Many books were read over the holiday period, some of those mentioned were In Search of Moby Dick by Tim Severin a British explorer and historian. Finding my Voice The Peter Brocklehurst Story, the autobiography of this talented tenor. Peter Fitzsimons wrote Kingsford Smith and those Magnificent Men, an aviation hero, this book was full of interesting facts for those interested in anything to do with flying. The Dark Flood Rises a very fluent writer in Margaret Drabble. The Angry Women’s Choir by Meg Bignel is a heartlifting story about some remarkable women. Worth the read this one. The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocum. Ray McMillan a black classical musician undeterred by the prejudice in the world of classical music. A couple of films enjoyed were The Fablemans a Steven Spielberg film and The Lost King – Richard 111 whose body was found under a Leicester car park. An historical novel, The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis, named for the world renowned pair of marble lions that guard the entrance to the New York public library. The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine was as the name suggests a bit scary as was The Night Stalker. In the A-Z Guide to Humans, George the cat brings us the hilarious guide for cats to navigate the world of humans. Another film enjoyed was A Man Called Otto. To join the latest `Paris’ bookshop stories was The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris a tale of love, loss and betrayal. The Countess From Kirribilli born in Sydney in the 1930’s the literary writer captivated the literary circles of London and Europe. Writing under the pseudonym Flynn, Sydney Hopkins wrote Mister God This is Anna a mischievous 4 year old runaway. Erna Walraven gives us Sunset In Spain a couple’s search for new challenges. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn a self-affirming tale of a couple who lost everything, a true story. Elizabeth the First the most educated royal, by Helen Carter, and whilst on the Royals The Spare didn’t curry any favour, a load of hogwash and repetitive was the verdict. A few more to enjoy were Arthur Phillip by Michael Pembroke, The Dover Café of War by Ginny Bell, the first book in the WW11 Saga series brilliantly written and researched. Suggested reads were The Guncle by Steven Rowley, and Fury at Bent Fork by B.S. Dunn. The Art of Forgery explores the intrigues of famous forgeries around the world. Riveting and page turning describes the crime novel The Housemate by Sarah Bailey. A local Benalla girl Sue Watts has written A Lesson in Love which has received good reviews. Sue also visits at the Freemasons Home in Benalla. Last but not least was The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh an historical adventure.
Keep reading! See you all in March.
Geraldine McCorkell