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A Tailor In Auschwitz by David Van Turnhout and Dirk Verhofstadt

Jul1

A Time Of Great Evil

A Tailor In Auschwitz by David van Turnhout and Dirk Verhofstadt (translated by Kristien De Wulf and Jane Camerea) is a powerful and horrifying account of the plight of the Jewish people during World War II.

The book came about after researching David van Turnhout’s paternal grandfather’s experiences during WWII. Whilst alive, his grandfather spoke very little about his war years.

As we hear the story of his grandfather, this microcosm is part of a much bigger story.

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Letters To Doberitz by Derek R Payne

Jun18

No Winners, Only Losers In War

Letters To Doberitz by Derek R Payne is a powerful tale about the experiences of the author’s grandparents and great grandparents during World War I.

The author has captured life at home, on the battlefields and in Doberitz, a prisoner of war camp. He vividly paints the scenes using his words. Horror does not come close to describing it. The trenches and the POW camp were places of sheer horror and terror. Writing letters home, the author’s relatives tried to shield their loved ones from the worst.

I found the description of the train journey to Doberitz particularly harrowing.

Derek R Payne’s grandfather suffered from an unknown neurological condition we would now call PTSD. He was experimented on in the POW camp with the hope of not only curing him, but developing a treatment for German soldiers. It did not work. He returned home with nightmares that would continue to plague him down the years.

War leaves many battle scars, some go deep down. “Will never talked about it [his wartime experiences] for many years.”

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Scallywag My Duvet Diva by Christopher Weedon

May1

To Honor A Friend

Scallywag My Duvet Diva by Christopher Weedon is a wonderful book written in memory of rescue dog Scally. It is beautifully written and you will need tissues!

Christopher Weedon admits he has “never known such grief before” on the loss of Scally. He wrote this book to help him traverse his days of grief.

The book is about the authors day to day adventures with Scally. The two formed such a beautiful bond. He rescued Scally but in so doing so, she rescued him after his relationship break up.

We hear of their adventures on a canal boat. We witness the love and care given to Scally to help to make her feel safe. And we see lives blossoming.

I love the fact that Scally is given a voice in the book and that we ‘hear’ her thoughts.

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Only A Yorkshire Lass by Andrea Dridi

Apr14

An Honest Account

Only A Yorkshire Lass by Andrea Dridi is the autobiography of the author’s life. It is a compelling read.

Andrea Dridi writes with clarity and honesty. Her writing is more like reading a letter from a friend than reading through a book.

Money does not bring happiness. Andrea Dridi has had a life that has ebbed and flowed. She has known times of poverty and times of plenty. Her life has certainly thrown up challenges. She talks openly about her abortions; suicide attempts and struggles with mental health.

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