Book Review Year 5 No 4

[smallhobbit]

Only three books this time, but none are part of my regular series:

The Red House Mystery by A A Milne

Yes, the writer of Winnie-the-Pooh also wrote a mystery novel.  It was fun, to a point, but the interest wasn't so much in the mystery but in the characters of Antony Gillingham (the Holmes of the story - he calls himself that) and Bill Beverley (his Watson).  Stangely enough I could almost feel Tigger!Holmes taking part in the story, supported by a combination of Pooh!Watson and Eeyore!Watson - presumably something of Milne's prose carried over into his later stories of the Hundred Acre Woods.  And in true Watson/Holmes fashion, Gillingham/Beverley has produced a few fanfics, including one of my own.  It fills the Number/Colour in the Title square for LJ's bookbingo.


Omega and after: Bloomsbury and the Decorative Arts by Isabelle Anscombe

This was my second book on Vanessa Bell, which looked more at her artistic production.  Although I'd originally reserved it with the library, their one and only copy had gone missing, so I bought a cheap copy myself.  Bell's style is quite distinctive, but I can see why it wasn't particularly popular.  The idea of the Omega Workshop was interesting, and how it would have fared if it hadn't been founded just before WWI is worth considering, but it did seem to suit those artists who weren't dependent on their art, but had other forms of income as well.  There's an interesting conundrum about an artist producing what they feel led to produce, but if it isn't commercially viable it has to be sold to a wealthy patron.  Fills the Historical square.


Saint Overboard by Leslie Charteris

The last of my recommendations from ffw_social  The book was originally written in 1936, although the copy I bought was dated 1955 (original price 2/-).  A good adventure, but very much of its time, there was far too much about 'the lady with the adventurous glint in her eyes'.  Worth reading but I won't be reading any more.  Fills the This Starts with the First Letter of your Name square.


For anyone who's interested, here's my book bingo card as it currently stands:

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Your bingo card is looking good! I am so glad you liked The Red House Mystery. Yes, not so interesting the plot as the two principle characters.

I have thought to read one of The Saint series myself.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you - I'm confident I shall complete it, using the permitted wild cards and alternative categories.

I can see myself writing the characters from TRHM again - they do rather lend themselves to my style.

Reading one of The Saint is worth doing, I wouldn't read more.

[moth2fic]

I didn't personally enjoy the style of the A A Milne book but it was an interesting read.

I have been wondering how to create my own 'bingo card' that I read last year - though maybe the time for it has passed... (My ability to do things like spreadsheets and tables is pretty well non-existent.)

[smallhobbit]

As a one-off, and in view of the author, I thought is was worth reading. And to me it really had the vibe of my own 'Casebook of Tigger Holmes' about it.

The bingo card comes from LJbookbingo - it's their standard card for the year - everyone has the same card. I add the books using BeFunky which is a free photo editor, which once I got the hang of it - and it is user friendly - I find easy to use.

[moth2fic]

I'll try BeFunky. I've used them for card and icon making. My bingo card was generated by someone running the bingo on AO3 staff. They probably used the LJ version - I'll have to investigate but of course I'm no longer in touch with them since I abandoned my role!

I see what you mean about Tigger Holmes. I wouldn't have followed a series but yes, it was interesting.

[luthienberen]

LJbookbingo? I have to pop over :)

(Just catching up with DW after Easter mania!)

[smallhobbit]

Oh do! It lasts all year so I think you could still sign up.

[luthienberen]

I'll wander over definitely! Thank you for the encouragement! I used to be on LJ, but moved to dreamwidth so will just create a basic account to follow some comms like LJ's bookbingo.:D

[debriswoman]

I have read quite a few of the Saint tales and enjoyed the somewhat quirky style:-)

[smallhobbit]

I had to keep reminding myself when it was written - I imagine once you're used to the style it because less noticeable.

[luthienberen]

An amazing variety of books! I admire you for branching out so much, I would be nervous though I suppose it would do me good.

Do you have a favourite book from the card so far?

[smallhobbit]

I try and read a variety of books, as well as comfort reading. There are a few I could choose, but I'll go with The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra.

[luthienberen]

I looked up The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra and it might suit my mother's tastes in crime fiction :)

Sounds fun and quite an adventure!

[smallhobbit]

I'd be happy to send you my copy if you would like it.

[luthienberen]

Oh that would be wonderful as long as you won't miss it? :-) Happy to pay any postage! Thank you very much. =^_^=

I will PM my address.

[smallhobbit]

No problem. I pass most of my books on, we don't have the room for them otherwise.

[luthienberen]

Thanks! I have sent my address :-)

[howsmyenglish]

Thank you! The Milne mystery sounds like fun!

[smallhobbit]

It is fun and not a heavy read.