Adult Fiction
The Power of Geography – Tim Marshall
The power of geography follows the same structures and theme of the previous book of Tim Marshall, Prisoners of Geography. Each chapter focuses on a different country/area and the aim is to demonstrate how today political and economical decisions are the consequences not only of the history of that country but also the physical/geographical features of those countries/areas. The author tries to depict also possible future scenarios and political moves/ strategies based on his knowledge and analysis.
I found particularly interesting the chapter about the Sahel and Ethiopia as those areas often made the headline of newspapers in relation to migration, but little is known about them. For the same reason it was fascinating discovering more about Saudi Arabia and Iran.
There are maps and few pictures in the book, it worth mentioning a map where the point of view/perspective is from the UK facing down the European continent/block of countries.
Last chapter is about space. At first look it might seem science fiction in relation to borders and physical geography. However, has never been more relevant since recently China managed to reach the dark side of the moon. It is not a book that you would want to read on a beach on holiday, but it is not difficult as the language is straightforward and humorous at times. Highly recommended to broaden not only the knowledge but also to understand a bit more of the world we live in.
The Raging Storm – Ann Cleeves
Ann Cleeves is a world-renowned crime writer, of course famous for the Vera and Shetland series. This book is her latest detective novel set in North Devon. DI Matthew Venn with his team Jen Clarke and Ross May are sent to the village of Greystone, which hugs the Devon coast to investigate the murder of Jem Rosco. Jem – sailor, adventure and celebrity literally blew into Greystone, renting a cottage and telling the residents he is waiting for someone. Then one night he does not come into the local pub and disappears.
During a raging storm, the local lifeboat is launched to what appears to be a deserted boat anchored off Scully Cove but when they reach the abandoned boat, Jem’s body is found. This proves a challenging case for Matthew Venn as the village is populated by the Barum Brethren who he left many years previously. Scully Cove continues to be the place of legend and suspicion when another body is found there, another storm arrives which cuts the village off and the team face danger.
Ann Cleeves is an excellent writer, and I have always enjoyed her books but this story is excellent. There are many twists and turns and kept me guessing till the end.
The Mad Women’s Ball – Victoria Mas, as reviewed by Cathy Grey, Keynsham Library Assistant
This was not a book I would have chosen to read, but a Book Club book – described to me as a book on “institutionalised women of 19th Century Paris”! To say I was less than enthusiastic was an understatement – thank goodness it was only 210 pages I thought!
What a surprise! This was a great book which I thoroughly enjoyed. I had no idea what went on in The Salpetriere asylum in Paris in the 19th century and how women who didn’t “conform” were sent there by the men in their family, be it fathers or husbands. These women were used as guinea-pigs by doctors, gawped at by trainee doctors and once a year paraded in front of Paris society at the annual ball. A good ending to the story.
This all seems outrageous to readers now, but is it any different to how members of the public nowadays watch people on TV reality shows for entertainment? A thought-provoking book that surprisingly I enjoyed and would definitely recommend.
Children’s Fiction
The Wild Symphony – Dan Brown, as reviewed by Emilie Bioud, Keynsham Library Assistant
The famous Dan Brown wo wrote the Da Vinci Code, but surprising you with a book about an orchestra of animals. It can help children develop an interest in music and help them recognize the different instruments of an orchestra. Fantastic text, nice illustration and to keep little ones happy it links to an app where you can listen to each composition and decide which one you prefer the best.
In our house it went on and on for days and we were all liking a different song.
Which one will be yours?
I Don’t Like Birthday Parties – Maureen Gaspari
Not everyone likes birthday parties and Lucas is one of them. He doesn’t know why but he finds every party too loud, too crowded, too messy! So, when he received an invitation to another party he decided he would be brave – he tried to like the bouncy castle and the party games but it all seemed too much. The he meets Kate who feels the same, but she has a brilliant suggestion for birthday parties and it does involve chocolate cake. Read on to find out!
Library News
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