The Penguin Book of Puzzles by Gareth Moore
This will appeal to many. The Penguin Book of Puzzles by Gareth Moore, is a compendium of conundrums stretching back to’way back when’ and a must for those who enjoy puzzling away.
Quite frankly, this is one to keep that certain someone quiet. Heavens, did I really say that? Well, for those who like a puzzle it is a total treat. I’m hopeless, haven’t the patience and prefer to talk, but on the other hand, Him Indoors, would think ALL his Christmases had come together.
Such a good idea.
The Penguin Book of Puzzles by Gareth Moore. Pub Michael Joseph, £12.99
Devastation Road by Jason Hewitt
Jason Hewitt has written an absolute belter and Devastation Road will not only keep you turning the pages, but will keep you thoughtful and engrossed. Written with empathy, imagination, perception,intelligence, and grace. Not once false note. I loved it.
Spring 1945. Owen wakes up in a field in a country he does not know. Injured and confused he starts to walk but without a memory of who, or what he is. This comes to him in fragments, and so it also comes to us, the reader, though we feel that we are there, alongside Owen, in the novel.
Great great novel and I strongly recommend it.
Jason Hewitt will be talking at the Words for the Wounded LitFest on April 21 2018.
Devastation Road by Jason Hewitt. pub. Scribner pb £8.99
Odd Man Out by Denise Beddows.
Another extraordinary book, this time, true crime by Denise Beddows.
I kept wondering how on earth Beddows found out all that she did about this 1948 Lancashire mill town murder. It is timely with gender fluidity being discussed.
Odd Man Out is the true and sad story of transgendered bus conductress Margaret ‘Bill’ Allen who barely knew the victim, and who was executed for the seemingly motiveless murder of an elderly woman. A woman who was described, even by her family, as abnormal.
It’s a book that wonders whether the verdict of guilty was right, but if it was , why would she do this? It is a painstaking investigation, and threads are discovered, followed, and interwoven into some sort of an explanation.
Well written, absorbing, thought provoking.
Odd Man Out by Denise Beddows. Misbourne Press. Amazon.Co.uk pb £7.99
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Vera Lynn Keep: Smiling Through
My dad met Vera Lynn in the war when she put down at Karachi on that marathon tour to entertain the troops. He thought she was fabulous, as do millions of people, still.
As Vera says: ‘Sometimes I think that I never quite got over that period of my life. My memories of the wartime years are strongest when I think of Burma.’ Indeed, this is what comes over, that this tour was a defining moment for her, after which she thought about herself and the world differently.
Writing with Virginia Lewis-Jones, her daughter, this period comes to life, not just from Dame Vera’s memories but also from the perspective of the troops. It is a book that is valuable to us all, because that war and its aftermath of grim austerity and rebuilding defines many of us; our values and our loyalties, our strengths. This is definitely one for everyone. Lord, how she could sing and still can. Bless her.
Vera Lynn with Virginia Lewis-Jones: Keep Smiling Through. pub Century. £16.99