Reviews by Richard (24)

Richard 2021-03-06 Apeirogon

Brilliantly written but too long

Apeirogon

The true story of two bereaved fathers, an Israeli and a Palestinian who are determined to use their experiences to bring the nationalities together. I felt the narrative technique, whilst occasionally profound, made for a disjointed read and did not add much to the story. My main problem with the book is that does not really tell the true story and effects of the Israeli annexation and occupation of another country and the enforced removal of that country’s culture and history. Please see link for a proper explanation of my concerns. https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2020/3/11/apeirogon-another-colonialist-misstep-in-commercial-publishing

Richard 2021-03-01 Body

The human body: its contents brilliantly and wittily described

Body

Bill Bryson has excelled himself. I am beginning to think that the only reference books one needs in a library are : Mother Tongue, A Short History of Nearly Everthing, and The Body. If I could have one wish about being able to return to my school days it would be that Bill Bryson had written the reference books. , especially this one. The book is brilliantly constructed and as stuffed full of interesting facts as the body is stuffed full of.....well, you will have to read the book to find out. I really like the way he researched the stories behind the discoveries about the body and the people who have made them. It is understandably erudite and in no way patronising. So, if you have always had that desperate urge to know all about achromatopes, leishmaniasis, and zygotes or, you just need to refresh your mind concerning Marlene Zuck, Sir William Arbuthnot Lane or you are competing in a Quiz Night and have forgotten all you never learnt about Fleming, Typhoid Mary and Toulouse-Lautrec - read, learn, and inwardly digest.

Richard 2021-02-21 Involuntary Witness

An unputtable down page turner. Best devoured in one sitting

Involuntary Witness

If I ever trangress badly enough to end up in court then I would demand that I am defended by Guido Guerrieri, the wine drinking Leonard Cohen liking slightly whacky lawyer in this book. He is not Sherlock Holmes or Philip Marlow. He is more Inspector Morse or Rebus but more human. Having sung the hero’s praises I am not sure I would ever want to be defended in an Italian court of law, the procedures of which are very confusing. Cracking read; exciting, moving, funny and very, very clever.

Richard 2021-02-05 Fever

Stunning. Part science fiction, part thriller, part murder.

Fever

The title says it all and the resonance with what is happening with Covid-19 now is eerie. Written by probably SA’s best thriller writer it is an amazing story of a struggle to survive the world wide devastation caused by a mutated coronavirus. Set in South Africa, it is written as a retrospective diary / history concerning the life of a survivor, his family, and his community. It is quite violent in parts but I guess that comes with the territory when societal norms are shattered. I could not put it down and I am still trying to work out the implications of the end result of the book. No spoilers from me other than to encourage you all to get vaccinated against the current strain of the virus.

Richard 2021-01-28 North Korean Journal

Marginally interesting brief description of a brief visit the weird world of North Korea.

North Korean Journal

I am usually a fan of anything by a Python but this lacked depth and humour and looks like it was rushed out to coincide with a TV series. Palin was restricted by virtually 24/7 supervision and I suspect the North Koreans got final approval of the text. For what I guess is a far more realistic view of life in North Korea I suggest Star of the North (which has been in Book Club) although the plot is a bit far fetched.

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