Beautiful places, challenging thoughts, critical reviews
Für Sergejitsch, einen von nur zwei verbliebenen Einwohnern des kleinen Dorfes in der grauen Zone zwischen der autonomen Volksrepublik Donezk und dem Rest der Ukraine, ist nichts wichtiger als seine Bienen.
Continue reading “Eine Kriegsgeschichte ohne Krieg”
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”
Dies ist ein mächtiges Buch – in jedem Sinne des Wortes. Es ist meisterhaft recherchiert, mit vielen Beispielen untermauert und trotzdem sehr gut lesbar. Sehr empfehlenswert – trotz seiner Länge.
Von der frühen Antike über das Judentum und die grossen Weltreiche der Griechen und Römer mit ihren Glaubensvorstellungen und philosophischen Ansichten, führt Spieker dann in das Zeitalter des christlichen Glaubens. Durch Höhen und Tiefen, mit Hinweisen auf feindliche und freundliche Denker und Machtsucher, zeigt der Autor, wie die Anhänger Jesu meist sehr positive Auswirkungen auf die gesellschaftliche Entwicklung und das Weltgeschehen bewirkten.
Continue reading “Jesus – eine Weltgeschichte von Markus Spieker”
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”
What went on during the undocumented ages of our biblical forefathers’ lives? And who were the ‘other sons and daughters’ they bore? With much inspired fantasy, Natasha Woodcraft brings some of these characters to life in a very realistic manner.
Continue reading “An imaginative, deeply moving story”
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.
Eine unterhaltsame Geschichte über das Leben im Altersheim, die auch wichtige Themen anspricht.
Continue reading “Liebe im Alter”
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”
Diese Erzählung erinnert mich an die schwer verdauliche Bibelstelle: “Der HERR … sucht heim die Missetat der Väter über die Kinder ins dritte und vierte Glied.” (4. Mose 14:18). Kann es sein, dass die Hauptfigur dieser Geschichte tatsächlich ein Opfer des Fehlverhaltens ihrer Vorfahren ist?
Und gibt es wirklich Menschen, die in einer derart hoffnungslosen, vorprogrammierten Lebensbahn gefangen sind, aus der sie nicht ausbrechen können?
Continue reading “Kann ein Leben so verzerrt sein?”
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”