Maggie's Kitchen

Set in 1941-1942 London, Caroline Beecham, has written this story of Maggie Johnson'sattempts to establish her own restaurant providing food for people still working and living in London. This was only achievable through participation in the British Restaurant project established by the Ministry of Food in 1941 to provide food at low cost to ordinary people ensuring that they had at least one good meal a day. British Restaurants was a continuation of the National Kitchens project that operated during the First World War. Food available to the restaurants was severely rationed and it was expected that only food from a set menu would be served. Many other restrictions were placed upon the managers of these restaurants making it difficult to operate the restaurants efficiently. There was also opposition from private caterers who felt that restaurants participating in the British Restaurants project were receiving special privileges.

Maggie's restaurant, Maggie's Kitchen, established with the help of a team of loyal friends, soon became popular in her local area not just as a place to eat nutritious food but also as a community hub. This is a story of life in London during the early 1940s, of challenges. fears and love. I really enjoyed reading this book. After reading this novel you will be careful not to waste food again.

A series of recipes mentioned in the book are provided at the end of the book along with some of the resources used. At the beginning of each chapter there is a paragraph from a Ministry of Food pamphlet or recipe books written during the war.

British Restaurants in 1940s wartime Britain - Link

National kitchens: communal dining in wartime - Link to The Gazette

World War II British Restaurant - Youtube

 Ministry of Food War Cookery Leaflets - Link

Wartime Recipes - Link

Lethal White

Against the wishes of her husband Robin is back working with Cormoran Strike in their detective agency. When a distraught young man arrives at the office to tell of  a possible murder that he may have witnessed as a child, Strike does not know whether to believe the story. Then the young man disappears. Meanwhile a member of parliament hires them to find people who are blackmailing him over a past event which was legal at the time.

There are many twists and turns as Cormoran and Robin attempt to unravel a series of crimes and events affecting the Chiswells, an upper crust family whose way of life is under threat. We also learn more about the lives of Cormoran and Robin as they both contend with relationship problems. Robin also has anxiety attacks caused by events that occurred in previous cases.

A lot happens in this complicated, plot including blackmail, murder, extra-marital affairs, political protests and misunderstandings. The book does keep the reader wanting to know what happens next however, as Robert Galbraith takes more than 600 pages to tell the tale, I felt that the book would have benefited with additional editing. This plot told in 400 pages may have been more effective in keeping my attention.

Lark! the herald angels sing

This is the fifth Christmas related title in the Meg Langslow Mystery series where Donna Andrews adds a bit more mystery and fun to the Christmas season.

When Meg is organising a practice session with a group of children for the annual Christmas pageant she discovers a baby in the manger - a baby that no one has seen before. The police are alerted and the search for the mother of the baby is added to the many issues Chief Burke is investigating several days before Christmas.

The time of the Caerphilly annual Christmas pageant is a busy one with many tourists flocking to the tour to enjoy the attractions. Then in neighbouring Clay County a man has been shot and the police in Caerphilly have been instructed to look for him, even though there is suspicion that this is a witch hunt with the accused person being innocent. Then Mrs Thistlewaite's cat has disappeared again!

As well as Meg and Michael becoming temporary foster parents of the baby in the manger, their house is filled with family members and friends coming to celebrate the festive season with them. Meg becomes involved in trying to resolve the incidents, some of which affect family members, as soon as possible so that everyone can enjoy Christmas.An enjoyable Christmas cozy crime story.

Lady in the van

In 1989 the story, The lady in the van, by Alan Bennett was first published. Alan Bennett's play based on the story was first produced in 1999 while the film starring Maggie Smith as Miss Shepherd was released in 2015. The Melbourne Theatre Company is putting on a production of the play early 2019 with Miriam Margolyes in the lead role.

Gloucester Crescent written by William Miller frequently mentions the playwright, Alan Bennett, who lived across the road and frequently spent time at William's home. He also makes reference in passing to the van that appeared in Gloucester Crescent and was parked outside different residences for periods of time.

The story in the book consists of a record about fifteen year stay of the Lady in the Van in Gloucester Crescent and in the later years in the driveway of Alan Bennett's house.The first account is dated October 1969 when the Lady in the Van took up residence in Gloucester Crescent though she had been in the neighbourhood since 1965. The accounts cover the twenty years that Miss Shepherd lived in various locations in the street including  fifteen years in Mr Bennett's driveway.

Who was the Lady in the Van? An eccentric old woman? A former nun? A former ambulance driver? The residents of Gloucester Crescent did not really know her and after her death additional information about her life was being discovered. Whatever her story Miss Shepherd, as she called herself, certainly made an impact on the lives of many of the residents of Gloucester Crescent.

Arcadia

When Jessica's marriage collapses she retreats to the area of Tasmania where she grew up to spend some time with her childhood friend on their property Arcadia. Sally's mother, Mollie, and her four year daughter also live on the property. The property has diversified from general farming to one specialising in producing truffles and saffron.

Jessica soon readapts to life in the country and she persuades Sally to spend some time exploring the places that were special in their childhood. It is on one of these expeditions that they uncover a tin of papers that hint at a family mystery.

Running parallel with Jess and Sally's adventures is the story of Stella, Sally's grandmother. Eventually the links between the two stories are revealed.

The setting and environmental issues are important in the books written by Di Morrissey and this one is no exception. Part of Arcadia contains an old growth forest which the family has preserved for generations.Care for environment and concerns about the effects of global warming are themes in the book. We also learn about studies into the many benefits of species of cultivated mushrooms and fungi.

Like most Di Morrissey books this one was enjoyable and often interesting to read, however at times the plot was a little predictable.

The Lost Man

This is the third novel by Australian author, Jane Harper. This time the story is set on a property, Burley Downs, in south western Queensland. Cameron and Bub are brothers living on the property with their mother (Liz), Cameron's wife (Ilse), and Harry who has worked on the property for years. The eldest brother, Nathan, lives on the neighbouring property and, as it is school holidays, Xander, his son, is staying with him.

One day Cameron is found dead near the grave of a stockman who died long ago. His car loaded with survival supplies is located nine kilometres from where the body was found. How could someone who has lived his life in the outback die in this fashion?

As the characters in the book try to unravel the mystery of Cameron's death the reader learns of events that have happened in the past which are still impacting on the lives of this family in present times. Many family secrets are gradually revealed or explained. As with Jane Harper's other novels, the environment in which the story is set is a major feature. Another excellent Australian novel.

Eleanor's Secret

Part of Caroline Beecham's second novel is set in wartime London. Eleanor Roy's role at the Ministry of Food was to locate artists to paint works for the various buildings. One such artist was Jack Valente but before the conclusion of the interview he was whisked away by two man in suits.

Eleanor is later seconded to work with the War Artists Advisory Committee. Eleanor is a trained artist in a time when female artists are not valued as much as their male counterparts. The book is particularly interesting with its descriptions of this aspect of life in wartime London which has had little publicity.

In 2010 Eleanor contacts her grandaughter, Kathryn living in Australia, requesting that she return to England to locate Jack Valente. It is then that Kathryn learns of the secret that Eleanor has withheld from the family for so long.

Spotted Dog

It has been seven years since the last installment in the Corrina Chapman series by Kerry Greenwood. Corrina runs a bakery, Earthly Delights, in inner Melbourne. The bakery is situated in a building named Insula, containing small shops at ground level plus a series of apartments in which an unusual assortment of people live. The building that inspired Insula in the book is actually the Majorca Building on the corner of Flinders Lane and Centre Way between Swanston and Elizabeth streets.

In this seventh volume in the series Corrina and Daniel have several mysteries to solve. Who stole Geordie, a dog belonging to ex-serviceman, Alastair Sinlair? Who has been breaking into apartments at Insula and why? How did the malware get on the Cafe Delicious' computer? What is the mystery about Philomela, a new arrival at Insula, who is unable to walk or talk? Are these random events or are they related?

The first priority is to rescue the kidnapped dog and let the police investigate the other events, however the inhabitants of Insula manage to become involved in the bigger picture of events as well. I enjoy this books primarily for the portrayal of inner Melbourne and environs. The characters in the books are generally quirky and there are many reference to food throughout the book. The constant references to the relationship between Corrina and Daniel annoys me a little but I am sure that many other readers will enjoy this aspect of the book as well.

The Colony: a history of early Sydney

This book by Grace Karskens was published in 2009. The book provides a detailed account of the the development of the small settlement of 1788 into a town. The development of the surrounding areas is also described.

Chapter five - Seeding and Feeding - describes the development of private farming to encourage the convicts and former convicts to become self sufficient as well as providing food for general stores. The area around the Hawkesbury was a prime settlement for such a project. Karskens describes the challenges faced by the early European settlers as they struggled to make a new life in a strange land.

The river initially was the major road from Sydney to the new settlements though a track between Sydney and Windsor, later becoming a road, was constructed. A major challenge for the settlers in this area was the arrival of major floods which occurred regularly. The region was still part of a convict settlement which determined, to a large extent, what they could and could not do. The land farmed by the settlers had been aboriginal land and for many years the two groups struggled to co-exist. As eight of my convicts settled in this area, this chapter provides excellent background information of what it may have been like living in this region.

Copious notes for each chapter are recorded at the end of the book along with a useful bibliography. This is a book that I will certainly be referring to again for my family history research.

Roadies: the secret history of Australian rock 'n' roll

One of our mates at the gym is a roadie and he often entertains Robin with stories of some of his experiences. Consequently when he mentioned that his story was to be part of a book on roadies I reserved a copy from the library.

Stuart Coupe has written this book after interviewing Australian roadies about their experiences working in the music industry. Forty-one chapters describe not only the general work of the roadies who are an essential element in ensuring that the show is successful, but also provides accounts of touring with individual entertainers.

Chapter five entitled How Weird is devoted to the experiences and antics of Howard Freeman. Howard's family has been involved with show business for four generations so it was logical for him to continue the connection. He has toured with many of the major Australian bands over the years including Sherbert, Dragon and Jimmy Barnes as well as overseas acts. After reading this chapter of the book all I can say is that it is a miracle that Howard has survived.

All in all this book is an interesting account of the music industry from the perspective of those who work behind the scenes.

Gloucester Crescent

Me, my Dad and other Grown-ups, the sub-title for the book, Gloucester Crescent, provides an accurate indication of the subject matter of this book.  Gloucester Crescent is situated in Camden Town, a London suburb and is on the border of Primrose Hill. In this area, when William Miller was growing up, lived a large number of residents involved with the arts - books, plays, films and television.

William's father, Jonathan Miller, studied medicine but largely worked as an actor, author, a director of plays and operas as well as writing for television. His work on the television show, Beyond the Fringe, made him famous. The television series, The Body in Question, was another of his projects. William's family had a number of friends who stayed at the house or regularly called in for a meal.

Across the road lived Alan Bennett, playwright, author, actor and screenwriter who was a constant visitor at the Miller house. The Lady in the Van (of book and film fame) took up residence in Gloucester Crescent, finally locating the van in Alan Bennett's driveway.

This is the environment in which young William grew up. He tells his story of growing up in Gloucester Crescent in three time frames - age 11, age 16 and age 18, largely as he is attending different schools. The final section is when he looks back on the effects of his upbringing as an adult.

The book provides an interesting inside view of the sometimes claustrophobic lifestyle in this small part of London in the 1970s and 1980s. William and his friend, Conrad, were often bullied at the secondary school they attended and William spent much of his adolescence learning to make his own decisions rather than doing as directed by his father. William finally discovers his own identity and independence from his family.

Bridge of Clay

Markus Zusak's new novel is Bridge of Clay. His famous novel, The Book Thief, was published in 2005 so readers have long been anticipating this novel.

Bridge of Clay is set in New South Wales and is the story of a family, particularly of the five Dunbar boys, Matthew, Rory, Henry, Clay and Tommy, as they try to survive in difficult circumstances. Their mother, Penny, has died after a protracted illness and their father, Michael, has left them to fend for themselves. The boys share the family home with a mule (Archilles), a dog (Rosy), a cat (Hector), a pigeon (Telemachus) and a fish (Agamemnon).

The book is narrated by Matthew, the oldest of the Dunbar boys, as he types the family story on an old typewriter. The story fluctuates between the present and the past as the events affecting this family are gradually revealed. The physical activity and rough and tumble activity of the boys is contrasted with the presence of their mother, although she is no longer there. There are constant references throughout the novel of how stories in books and music and art can influence memories and relationships.

Much of the novel involves the boys challenging themselves to the limit. The need to run and tackle until exhaustion in order to be stronger and face future challenges. Then one day Michael returns requesting the assistance of the boys to build a bridge across a river on the property where he now lives. The boys have always stood together to face challenges and when Clay is the only one to eventually agree to help his father relationships between Clay and his brothers become strained. The bridge becomes a symbol of not just a physical crossing from A to B but a means to mend relationships between family members.

This is a family saga. It is about life and death. It is about relationships and about finding oneself after tragedy. It is definitely a book worth reading.

Bridge of Clay review - Michael McGirr - Sydney Morning Herald 12 October 2018

The Teeger that Cam for his Tea

At Knox Library on Friday Aiden discovered on the shelves a picture book that he recognised but it did not look quite the same. The title was The Teeger who cam for his tea.  We decided to borrow it to have a closer look.

It is fifty years since Judith Kerr wrote and illustrated the picture book, The Tiger who came to Tea. I have a well used copy of the picture book which my children and, more recently, my grandchildren have enjoyed reading. The copy of the book with the strange title is a recent publication translated into Scots by Susan Kelpie. The illustrations and the story remain the same - it is just written in Scots.

Consequently 'Once there was a little girl called Sophie, and she was having tea with her mummy in the kitchen. Suddenly there was a ring at the door.' becomes 'There wis ainse a wee lassie cried Sophie, an ae day she was takkin her tea in the kitchen wi her mum. On a sudden there wis a chap at the door.' And so the story continues.

Having recently enjoyed reading a number of crime books by Scots author Denzil Meyrick where the speech of many of the characters is written in the Scots dialect, it was interesting to come across this well known story also in the Scots dialect.

For those who have difficuty ready the Scots dialect there is a reading of the book on YouTube - The Teeger that Cam for his Tea - You Tube. There are also a number of readings of the original version of the book on YouTube -  StorytimeAnytime - Wendy Stafford - LOL LOL (the condition of the book in this version on YouTube looks rather like our copy at home - well used and loved).

The Tiger who came to tea has also been turned into a play. In January 2015 Abby (then 4) and I went into the city on a train to to see the play at The Playhouse. The play was produced by an English Theatre Comany and the children present were thoroughly entertained with much audience participation. A great introduction to the theatre. When we left the theatre Abby informed me that the play was very funny. She later assured her grandfather that the tiger was just pretend.

When searching online I also discovered reference to a spoof on the Tiger who came to tea - this time, The teenager who came to tea by Emlyn Rees and Josie Lloyd, illustrated by Gillian Johnson and published in 2015. A line from this book indicates the flavour - 'But the teenager didn't take just one Pringle. He took a selfie of himself pouring a whole tube of them into his mouth, before sending it to his best mate, along with the letters LOL!'

Another adult spoof of the book appeared on the English television program, 8 out of 10 cats does Countdown when Sean Locke read his version - The tiger who came for a pint. Channel Four put this clip on Facebook in August 2016.

The tiger who came to tea was published in 1968 and was the author's first book for children. She has written many books since then but the Tiger remains a firm favourite with readers, young and old, throughout the world, not just in England.

Interview: Judith Kerr - Tiger! Tiger! Burning bright - The Guardian 29 November 2008
Book Series in Order - Judith Kerr

Words are my matter: writings about life and books 2000-2016

Ursula Le Guin (1929-2018) was largely an author of science fiction and fantasy books for children and adults. A Wizard of Earthsea was one of a series of fantasy novels written for children. One of her adult science fiction novels is The Dispossessed.

Words are my matter is a series of talks, introductions to books and book reviews that Ursula Le Guin wrote over a sixteen year period. The book is divided into sections containing these groups of material.

The section containing introductions to books and notes on authors is arranged by the surname of the writer. Many of the introductions were written for books published in new editions and therefore include classics such as H G Wells, The Time Machine and Pasternak's Dr Zhivago. The book review section is arranged by author of the book reviewed. However the collection of talks is arranged chronologically by the date the talk was presented. In a number of these talks Ursula Le Guin discusses the opinions about the possible demise of physical books by e-books, genre books considered inferior literature by organisations presenting literary awards and the perception that books written by female authors are considered inferior to those written by male authors.

The reviews include books written by Margaret Atwood, J G Ballard, Roberto Bolano, T C Boyle, Geraldine Brooks, Italo Calvino, Carol Emshwiller, Margaret Drabble, Alan Garner, Kent Haruf, Tove Jansson, Barbara Kingsolver, Chanf-Rae Lee, Donna Leon, Doris Lessing, Yann Martel, China Mieville, David Mitchell, Jan Morris, Julie Otsuka, Salman Rushdie, Jose Sarmago, Sylvia Townsend Warner, Jeanette Winterson and Stefan Zweig.

An interesting collection of articles about reading, books and their authors. This is a book that you can dip into and choose which section to read as the mood takes you.

The French perfumer

It is the mid 1950s and Iris Turner has worked in the British Civil Service for seventeen years. She desperately needs a change. Therefore when she sees an advertisement for an English speaking secretary prepared to work in the south of France she takes a breath and applies. Her new employer is Hammond Brooke who, as he is losing his eyesight, requires assistance in sorting a lifetime of papers and his collection of materials relating to his career as a perfumer. Brooke is also losing his sense of smell so, when she gains his trust, Iris also acts a guide describing the sights and aromas they encounter on their walks.

Unfortunately Iris also has to contend with the owner of the private hotel where she is staying - Vivian Brooke who introduces herself as Brooke's sister. Iris also encounters a number of eccentric guests staying at the hotel. It is soon obvious that all is not what it seems.

Over time Iris learns a little about the perfume industry, the Brooke family's involvement in World War II and who she can and cannot trust as a new life gradually evolves for her.

This is Amanda Hampson's third novel.

The Yellow Villa

This book by Amanda Hampson is about relationships. Ben and Mia Tiller purchase a house near the village of Cordes-sur-Ciel in southern France. They hope that the move from Australia to live in this village will help them resurrect their marriage. The discovery that Mia is unable to have a child has led to a period of depression. Although this is a character driven novel the history of the Tillers' house and its location are important to the the development of the story.

Mia speaks fluent French but Ben has the disadvantage of only knowing a few words. However Ben works in IT and can therefore work from home while Mia, an art teacher, struggles to understand what she really wants to do.  Meanwhile Dominic and Susannah Harrington, an older English couple, attempt to befriend the newcomers. But are the Harringtons who they say they are and why does the rest of the ex-pat community refuse to have anything to do with them? Gradually the truth is revealed. An enjoyable reading experience.

At the back of the book is a list of discussion points for book circles.

Secrets, scandals and karma - Better Reading
Cordes-sur-Ciel

The making of Martin Sparrow

Former convict, Martin Sparrow, is now free and is attempting to farm a piece of land on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. Then in 1806 a series of floods destroys his land. Sparrow needs to decide whether to start again or to attempt to make a new start elsewhere. There are rumours of a new community, free from the control of the convict settlement, on the other side of the mountains. But although a number of people have searched for the path, no one returns who has been successful.

This is historian Peter Cochrane's second novel set in colonial New South Wales. He provides graphic descriptions of the rugged environment in which settlers attempt to establish new lives, the relationships between the settlers and the natives who regularly visit the area and the attempts of Sydney, via the military, to control what the settlers can, or cannot, do. This is largely an environment of every person for himself. Consequently it is difficult to know who you can trust.

Although the novel primarily details the challenges faced by Martin Sparrow it also includes sections providing descriptions of the lives of other characters on the Hawkesbury. This is a cruel world in which many will fail but some may succeed.

A list of useful sources relating to the history of the colony at this time is included at the back of the book.

The making of Martin Sparrow - review - Sydney Morning Herald 20 July 2018

Two one three

Another short story by Denzil Meyrick, this time about the first murder case that Jim Daley, a young police constable, worked on. Characters that appear in the DCI Daley series are introduced including Brian Scott, John Donald and Ian Burns.

Daley is on patrol when he discovers the body of a young woman in a building. When DCI Burns arrives on the scene, with Detective Constable Scott, Burns invites the young police constable to assist with the investigation. Jim and Brian then team up to investigate some of the leads which suggest that this death is one of a series of murders of prostitutes. When Sergeant Donald objects to Daley's secondment to the crime team, DCI Banks intervenes.

This short story provides a good introduction to the books that make up the DCI Daley series as well as to the character of Jim Daley in his younger days. The story also appears in a complilation of stories by Denzil Meyrick, One Last Dram Before Midnight.

Boneland

The Weirdstone of Brisingamen (published 1960) and The Moon of Gomrath (published 1963)  transported Susan and Colin and the reader into a world of magic, folklore and adventure. In 2012 Alan Garner published a follow-up book, though not really a sequel, in the series, Boneland. The first two books were published as books for children but Boneland is a novel written for adults.    

Two parallel stories are told in this short novel. Colin, now a professor of astronomy working at Jodrell Bank observatory, cannot remember events in his life before he was thirteen. However he does know that his sister went missing many years ago and that he must find her. The second story concerns the Watcher who is also on a quest to save his world.

Colin is referred to a psychotherapist, Meg, to help him resolve his irrational behaviour and attempt to understand the flash backs he is experiencing. Colin must learn to overcome his outbreaks of fear and sense of guilt before being able to contemplate a 'normal' life. Meanwhile The Watcher continues to seek for The Woman whose presence will keep the sky and stars in place.

In many ways this book reads as a poem as it describes the world of both Colin and The Watcher as they struggle in their quests. Like other Garner books mythology and fantasy are intertwined within the story but this novel also includes sections on science as Colin tries to rationalise his fears and feelings. The environment and history of this part of Cheshire also feature in the stories.

I read this book in one sitting and suspect that it is one that could be read a number of times with new discoveries in each reading.

Boneland (Literature) - tvtropes
Boneland by Alan Garner - PaperKnife
Boneland by Alan Garner - Review - Daily Telegraph 23 August 2012
Boneland by Alan Garner - Review by Ursula Le Guin - The Guardian 29 August 2012

Well of the Winds

Number 5 in the DCI Daley series, the story recounted in Well of the Winds by Denzil Meyrick is set both at the end of the Second World War in 1945 and in the present (2016).

The postman on the island of Gairsay attempts to deliver a parcel however he discovers that the house is empty with no sign of the inhabitants. When the police are called in to investigate they discover not only an empty house but a mystery in the cellar dating back to activities during the war. Who really were the members of the Bremner family and why had they suddenly disappeared?   

Later DCI Daley comes across a journal written by Inspector Urquhart in 1945 in which he discovers a story with repercussions for  Kinloch and Gairsay years later. Suspicions grow when Special Branch officers arrive to take over the case suggesting that a cover-up is in progress. Undaunted, Jim Daley, Brian Scott and Carrie Symington decide to continue their investigations into the disappearance of the Bremner family and subsequent murders. What starts out as a possible local crime develops into a story with possible international consequences. Another Denzil Meyrick book that is hard to put down.                    

Career of evil

This is the third Cormoran Strike novel by Robert Galbraith about private investigator, Cormoran Strike, and his assistant, Robin Ellacott.

When Robin arrives at the office she is met by a courier delivering a parcel with her name on it. She was expecting a parcel containing items for her forthcoming wedding - she did not expect a woman's severed leg. So begins this story of violence committed by someone from Cormoran's past who wants to destroy, at the very least, Cormoran's reputation. When Cormoran contacts the police he gives them the names of four possible suspects to investigate. As you would expect, Cormoran and Robin also investigate the case. Robin insists on still working while Cormoran tries to protect her from an unknown killer who continues to commit his brutal crimes.

The book is also a study of relationships between the characters - the working relationship between  Cormoran and Robin,  Robin's relationship with her finance, Matthew and Cormoran's relationship with Elin.

The story unfolds through the viewpoint of Cormoran and Robin plus, from time to time, the perpetrator of the crimes. Throughout the book there are references to the music of the group, Blue Oyster Cult.

Once I started reading the book I wanted to just keep reading it. It is just as well that I have now retired from work giving me more time to read!

Single End

A short story written in 2016 about a time preceding the DCI Daley series. Set in Glasgow in 1989 DC Brian Scott has been summoned to Strathclyde Police Headquarters to see DCI Dines. He is issued with orders to communicate with Frank MacDougall, a former school friend, and James Machie, leaders of crime in the area. Reluctantly he agrees with dire consequences. His friend DC Jim Daley is concerned when his friend, Brian, disappears and investigates. Another tale of police corruption in high places. a theme which is continued in the first books of the DCI Daley crime series.

This short story also appears in a compilation of stories by Denzil Meyrick, One Last Dram before Midnight.

Plotted

The Age - Spectrum 29 September 2018 has a two page article - 'From one world to another' - which discussed two books showing how authors use landscapes in fiction. John Sutherland has edited a collection of essays published as Literary Landscapes: charting the worlds of classic literature. The seventy illustrated essays  include three Australian works of fiction including Kate Grenville's, The Secret River, Patrick White's Voss and Tim Winton's Cloudstreet. Another new book on a similar topic is The Writer's Map: an atlas of imaginary lands edited by Huw Lewis-Jones.

These titles are not available in my local libraries as yet but I did find a copy of Plotted: a literary atlas by Andrew DeGraff and Daniel Harmon. The book evolved from deGraff's desire to provide spatial context for his favourite landscapes of literature. He chose nineteen titles including Robinson Crusoe, Pride and Prejudice, A Christmas Carol, and A Wrinkle in Time. Arranging the books in chronological order deGraff then presents his visual presentation usually in one double page but sometimes multiple pages. Daniel Harmon has written a short essay for each title.

The representations are not maps in the true sense but the artist's graphical interpretation of movement or relationships in the story. The 'map' for Pride and Prejudice consists of a series of different coloured intersecting buildings representing major characters. DeGraff provides a different way of looking at the plot of a book.

Dalintober Moon

Written in 2014 as a fundraiser for the Dalintober Beach Regeneration Fund, this 34 page short story involves the investigation that takes place after the discovery of a body in a barrel buried on Dalintober Beach. Although the murder occurred 100 years previously repercussions from the murder are still occurring in the town. DCI Daley and DS Shaw investigate what really happened in order to restore law and order in Dalintober.

This story also is included in One Last Dram Before Midnight, a comilation of stories by Denzil Meyrick.

Empty Nets and Promises

Back at Kinloch, but this time it is July 1968. This novella (only 75 pages) is a humorous tale about the skipper of a fishing boat, Sandy Hoynes, and his mates - a younger Hamish from the DCI Daley books and Georgie - as they try to make a living fishing herring. Except that this year the fish are in short supply. The fishermen speculate on the reason for this and decide that the supersonic planes being tested at the nearby airbase are responsible. When they decide to do something about this all does not go to plan.

As in all Denzil Meyrick books the interaction between the characters is just as important as the plot and in this story we meet Sandy's daughter who is about to wed the local policeman, the local fishery officer and the exciseman investigating the sale of illicit whisky. Added to this a ghost makes an appearance and there is almost an international incident.

Empty Nets and Promises is an easy to read, enjoyable and amusing tale. This novella is also included in a collection of stories by Denzil Meyrick - One last Dram before Midnight.

Toucan Keep a Secret

Now for a lighter crime novel. Toucan Keep a Secret is no. 23 in the Meg Langslow Mystery series. Once again Donna Andrews takes us to Caerphilly where there always seems to be a crime to solve.

The story begins when Meg is locking up the local church after a meeting and hears a noise in the columbarium. Investigating, she discovers the body of one of the vestry on the floor surrounded by the ashes and broken urns of former parishioners. Meg immediately calls the police.

Meg, of course, becomes involved in the investigation and also has the role of reassuring the rector, who is on sick leave, that all is well. As part of this role she takes Nimitz, the toucan being minded by the rector, home much to the delight of her two sons.

Robyn, the rector, asks Meg to contact the next of kin on behalf of the church to establish how they want the ashes reinterred. Discussions with the next of kin soon provide background information that Meg passes on to Chief Burke. In order to solve the crime it is necessary to establish connections between the people whose ashes have been disturbed and it becomes obvious that one connecting link is a burglary committed thirty years ago.

As usual Meg's family and many of the citizens of Caerphilly become involved in this humourous crime novel. An entertaining read.

The Rat Stone Serenade

The Rat Stone Serenade (published 2016)  is number 4 in the DCI Daley crime series by Denzil Meyrick.

Members of the Shannon family have returned to the family home near Kinloch for a board meeting of Shannon International. They now own one of the richest private companies in the world and each year the annual meeting is held after Christmas. However all is not well. Apart from business problems that have emerged and conflict over who should manage the firm there is the issue of the curse placed on the family 100 years ago.

A number of brutal murders are discovered near the house. What is their association with the family? What is the significance of the Rat Stone? Are there really Druids still living in the area?

At the beginning of the book, Jim Daley has decided to retire and has only three more weeks before he leaves his job. However Superintendent Symington has been sent from Glasgow to persuade him to change his mind. DS Scott is still fighting alcohol problems. Jim Daley is back with his wife and baby son but relationship issues still need to be resolved. In this series the interaction between the characters - members of the police and inhabitants of the local community - plays an important role in the development of the story line. An additional feature in this book is the severe snow storm that has descended on the area, blocking roads and communications and hindering the police investigation.

It needs to be stressed that the increasing number of murders are graphically described but this adds emphasis to the possible supernatural sub-theme of the plot. The Rat Stone Serenade is certainly an action packed crime story.

Ladies in Black

On Thursday we went to see the new Australian film, Ladies in Black. The film is based on the book originally entitled, Women in Black, written by Madeleine St John and published in 1993. The plot of the book was also used for a musical. The film was directed by Bruce Beresford.

Set in a fictional department store in Sydney the ladies in the frock departments are preparing for the pre-Christmas rush. The film focuses on the lives of three of the staff, Fay, Patty and Lisa plus Magda who runs the high-end gowns section.

The film brought back memories of growing up in Melbourne in the 1950s when travelling into the City by train was a special experience. Mum always dressed up for the occasion and we had to look neat and tidy. In Melbourne there were lots of shops.

There were the variety stores where we normally shopped. Variety stores such as Coles or Woolworths consisted of rows of inexpensive goods arranged in sections. Items were purchased from the shop assistant behind each counter. Coles Cafeteria in the Bourke Street store was the place where we always went for lunch.

The department stores - Myer, Ball and Welch, Buckley and Nunn and Georges - were special places that we visited occasionally. The staff of these stores were the 'women in black' in the film. Transportation between floors was by lifts controlled by lift operators who announced the produce on each floor as the lift doors opened. 

The department store in the film has a large Santa Claus covering many floors on the outside of the building. In Melbourne it was Foys, another department store, that had such a Santa on the outside of the building.

In Melbourne the arcades were also places to explore. Regent Place housed the Tim the Toyman store which we always visited.

In the film, Lisa has just finished school and has temporary employment at the department store as she waits for her exam results. She is befriended by Fay and Patty and gradually learns something of the world of fashion, especially when Magda takes an interest in her. Fay and Patty both have problems with relationships while Magda and her husband are refugees from Europe trying to make a new life in Australia.

The 1950s were a time of change in Australia. The film portrays a world where staff are still addressed by their title and surname. There is an awareness of status.  The 1950s were a time of European immigration when people displaced by events in Europe found a new home in Australia. The film looks at attitudes on both sides as well as the changes immigration caused in Australia. The value of education for women is also a theme. There are also comments showing the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne.

I enjoyed watching this movie as a film but I also enjoyed the trip down memory lane that it reawoke.

Review - Ladies in Black (Sydney Morning Herald 19 September 2018)
Review - Ladies in Black (Scenestr 18 September 18 September 2018)
Article - After more than 20 years, Bruce Beresford's Ladies in Black lights up the big screen (West Australian 20 September 2018)
Article - Ladies in Black: Director Bruce Beresford recreates postwar culture of 1950s Sydney (ABC News 22 September 2018)

First Light: a celebration of Alan Garner

When I worked as a children's librarian at the end of the 1960s I discovered the world of fantasy, published for children, written by Alan Garner. The Weirdstone of Brisingamen (published 1960) and The Moon of Gomrath (published 1963) were set around Alderley Edge in Cheshire and transported Susan and Colin, the two children in the stories, and the reader into a world of magic, folklore and adventure. In 1965 Elidor was published. This time the setting was Manchester in the 1950s and it brought magic into an everyday world. These three titles were generally read by children but can also be appreciated by adults. Garner's next book, The Owl Service (published 1967), based on Welsh legend, is classified as a book for teenagers.

I then lost track of the writing of Alan Garner until I read a review of his latest book when I was in England earlier this year. Where shall we run to? is a memoir about his early life. The review also mentioned a list of books by Alan Garner that I had not read. This included Red Shift, The Stonebook Quartet, Strandloper, Thursbitch, The Book That Thunders and Boneland. I obviously have some reading to catch up on.

Checking a library catalogue I also discovered the book First Light edited by Erica Wagner, a collection of articles, fiction and poetry prepared to celebrate the Alan Garner's eightieth birthday. This work was published in 2016.

Forty-three pieces of writing make up this work, all providing a glimpse into the life of Alan Garner and his writing or providing a reflection of the effect of Alan Garner's books on the contibutor. Authors such as Margaret Atwood, Susan Cooper, Neil Gaiman, Philip Pullman, Ali Smith and Salley Vickers, archaeologists such as Francis Pryor, Mark Edmonds, Richard Morris and John Prag, plus physicist Teresa Anderson are just a few of the contributors to this book.

Some of the contributors discovered the books of Alan Garner when they were children while others discovered his work later in life. Some of the contributors knew the Garners without being aware that Alan was a writer. Alan Garner's use of myth, folklore and legend in his stories features in this book along with  his use of the natural environment, especially in Cheshire, as a dominant feature in his writing. Garner's ongoing exploration of the archaeology of the area near his home in Cheshire is discussed as well as, at the other end of the spectrum, his interest in the work at Jodrell Bank, not far from his home.

For those who have enjoyed reading the work of Alan Garner, this compilation provides an excellent insight into the life and work of this British author.

Review - First Light a celebration of Alan Garner (The Guardian 12 August 2016)

Article - Fantasy author Alan Garner celebrated in new tribute, First Light (The Guardian 24 April 2015)

Dark suits and sad songs

Once again I could only borrow this title from the library as an e-book however I soon became enthralled in the story and read it quickly. This book is number three in the DCI Daley series by Denzil Meyrick.

We return to Kinloch in Scotland to witness the dramatic suicide of a civil servant. Shortly afterwards, in Glasgow, his assistant is killed by a passing vehicle when crossing the road. Then two minor players in the local drug trade are assassinated. What is happening in this quiet village on the Scottish coast?

We know from earlier books in the series that there is corruption at high levels in the police force but it soon becomes obvious that the corruption also extends to local politics. DCI Jim Daley and his deputy, DS Brian Scott know that they are out of their depth in this investigation but who can they trust? When a young girl is kidnapped every effort must be made to save her from the person known only as The Dragon.

The story is told from the perspective of DCI Daley but we also learn of the the thoughts and past actions of a range of other characters, adding depth to the story. Jim Daley's private life continues to be a mess that needs to be sorted. Brian Scott also has his problems as he recovers from the trauma of being shot and resorts to the whisky bottle. The book also provides a parade of other characters including Hamish and Annie who contribute to the story and assist in unexpected ways.

There are many layers to these books written by a former policeman. This book is a crime thriller involving the drug trade plus the corruption of power. The book is also about a community of people who should be enjoying living in isolation from the city (Glasgow) and the rest of the world in general. However a sinister presence has invaded their isolated village and surrounding area.

If you enjoy the books of Louise Penny and Donna Leon, who set their series of character driven crime books in a distinct community, you will probably enjoy this series though the description of the murders is a little more violent. The characters from the village speak in the local dialect which is not difficult to follow and adds to the atmosphere of the book as does the description of the local environment.

Whisky from small glasses

This book is first in the series of DCI Daley books written by Scottish author, Denzil Meyrick.

When a woman's body is washed up on to a beach in western Scotland, Inspector Jim Daley, with his colleague Detective Sergeant Brian Scott, is sent to Kinloch from Glasgow to investigate. In Kinloch they discover a close knit community containing a variety of characters who assist or hinder the investigation. This is a character driven crime thriller with the village of Kinloch and its surroundings also playing an important role in the telling of the story.

Being the first in a series of books, the back story of the characters that is gradually revealed, including Daley's marriage problems and the revelation that much of the crime occurring in the area is drug related, is continued in subsequent volumes. As the investigation continues Daley realises that corruption in high places is behind much of the crime in the area. Although the books in the series could be read as stand alone titles it is probably better to read the books sequentially.

I enjoyed this introduction to the world of DCI Daley and his colleagues, and once I became used to the vernacular spoken by many of the characters I became immersed in the life of community of Kinloch and the attempts of the police to solve the spate of violent crime occurring in their region.

The last witness

While we were in England recently one of the members of our group gave me a copy of the book, The last witness, by Denzil Meyrick. This is the second in a series of books about D C I Jim Daley. I had not come across this author before and when I checked catalogues for two Australian libraries  I discovered that one had two books in the series as e-books while the other had some of the titles as paperbacks or e-books.

The book falls into the category of Scottish crime novels known as Tartan Noir. Earlier this year Val McDermid wrote an article in Crimereads, On the Remarkable Rise of Tartan Noir. These books cover the gritty world of crime in Scotland and the speech of the characters is in the local dialect.

In this book a crime is committed in Ringwood, Victoria, Australia, resulting in the murder of a husband and wife who left Scotland to take on a new identity and lifestyle. The murderer left a calling card revealing that he is a crime lord who died five years previously. Other murders of people previously associated with the crime lord begin to occur near the town of Kinloch and it soon becomes obvious that people involved in his arrest and trial, including the police, are now targets.

The story is revealed through the viewpoint and thoughts of a number of the characters. This is a fast moving action crime novel and as the plot progresses we learn the back story of many of the characters.

The Librarian

Recently I read a short review in The Age newspaper about this book so, as a librarian, I decided to reserve a copy of The Librarian by Sally Vickers from the library.

I worked as a children's librarian in the late 1960s so as the main character in this book, Sylvia Blackwell, began her career in a children's library in the late 1950s  I was immediately interested in the story. Fortunately the library service where I worked provided a very different service compared to the challenges faced by Sylvia, however I related to her desire to provide a friendly, welcoming space for children where they could choose the books they wanted to read. Unfortunately Sylvia's manager and some members of the library committee do not agree with her plans.

The book also provides a study of relationships and often prejudices in a small English community. Of course romance is a central theme for part of the novel but this is just part of the study of the relationships in this novel.

Throughout the novel the importance of the enjoyment of reading from a young age as well as the necessity of having libraries for all to enjoy is a major theme. This includes references to titles of children's books that I read and recommended to children all those years ago and hope that my grandchildren may also enjoy reading. A list of books mentioned is provided at the back of the book.
Part 2 of the book is short and is set in present times where the author provides an update on some of the characters we met in part one of the book. She also makes reference to the move in some areas of England to close libraries or, in some cases, staff libraries with volunteers instead of librarians.

Throughout the book the author has captured aspects of life in England during the 1950s. This is the second book that I have read by Sally Vickers and I will look for other books by her to read.


The local library helped me to become a novelist - letter to The Guardian by Sally Vickers (2 February 2017)
Why libraries matter - Irish Times (2 May 2018)
Libraries lose a quarter of staff as hundreds close - BBC News (29 March 2016)

The Tin Ticket

The subtitle of this book, written by Deborah J Swiss, is 'The heroic journey of Australia's convict women'. The Transportation Act, that allowed prisoners to be sent overseas to serve their term and in reality spend the rest of their life in a new country, was passed in 1718. In this book the author looks at how transportation affected the lives of four women who were transported to Tasmania.

The 'tin ticket' refers to the small piece of tin stamped with the number that was hung around the neck of a female convict transported to Tasmania. The convict women studied in this book are Agnes McMillan and Janet Houston from Glasgow who were transported to Van Diemen's Land in 1836, Ludlow Tedder transported, with her young daughter Arabella, in 1839 and Bridget Bailey, from Ireland, transported in 1851. As well as describing the conditions the women faced on arrival, especially life in the Cascades Female Factory, the life of the women when freed has been traced. Leaving their convict past behind, these women and their families helped build Australia.

This book is essential reading for anyone who has female convicts in their family who were sent to Van Diemen's Land. It would also be a useful book for anyone interested in the convict period in Australian history. 

Botany Bay

Subtitle: The story of the convicts transported from Ireland to Australia 1791-1853. Author is Con Costello.

Two hundred and twelve convict ships sailed from Dublin or Cork to Australia between 1791 and 1853. Forty-five thousand Irish men and women were transported on these ships. One of these convicts was my great (x3) grandfather, John Pendergast (1769-1833) who was transported to Sydney Cove aboard The Minerva arriving in January 1800. John had been involved, possibly on the fringe, of the the Rising of the United Irishmen in May 1798.

Con Costello writes about the transportation of these convicts, social and political conditions at the time leading to imprisonment and eventual transportation to another country plus conditions encountered by Irish Catholics, particularly in the early years of the settlement.

Chapters include: First sailings, 1791-1797; United Irishmen, 1798-1799; Priests and rebels, 1800; A sherrif and a general, 1801-1802; Dr Trevor and Michael Dwyer, 1803-1812; Preparations and passage, 1813-1817; Gaelic speaking Rockchoppers, 1818-1820; Defenders and Whiteboys, 1821-1824; Bushrangers and Balladeers, 1825-1832; Nuns and other females, 1833-1838; The Famine victims, 1839-1848; Young Irelanders, 1849-1850; Fenians, 1851-1876.

The book therefore looks not just at political and social unrest in Ireland but also at the reception of these convicts in Australia. In some chapters the author concentrates on the experiences of one or two transportees while others are more general in nature.

The book does not have an index but there is a bibliography. There are also some illustrations from publications of the time.

Mrs M

In 2014 Luke Slattery wrote the book, The First Dismissal, a study of the final years of  the governorship of Lachlan Macquarie in New South Wales focusing on the criticism of his term as reported in The Bigge Report.

Slattery has now written a work of historical fiction with Elizabeth Macquarie, Lachlan Macquarie's wife, as the main character. The story in the novel fluctuates between Elizabeth's life on the Scottish island of Mull and her life in Sydney as the wife of the governor. In November 1807, Elizabeth was 29 when she married Lachlan who was 46 and widowed. Jane, his first wife, had died in India in 1796.

In the novel there is a three way partnership between Elizabeth, Lachlan and the convict Francis Greenway (referred to as The Architect) who was employed by the governor to design public buildings for the new colony. Elizabeth was known to be interested in gardening and in architecture, and supported her husband in his aim of improving the look of the new settlement. In the book she and The Architect work closely together, not always with her husband's approval.

Sydney was established as a prison settlement but as many of the convicts gained their freedom there was a new dimension to the needs of the colony. As governor, Macquarie used the talents of the emancipists, including Greenway, to carry out his vision antagonising many of the former military officers and other free settlers living in the colony. Factions developed in the colony culminating with the British government sending Commissioner Bigge to write a report on Macquarie's management style and spending. Tensions also developed regarding attitudes to the treatment of aboriginal people.

This is a work of fiction set in an historical setting which I enjoyed reading. As such it is a good story that also provides an understanding of some of the underlying tensions prevalent, as well as achievements, in the early days of colonial Australia. However in the postscript the author points out some of the historical events in the lives of the characters which were changed for the writing of the novel. Hopefully some readers of this book will decide to investigate the real stories of the the three main characters who contributed so much to the formation of Sydney.

[As a side note, one of my ancestors, Simeon Lord, also receives a couple of brief mentions in the book.]

Australian Dictionary of Biography - Elizabeth Macquarie
Australian Dictionary of Biography - Lachlan Macquarie
Australian Dictionary of Biography - Francis Greenway

The Jane Austen Book Club

Recently I completed the FutureLearn course - Jane Austen: Myth, Reality and Global Celebrity. In the discussion a book that was often mentioned in the discussion list was The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler.

The plot involves a group of six people in California who decide to meet once a month to discuss one of Jane Austen's novels. The participants are a mixed group who we gradually meet and learn of their back stories. Bernadette is the oldest member of the group at 67, Jocelyn and Sylvia had met at a camp when they were 11, Allegra is Sylvia's daughter, Prudie is a 28 year old French teacher while the token male of the group is Grigg, aged about 40 who met Jocelyn at a hotel when she was attending a dog show and he was attending a science fiction convention.

Each month the meeting is held at the home of a book club member and although we learn of the opinions of individual members about about Jane Austen's writing, the plots of the books and the characters, much of this book is spent exploring the lives of the individual readers. Consequently, as the months go by, we learn of the complicated relationships of and between some of the book club members.

At the end of the book there is a brief summary of the plot of the six Jane Austen novels discussed at each meeting,  a collection of comments made by Jane Austen's family and friends about Mansfield Park and Emma, plus a list of chronological comments about Jane Austen's books made by critics and other writers.

The Quakers: a very short introduction

When researching family history recently I discovered that one line of my family became Quakers in northern England at the commencement of the Quaker movement in the seventeenth century. Consequently I looked for some books that may provide background information and also found a FutureLearn online course on the establishment of the Quaker movement in England - Radical Spirituality: the early history of the Quakers - which I have just completed.

The author of the book, The Quakers: a very short introduction is Pink Dandelion (a name he has chosen though during the online course he included Ben (his given name) in this name). As the title suggests this is a small book but it does provide a good introduction to the Quaker movement. The book is only 143 pages including index, a glossary of terms, references and further reading list. Topics include who are the Quakers, the history of Quakerism, worship, belief theology and language, ecumenism and the future of Quakerism.

George Fox was the founder of the Quaker movement in 1652 and the original stronghold for the new faith was northern England, particularly Yorkshire and Lancashire, where my ancestors lived. Living in small isolated communities many of the people in this area, including some members of my family, welcomed this new form of worship focusing on the individual's direct contact with God, with the emphasis on the 'inner voice', without the need for priests and sermons. Initially the Quakers met in the homes of fellow Quakers and later established meeting houses for worship.  Initially many of the Quakers were persecuted included being fined and or gaoled for not observing customs of the time, especially in relation to the established church. Life improved for the Quakers after the passing of the Toleration Act in 1689 allowing freedom of worship for nonconformists.

Tracing your Nonconformist Ancestors: a guide for family and local historians by Stuart A Raymond includes a chapter on the Quakers as well sections on Presbyterians and Unitarians, Congregationalists / Independents, Baptists, Methodists, Calvinistic Methodists, Inghamites, Moravians and the Salvation Army. Other denominations and sects included are Catholic Apostolic Church, Christadelpians, Christian Brethren, Churches of Christ, Mormons, Church of the Nazarene, Family of Love, Glasites, Jehovah's Witnesses, Muggletonians, Pentecostalists, Sandemanians, Seventh Day Adventists and Swedenborgians. It also includes a short history of nonconformity plus sources for nonconformity.

The chapter on the Quakers provides a brief introduction followed by suggestions of resources useful when researching family members who were Quakers.

Cold War Games

On my Family Connections blog I have written a number of posts on the Olympic Games held in Melbourne 1956. This event played an important part in my childhood as my father was a sports journalist on the Argus newspaper and also a member of the Publicity Committee for the Games.

Cold War Games by Harry Blutstein provides background information about events that threatened the staging of the Olympic Games in 1956 as well as political incursions going on behind the scenes and in public during the Melbourne Games.

The water polo game between Hungary and Russia is the most notorious event  that occurred but it was one of many political instances that occurred before and during the Games. The year 1956 was during  the Cold War between the USSR and the USA and their allies and political tensions were rife.

In the weeks before the Games commenced the USSR had invaded Hungary to crush an uprising against Russian occupation of the country. The Hungarian team decided to compete in Melbourne however Holland, Spain and Switzerland boycotted the Games because of the Soviet invasion. But there were other political tensions too. Three other teams, Egypt, Lebanon and Iraq, boycotted the Games because of the Suez crisis. There were also stand-offs between the two Chinas, the two Koreas and two Germanys about who would, or would not, compete.

The author sets out to provide the background to some of these tensions, particularly between Hungary and the USSR as well as between the USSR and the USA. He describes the quest by the Russians in the 1950s to form competitive sports teams that would win more medals than any other team, especially American teams. They began to compete in the Olympic Games again at Helsinki in 1952 with some success. In 1956 they were ready to show their supremacy.

As well as the sport there were events occurring behind the scenes with members of some teams being closely monitored by their security agents. A number of competitors from communist countries defected after the Games.

The Olympic Games held in Melbourne were known as the Friendly Games. However there was another story and this book shows some of what was going on behind the scenes.

Life in a Medieval Castle

Joseph and Frances Gies originally published this book in 1974. There have been several reprints including this one in 2015. The authors provide a comprehensive and interesting account of what it was like to live in a medieval castle, particularly in the thirteenth century.

Chapters in the castle include information on the advent of building castles in England (especially from Norman times), the castle as a house, the role of the Lord and the Lady of the castle, the running of the household, an account of daily life, importance of hunting in castle life, the life of villagers, making of knights, the castle during battles, a typical year in castle life and the decline of castles in England.

The emphasis in the book is on English castles in the thirteenth century, especially Chepstow Castle, but the authors stress that castles were already an important part of life in European countries prior to the Norman invasion of England. There is a geographical guide to some European castles at the end of the book as well as a detailed bibliography. Throughout the book there are many photographs of castles and castle life but these photos are very dark and unclear compared to those that would be in a book published today. For those interested in the illustrations, clearer photos of the castles would probably be available online.

This is a detailed, useful and readable book on castle life in medieval times. The authors have also written books, Life in a Medieval City and Life in a Medieval Village.

The Shepherd's Hut

Over the years I have read a number of Tim Winton novels and have enjoyed most of the them. However the one that I did not finish was Cloudstreet, perhaps his best known work. This was largely because the main character annoyed me so much. I will go back to the book one day and hopefully finish reading the saga. However I really enjoyed the experience of reading The Shepherd's Hut and needed to keep reading until the end to find out what happened.

In Tim Winton's novels the Australian environment plays a major role - it is not just a setting for the action, it is a major component of the book. The Shepherd's Hut is set in Western Australia, in dry, desolate semi-desert scrub country with a large salt pan being a major feature.

It is in a small country town that we first meet Jaxie, a young teenage boy who is used to being bullied and abused. His mother has died and then one evening he arrives home to find his alcoholic father dead under his car. Jaxie decides he has no choice but to leave home and sets off on foot to find his cousin, the only person who he hopes understands him.

With few belongings and little food and water Jaxie travels until he finds the remains of a shelter where he stays for a time. Venturing further he discovers an old shepherd's hut in which an old man is living. Much of the story revolves around the relationship between Jaxie and Fintan McGillis, a former Catholic priest. It is about the art of survival as well as learning to understand oneself. Jaxie has been afraid that he may become like his abusive father. He needs to gradually understand who he really is. He is also wary and unable to fully trust Fintan. He wants to leave but also, over time, feels a responsibility towards the old man.

This work has rightly been described as a brutal book. It is set in a brutal, barren landscape but it is the language in which the book is written that really hits the reader. The story is told through Jaxion's eyes and the language is earthy, direct and full of swearing and Australian slang. But this is who the characters are and the raw language contributes to the telling of the story.

It was sometimes hard work but I am glad that I read this Australian novel.

Review:
The Shepherd's Hut reviewed by Michael McGirr

The Chilbury Ladies' Choir

Sunday 24th March 1940. The vicar places a sign on the door of the village hall - '"As all male voices have gone to war the village choir is to close". Fortunately for the local community, the ladies of Chilbury decide to form an all female voice choir, an exercise that provides strength and purpose not only to the choristers in trying times but also to the people who listen to them sing.

The novel chronicles the lives of the women in the choir through their writings in their journals as well as correspondence. The story is therefore unveiled primarily through the voices of five of the choir members, sisters Venetia and Kitty Winthrop, Miss Edwina Paltry, Mrs Tilling and a refugee from Czechoslovakia, Sylvie. The background to the story is the effect of the early stages of World War II on this village in Kent and the nearby town of Litchfield which houses a military base. The five month period of the storyline include the Dunkirk evacuation and the commencement of the Battle for Britain. The women, however, find strength in singing together plus a purpose other than just surviving.

This book, published in 2017, is Jennifer Ryan's first novel and I would be surprised if there is not more than one sequel to this title in the future. Those who enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society will enjoy reading this book. This book will also be popular with book clubs. There are already a number of pages on the Internet providing discussion group questions for this book.

The Librarian

Last year on the Sy-fi channel on Foxtel I discovered a program called The Librarians. The fourth series ended this month. A colleague, another librarian, told me that before the television series there had been three television films with the general title, The Librarian. In his opinion the films were better than the series. I borrowed a DVD, The Librarian Trilogy, containing the three films from my local library and have just finished watching them. Some of the events in the telelvision series now make more sense having seen the films though you can still enjoy the television programs on their own.

The Librarian: Quest for the Spear was released in 2004, The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines in 2006 and The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice in 2008. The television series, The Librarians, ran from 2014-2018. A fifth series was planned but was cancelled earlier this month.

Watching these programs takes you into a word of fantasy and adventure and often humour as the staff of The Library attempt to prevent ancient and usually mystical treasures from falling into the hands of those who want to use the power of the object for evil purposes. There are frequent allusions to mythology, literature or history in each storyline.

Flynn Carson is the initially reluctant librarian recruited to work with Charlene and Judson in The Library which secretly houses the treasures of the world. In the films he travels, by conventional transport, to different parts of the world on his dangerous quests. Flynn appears in many of the television episodes but is now The Librarian working with a team of younger librarians, Jacob Stone, Cassandra Cillian and Ezekiel Jones. Each member of the team has special powers. The fourth member of the team is Eve Baird who has the role of protecting the librarians. Jenkins is their mentor and care-taker of the library. In the television series the librarians travel to and from their destination via a special portal.

All in all I have totally enjoyed entering the world of The Library with its special treasures and personality and watching the endeavours of the librarians striving to protect the world and The Library from mystical danger.

Glass houses

The book opens on a hot summer's day with Chief Superintendent Armand Gamache being questioned during a murder trial. The previous Halloween a figure, robed in black and wearing a mask, appeared on the Green in the village of Three Pines. The figure remained still but appeared to be staring at someone, but who? Not unsurprisingly the inhabitants of Three Pines became unsettled by the presence of this sinister looking figure, especially as it remained on the Green for several days. Then one morning the figure vanished. The relief did not last for long as later in the day a body was found in the church.

The story unfolds through testimony provided at the trial as well as a parallel unveiling of the events that occurred in Three Pines the previous autumn. Solving the murder is only one challenge for Gamache and his team, including Jean Guy Beauvoir and Isabelle Lacoste. The greater challenge is to stop the distribution of drugs via Canada to the United States.

Louise Penny's books are not just crime stories. In each book we learn more about the main characters as the author shows us their thoughts and concerns while they work to solve the crime. In this book the focus is also on attempting to prevent future crime, particularly the potential deaths of thousands of people due to the increased supply of drugs in the community.

As you would expect, the other characters from Three Pines, including Ruth and Rosa, Myrna and Clara, plus Olivier and Gabri, as well as Reine-Marie, play important roles in the story.

Glass Houses is thirteenth book in the series. The next book, The Kingdom of the Blind, is due for publication in November 2018 and I look forward to reading the next installment.

History of furniture

When we were in Launceston recently we noticed this piece of furniture in the lounge of the Colonial Hotel.

It was being used as a seat for the public computer and created much interest as we were waiting to go into dinner one evening. The Colonial Hotel main building was originally a school dating back to 1847. It became a hotel 1972. Many alterations have been made and new buildings added but some features of the school have been retained in the original buildings. Some of the furniture in the old part of the hotel reflects the building's history.

I borrowed some books from the library to try and establish some information about this seat. This form of upholstery became popular from the 1820s and is still used today on some furniture pieces. I could not locate any pictures of a seat like the one at the hotel. It is similar to a window seat but they normally are not curved like this one. However I did find a picture of an 18th century window seat with two carved 'tongues' sloped to left and right.. The note about this seat suggested that sometime the flute (seating part) is narrow resulting in a trough or valley between two raised tongues. (Huntley page 106). Huntley has a section on English Settees (including varieties of window seats) for the period 1800-1840. One of sofas is upholstered brown leather in a similar design to the one in the hotel. Another name for a window seat is a banquette (a window seat with raised ends but no back). Recamiers (day beds) were popular in France in the early19th century. They developed into chaise longues.

I did not see any designs with the wooden rest on one side. It may have been used for placing a book on or as a small writing desk. The seat was possibly manufactured during the 20th century. Unfortunately I was not able look at it closely enough to see if there was a manufacturer's label. Whenever it was made, it is an interesting piece of furniture.          

Furniture: from Rococo to Art Deco. Cologne:  Evergreen, 2000

Judith Miller. Furniture: world styles from classical to contemporary. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2005

Michael Huntley. History of Furniture: ancient to 19th C. Lewes: Guild of Master Craftsman Publications, 2004