book is set in the 18th century, with slightly more dated language than is usual in Heyer's novels; no doubt authentic, which is particularly impressive in such a young writer, but not always easy to read quickly.

I felt this was a small price to pay for an excellent, sometimes oddly moving book. There is quite a large cast, but each character is so well-drawn that I had no problem remembering who was who, even though I'd forgotten many details of the plot.

The climax features a particularly exciting sword fight followed by a classic Heyer conclusion that sorts out all the threads tidily and satisfactorily.

Definitely recommended.


Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 7th March 2011

Before I knew you (by Amanda Brookfield)

Before I knew you (by Amanda Brookfield)
(Amazon UK link)
It was over a couple of years when I first borrowed a book by Amanda Brookfield, which I enjoyed. I picked up another at a charity shop, which I also liked, but then pretty much forgot about her. However, when I spotted another of her books available for review on The Bookbag site, I leapt at the opportunity.

'Before I knew you' (which apparently had a working title of 'The House Swap' for a while) features two couples who agree to swap homes for the summer. They don't know each other but have a mutual friend. Sophie and Andrew are teachers who live in London, rather jaded with life and also with each other, but hoping for a break. They have two teenage daughters who are on a music tour, but hope to join them for the last week. Andrew is musical, also rather vague and self-centred.

William and Beth are a newly married couple, who live in a large, extravagant home in Connecticut. William is rather older than Beth; he's a Brit who has three teenage sons living with their mother in London, not far away from Sophie and Andrew's home. William - whom I regularly confused with Andrew, despite him being rather a nicer person - wants to spend time with his sons in the summer, and Beth hopes to get to know them better.

The first half of the book explores what happens during the exchange - the sights each couple sees, the people they meet, the discoveries they make. There is increased closeness for one couple, and increased stress on the other. Then things start to fall apart for them all, yet none of them can never return to what they had previously.

Although a bit slow to get started, there are some heavy issues touched upon in this novel including dark family secrets, addictions, and the deep ties between parents and children that can never be loosed.

I found the book thought-provoking and the tricky topics sensitively covered. Definitely recommended.

You can also read my slightly longer review of 'Before I knew you' on The Bookbag site.

6 Mar 2011

Torches of Joy (by John Dekker)

Torches of joy by John Dekker
(Amazon UK link)
In the early 1990s, when we lived in the USA for a couple of years, we were privileged to meet a lovely couple, John and Helen Dekker. Some years previously, they had been missionaries to a 'stone age' tribe in Irian Jaya. Years later, we became friendly with someone else who knew them, and more recently have come across books written by one of their sons (whom we also got to know a little in the USA).

I don't remember where we acquired their book 'Torches of Joy'. It's a biographical account of John and Helen's early lives, their courtship, and the beginnings of their time as missionaries to the Dani people. But it's been on our shelves for a long time. I know I had read it at least once, but it must have been more than eleven years ago. Finally I picked it up again, inspired by a local friend reading it with her children. I have been re-reading it over the past week.

It's a fascinating account. I felt almost as if I knew the young John and Helen from the early chapters, and that's nothing to do with having met them when they approached retirement. The writing is good - if a little slow in places - and brings the people alive in a way that is sometimes missing in biographies. John himself is listed as the author of the book, with co-writer Lois Neely, but it's all written in the third person as a biography rather than an autobiography.

I was glad that the accounts included parts about the struggles of westerners as they had to change their lifestyle drastically, adjusting to searing temperatures, unpleasant bugs, and a completely different diet. I was interested too to read about the gentle ways they reached out to people with very different customs, ensuring that the Gospel message was not tainted with western culture.

I lost track, occasionally, of the various characters, but it didn't really matter in the excitement of the story, and the powerful message of God's love and healing that comes through strongly.

Some excellent missiological principles are included as an appendix, such as encouraging locals to run their own congregations, with their own guidelines, and also to send out their own missionaries.

Recommended.

I'm glad to see that, despite having been published originally in 1985, 'Torches of Joy' is still in print on both sides of the Atlantic.


Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 6th March 2011