Ekaterinburg The Last Days of the Romanovs by Helen Rappaport.
I read Elaine's review about this book on Random Jottings and immediately added the book to my list to read. Having recently read Magnificent Obssesion by this author I was drawn in.
Helen Rappaport's written account of the the Last days of the Tsar and Tsaritsa of Russia and their children is very well researched.
The family are taken from their palatial home and held captive at Ipatiev House in 1918 this would be the last residence the royal family would live in before their tragic deaths.
Alexei the heir to the throne inherited Hemophilia from his mother Alexandra, a condition that could be traced back to her paternal Grandmother Queen Victoria. Alexei's parents were very protective of him trying to avoid any accidents and injuries. He was the youngest of five chidren having four older sisters Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastacia. The two elder sisters, Olga and Tatiana nursed wounded soldiers in a military hospital until the family were arrested.
The actual murders of the family were very graphic and shocking. The families bodies were later moved and hidden in a dense place in the forest called The Four Brothers.
Reading this book I wanted to learn more about Rasputin who was said to have healing powers and of whom Alexandra had faith. I also have 'Beautiful For Ever Madame Rachel of Bond Street Cosmetican, Con Artist and Blackmailer' on my list to read.
A Mile Of River
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
The Arsenic Labyrinth
The Arsenic Labyrinth by Martin Edwards.
This is the third book in the Lake District Series. It has been 10 years since Emma Beswick disappeared. Hannah Scarlett and her cold case team reopen the investigation. The book also features Daniel Kind the Oxford Historian who has moved from the city life to live in the Lake District and Miranda, Daniel's girl friend who becomes increasingly unhappy in the Lake District and hankers after city life once more.
The arsenic labyrinth in Coniston is a place where arsenic a byproduct of copper mining was once proccessed deep underground.A great place for the murder victims to have been buried for a long time.
Themes are the rise and fall of family fortunes, murder, greed, dishonesty and gambling adiction to name a few.
There are a whole load of twist and turns to keep the reader on edge. Lots of amazing characterisation. The reader learns of the mystery of the connections with the Clough and Inchmore families. There are quite a few more complicated relationships within the story which all add to the suspense and uncertainty. I never guessed who did it until the very end.
Great to meet up again with some of the characters from the previous books. This is excellent British crime fiction at its best, skillfully written by Martin Edwards.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series
This is the third book in the Lake District Series. It has been 10 years since Emma Beswick disappeared. Hannah Scarlett and her cold case team reopen the investigation. The book also features Daniel Kind the Oxford Historian who has moved from the city life to live in the Lake District and Miranda, Daniel's girl friend who becomes increasingly unhappy in the Lake District and hankers after city life once more.
The arsenic labyrinth in Coniston is a place where arsenic a byproduct of copper mining was once proccessed deep underground.A great place for the murder victims to have been buried for a long time.
Themes are the rise and fall of family fortunes, murder, greed, dishonesty and gambling adiction to name a few.
There are a whole load of twist and turns to keep the reader on edge. Lots of amazing characterisation. The reader learns of the mystery of the connections with the Clough and Inchmore families. There are quite a few more complicated relationships within the story which all add to the suspense and uncertainty. I never guessed who did it until the very end.
Great to meet up again with some of the characters from the previous books. This is excellent British crime fiction at its best, skillfully written by Martin Edwards.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series
Monday, 21 May 2012
The Chevalier
The Chevalier by Cynthia Harrod Eagles is the seventh book in the Morland Dynasty.
Continuing my reading of this marvellous series and I am enjoying them so much. I read one then take a short break but I am always happy to return.
Annunciata Morland once again continues to be the Central character but in this book I found her to be a much likable character than previously. India Neville is the new mistress of Morland Place and she is one nasty piece of work.
Annunciatia has followed King James 11 into exile and has left her Grandson Matt in charge. What follows is his destructive marriage to India. Themes in the book are love, passion, tragedy, death and defeat.
The later half of the book tells of James 111 The Chevalier's return to claim the Stuart throne. Loyalty to the King is shown to be of chief importance.
Historical fiction at its very best.
Continuing my reading of this marvellous series and I am enjoying them so much. I read one then take a short break but I am always happy to return.
Annunciata Morland once again continues to be the Central character but in this book I found her to be a much likable character than previously. India Neville is the new mistress of Morland Place and she is one nasty piece of work.
Annunciatia has followed King James 11 into exile and has left her Grandson Matt in charge. What follows is his destructive marriage to India. Themes in the book are love, passion, tragedy, death and defeat.
The later half of the book tells of James 111 The Chevalier's return to claim the Stuart throne. Loyalty to the King is shown to be of chief importance.
Historical fiction at its very best.
Thursday, 10 May 2012
The Birth of Venus
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant.
The setting for the novel is 15th century Florence. The books protagonist Alessandra is the main focus of the story and is a very engaging character. Alessandra has a great love for drawing and painting and is very talented. Alessandra's father, a prosperous cloth merchant, brings a young painter back from northern Europe to decorate the walls of the chapel in the family's Florentine palazzo. Alessandra becomes besotted with the painters artistic abilities.
Alessandra then undergoes an arranged marriage to Savanarola who is an older man.Savanarola and Alessandra's brother Thomaso share a secret and Alessandra has no knowledge of this until after her wedding. Her true real love is the painter and as the story progress's she realises her concern for the painter has turned to love. Alessandra's green snake tattoo is also another one of the mysteries in the novel and the ending brings a solution to this.
Great characterisation in the novel. I also read Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant last year and loved it.
The setting for the novel is 15th century Florence. The books protagonist Alessandra is the main focus of the story and is a very engaging character. Alessandra has a great love for drawing and painting and is very talented. Alessandra's father, a prosperous cloth merchant, brings a young painter back from northern Europe to decorate the walls of the chapel in the family's Florentine palazzo. Alessandra becomes besotted with the painters artistic abilities.
Alessandra then undergoes an arranged marriage to Savanarola who is an older man.Savanarola and Alessandra's brother Thomaso share a secret and Alessandra has no knowledge of this until after her wedding. Her true real love is the painter and as the story progress's she realises her concern for the painter has turned to love. Alessandra's green snake tattoo is also another one of the mysteries in the novel and the ending brings a solution to this.
Great characterisation in the novel. I also read Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant last year and loved it.
Monday, 30 April 2012
The Poisonwood Bible
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
An excessively fanatical Baptist minister called Nathan Price and his wife Orleanna and four daughters, move to Africa on a mission.
Nathan feels overwhelmed with guilt as he was the only member of his army regimen to escape the Batten death march. Nathan's mission is to save as many souls as he can as he feels that God despises him for being such a coward. He is so self-absorbed in this that he inevitably puts his wife and children at risk.
I liked that the book was set out with books from the Bible. Genesis, Revelations and Judges.
The book is also narrated by the four daughters Rachel Price, who is known for her prettiness and vanity. Leah, who is a classic tomboy and is known for her devotion to her father. Leah's devotion is later transferred to Africa, Adah, who is Leah's twin sister and was crippled from birth. Adah later finds a religion that she can truly believe in the religion of science. Ruth May Price the youngest daughter. Ruth May dies a tragic death. Their intertwined stories are compelling. Ultimately each of them must make their own paths to salvation.
This book was a fairly long read and I felt it could have been a tad shorter. The story and setting made me want to know more about this fascinating country.
An excessively fanatical Baptist minister called Nathan Price and his wife Orleanna and four daughters, move to Africa on a mission.
Nathan feels overwhelmed with guilt as he was the only member of his army regimen to escape the Batten death march. Nathan's mission is to save as many souls as he can as he feels that God despises him for being such a coward. He is so self-absorbed in this that he inevitably puts his wife and children at risk.
I liked that the book was set out with books from the Bible. Genesis, Revelations and Judges.
The book is also narrated by the four daughters Rachel Price, who is known for her prettiness and vanity. Leah, who is a classic tomboy and is known for her devotion to her father. Leah's devotion is later transferred to Africa, Adah, who is Leah's twin sister and was crippled from birth. Adah later finds a religion that she can truly believe in the religion of science. Ruth May Price the youngest daughter. Ruth May dies a tragic death. Their intertwined stories are compelling. Ultimately each of them must make their own paths to salvation.
This book was a fairly long read and I felt it could have been a tad shorter. The story and setting made me want to know more about this fascinating country.
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Magnificent Obsession Victoria, Albert and the death that changed the monarchy.
I have got a bit behind with my blog of late. but I wanted to review a book that I had read earlier in the year and enjoyed.
The Magnificent Obsession and the Death that changed the Monarchy by Helen Rappaport.
The book focuses on the grief that Victoria suffered on the death of her mother and her beloved husband Albert. The author describes a number of set elaborate rituals of that time to commemorate the dead. Social behaviour was also curtailed for a set period of time. After Albert's death Victoria became a virtual recluse and stayed in mourning for 25 years. On Albert's death Queen Victoria commissioned a great many memorials in Albert's honour. British manufacturing went into mass production for mourning outfits.
Victoria was named Empress of India in 1878 but did not start to reappear in public until after her Golden Jubilee in 1887
Victoria refused requests by her government to open Parliament in person she withdrew completely from the public eye , spending much of her time at Balmoral Castle, her home in the Scottish Highlands. Then the question was being asked was Victoria earning the money that the state payed her. The public and Parliament were losing their patience with the Queen who was neglecting her duties. Victoria's popularity was at that time at a very low ebb.
Over the years Victoria was again able to regain her popularity and she once again attended public functions and charitable causes.
The cause of Albert's death has said to have been Typhoid fever. Albert died at the age of just 42, years. Helen Rappaport has done a lot of research into this and believes he actually succumbed to a very modern affliction chrohn's disease.
The book is beautifully written and very well researched and one of my best reads of the year!
The Magnificent Obsession and the Death that changed the Monarchy by Helen Rappaport.
The book focuses on the grief that Victoria suffered on the death of her mother and her beloved husband Albert. The author describes a number of set elaborate rituals of that time to commemorate the dead. Social behaviour was also curtailed for a set period of time. After Albert's death Victoria became a virtual recluse and stayed in mourning for 25 years. On Albert's death Queen Victoria commissioned a great many memorials in Albert's honour. British manufacturing went into mass production for mourning outfits.
Victoria was named Empress of India in 1878 but did not start to reappear in public until after her Golden Jubilee in 1887
Victoria refused requests by her government to open Parliament in person she withdrew completely from the public eye , spending much of her time at Balmoral Castle, her home in the Scottish Highlands. Then the question was being asked was Victoria earning the money that the state payed her. The public and Parliament were losing their patience with the Queen who was neglecting her duties. Victoria's popularity was at that time at a very low ebb.
Over the years Victoria was again able to regain her popularity and she once again attended public functions and charitable causes.
The cause of Albert's death has said to have been Typhoid fever. Albert died at the age of just 42, years. Helen Rappaport has done a lot of research into this and believes he actually succumbed to a very modern affliction chrohn's disease.
The book is beautifully written and very well researched and one of my best reads of the year!
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Mrs Chippy's Last Expedition
Mrs Chippy's Last Expedition is a journal of Mrs. Chippy the ship cat of the Shackleton expedition. The cat accompanied Ernest Shackleton and his crew on board the Endurance when they set sail from the East India Docks in London on 1 August 1914, bound for the Antarctic.
Mrs Chippy belonged to Henry McNeish the ships carpenter and soon became an important member of the crew. The cat was the chief mouser and rat catcher on board ship and endeared himself to the other crew members. He always seemed to find the warmest and comfortablest places on board ship and enjoyed being fed titbits by the crew.
Mrs Chippy was a real character and regarded the sledge dogs with such contempt and aloofness. The cat tormented the dogs when prowling around and walking on top of the dog kennels. Mrs Chippy was scornful of their howling and noise.
The Endurance became trapped on the ice and despite the crews best efforts to free the ship the crew eventually had to leave the ship and venture forth on the ice and head to the nearest land. They were ordered to carry with them only things of crucial importance, absolute necessities.
The book does not dwell on Mrs Chippy fate but it is clear enough and very sad indeed. I intend to read more about Shakleton's Antartic expedition.
Mrs Chippy belonged to Henry McNeish the ships carpenter and soon became an important member of the crew. The cat was the chief mouser and rat catcher on board ship and endeared himself to the other crew members. He always seemed to find the warmest and comfortablest places on board ship and enjoyed being fed titbits by the crew.
Mrs Chippy was a real character and regarded the sledge dogs with such contempt and aloofness. The cat tormented the dogs when prowling around and walking on top of the dog kennels. Mrs Chippy was scornful of their howling and noise.
The Endurance became trapped on the ice and despite the crews best efforts to free the ship the crew eventually had to leave the ship and venture forth on the ice and head to the nearest land. They were ordered to carry with them only things of crucial importance, absolute necessities.
The book does not dwell on Mrs Chippy fate but it is clear enough and very sad indeed. I intend to read more about Shakleton's Antartic expedition.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Black Diamonds
by Catherine Bailey
Black Diamonds
This book has been one of my favourite reads this year. The book is non fiction and tells of the Fitzwilliam family who were coal mine owners. Tells of the rise and fall of this aristocratic family. There are lots of dark secrets that the family went out of their way to conceal. There is however, a lot more to this story of the Fitzwilliam family, its also a very interesting account of social history of the 20th century and the change in coal industry that had originally made their fortune.
Extremely well researched by Catherine Bailey, who tells how the Fitzwilliam family were well respected by their workers and how the family supported the miners through the general strike. The book tells of the awfull working conditions that the miners were exposed to for a very low wage.
Such a shame that so much of the documentation and letters were deliberately burnt but Catherine Bailey does a fantastic job in restructuring the history.
Black Diamonds
This book has been one of my favourite reads this year. The book is non fiction and tells of the Fitzwilliam family who were coal mine owners. Tells of the rise and fall of this aristocratic family. There are lots of dark secrets that the family went out of their way to conceal. There is however, a lot more to this story of the Fitzwilliam family, its also a very interesting account of social history of the 20th century and the change in coal industry that had originally made their fortune.
Extremely well researched by Catherine Bailey, who tells how the Fitzwilliam family were well respected by their workers and how the family supported the miners through the general strike. The book tells of the awfull working conditions that the miners were exposed to for a very low wage.
Such a shame that so much of the documentation and letters were deliberately burnt but Catherine Bailey does a fantastic job in restructuring the history.
Thursday, 7 July 2011
A Mile of River
A Mile of River by Judith Allnate.
The book is set in the countryside in England in 1976. There is a severe drought and the family farm is already under financial difficulties and the drought just makes the burden even more of a struggle. The father, Henry lives on the remote farm with daughter, Jess and son Tom. Their mother Sylvie walked out on the family years before and the family have heard nothing from her since.
Jess becomes a mother to her younger brother Tom and has a lot of added work given to her helping her father on the farm. Jess wants to do well at school and go to university to study medicine. Jess tries hard to free herself from the restrictive life she is forced to lead. Jess and her mother's life have some parallels, the longing for some independence. Jess' father is a very controlling man I found him to be such a selfish jealous character and could not help but have sympathy for Jess.
The foreboding increases along with the drought and the reader discovers the mystery of Jess's mother's disappearance.
Easy read with good believable characterisation.
The book is set in the countryside in England in 1976. There is a severe drought and the family farm is already under financial difficulties and the drought just makes the burden even more of a struggle. The father, Henry lives on the remote farm with daughter, Jess and son Tom. Their mother Sylvie walked out on the family years before and the family have heard nothing from her since.
Jess becomes a mother to her younger brother Tom and has a lot of added work given to her helping her father on the farm. Jess wants to do well at school and go to university to study medicine. Jess tries hard to free herself from the restrictive life she is forced to lead. Jess and her mother's life have some parallels, the longing for some independence. Jess' father is a very controlling man I found him to be such a selfish jealous character and could not help but have sympathy for Jess.
The foreboding increases along with the drought and the reader discovers the mystery of Jess's mother's disappearance.
Easy read with good believable characterisation.
Monday, 4 July 2011
The Long Shadow
Continuing my reading of the Morland Dynasty by Cynthia Harrod Eagles. This months read has been the 'Long Shadow' this is the sixth book in the series and is set in Yorkshire. The book covers the reign of King James 11 during the restoration. There was a continuation of the characters from the previous book, Annunciata and Ralph Morland. Indeed, Anunciatia is not the most likeable of characters I found her to be very self centred but yet again on the other hand, her character is one of strength, determination and grit which I found compelling to read. Themes in the book are jealousy, betrayal and also the feature of a violent death. Once again looking forward to reading the next in the series. I decided to add some photos of my needle work to my blog seeing as how they are bookish. The designs are from littlehouse needle works, This is the first time I have worked on linen. |
Saturday, 11 June 2011
The Reader
The Reader by Bernard Schlink.
The book begins with the story of fifteen year old Michael Berg and Hanna who is twice his age. Michael meets Hannah as he falls ill on the way home from school and Hanna comes to his aid. Michael returns to thank her and then is seduced by Hanna and they become lovers. Michael is asked to read aloud to Hanna and he spends time reading to her daily.
I began to think that their infatuation for one another was the main focus of the story. However, Hanna then completely disappears from Michael's life and the next time he sees her is when he is a law student and Hanna is on trial for the crimes she has committed as a prison guard.
Hanna tries to defend herself but does so badly and then Micheal realises Hanna's secret that she finds more shameful than her war crimes in Nazi Germany. After the trial Michael carries the knowledge of Hanna's secret with him until he realises he needs to put the past behind him.
The book brings up numerous themes guilt, shame, secrets and betrayal
The book begins with the story of fifteen year old Michael Berg and Hanna who is twice his age. Michael meets Hannah as he falls ill on the way home from school and Hanna comes to his aid. Michael returns to thank her and then is seduced by Hanna and they become lovers. Michael is asked to read aloud to Hanna and he spends time reading to her daily.
I began to think that their infatuation for one another was the main focus of the story. However, Hanna then completely disappears from Michael's life and the next time he sees her is when he is a law student and Hanna is on trial for the crimes she has committed as a prison guard.
Hanna tries to defend herself but does so badly and then Micheal realises Hanna's secret that she finds more shameful than her war crimes in Nazi Germany. After the trial Michael carries the knowledge of Hanna's secret with him until he realises he needs to put the past behind him.
The book brings up numerous themes guilt, shame, secrets and betrayal
Sunday, 29 May 2011
The Coffin Trail
The Coffin Trail by Martin Edwards.
This book is set in the Lake District and is the first in the series of Lake District mysteries.
The book features Daniel Kind an Oxford Historian and Hannah Scarlett who is leading a cold case review team. Great characterisation even down to the minor characters who are all very believable. The novel is drawn together with a clever twist at the end and kept me in suspense right to the last chapter. Plenty of secret pasts and intriguing revelations come to the forefront.
Martin Edwards has written a great book here and I will definitely be following the characters of Daniel and Hannah in the rest of the series.
This book is set in the Lake District and is the first in the series of Lake District mysteries.
The book features Daniel Kind an Oxford Historian and Hannah Scarlett who is leading a cold case review team. Great characterisation even down to the minor characters who are all very believable. The novel is drawn together with a clever twist at the end and kept me in suspense right to the last chapter. Plenty of secret pasts and intriguing revelations come to the forefront.
Martin Edwards has written a great book here and I will definitely be following the characters of Daniel and Hannah in the rest of the series.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
The Black Pearl
The Black Pearl by Cynthia Harrod Eagles is the fifth book in the Morland Dynasty.
The book tells the story of the Morland family's attempt to regain its wealth and position after the devastation of the English Civil War. The book focuses on Annunciata who is the centre of attraction and is both beautiful and aspiring. Annunciata travels to London to join King Charles's court and it is here she discovers the secret of her illegitimacy. The book holds a certain amount of tragic events but draws together with the love between Ralph and Annunciata.
Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
The book tells the story of the Morland family's attempt to regain its wealth and position after the devastation of the English Civil War. The book focuses on Annunciata who is the centre of attraction and is both beautiful and aspiring. Annunciata travels to London to join King Charles's court and it is here she discovers the secret of her illegitimacy. The book holds a certain amount of tragic events but draws together with the love between Ralph and Annunciata.
Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Morbid Taste For Bones By Ellis Peters
This is the First Chronicle of Brother Cadfael.
A young monk of the Benedictine Abbey at Shrewsbury believes he has had encounters with St Winifred. The monk claims that St Winifred tells him that the Saint is unhappy with the lack of care and dedication that her grave receives in the small village in Wales. He also claims that St Winifred wants her bones to be removed and brought to Shrewsbury Abbey in England. The Abbot believes that the monk has real visions and Cadfael is given the job of leading a group from the order to the village in Wales to acquire the bones of St Winifred . Cadfael being Welsh and speaking of the Welsh language is the ideal candidate.
Murder mystery with romance. An easy read with good characterisation.
A young monk of the Benedictine Abbey at Shrewsbury believes he has had encounters with St Winifred. The monk claims that St Winifred tells him that the Saint is unhappy with the lack of care and dedication that her grave receives in the small village in Wales. He also claims that St Winifred wants her bones to be removed and brought to Shrewsbury Abbey in England. The Abbot believes that the monk has real visions and Cadfael is given the job of leading a group from the order to the village in Wales to acquire the bones of St Winifred . Cadfael being Welsh and speaking of the Welsh language is the ideal candidate.
Murder mystery with romance. An easy read with good characterisation.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Reading Blogger
I love to read so have decided today to start a blogg to share my thoughts on the books I read. I like to read Victorian classics, history, both nonfiction and fiction, diaries and letters some of my favourite authors are Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, George Eliot, Charlotte Bronte, Alison Plowden and Claire Tomlin.
I am currently reading my way through the Morland series by Cynthia Harrod Eagles. This series starts in 1443 with 'The war of the Roses' and continues through to 'The Dancing Years' The series was originally intended to compromise of twelve books but has proved to be so popular that it has now been extended to thirty four.
I am currently reading my way through the Morland series by Cynthia Harrod Eagles. This series starts in 1443 with 'The war of the Roses' and continues through to 'The Dancing Years' The series was originally intended to compromise of twelve books but has proved to be so popular that it has now been extended to thirty four.
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