Reviews by Jenny (39)

Jenny 2022-01-24 Hamnet

A homely story with grand themes

Hamnet

This book describes an imagined home life lived by Shakespeare. The central character, Agnes, falls in love with the young tutor, helps him to deal with his abusive father, supports him through his struggles to become a playwright by keeping the home in the country running while he pursues success in London, and ultimately loses her 11 year old son, Hamnet, to the plague. The story is captivating and echoes familiar Shakespearean themes of power, love, death, herbalism and magic, gender confusion, family duty and more. It is a gentle easy read that stays with you long after you have finished it.

Jenny 2021-10-13 How We Met

'A memoir of love and other misadventures'

How We Met

This is the true story of a Muslim girl who after trying really hard to find a suitable Muslim man which is what her parents want, eventually falls in love with a totally unsuitable white English man. I found this fascinating in that these barriers are still considered so important in the modern, educated, Western world. Huma writes so well that a simple memoir becomes a riveting read.

Jenny 2021-10-13 The Island of Missing Trees

Gentle, wise and uplifting

The Island of Missing Trees

Another gentle read in which a tree takes a central role - this time a fig tree narrates every second chapter. This is an inspiring novel that starts with the civil war in Cyprus in the 50's and describes the love story of 2 young Cypriots, one Greek and one Turkish, who are separated by war but then make a life together in London. Their daughter Ada is the main protagonist as she uncovers their hidden history. The characters are rich and lovable and the connection with nature provides a spiritual dimension.

Jenny 2021-08-02 Big Sky

Convoluted plot but worth persisting

Big Sky

At the start of this book the plot is complicated and the characters became difficult to differentiate. I was tempted to give up half way but plodded on and was pleased I did as the various threads start to draw together and some interesting characters begin to emerge. A clever and intriguing mystery. PS: Nearly finished it now and am totally absorbed so have upped my rating to 4 stars.

Jenny 2021-08-02 How do you live

Beautiful Japanese Philosophy

How do you live

This is the first English translation of a Japanese classic from 1937. It takes the form of a set of essays by a young schoolboy and responses by his uncle. They cover all kinds of ethical issues around how to live an honourable life. I loved every beautifully constructed sentence of this inspiring and uplifting look at life from a universal and non-western perspective. Thank you Jane for finding it!. Also look forward to the movie that is to made by anime masters - Studio Ghibli.

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