Reviews by Jenny (39)

Jenny 2021-01-18 The Witches of St Petersburg

Revolutionary times

The Witches of St Petersburg

Historical fiction - this is set in Russia just before the Revolution and follows the lives of two young sisters from the small poorer state of Montenegro who were married into the Russian Royal family on a political agenda. They brought with them some spiritism and magic and became extremely influential using seances and spells to help the Tsarina Alexandra conceive a very necessary son. They formed an uneasy partnership with the extraordinary cult leader Rasputin who also rose to high power. A really interesting bunch of people who lived in a time of inequality similar to what we have today. I found this both fascinating and entertaining - a gripping read.

Jenny 2021-01-18 Stepping Out

Reinventing himself.

Stepping Out

Harold is a boring old fart but when his wife goes away for a few days he goes completely wild - stealing, smoking crack, befriending a young hooker and more. Ultimately he is redeemed. I always enjoy Stephen Boykey Sidley - his characters are deep and interesting and funny and human.

Jenny 2021-01-06 The Girl from Berlin

Entertaining Mystery

The Girl from Berlin

This is a well-constructed, clever story within a story. An investigative journalist is following up a legal case in which an old woman is being evicted from her Italian vineyard and home, by an unknown corporate entity. Underlying this is the tender account of a young Jewish violinist who had to flee Germany to escape the Nazis, nearly a century earlier. The way the two narratives are connected results in a spellbinding, un-put-downable mystery.

Jenny 2021-01-06 The Salt Path

Letting go of all control and connecting with nature.

The Salt Path

I found this an inspiring and uplifting read. The author and her husband who have lost their farm, home, savings and health, walk the SW coast of England, wild camping and and getting close to the beautiful natural environment. It is a beautifully written memoir free of any self-pity, arrrogance or recrimination. It also provides some social commentary, juxtaposing the reality of homelessness with the empty renovated fisherman and miner's cottages in all the little towns they pass through - the industries and communities of the villages having been replaced by AirBnB holiday lets, much like is happening here and elsewhere. It is an excellent read in these troubled times. Obviously it's not possible to let go in this way without having to lose everything one has, but just reading their story is enlightening. I loved this book and recommend it to everyone.

1 ... 7 8