Well developed, larger-than-life characters interacting in somewhat ludicrous situations. The style – many very short chapters – makes it a racing read.
Rather different from most of McCall Smith’s well-known books.
Although this is a continuation of the complex relationships we have discovered in the earlier books of the series, it is a valid standalone story in its own right.
Phantastes by George Macdonald The Complete Works of George MacDonald (Illustrated Edition) includes innumerable books, short stories, poems and sermons by this 19th century Scottish author and minister. A pioneer of fantasy literature, he strongly influenced many fellow writers, such as Lewis Carroll and C. S. Lewis. This is a brief review of one of…
A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers Illicit sexual relations, duplicity, disdain, brutality – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary each experienced most of these indignities, in some cases hatched through their own scheming. And yet these five women, three of whom were not even Israelites, were chosen by God as forebears of the promised…
Cuckoo in the Nest, by Fran Hill Fourteen-year-old Jacky barely survives under the ‘care’ of her dissolute alcoholic father. So Social Services move her to a first-time foster family. Their daughter, Amanda, of similar age, resents her presence and does her level best to get rid of her.
The Victor by Patricia St John Philo, the son of a fisherman in first century Tyre, is traumatised by his sister’s sinister illness. When his father drowns, the family is thrown into poverty. Only little Ione provides a ray of sunshine.
Another brilliantly researched and well-told story of desperately strained relationships. Two overlapping plots lead us on, as we explore the ethics of mercy killing as well as the torment a respected public figure goes through when he falls in love with another woman and his wife disposes of all his possessions.