Tag Archive | Penguin Books

The Prosecutor by Jack Fairweather

Feb21

Harrowing – May We Never Forget

The Prosecutor by Jack Fairweather is the true story of Fritz Bauer (1903-1968) who was a German Jew who set about trying to bring the perpetrators of evil to justice after World War II. He was relentless in his pursuit.

At the end of World War II, Bauer estimated that eight million Germans had belonged o the Nazi party and two hundred and fifty thousand served in the SS. Many of the mass murderers and perpetrators of evil, either fled Germany or seamlessly blended back into society at the end of the war. “Few wanted to admit that fighting for Hitler was wrong.” Attitudes in the older generation, frighteningly, persisted into the 1960’s. Only with education, did the attitudes of subsequent generations of Germans change, as they admitted that the Holocaust did happen. Change started with the youth.

Jack Fairweather has clearly and methodically researched the life of Fritz Bauer, who was a good man who refused to stand by and do nothing. Along with others, including Simon Wiesenthal, Bauer helped to bring Adolf Eichmann to justice.

Bauer helped to put individuals on trial, as well as the human machinery that was Auschwitz. He introduced Auschwitz to the world through the horrifying testimonies of those who were there. The judges and others from the court, actually toured Auschwitz to see the site of the greatest mass murders in history, saying, “you need to see it… only then can you imagine the magnitude of the crime.”

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V For Victory by Lissa Evans

Aug5

A Social Commentary

V For Victory by Lissa Evans is a historical novel set in the closing years of World War II during 1944. It is the third book in a series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Lissa Evans has composed a very personable novel that engages and entertains. The humor is both tongue-in-cheek and also highly visible by means of the author’s descriptive pen.

The novel is set in London, surrounding the occupants of a boarding house. 1944 saw the introduction of the V1 and V2 rockets that caused much devastation. We see life through the eyes of the air raid wardens. Their bravery and kindness, and their competence are admirable.

The characters are all uniquely drawn and very likable.

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What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama

Jun17

Serene, Calming, Beautiful

What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Michiko Aoyama is a serenely beautiful Japanese fiction novel. This is a book that will sink into your heart and soothe your soul.

In the story we hear five stories focusing on five different people who are searching for meaningful lives – without realizing that every life is meaningful and every life is valuable. They all need “somebody who believed in me.”

The librarian does not just have a vast knowledge of books, she has a perception of people. She knows just what each individual is looking for. She presents each one with a small gift as well as pointing them in the direction of the books. Each gift is designed to help that person think about their life. “It’s as if she sees me, just as I am.”

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The People On Platform 5 by Clare Pooley

Jun7

Be More Iona

The People On Platform 5 by Clare Pooley is the most charming contemporary novel that I absolutely adored and read it in just two sittings. It was a book I never wanted to end.

Clare Pooley has created a wonderful set of eclectic characters, all totally unique but with one thing in common – they all catch the train into London at the same time. As we meet them, the reader warms to them all. It is easy to envisage the characters and their train carriage setting. They all give each other nicknames in side their heads which is believable as I do that too!

Each day is identical to all the others – until one day and a grape! This is a pivotal day on which everything changes.

Iona is a social, brightly coloured butterfly in a world of grey. Her personality lights up a room. She is also very wise, having a lot of life experience. At fifty seven years old, this beautiful butterfly is invisible at work, passed over in favour of the younger generation. She is not the only one for whom work is important. “If he were no longer a trader, then who would he be?” Our identity should not be tied up in our jobs, we are so much more than what we do for a living.

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