Beautiful places, challenging thoughts, critical reviews
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.
Continue reading “How can one be so nasty?”
A small group of archaeologists of questionable qualification investigate Plato’s account of the advanced island state of Atlantis and its disappearance under the waves. Their research trips take them to Bolzano in Italy, Cornwall, Crete and Malta. In each location they find mysteriously linked artefacts, but soon discover that a group of social reformers is desperately trying to thwart their efforts at explaining their findings.
Continue reading “Unravelled mysteries”
O Lord, my Lord, I see You as a Crystal,
Reflecting varied facets of Your light.
I marvel at Creation, then am dazzled
By seeming shifts between Your love and might.
This collection of eleven short stories fascinated me and my wife as I read them aloud evening by evening. The cocky but sensitive Giulia is always good for some unexpected twist of events. The beautiful language and delightful use of simile drew me into the scenes. But the greatest merit of these tales is the spiritual insight revealed through the heroine’s reactions to her unexpected encounters.
Continue reading “Feminine audacity and spiritual depth”
Suffering – whether it’s physical or emotional – is never easy. It’s particularly difficult to accept and understand as a Christian, when one knows God as a caring Father. Why does He let it happen? Why doesn’t He answer our prayers?
Continue reading “Brave admission”
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 the books: Phantastes.
Continue reading “Soulish travels in Fairy Land”
Is this just a humorous tale of a rich young mother with a delightful family and innumerable online followers?
Financed by her weekend-only, hedge-fund banker husband and her successful social media postings, Isabella and her wonderful children have recently moved from London to a huge ex-rectory in the countryside. She keeps fit with her morning swims and vegan snacks, and spends her days posting photos to social media. Meanwhile, her Latvian au pair cares lovingly for the children, the gardener who came with the house proves very competent, and her cleaner does all the dirty work. What more could she desire in life?
Continue reading “Ups and downs of an influencer”
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.
Before Hal joins the Cistercian Abbey in the heart of medieval Wales and adopts the new name of Hywel, his selfish lust has already done immeasurable harm to those closest to him. When a careless slip of the tongue deeply hurts his fellow novices, he expects to be banished. Much to his amazement, his mentor instead suggests he accompany a pilgrimage to the Holy Island of the Saints.
He soon discovers the other members of the group each have their own hangups and aspirations.
Continue reading “Wounds of the soul”
I have had the privilege of ‘meeting’ Natasha a couple of times on Zoom, hearing her read an extract from her WIP and even singing Abba’s and Awan’s songs that appear in this book. Her invitation to take part in a blog tour to promote the book launch on 6th August 2022 thrilled me. I read the ARC out aloud to my wife – we were both captivated by it – and these are my impressions.
As the cover image implies, this is a deeply moving book. It explores interactions within a single family attempting to survive in a bountiful but unfamiliar world.
Continue reading “Eye-opening, heart-rending”