Archives

Goodbye For Now by M.J. Hollows

Oct18

Cannon Fodder

Goodbye For Now by M.J. Hollows is an absolutely heart breaking account of the First World War both at home and at the front. The reader ‘lives’ throughout the war. We see the futility – everybody loses on both sides. The total waste of life. Young men used as cannon fodder. Young men, even underage signed up believing “It’ll be an adventure.”

War is not an adventure. War is hard. War changes people, at times they become robotic, believing the lies and propaganda they are told. “The German figures…  weren’t human, they were only his enemies.” Really? Brain washed by the war machine. No doubt, the German soldiers believed the same thing about the allies.

Continue reading →

The Munich Girl by Phyllis Edgerly Ring

Oct13

Ein Neues Geschenk (A New Gift)

The Munich Girl by Phyllis Edgerly Ring  – oh wow, oh wow, oh wow! What to say? A truly marvellous historical novel that really brings the past alive.

The timeline alternates between 1995 America and 1930’s/40’s Germany, as a character delves into her mother’s past. Using photographs, artefacts and diary entries, the past is pieced together.

The novel explores Eva Braun. Phyllis Edgerly Ring creates a fully rounded 3D personality bringing Eva to life. The flat character appearing in the background of Hitler becomes a living, breathing woman. It was fascinating getting to know Eva and I really liked her.

There was so much more to Eva Braun than just a pretty young woman infatuated with the Fuhrer. The reader becomes intimately acquainted with her. We see her strength of character that defies the Fuhrer’s commands which contrasts with the meekness as she awaits his wishes.

Continue reading →

Christmas At Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin

Oct7

Love Is In The Air

Christmas At Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin is a delightful contemporary novel about family, friends, fun, traditions and making memories. There is a wonderful light atmosphere that permeates the story, coupled with highly amusing moments. The reader is in for a few fun filled hours.

Escaping disaster and living the dream is the focus of the novel as an old lodge is renovated, restored and bought back to life. The restoration of the lodge is mirrored by the restoration of a character who has lived with one eye on the past and under the burden of guilt. As the lodge returns to life, can the same be said of the character?

Christmas is a magical time of year where old traditions come to the forefront and new memories are made.

Continue reading →

The Skylarks War by Hilary McKay

Oct6

To End All Wars

The Skylarks War by Hilary McKay is a delightful children’s historical novel to be enjoyed by ages ten to adult. The story begins in 1902 continuing into World War I.

The reader follows two siblings, their cousin and friends. We get to know them intimately. We like them and care about their outcomes. We watch as they grow and develop before becoming embroiled in war. Their idyllic childhood summers contrast with the battlefields of World War I. War effects those at home and at the Front. Lies are told to keep spirits high. What purpose would it serve to reveal the true horrors of war? The reader gets caught up in the patriotic fervour as we witness the preparations of parcels and letters.

Continue reading →