Book Review Year 6 No 6

[smallhobbit]

A slightly shorter review this time, but it's only five weeks since the last one.

The Seville Communion - Arturo Perez-Reverte

I read this because Richard Armitage has been linked with the proposed film of the book.  I generally avoid reading the book before watching the television programme/series or seeing the play, but I very rarely go to see films, so, by the time anything is available via mainstream television or on Netflix I'll almost certainly have seen photos/clips anyway.  I enjoyed the book, which is about a priest Lorenzo Quart (RA's suggested character) who is sent to investigate happenings in Seville.  There's an interesting collection of characters involved and the plot is convoluted but resolved for me in a very satisfactory fashion.  SM read it after me and also enjoyed it.


Off With His Head - Ngaio Marsh

The next in the Inspector Alleyn mysteries.  The plot is a bit different, perhaps a bit to involved, but an entertaining read.  My copy, which was published in 1958 originally sold for 12/6.


The Paper Bark Tree Mystery - Ovidia Yu

I got fed up waiting for the library to open, so I bought a copy instead.  This is the third in the Su Lin series, set in Singapore 1938.  I enjoyed this very much, both the plot and the setting.  I'm looking forward to reading the next one, which was recently published.


With A Bare Bodkin - Cyril Hare

Finally, a book from the library.  I do enjoy Cyril Hare's books.  This was was fairly slow, but that was important because there was a lot to set up.  It also gave a sense of the atmosphere, since it is set in a ministry department during WWII.  I passed it over to SM once I'd finished it, and he agreed it was a bit slow, but when I suggested I return it to the library he held onto it.  For some reason the book isn't due back until the middle of October (I think they made a mistake) but no-one else has reserved it, so I'm not worried.


Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race - Reni Eddo-Lodge

Again from the library.  Obviously I chose to read this in the light of BlackLivesMatter.  It is an interesting read, and very important to see someone else's perspective on things.  Do I agree with everything she says?  I don't think so - but we're not going to look at everything in exactly the same way.  I do see her frustrations, I can't say I necessarily understand how she feels, because our backgrounds are different - I cannot put myself in her shoes.  But I will endeavour to support those who are speaking up for their rights, and will seek to call out those who would deny them.


Lastly, my book bingo as it stands now.  There's no rush - I've got over four months to complete it :)

Comments

[luthienberen]

Good progress on the Book bingo! "Off With His Head" recalled Henry VIII to my mind 😅

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

I like Arturo Perez-Reverte. He wrote a very gripping novel about the girlfriend of the head of a drug cartel called Queen of the South. He also has a series of books about a Spanish Zorro type figure.

I don't think I've read Off with his Head. I began Final Curtain but put it aside for a quieter time (when will that come??).

I haven't reserved or sought out another of the Frangipani series mysteries (after reading the first), but it's good that #3 is good. I shall put it on my SomeDay list.

I loved With a Bare Bodkin. I wish Cyril Hare had written more books.

Your bingo card looks very good!!

[kingstoken]

Book Bingo is looking great, you're getting really close to a full card.

[margaret_r]

Well done with the bingo card, you're doing great. I often prefer to read the book before seeing the film, but that doesn't always happen, sometimes the film sends me to the book!

[solosundance]

I was expecting something different from the Renni Eddo-Lodge book, I must admit. Something more progressive if you like. Instead of which it ended up being what I described elsewhere as a kind of circular polemic, demanding an enlightenment while at the same time hinting it that it can never be deserved. Somehow, although parts were interesting and I learnt some good stuff, I didn't feel much further forward. As you say, however, an important and relevant read. Doing well in the book charts, too!

The Book Bingo is very cool.