Tag Archive | Rachels Random Resources

The Girl From Venice by Siobhan Daiko

Jun13

So Powerful, So Brave

The Girl From Venice by Siobhan Daiko is a powerful dual timeline novel that has its roots in fact.

The tale is set in 2010 and also during World War II in Italy. It is a search for roots after a grandmother has passed away. All her life, her upbringing has been kept secret for fear of re-living the past. “A painful past still too raw to re-live.” Finding a photo, leads to a trip of discovery that reveals not only the past but also sheds light on roots for the present.

Italy 2010 was very different from war torn Italy. In 2010 the reader ‘feels’ the light, the heat, the food and the welcoming atmosphere. All of which spring to life under the artistic pen of Siobhan Daiko.

In complete contrast Italy during the war years was a terrifying place to be especially if you were Jewish. After Italy’s ceasefire with Britain and America, the Nazi’s marched in, rounding up the Jewish people. Bitter battles with partisans followed, with severe reprisals. Siobhan Daiko has captured the fear and also shown the bravery of the ordinary citizens.

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The Silver Ladies Do Lunch by Judy Leigh

Jun10

A Field Of Four Leaf Clover

The Silver Ladies Do Lunch by Judy Leigh is a most delightful contemporary novel that I adored.

The tale is about community, love and friendship. The reader drops in to glimpse friendships formed fifty years ago in primary school, remain. The village is community-minded. They laugh together, love together and provide support where it is needed.

All the characters are well drawn and realistic. They are an eclectic bunch, such as you would find in any close-knit community. They have very differing traits from Dangerous Dave to a pig named Nadine who is very much a character in her own right. Their interactions are wonderful to witness. There were times when I literally laughed out loud.

I also enjoyed the fact that the majority of characters were over sixty with the former teacher being ninety years old. Growing old does not mean we cannot have fun. The former teacher still had the authority to put her former pupils in their places too!

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The World Outside My Window by Clare Swatman

Jun7

Care & Compassion

The World Outside My Window by Clare Swatman is a simply marvellous contemporary novel that I just could not put down.

The lead character is outgoing until her life changes in an instance (at the book’s start). The reader witnesses the change overnight as her world shrinks, confidence is shattered and agoraphobia kicks in. She is a likable leading lady and easy to empathise with as Clare Swatman writes part of the novel in the first person, enabling us to understand her fears.

Necessity forces the lead to face her fears. New neighbours show care and compassion, providing love and support that is beautiful to see.

Having lost sight of herself, we delight as the lead begins to discover herself again.

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The Fall by Shari Low & Ross King

Jun7

Roots

The Fall by Shari Low and Ross King is a contemporary thriller suspense and the final book in the Hollywood Thriller series. I had not read the previous books and found this could be read as a stand-alone. However, I would recommend reading the previous books first as I did get a little confused at times.

The novel is mainly set in Hollywood where it is glitz and glamour, truth and lies, dog eat dog. There are those who use their power to corrupt – and seemingly get away with it. It takes bravery and tenacity to stand up, investigate and seek to right the wrongs.

Life in Hollywood, in the spotlight can be challenging. We see the desire of characters to return to their roots.

The reality of Hollywood is that it is not real. It is all for show. “None of it is real and you don’t need it to be happy.” Fame and fortune will ultimately never satisfy as you are only as big as your last hit.

Grief threatens to sink. “It hurt just to breathe, just to exist.” There is the longing for things to be just as they were. The pain of grief cuts like a knife.

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