Category Archives: Book reviews

December 12, 2019 · 4:27 pm

A Boy from the Streets by Maria Gibbs

I have just finished reading this powerful book, perfect for a wet and windy Sunday when I was self indulgent and read for a few hours.

Twins were born in a hospital in Brazil as their parents had to flee their homeland escaping to England. Carolina was distraught as she left them behind even though she was reassured that they would be cared for. Unfortunately only one twin was adopted by a wealthy family, whereas the other twin was left on the street.  They were teenagers before Jose’s parents began to search for his lost brother just at the time as Jose’s natural parents risked returning to Brazil.

The story is written from several points of view which gives you a complete picture of their individual lives and the mixed emotions each character is experiencing. The imminent danger, the contrast between the rich and dire poverty and the heart rendering decisions made ‘keeps the reader on their toes’ as the plot twists and turns.

A Boy from the Streets is a well written complex novel which had me gripped ’til the end.

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October 1, 2019 · 7:21 pm

Book Review ~ The Chessmen by Peter May

I bought the paperback of The Chessmen by Peter May at the Kildonan Museum in South Uist, a perfect place to pick up a novel set in the bleak but stunningly beautiful landscapes of The Outer Hebrides.

Fin and his mates grew up together in the close knit communities of the island of Lewis, the place where the famous Chessmen were discovered; an island where each group of peoples have their unique identity. In their late teenage years before uni the friends were completely absorbed with music, forming a band which went on to success. 

Fin arrives back on the island of his birth from a broken marriage and personal tragedies, leaving behind him his career in the police, only to find himself in the centre of mysteries, even murder. His new job to catch poachers on the estate brings him in direct conflict with his oldest and dearest friend. 

This novel is full of flashbacks to the past, which help the reader to understand the complex issues of the present. Fin’s detective mind makes it impossible for him to leave alone the attempt to unravel each mystery, putting his and other lives in grave danger. 

A brilliant book! The evocative surroundings wrap around Peter May’s colourful character, whose nicknames describe each perfectly ~ from boy to adulthood.  I couldn’t put The Chessmen down and must now go back to read the first in this series.

 

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September 11, 2019 · 12:07 pm

I’m excited to share with you a Scottish Poet ~ Pauline Prior – Pitt

Having just returned from a memorable trip to the Outer Hebrides ~ the island of Barra via Oban, then on to South Uist and back from Lochboisdale to Mallaig ~ I am excited to share with you Pauline Prior – Pitt.

South Uist

I bought ‘be an angel’ in the new Kildonan Centre. This is an interesting and thoughtfully displayed museum, where you could while away a morning reading the detailed boards alongside displays of artifacts and memorabilia. There’s a coffee shop for fresh lunches, soup, cakes, scones or just tea or coffee and also a local arts and crafts shop, where I bought ‘be an angel’.

I leafed through a couple of poems in the shop and was struck immediately by the notions ‘Pauline knows me personally! How did she know that? She has an amazing ability to describe, word for word, what goes on in my home, my relationships and in the depths of my mind in such a succinct but powerful way. There are some surprises however and twists at the end. Pauline seems to grip the heart of every conceivable human emotion ~ especially women’s.

I cannot quote a poem in case of infringing copyright but some of the titles may give you a taste of Pauline Prior-Pitt’s humour, as well as her understanding of humanity:

Leaving South Uist

be an angel, amnesia, sisterhood, together, crumbs, company of women, just, and when, a woman’s prayer …

‘be an angel’ is a collection of Pauline Prior Pitt’s poems inspired by the lives of women. Click on the link to go through to the publishers, Longstone Books. It does not appear to be available on Amazon.

If you love poetry, but also wish to have a flavour of life in the Outer Hebrides, (Pauline was born in North Uist) then I highly recommend this book.

Maureen Lipman says:

‘Everyone needs a Pauline Prior-Pitt in their lives and on their bookshelves.’

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