Thursday 28 March 2024

The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W by Cate Green - #bookreview

 


My great-grandmother has only eighteen days to go. There's no need for alarm though. The doctors have not predicted her precise date of death, nor has she threatened hyper-geriatric suicide on that specific date. No, in eighteen days' time she will become the world's oldest person. Ever...

***

"I am the oldest person ever to have lived in this world. I am the one who lived through their monster camps and brought the ones left of my family to London to make more family. I am the one to laugh at those angry, evil people and tell them, you see, I made it through. We made it through. This is enough. It is my world's record."

Family matriarch and Holocaust survivor Nora Wojnaswki is about to become the oldest person in the world, ever, and her family are determined to celebrate in style.

But Nora isn’t your average centenarian and she has other ideas. When she disappears with her carer Arifa on a trip down memory lane in the East End of London, a wartime secret, buried deep for over 70 years, will finally be revealed.

***

I frequently have several books on the go at one time. I suspect many book bloggers are the same as we have review deadlines to meet for blog tours and so on.  But sometimes, I get to read a book for pleasure, and what a wonderfully pleasurable experience reading this book was. Amongst, the several books I was reading, this was the one which kept calling to me to pick it up again.

Nora is one of the best characters I have come across in my reading. She is 122 years old, rather curmudgeonly but with a mostly sharp brain and a sense of humour. However, she does not suffer fools gladly and when her family decide to throw a huge party for her on the day she officially becomes the oldest person in the world, she is not slow in making her feelings known in that she would rather spend it quietly.

When she leaves her care home to stay with Arifa, who is one of her carers and a refugee from Aleppo, her family are outraged. But Nora is back in the East End of London where all her memories are, and she is determined to stay put. Both women have lived through the horrors and losses of war. They have more in common than even they realise.

In both Nora and Arifa the author has created two fantastic characters. Strong women with a lifetime of traumatic experiences behind them. Nora has been based on the author's own mother-in-law and her writing demonstrates how clearly she understands her character. There is an authenticity to her that she has captured perfectly.

Although there is reference to the past the book is very much set in the here and now. When one of the characters has an accident the action shifts very much to the present. But for Nora, it creates a blending of past and present and the reader is given further insight into her past.

It is a powerful and heartfelt book to read, and I loved every single word of it. It is a book to make you laugh and cry. I do not think I will ever forget Nora and I highly recommend this book.

This is Ms. Green's debut novel, and I am sincerely hoping that she has more books in the pipeline.


ISBN: 978 0008562526

Publisher: One More Chapter

Formats:  e-book, audio and paperback

No. of Pages:  384 (paperback)


About the Author:

Originally from London, Cate Green now lives and writes in Lyon, France.

Her debut novel The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W. was inspired by her late mother-in-law, a resilient and feisty Holocaust survivor who lived almost as long as Nora herself. It won the 2019 Exeter Novel Prize.

​Cate is a broadcast and print journalist and copywriter with over twenty years’ experience in international radio, television and corporate communications. She is currently working on her second novel. 

(author media courtesy of the author's website https://www.categreen.co.uk/about)

(all opinions are my own)

Wednesday 27 March 2024

The Complete Short Stories of A. A. Milne by A. A. Milne - Introduction by Gyles Brandreth #bookreview #blogtour

 


The publication of this complete collection of his short stories would have given A. A. Milne so much pleasure.

***

A new collection of A. A. Milne’s short stories and sketches for grown-ups. Collected in full for the first time, they are an epiphany, and show Milne’s renowned charm, concision and whimsical flair in all their brilliance.

He paints memorable scenes, from a children’s birthday party, to an accidental encounter with murder, and a case of blackmail – often with an unexpected twist. But he also deals in poignancy, from the girl who pulls the wool over her boyfriend’s eyes, to a first dance and first disappointment or family reunion and domestic dissonance.

Beguiling and evocative, Milne’s thought-provoking stories will make you see his works for children in a whole new light.

***

What a varied and delightful collection of short stories, some of which are being published for the first time.

Whilst A. A. Milne is most famous for his Winnie the Pooh stories, this collection demonstrates that he was an accomplished writer of stories for adults too. All of the stories in this collection are very different. Printed in chronological order there is an element of the development of the author with each story.

Having been written from 1914 - 1953, plus a few undated fragments of stories, there is a wonderfully traditional feel to them. They are very much tales of their time.

Throughout the stories the reader meets some interesting characters. Coupled with their individual stories, I was delighted to make their acquaintance. I particularly enjoyed the story, A Rattling Good Yarn. I also enjoyed The Secret and C.O.D. There was sufficient in each story to get my teeth into, although at times I would have liked the story to be developed further but alas, such is the nature of the short story.

With an introduction by Gyles Brandreth, this is a book well worth seeking out. It would be a wonderful book to dip in an out of from time to time, and I can see myself coming back to it time and time again.


ISBN: 978 1788424493

Publisher:  Farrago

Formats: e-book, audio and paperback

No. of Pages:  448 (paperback)


About the Author:


A. A. Milne (Alan Alexander) is best known for his books about the teddy bear Winnie-the-Pooh. Prior to the First World War he worked as a young man as Assistant Editor of Punch magazine. After leaving the army, he began to write plays, short stories and novels; and then later works for children, including the poetry collection When We Were Very Young and the storybook Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926. Milne continued to be a prolific writer until his death in 1956.



(book and media courtesy of Random Things Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

Tuesday 26 March 2024

Reading Roundup for March 2024

 


Here we are, almost at the end of March and spring is in the air.

I am a little early with my reading roundup for March but I prefer to be early than late with things. I am one of those people that arrive everywhere half an hour before I need to be there!

Have you read anything good that you think I might like this month?


Books I Have Read

In Sickness and in Health/Yom Kippur in Gym by Nora Gold - This is a flip book of two novellas. Both were five star reads for me. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Shadow Network by Deborah Swift - An excellent book set during WWII. I was gripped by this. You can read my review by clicking here.

Dark Clouds Bring Waters by I. R. Ridley - A short book which made for beautiful reading. You can read my review by clicking here.

A Swift Return by Fiona Barker - A picture book for children with a strong ecological message. You can read my review by clicking here.

Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor - This modern classic was my favourite book this month. 

Newborn by Kerry Hudson - Such a good memoir about life as an expat during pregnancy and illness during the pandemic. You can read my review by clicking here.

At the Stroke of Midnight by Jenni Keer - An excellent book with a time travel element. Well worth reading. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Teacher Who Knew Too Much by Rob Keeley - A lovely book for middle grade children. You can read my review by clicking here.

And Now There's Zelda by Carolyn Clarke - I loved this book which is being published in May. My review will not be published until then.

Wuthering Heights - by Emily Bronte - I have read this a few times already. It was chosen by my book group so read it again. It is not my favourite of the Bronte novels.

Counting Sheep: A Farmyard Counting Book by Michelle Robinson - This is a wonderful picture book for little ones and well worth reading. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W. by Cate Green - This was another five star read for me. My review will be up later this week.

The Mistress by Valerie Keogh - I love her books. You can read my review clicking here.

The Complete Stories of A. A. Milne by A. A. Milne - A lovely and varied collection of stories from the creator of Winnie the Pooh. My review will be up tomorrow as part of the blog tour.

The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh - Beautifully written fiction about a soldier during the Vietnam War.


Books I Am Currently Reading

Does My Dog Love Me? by Graeme Hall

From Crime to Crime by Richard Henriques

Murder on the Dance Floor by Katie Marsh

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods


Monday 25 March 2024

The Mistress by Valerie Keogh - #bookreview #blogtour

 


I was brushing my hair when Ivan came into the bedroom. He said nothing, just stood there looking at me. I wasn't easily intimidated, but he was a big man and he had an air about him that said he could resort to violence if necessary...

***

She wants what you have...

Hannah Parker is a woman who always gets what she wants.

When her current husband discovers she has been lying to him – again - she knows it’s time to moveon and find someone who can give her the life she desires... The life she knows she deserves...

But who will be the lucky man?

When her eye catches a glimpse of an old flame in a photograph, she’s sure it’s a sign. Mark Shepherd has always been in her thoughts – they’d been happy once, he’d adored her, but she’d made a mistake and let him get away. She won’t make the same mistake again....

Hannah is older now and wiser. She knows what men want and she knows how to keep them happy.

So what if Mark is happily married with a family of his own?

All good things must come to an end...

***

No spoilers here, but wow, that ending was completely unexpected!

This is the story of two women; Susan, who feels unmoored because her only son has left to go to university a long way from home and suspects her husband is having an affair.  Then there is Hannah, a manipulative woman who is used to getting her own way.

The book is written with a dual perspective with the chapters being told by either of the two women. This is what elevated this book as it was easy to understand the point of view of both of them. This made it far easier to like Susan than Hannah. Susan is the wronged woman but Hannah is devious and scheming. I found myself rooting for Susan whilst hoping that Hannah would somehow get her comeuppance. I did feel some sympathy for her as the book progressed and I learned more of her backstory though.

I was gripped from the very first page of this book. It was a page-turner with some nice twists and turns to the narrative along the way. The author is a great storyteller and really knows how to keep the readers interest. She has created an utterly believable scenario and has written an engaging and compelling story.

This is the second book I have read by Valerie Keogh. I also read The Nurse which I enjoyed equally. You can read my review by clicking here. Having now read two of Ms. Keogh's novels and enjoyed them so much it has left me wanting to go and read every book she has ever written. 

Releasing in the UK today, this is an excellent and exciting book which I highly recommend.


ISBN: 978 1805494225

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Formats: e-book, audio, hardback, paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

No. of Pages:  288 (paperback)


About the Author:

Valerie Keogh lives in Wiltshire with her husband and a huge black cat, Fatty Arbuckle. She grew up reading Agatha Christie and initially wrote crime novels - she now writes psychological thrillers.

The Little Lies was shortlisted for the Crime Fiction Lovers Award 2021.



(ARC and media courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)

(all opinions are my own)

Friday 22 March 2024

Exsilium by Alison Morton - #blogtour #spotlight

 


I am so pleased to be shining the spotlight on Exsilium by author Alison Morton today. 

It is part of the Roma Nova series, and I think this might appeal to any fans of historical fiction. But first, the blurb...


The Blurb

Exile – Living death to a Roman

AD 395. In a Christian Roman Empire, the penalty for holding true to the traditional gods is execution.

Maelia Mitela, her dead husband condemned as a pagan traitor, leaving her on the brink of ruin, grieves for her son lost to the Christians and is fearful of committing to another man.

Lucius Apulius, ex-military tribune, faithful to the old gods and fixed on his memories of his wife Julia’s homeland of Noricum, will risk everything to protect his children’s future.

Galla Apulia, loyal to her father and only too aware of not being the desired son, is desperate to escape Rome after the humiliation of betrayal by her feckless husband.

For all of them, the only way to survive is exile.

***

ISBN: 979 1097310387

Publisher:  Pulcheria Press

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  364


About the Author:

Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines.

Her ten-book Roma Nova series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the Roman Empire has survived into the 21st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but use a sharp line in dialogue. The latest, EXSILIUM, plunges us back to the late 4th century, to the very foundation of Roma Nova.

She blends her fascination for Ancient Rome with six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history.

Alison now lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her two contemporary thrillers, Double Identity and Double Pursuit.




(all media courtesy of The Coffee Pot Book Club)

Thursday 21 March 2024

Counting Sheep: A Farmyard Counting Book by Michelle Robinson - Illustrated by Nikki Dyson - #bookreview


It's been a busy day on the farm. 

The rooster is already fast asleep. 

Sam the farm dog is very tired, too - he's been herding sheep all day...

***

Down on the farm, it’s time to sleep. So sheepdog, Sam, rounds up the sheep…

Everyone knows that counting sheep will send you straight to sleep but what happens when the sheep won’t go to sleep? And what if they don’t know how to count, either?! Sheepdog, Sam, is on the case and he tries everything he can to lull them off to dreamland. But, before long, the whole farm is awake and noisier than ever...

An alternative bedtime story full of farmyard sounds and counting chaos sure to make little ones laugh and parents sigh in sympathy.

***

This is such a delightful picture book, and even though I was reading it by myself and not sharing it with a child it made me laugh out loud.

Each page is covered with charming illustrations through which we can observe Sam the dog getting more tired with each page that is turned. The idea of him teaching the sheep to count sheep in order to get to sleep is comical. 

As the book progresses it is not just the sheep who are awake but the whole farmyard. Sam patiently attempts to get them all to sleep whilst fighting off his own tiredness. Most adults will be able to identify with Sam's tiredness.

In addition to the text and beautiful illustrations, each page has a speech bubble with noises of the various farm animals.

This is such a pleasing, humourous and entertaining book that will be wonderful to share with little ones. It would be perfect for the pre school and infant school setting as it supports the learning of how to count.

A wonderful book which I highly recommend.

ISBN: 978 1406384918

Publisher:  Walker Books

Formats:  Paperback

No. of Pages:  32


About the Author:

Michelle has written over 50 books so far and just keeps going. She loves to perform her stories, sometimes dressed as her characters. In 2020 she won the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards alongside David Walliams. 

She spends her time either writing, editing, making videos, daydreaming, cooking, cleaning the house, going for a walk or having a video call with someone cool. That cool person might be one of her famous author or illustrator friends,

She has dreamed of being an author since she was five. Before she learned to write, she'd fill whole notepads with squiggly lines that looked a bit like joined-up writing. She grew up in a working class household and was the first person in her whole family to go to university. It wasn't easy. She had to work a part-time job as well as studying, but she didn't mind.

When she finished university she started working in advertising agencies as a copywriter. She started writing stories in her spare time, early in the morning and late at night. Her first real book came out in 2012. She couldn't quite believe it. Fifty-something books later, she still can't quite believe it - and she is still working all the hours she can, in between being mum and all that other grown-up stuff.


About the Illustrator:

Nikki Dyson is the bestselling illustrator of Oscar the Hungry Unicorn, Oscar the Hungry Unicorn Eats Christmas and You’re Called What?! Her other books include Dinosaurs Don’t Have Bedtimes, Zippo the Super Hippo and Mack and the Missing Cheese. She lives in Northamptonshire. Find Nikki online at nikkidysonillustration.co.uk and on Twitter @DoodleDyson. 


(book courtesy of Walker Books)

(author media courtesy of her website)

(illustrator media courtesy of Hachette Publishing)

(all opinions are my own)

Wednesday 20 March 2024

Newborn: Running Away, Breaking From the Past, Building a New Family by Kerry Hudson - #bookreview

 


When I go back into the bathroom there it is. No more than a whisper, a shadow of a second line. A life changed in a 1mm by 2mm blush of pink. I call Peter in and we stare, shining a phone torch light on it. I laugh and cry all at once...

***

In Newborn, prizewinning writer Kerry Hudson navigates trying to build a nourishing, safe and loving family - without a blueprint to work from

Kerry Hudson is celebrated for her emotionally and politically powerful writing about growing up in poverty. Her books and journalism have changed the conversation and touched countless lives.

In this new book she asks: what next, after a childhood like hers? What hope is there of creating a different life for herself, let alone future generations? We see how Kerry found love, what it took to decide to start a family of her own and how fragile every step of the journey towards parenthood was. All along the way, she faces obstacles that would test the strongest foundations, from struggles with fertility to being locked down in a Prague maternity hospital to a marriage in crisis. But over and over again, her love, hope, fight -- and determination to break patterns and give her son a different life -- win through and light her path.

Newborn is a beautiful, empowering memoir about creating a family in the midst of chaos, and learning new ways to find happiness. It continues the journey Kerry started in her bestselling memoir Lowborn, illuminating her experiences of becoming a mother, reshaping her future and reclaiming her identity.

***
I have not read the author's previous book, Lowborn, but there was sufficient reference to it during this book for me to pick up the gist. Having now read Newborn I would definitely like to go back and read her earlier work.

Kerry Hudson is a remarkable woman who has overcome great difficulties in her life. This is a brilliantly honest memoir. Not many of us would be brave enough to share our vulnerabilities in the way that she has and she is to be admired for it.

In Newborn, she has written a candid and authentic account of the challenges of pregnancy and new motherhood whilst trying to deal with personal illness in a foreign country. In fact, her descriptions of living in Prague are vibrant and imbue the book with life and colour. The difficulties of living as an expat whilst pregnant and during the pandemic were not insignificant as Ms. Hudson describes her experience extremely well.

She is an excellent writer and has honed her skill as a journalist. She tells her story succinctly and without sentimentality. She writes with intelligence and integrity and I highly recommend this book.

ISBN:  978 1784744991

Publisher:  Chatto & Windus

Formats:  e-book, audio and hardback

No. of Pages:  272 (hardback)

About the Author:


Kerry Hudson was born in Aberdeen. Her first novel, TONY HOGAN BOUGHT ME AN ICE-CREAM FLOAT BEFORE HE STOLE MY MA was published in 2012 by Chatto & Windus (Penguin Random House) and was the winner of the Scottish First Book Award while also being shortlisted for the Southbank Sky Arts Literature Award, Guardian First Book Award, Green Carnation Prize, Author’s Club First Novel Prize and the Polari First Book Award. Kerry’s second novel, THIRST, was published in 2014 by Chatto & Windus and won France’s most prestigious award for foreign fiction the Prix Femina Étranger. It was also shortlisted for the European Premio Strega in Italy. Her books are also available in the US (Penguin), France (Editions Philippe Rey), Italy (Minimum Fax) and Turkey.

Her book and memoir, LOWBORN, takes her back to the towns of her childhood as she investigates her own past and what it means to be poor in Britain today. It was a Radio 4 Book of the Week, a Guardian and Independent Book of the Year. It was longlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize and Portico Prize and shortlisted in the National Book Token, Books Are My Bag Reader’s Awards and the Saltire Scottish Non-Fiction Book of the Year.


(book courtesy of the publisher)
(all opinions are my own)