FAT LUTHER, SLIM PICKIN'S

 

TITLE - FAT LUTHER, SLIM PICKIN'S 

WRITTEN BY - MARCIA LANE-MCGEE AND SHANNON WIMP SCHMIDT 

PUBLISHED BY - AVE MARIA PRESS 

PUBLICATION DATE - 11TH FEBRUARY, 2022 

Co-presenters of the podcast “Plaid Skirts and Basic Black” Marcia Lane-McGee and Shannon Wimp Schmidt have written what might appear on the surface to be frivolous book, but which in reality is a remarkably modern and important study of the 21st century Black religious experience, taking in issues of racism, diversity and tolerance, particularly from a female perspective.

Naturally I was attracted to this book by the very quirky title, but I was fully aware that this was a book about religion. Although I am not a religious person, and this kind of book is normally far out of my comfort zone, but Marcia and Shannon are two very articulate ladies making this book a joy to read. 

Referring to themselves as Black Catholic, a reference not to their race but to their rich culture, there is a concise section exploring the history and genesis of the term. And, of course, the relative merits of pre- and post-weight gain Luther Vandross are debated and dissected, although this is not a trivial discussion, but rather one that aims to teach us much about remembering the past. 

The chapters feature stories from the authors’ lives, and at the end of each one are “reflection questions” relating to the chapter’s content; thought-provoking stuff to generate further discussion. Topics covered include soul-food, Black music, religious holidays such as Christmas and Advent, baptism and more, all discussed in Marcia and Shannon’s friendly and accessible way. 

“Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s” is a fun, timely and inspiring triumph, which should give even the staunchest non-believer pause for thought.

BUY FROM AVE MARIA PRESS

OGRES

 

TITLE - OGRES

WRITTEN BY - ADRIAN TCHAIKOVSKY

PUBLISHED BY - REBELLION 

PUBLICATION DATE - 15TH MARCH, 2022 

This is my first time reading something by Adrian Tchaikovsky, but I can safely say that “Ogres” has blown my actual mind. 

I am a sucker for books with unusual structures or writing styles, and this book certainly has them, but the stunning story, set in a pseudo-feudalistic, secret-filled future, is all the better for the author’s clever tricks. 

It’s hard to nail it down to any particular genre as it cleverly changes style so often. It’s dystopian sci-fi then it’s fantasy with a touch of horror; all this in what is quite a short book. This is testament to Tchaikovsky’s skills as a writer that he can keep control of all these spinning plates to create such a superb story. 

With vivid world-building, striking characters and a jaw-dropping ending, “Ogres” is a triumph for Adrian Tchaikovsky and a must-read for sci-fi fans and lovers of nonconformist fiction.

BUY ON BOOKSHOP

THE BODY ON THE MOOR

TITLE - THE BODY ON THE MOOR
WRITTEN BY - REBECCA GRIFFITHS 
PUBLISHED BY - BOOKOUTURE
PUBLICATION DATE - 24TH FEBRUARY, 2022 

Any book based around the location and perpetrators of the infamous Moors Murders in the ‘60s will undoubtedly be controversial, and Rebecca Griffiths states upfront in her author’s note that while her story does feature controversial events and the people involved, it is a work of fiction. So that is the basis on which we should judge it. 
Against the backdrop of cases of missing children, Connie’s daughter Kathy vanishes on the Moors near Manchester, England in 1965. One of the Moors’ inhabitants, Ronald, is desperate to keep his crimes, evidence of which is hidden on the Moors, (a location that becomes far too busy for his liking), secret forever. And what is Connie’s friend Myra and her boyfriend Ian doing on the Moors? 
Myra and Ian are, of course, Myra Hindley and Ian Brady, the real-life perpetrators of the Moors Murders. No favours are done or apologies given for Myra Hindley and Ian Brady character-wise; they are as appalling in print as they were in real life, and they bring an awkward, even uncomfortable, frisson to the story. 
The troubled Ronald is a well-realised tragic character, and there is an interesting contrast between Roland’s pre-war upbringing and reclusive life on the Moors, and the more up to date ‘60s world of Connie and Myra. This is, in a way, Ronald’s story, but we feel for Connie as a mother facing her worst nightmare. 
Rebecca Griffiths’ previous book, “The Girl At My Door”, featured the real-life serial killer John Christie in an entirely fictional story, and to thrilling effect. Continuing the “true-crime fiction” genre, her latest is another powerful and visceral page-turner. Griffiths excels at hammering home every parent’s worst nightmare, and there are also very evocative and vivid descriptions of the Moors and the surrounding areas. The ‘60s period detail is also spot-on as usual. 
Rebecca Griffiths doesn’t use real-life events and people gratuitously or in a slapdash way as a lesser writer would. That said, this book should be approached with caution as the subject matter is disturbing and the story very harrowing in parts, and evokes events that still resonate negatively in Britain today. “The Body on the Moor” is a stunning book that will scare, thrill and anger you. It is testament to Rebecca Griffiths’ skill as a writer just how much you will both love and hate this book.
 

THE INVISIBLE WORLD IS IN DECLINE: BOOK IX

TITLE - THE INVISIBLE WORLD IS IN DECLINE: BOOK IX

WRITTEN BY - BRUCE WHITEMAN 

PUBLISHED BY - ECW PRESS 

PUBLICATION DATE - APRIL 12TH, 2022

Being the culmination of an ongoing, 40-year “long poem” that I am ashamed to admit I am unfamiliar with, “The Invisible World is in Decline: Book IX” by Bruce Whiteman brings the project to a stunning climax in three distinct parts. 

Less like poems than isolated paragraphs, or at times just single lines, “In Disgrace With God” explores lost love, and finds the poet seeing his empty bed as an accusatory constant in his life. Later the text touches on the purpose of a poet and of poetry, namely to be the “suffering artist”. There is pain and beauty here in equal measure.

The second piece is entitled “Wörte ohne Lieder”, literally “songs without words” (a twist on Mendelssohn's “Lied ohne Worte” collection of piano pieces), Bruce Whiteman proffers translations of texts that were set to music over the years; the works of Mahler and Beethoven becoming vaguely modern, pain-filled love letters.

Centrepiece of the collection is “The Nine”, with each numbered section named after the nine Muses. This work is quite wonderful and ostensibly each section corresponds with each Muse’s specific field of expertise. With interjections from the psychopomp, (a guide for souls travelling to the afterlife in Greek mythology, here becoming, according to Whiteman, the master of dreams) it is probably the best literary examination of the pandemic I have ever read. Whiteman utterly nails the isolation and boredom of lockdown-life; reading it left me aching more than my arm after the vaccine. He takes us on a visceral journey through nature as season inexorably follows season, and we get a strong sense throughout of the crushing weight of time and the endless days of nothingness during quarantine. 

Fragile yet occasionally brutal, this collection is sublime. It made a strong impression on me on my first reading, which is a good indication of the quality of the work, and I now feel compelled to explore the previous parts.

FIFTY-FOUR PIGS

TITLE - FIFTY-FOUR PIGS 

WRITTEN BY - PHILIPP SCHOTT

PUBLISHED BY - ECW PRESS 

PUBLICATION DATE - APRIL 19TH, 2022 

Dr. Peter Bannerman is a rational and methodical, mathematically-minded vet in a small Canadian town who often helps his police-officer brother-in-law to solve crimes. The death of fifty-four pigs in an explosion in a farmer’s barn takes on a sinister turn when a human jawbone is found amongst the porcine carnage, and Peter can’t resist investigating in Philipp Schott’s joyously enjoyable mystery novel, “Fifty-Four Pigs”. 

The book is a cozy-ish (there is some strong language) mystery and is really quite excellent. The story is very easy to read with an engaging and quirky lead character; often funny and deliciously offbeat, it is a joy to follow Peter as he doggedly uncovers the truth with the help of his remarkable sniffer dog, Pippin. The town’s various inhabitants are vividly brought to life and we learn much about its colourful history, a favourite subject of Peter’s. The story has plenty of twists and turns and will keep you gripped until the nail biting finale. 

What a breath of fresh air this book is!  Funny, charming and original, “Fifty-Four Pigs” is irresistible and truly unputdownable. A preview of the next title in the series, “Six Ostriches”, is included at the back of the book, which, on the basis of Philipp Schott‘s superb opener, I am eagerly looking forward to.

 

QUEEN VICTORIA - HER LIFE AND LEGACY

TITLE - QUEEN VICTORIA - HER LIFE AND LEGACY 

AUTHOR - PAUL KENDALL 

PUBLISHED BY - PEN & SWORD 

PUBLICATION DATE - FEBRUARY 28TH, 2022 

Arguably Britain’s greatest ever monarch, Queen Victoria’s era is regarded by many as a golden age in British history, and it is hard to argue with that after reading Paul Kendall’s excellent pictorial history, “Queen Victoria - Her Life and Legacy”. 

This book is a visual document of the locations associated with Victoria’s reign, from her place of birth in Kensington Palace, to her death bed;  objects used by her and notable events. There is captivating photography throughout and while it may appear to be a superficial book on the surface, upon reading it becomes clear that this work is a thorough and scholarly history of Queen Victoria’s entire life. Each chapter has a short write-up about the history of the subject, and each passage has real historical depth. 

We get a vivid picture of Victoria’s life, especially her tentative, nervous and grief-laden early years when she assumed the throne aged just 18. Surviving several assassination attempts, she became a powerful monarch who ruled over one of the biggest empires the world had yet seen, creating many institutions and cultural changes which still resonate today. 

A very accessible book that can be understood and enjoyed by all ages, Paul Kendall’s “Queen Victoria - Her Life and Legacy” is richly informative and a joy to read. It is a fitting record of one of the greatest monarchs in British history.

BUY FROM PEN & SWORD

BUY ON BOOKSHOP

BLOG TOUR - BAR KOKHBA | THE JEW WHO DEFIED HADRIAN AND CHALLENGED THE MIGHT OF ROME

TITLE- BAR KOKHBA | THE JEW WHO DEFIED HADRIAN AND CHALLENGED THE MIGHT OF ROME 

AUTHOR -  LINDSAY POWELL 

PUBLISHED BY - PEN & SWORD BOOKS 

PUBLICATION DATE - OUT NOW 

There have been very few people throughout history of whom it can be said that their deeds continue to influence the world long after their time. It is argued by many that Shi’mon Ben Kosiba, aka Bar Kokhba (“Son of the Star”), was one such man, although the details of his remarkable life and impact are little known outside the Jewish faith. Yet the man and his achievements are still lauded and debated today.

Author Lindsay Powell takes a balanced, critical approach to the evidence. He visited ancient sites and uncovered long lost letters; there is a strong sense of discovery as Powell travels through the erstwhile Holy Land in search of his quarry. Bar Kokhba the man is revealed in these scholarly, thoroughly researched pages. Powell effortlessly depicts the turbulent era, with clear explanations of Hadrian’s swift rise to power, becoming an active and popular leader, and the background and history of Judea and the Jewish people; to this day, still a volatile part of the world.

Hadrian rebuilt the ruined Jerusalem, effectively in his own image, at the same time overturning many of the cherished precepts of the faith, causing resentment. Into this powder-keg, Shi’mon Ben Kosiba, a man not without faults, appeared almost out of nowhere, as there is little surviving biographical knowledge about him. He was swiftly accepted as the saviour of the Jewish faith and hailed as the “King Messiah”, fermenting armed resistance against Roman occupation. Destined to be beaten, Ben Kosiba nevertheless planted the seed that eventually led to a clarion call for the creation of a Jewish homeland. Powell also examines the aftermath of the war and its lasting effects on Judaism, including the diaspora and the beginnings of anti-Semitism throughout the following centuries.

 

Fully annotated illustrations, lush colour plates and maps bring the era to vivid life, while a chronology charts the history up to the modern era. There is also a section on relevant places to visit, a glossary of terms, a list of place names, both ancient & their modern equivalent, a bibliography and a comprehensive index. Lavishly produced with a striking cover, this is a heavyweight volume to treasure.

In his preface, author Lindsay Powell freely admits that his book cannot be the last word on the subject due to the limitations in the interpretation and quality of surviving research material, but I think he is being too modest. His book is scholarly and immensely readable; he has reinvigorated an important historical figure for the modern age. This is accessible history suitable for everyone; there’s even a Monty Python reference! The mark of a good history book is how well it tells you something you didn’t know, in which case this book is one of the best I’ve ever read. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindsay Powell is a historian and writer who has a passion for the history of the Roman Empire. He is news editor of Ancient History and Ancient Warfare magazines. His appearances include BBC Radio, Dan Snow's HistoryHit, and History Channel. He is the author of AUGUSTUS AT WAR, EAGER FOR GLORY, GERMANICUS and MARCUS AGRIPPA from Pen and Sword Books. A graduate of the University of Aston in Birmingham, he is a veteran of The Ermine Street Guard re-enactment society. He divides his time between Austin, Texas and Wokingham, England.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUY DIRECT FROM PEN & SWORD

BUY FROM BOOKSHOP

BUY FROM AMAZON

ONE ARM SHORTER THAN THE OTHER

TITLE - ONE ARM SHORTER THAN THE OTHER 

WRITTEN BY - GIGI GANGULY

PUBLISHED BY - ATTHIS ARTS

PUBLICATION DATE - 5TH APRIL, 2022

 Described as speculative fiction, or “spec-fi”,  Gigy Ganguly’s two-part novella “One Arm Shorter Than The Other” is an imaginative and wildly original slice of sci-fi quirkiness. At first the book appears to consist of separate stories of people visiting an unusual repair shop, but they are in fact chapters in one single, stunning novella. Everything is interconnected and spans a vast timeline from the past to the far future. 

Set in Delhi, the proprietor (who has one arm shorter than the other) of a curious shop, “Repair Services”, called “Dadaji” (grandfather) by his granddaughter and assistant Jaya, helps people fix their items but also improves the objects and, sometimes, their lives in unimaginable ways. How he does this is revealed at the end of the story. 

In part one, we meet the shop’s diverse customers: an old man coming to terms with the loss of his wife and his own mortality has his film projector, and his heart, repaired; an ageing, resentful actor’s life changes completely, but ultimately not for the better, when he adjusts the settings of his recently fixed television; and a retired book lover receives a retirement gift of a broken radio and unwittingly lays the foundations for the future itself. 

In part two, we are in the far future, when time travel is a reality, and we are introduced to a young man who is forced to travel into the distant past to repair a terracotta vase. This section of the story is a sci-fi fan’s dream with at least three good ideas for future tech on each page. This is the heart of the tale, and everything that has proceeded it is finally explained. 

This book is a short read but the story is tightly plotted and concise and the characters are well-written and likeable. A story that is both heart-warming and mind bending, “One Arm Shorter Than The Other” is a startlingly original work. It is written in the present tense which gives the tale a sense of immediacy and timelessness. Ganguly’s writing is strongly reminiscent of Philip K. Dick in its use of speculation about the future, and I can’t think of a better compliment. It is science fiction, but not greatly so, and the story remains very human at its heart. I am so glad I took a chance on this magical book and strongly recommend it to lovers of imaginative fiction.

THIS IS MY OFFICE AND NOTES ON MY MOTHER'S DECLINE

TITLE - THIS IS MY OFFICE AND NOTES ON MY MOTHER'S DECLINE 

WRITTEN BY - ANDY BRAGEN 

PUBLISHED BY - NORTHERN UNIVERSITY PRESS

PUBLICATION DATE - 15TH JANUARY, 2022

 Andy Bragen’s book contains two short, autobiographical and quietly powerful plays entitled “This Is My Office” and “Notes On My Mother’s Decline”. 

“This Is My Office” is an unconventional, metafictional work where the fact that the play features an actor playing a character in a play is freely acknowledged. We follow Andy Bragen himself who delivers a monologue while taking the “audience” on a tour of his office space, and ultimately of his life. He often breaks the fourth-wall (or whatever it’s called in a stage-play) to address the audience, regretting his failure to get to the point of the play. Andy talks about unfinished screenplays, his childhood, his parents; sleeping in his office and binging on doughnuts. Along the way there is a funny reference to the film “Naked Gun”, personal confessions and a final reconciliation with his father which culminates in a very moving ending. 

“Notes on My Mother’s Decline” is a two-handler, equally unconventional in written form in that the text isn’t structured like a play. There is only one stage direction -  “Mother” speaks the lines in bold and “Son” speaks the lines that aren’t. The son speaks short sentences about what his mother is doing in her apartment - smoking, sleeping, drinking coffee - while the mother’s lines narrate her steady decline in health in the form of one-sided conversations, both on the phone and in person. This is only changed at the end of the play, when the mother and son are finally “together”. Like its predecessor, this play is incredibly personal, often embarrassingly so, with a shocking twist towards the end. The end itself is, once again, intensely moving. 

I found reading both plays an incredibly moving experience. They must be very powerful when performed. I haven’t encountered Andy Bragen’s work before but I am immensely glad that I took a chance on this wonderful book.

BUY IT ON BOOKSHOP.ORG!

1984 - THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

TITLE - 1984 - THE GRAPHIC NOVEL 

ADAPTED & ILLUSTRATED BY -  MATYAS NAMAI

PUBLISHED BY - PALZZO EDITIONS 

PUBLICATION DATE - 4TH NOVEMBER, 2021 

 Any new adaptation of “Nineteen Eighty-Four” is to be welcomed, and Matyas Namai’s graphic novel, rechristened “1984”, is a glorious addition to English literature’s dystopian library. It’s obvious from the lavish production values of this volume that this is a major adaptation of George Orwell’s timeless classic. 

Like most people I know the story well, so there’s no need to recap it here. Originally a commentary on Stalinism, it has become an eternal warning against the horrors of totalitarianism. The omnipresent Big Brother resembles a faded 1930s matinee idol, with a touch of Oswald Mosley, which is appropriate, and Winston Smith is aptly depicted as a downtrodden slave of the system. With the art mostly in harsh monochrome, Julia’s red sash is a vivid splash of colour, and she is drawn as a loyal party member, but she softens later on whilst remaining a strong character. O’Brien, the main antagonist, for want of a better word, is perfectly rendered as a ruthless and barbaric Party member.

The lettering throughout is small and not as bold as is usually the case with comics; this story demands your close attention-this isn’t a Marvel comic to be read in five minutes and discarded. The speech-bubbles are often densely packed with words, necessary to properly convey Orwell’s work. The script is rigorously faithful to the source material, even including prose extracts from Emmanuel Goldstein’s forbidden book.  

Namai’s art throughout is emotive and effective, spare and economical; reminiscent of the best artists of 70s. The panels depicting Winston Smith’s world are dark, cramped and dirty, while the scenes of Winston & Julia’s furtive trysts in the outside world are wildly free and refreshing. Later scenes of interrogation are forensically brutal and utterly haunting. And beyond all that is Room 101…

The book is rounded off with galleries, original character sketches, rough drafts of the excellent propaganda posters used throughout, etc. The amount of work that went into this graphic novel is staggering. 

Matyas Namai’s adaptation both respects and maybe even improves on Orwell’s original story. It brings “1984” to visceral, vivid life, kicking and screaming, and is doubleplusgood.

BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

THE CAT WHO SAVED BOOKS

 

TITLE -  THE CAT WHO SAVED BOOKS 

WRITTEN BY - SOSUKE NATSUKAWA

TRANSLATED BY - LOUISE HEAL KAWAI 

PUBLISHED BY - PAN MCACMILLAN/PICADOR

PUBLICATION DATE - 16TH SEPTEMBER, 2021

Combining two of my favourite things, cats and books, “The Cat Who Saved Books” by Sosuke Natsukawa was a pleasant, quirky surprise. 

Following the death of his grandfather, the proprietor of a secondhand bookshop, Rintaro Natsuki prepares to close the shop for good and move away when a tabby cat called Tiger saunters into the store and whisks Rintaro away on a bizarre quest to rescue “imprisoned” books from a succession of labyrinths. Tiger is, of course, a talking cat and sassy with it.

The intrepid and unlikely duo meet many colourful characters along the way, including a man who reads thousands of books but never rereads any as there are too many to get through, another who cuts up books to enable speed reading, and one who wishes only to sell books as disposable products. All are deemed by Tiger to have imprisoned, harmed or treated books badly and so must be put to rights by this odd couple and their books freed. 

Author Sosuke Natsukawa, a Japanese doctor, has already enjoyed success with his previous book, the title of which translates as “God’s Medical Records”, which was made into a film in Japan. It wouldn’t surprise me if his latest book received the same treatment; it has the feel of a Studio Ghibli-type film. 

Translated skilfully and sympathetically by Louise Heal Kawai, the book is written in what appears to be a fairly simple way; this is not a bad thing because it makes the true depth of the story more profound. Rintaro is a lost soul at the beginning, often repeating “Grandpa, this is messed up” to himself as he tries to come to terms with his grandfather’s passing, but by the end of the story he gains strength and purpose. Tiger is a catalyst for Rintaro’s growth as a person. I cannot fault this book, other than to bemoan the fact that it isn’t longer! 

Overall, “The Cat Who Saved Books” is a quirky, fun and touching joy for those who love books…and cats!

BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

CULT OF THE SPIDER QUEEN

TITLE - CULT OF THE SPIDER QUEEN 

WRITTEN BY - S. A. SIDOR

PUBLISHED BY - ACONYTE BOOKS

PUBLICATION DATES -  

PAPERBACK USA - 7TH DECEMBER, 2021 

EBOOK UK/USA - 7TH DECEMBER, 2021 

PAPERBACK UK - 20TH JANUARY, 2022 

Ah, spiders. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there’s lot of ‘em in “Cult of the Spider Queen”, the latest skincrawling story in the Arkham Horror series, so arachnophobes beware. I should know, I am one. 

A mysterious package takes plucky Arkham Advertiser reporter Andy van Nortwick to the jungles of the Amazon on the trail of missing actress and movie director, Maude Brion, who vanished a year ago but is rumoured to be alive. What Andy and his team of explorers find there will drive them to the edge of sanity and take the reader along for the ride. 

This is the first novel from the Arkham Horror range that I’ve read and if it’s indicative of the quality of the other books then I’ll be reading them ASAP. Author S.A.Sidor captures the era beautifully and writes so well that this book will definitely not be the one to make me love spiders. In one scene there are thousands of them which will test the resolve of even the most ardent arachnid lover. And, yes, there really is a Spider Queen, and she’s big, but Sidor keeps her mostly in the shadows which is very effective. There is also a strong Lovecraftian vibe which is a constant, oppressive presence in the background of the story. The characters are well-rounded and believable and the story is perfectly paced. Chapters are short and snappy making the book a real page-turner. 

From the gloriously schlocky (in a good way) title to the exacting 1920s period details, “Cult of the Spider Queen” is a note-perfect, pulpy rollercoaster that reminds me of those weekly cinema serials back in the day such as “Flash Gordon” and King of the Rocketmen”, and it would be awesome if it was developed now for TV or a movie. This book is a must for horror fans and masochistic spider-haters alike.

BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

DUSKBORN RADIANCE Vol. 1 - A MOTHER'S QUESTION

TITLE  - DUSKBORN RADIANCE Vol. 1 - A MOTHER'S QUESTION 

WRITTEN BY - PASQUALE DI FALCO 

PUBLISHED BY - ATMOSPHERE PRESS 

PUBLICATION DATE - 28TH OCTOBER, 2021 

In the opening chapter of “Duskborn Radiance Volume 1 - A Mother’s Question”, we are introduced to siblings Caterina, Dominic and Amadeus and their fellow villagers who are all Brethren. Watched from afar by a mysterious sorceress, all three are on the path to a destiny they cannot imagine, and may not even be ready for. This coming-of-age is set against the cosmos-spanning drama of good versus evil that is playing out in the universe around them. 

Pasquale di Falco has an interesting writing style; well-suited to the fantasy genre, it takes some getting used to but if you give it a chance, the story really flows as all the usual fantasy tropes are thrown into the mix; simple folk living a simple life in a rustic village with hints of faded magic and a shadowy enemy. But this is turned on its head in the next chapter as we’re thrust into a hard-boiled sci-fi story on a cruise-ship in space, and Di Falco proves himself adept at writing for this genre too. The reader is left wondering what this has to do with the world we have just been introduced to, but the relevance soon becomes apparent. Di Falco manages to create a palpable sense of growing power, both benign and malevolent. In this sense it is very much a slow-burning story that rewards close attention, and tasks the reader to patiently discover its secrets.

The story does feel a little bogged down at times with exposition and world-building, and the history of the world is sometimes a little hard to follow, but the characters are well-realised and the story is deep and absorbing so you don’t mind the odd slow paragraph. When you get properly into the story you realise the stakes are not just high, they are stratospheric. 

The story is blessed with a colourful cast of characters and alien species, including a female with a forehead a foot high. There are little character quirks such as Caterina having very long hair which she neither cuts nor washes, leading to her being admonished by her mother. The villain of the piece is wonderfully evil but also subtly nuanced, so he is much more than just a baddie.

Merely the beginning of an epic new fantasy fable, “A Mother’s Question” is a genre-busting triumph and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.

 

BREZHNEV -THE MAKING OF A STATESMAN

TITLE - BREZHNEV -THE MAKING OF A STATESMAN

WRITTEN BY - SUSANNE SCHATTENBERG

PUBLISHED BY - I.B. TAURIS/BLOOMSBURY ACADEMIC

PUBLICATION DATE - 4TH NOVEMBER, 2021

Described as “Khrushchev without Khrushchev”, in 1964 Leonid Brezhnev replaced the “arrogant leadership” of that Russian premier with an ostensibly more democratic form of “collective rule” and a term in office of eighteen years - second only to Stalin’s in length. Fond of hunting, fast cars and male bonding sessions with the other members of the Politburo at his hunting lodge where he could be the alpha male, Brezhnev was a striking contrast to the previous leaderships. Forging strong relationships with his staff, he established himself as a leader that nobody had cause to fear. This would be played out on a larger scale with Brezhnev’s seemingly sincere desire to be “Europe’s greatest peacemaker”, a drive cut short by his own failing health and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. 

My abiding memories of Brezhnev are of an inscrutable, bushy-eyebrowed and slightly scary man on grainy late 70s/early 80s news programmes - a distant, unknowable and oh-so Russian part of my childhood. I know much more about him after reading this excellent book, and even cautiously admire him. Brezhnev was a man of contradictions, an aspiring actor in his youth with many aspects of his life eventually being hidden from the public (such as his generally apolitical upbringing and early life ) and it is this side that Susanne Schattenberg explores in this scholarly, revealing biography, translated competently from the original German by John Heath. 

Schattenberg’s book joins a very small list of Brezhnev biographies, due to the man himself not attracting the same attention as some of his more “celebrated” predecessors, and also to the difficulty in accessing original files. With restrictions easing a little in recent years, the author was able to make an almost exhaustive trawl of the available archives, enhanced by the inclusion of diary entries and memoirs by Brezhnev’s contemporaries and colleagues at the time. 

Fully illustrated with photographs, some familiar - Brezhnev was the first party leader to have their own personal photographer - while other shots are candid and more revealing. It is that photographer’s own photos that have been used in this book, and they certainly show Brezhnev’s more human and charismatic side. Susanne Schattenberg discovers a man who strove to be more healer than hardliner, and someone who cared deeply for the working people and listened to their problems. She stresses that she hasn’t attempted to whitewash Brezhnev, but merely strove to show all sides of his character.

And in that respect, “Brezhnev: The Making of a Statesman” is a triumph. The writing is concise and lucid and this is much more than just a dry and boring political biography. For example, the chapter on Brezhnev’s foreign policy and his desire to build trust with foreign leaders is riveting and enlightening. The book is biography as archaeology, as Susanne Schattenberg has unearthed a wealth of firsthand knowledge about Brezhnev the man, and her book must be regarded as the definitive work on this much-maligned and misunderstood statesman.

 BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

THE BOOK OF GRIEF AND HAMBURGERS

TITLE - THE BOOK OF GRIEF AND HAMBURGERS 

WRITTEN BY - STUART ROSS 

PUBLISHED BY - ECW PRESS 

PUBLICATION DATE - 5TH APRIL, 2022 

 Hamburgers have featured heavily in Stuart Ross’ poems over the years. Usually introduced, according to the poet himself, when emotions were running high and some levity was needed, they work overtime in this remarkable book. 

In the mostly autobiographical, aptly-titled “The Book of Grief and Hamburgers”, Stuart Ross discusses vegetarianism, Jewishness, Kafka, hamburgers and even people called Hamburger, but mostly he writes about grief; grief following the death of his brother, (something I can relate to), the death of friends and about famous writers who wrote about grief….and hamburgers. A book-length essay, written in verses much like a long poem, the text flows easily, its length unnoticed or irrelevant, like a conversation with an old friend. Famous quotes from films and notable last words pepper the book, albeit after having been “hamburger-fied” (my word for having key words removed and replaced with “hamburger”. Drawings, family photos and poems by other poets also make poignant appearances. 

If you hadn’t already guessed, this is a tough book. As it progresses, the reader gets the impression that Ross is using hamburgers as a “safe space” (to use a modern term) to avoid facing his grief. And there is a lot of it, as friend after friend contacts him to tell him they are either ill or already facing death. Being surrounded by death prompts him to consider suicide. Correctly identifying grief as more of a process of coming to terms, he invites the reader along for the ride. He asks difficult questions - what were his brothers’ last thoughts? Did they know they were dying? Questions that we have undoubtedly asked ourselves at such times. 

Ross makes the profound and affecting observation that he is alive in a world where he will never talk with his parents or brothers again, and wishes he could not be alive himself. At one point he realises that he is procrastinating about facing his own grief in the book, but the reader is happy to stick with him, especially when it’s this well-written.

This stunning work is a eulogy for those who have already passed, and a pained scream for connection with those who are still living. Cathartic, profound, remorseful and brilliant, “The Book of Grief and Hamburgers” is about grief and learning how to grieve, about seeing someone for what might be the last time, and as someone who has been very recently bereaved, at times the book is almost too much to bear. Anyone holding out for a happy ending will be disappointed, but as a way of working through grief this book is a therapy session that you’ll be glad you signed up for.

MURMURATION

TITLE - MURMURATION 

WRITTEN BY - BLAKE AUDEN

PUBLISHED BY - CENTRAL AVENUE PUBLISHING

PUBLICATION DATE - OUT NOW 

 Oh my…this is raw. 

To quote Blake Auden - “Some days poetry is the stitches other days it’s the wound”. 

“Murmuration” is a collection of untitled poems in three parts, (or three long poems) some lasting for only a few sentences, others longer. Each one is a tortured scream of emotion over a lost love. Approaching poetry as a form of cathartic healing, Auden uses spare, fragile words to puncture the page as he shares his constant pain. But as the quote above shows, sometimes poetry does more harm than good. Getting these emotions out on to the page seems to be an almost violent act. 

Interspersed throughout the book are drawings, like small boxes, containing short poems and doodles in black ink, deeply scratched circles of emotion and images of Auden’s ever-present ghosts. Mostly we get white pages with black text, but there are also black pages; these always come as a surprise making the sparse words on the pages more visceral. Auden has distilled emotion and meaning down to its barest, most potent form. 

I could easily quote the entire book, but here are just a couple of extracts - 

“…the word goodbye is no longer carrion  in my throat”

“your name is the softest word I have for suffocation. the gentlest way i know to drown.”

There are far too many breathtaking lines to quote; I should stop now as this pretty much killed me - 

“the truth is you fell in love with the words and not the broken hands that wrote them”

2021 is fast becoming a stellar year for poetry. I feel privileged to have discovered Auden’s work and I was truly shaken by this collection of stunning poetry. I urge everyone to read Blake Auden’s poetry, but prepare to have your heart ripped out. 

BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

SIR ALEX - SIMPLY THE BEST

 

TITLE - SIR ALEX SIMPLY THE BEST 

WRITTEN BY - HARRY HARRIS 

PUBLISHED BY - AD LIB PUBLISHERS 

PUBLICATION DATE - 14TH OCTOBER 2021

Often controversial, sometimes arrogant, intimidating but respected and with the achievements to back it up, Sir Alex Ferguson, known to nearly everyone in the game as The Boss or Gaffer, is widely regarded as one of the best football managers ever. A tough upbringing in one of the roughest parts of Glasgow filled the young Alex Ferguson with determination and a strong work ethic that helped him achieve his unprecedented success at Manchester United that may never be equalled. 

A book entitled “Simply The Best” is probably not going to be very critical about its subject, but it’s none the worse for it. Respected football writer Harry Harris errs on the side of caution regarding any unsavoury aspects of Sir Alex’s personality and methods but as an overview to Fergie’s life, “Simply The Best” is a solid and often funny read, and written fully in tribute to Alex Ferguson. 

Ex-players share their sometimes comical experiences of being on the receiving end of Fergie’s infamous “hairdryer”. Other footballing legends including “Pizzagate”, the “Tunnel of Hate” incident and Eric Cantona’s gymnastics are all covered. Fergie’s sweeping changes on joining United are explored; ending the drinking culture in the club, bringing in younger players, selling the Man U “brand” worldwide. Much of what he did was controversial at the time but Fergie had the backing of the MU board who gave him the time to turn the failing club around. The plaudits from the book’s contributors are almost entirely glowing and deeply respectful of Ferguson, even after they’ve been on the receiving end of his rage. To many young MU players he was a father figure. 

Due to it being very much a collection of anecdotes, the book doesn’t flow very well at times, but it is always interesting and there are nuggets to be found; there is a very revealing chapter on the players who nearly signed for MU, for example. Other chapters examine Ferguson’s love of fine wine and horse racing, and also his dislike of the media and his spats with players and managers such as Kevin Keegan. 

It is written without frills and many of the anecdotes are brutally honest and enlightening. We get a vivid picture of the real Alex Ferguson - relentlessly determined, passionate and honest. This isn’t the greatest Alex Ferguson book ever written, and isn’t really for casual readers, but it is recommended for fans of Fergie, Manchester United and football management.

BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

PETROGRAD

TITLE - PETROGRAD

WRITTEN BY - PHILIP GELATT

ART BY - TYLER CROOK 

PUBLISHED BY - ONI PRESS

PUBLICATION DATE - 11TH JANUARY, 2022

In 1916, in the midst of the First World War, the Russian city of Petrograd stands on the brink of revolution while Russia secretly attempts to broker peace with Germany. One of the most incendiary people in this powderkeg is alleged holy man Rasputin, the “mad monk”, trusted advisor to the Tsarina, and, as the official history dubs him, Russia’s greatest love-machine. Already the subject of gossip in the trenches and city streets, the Tsarina puts more and more faith in Rasputin’s advice. Eventually outstaying his welcome, the major players of the day plot to dispose of him in one of the most “extra” assassinations in history. “Petrograd” is the story of how a British intelligence agent gets caught up in these turbulent events. 

Tyler Crook’s artwork in “Petrograd” is quite stunning. It appears simplistic at first glance, but on closer inspection it blows you away. Some panels are filled with quiet emotion and depth, while others burst with kinetic action. Each one almost tells a story in its own right. The shape and positioning of the frames on each page is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The horrors of the Western Front and the faded grandeur of the streets of Petrograd and its people are vividly and memorably rendered. 

Philip Gelatt’s story is concise, tight and unflinchingly brutal when it needs to be. The shadow of Rasputin falls on every page even when he isn’t present. A story about secrets and conspiracies, it is a perfectly paced tale that leads up to the kinetic and brutal scenes of the assassination itself. The messy aftermath, which leads to full blown revolution in Russia, is powerfully intense. The characters are all well-rounded with believable motivations and distinct voices, from the conflicted Cleary to the hedonistic Rasputin himself. 

Presented here in a new edition, ten or so years after the original release, “Petrograd” is easily one of the best, most compelling historical graphic novels I have ever read and it comes highly recommended. 

BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

A SHORT HISTORY OF COFFEE

TITLE - A SHORT HISTORY OF COFFEE 

AUTHOR - GORDON KERR

PUBLISHED BY - OLDCASTLE BOOKS 

From the Boston Tea Party to the French Revolution, from business meetings to first dates, the humble bean has been the beverage of choice to accompany momentous and everyday events for hundreds of years. Gordon Kerr traces its history from its earliest appearance up to the present day.. 

The drink we know and love today dates back to prehistoric Ethiopia but was first mentioned in print in the 10th century, when an Arab physician discovered that it “fortifies the members…and gives an excellent smell to all the body.” And apparently the Prophet Muhammad could “unhorse forty men and possess forty women” after drinking an early form of coffee. Not exactly the kind of behaviour one is used to seeing in Costa, but anyone who has enjoyed a cup of black coffee first thing in the morning knows where he was coming from. Facts like this abound in this excellent book by Gordon Kerr. Comfy sofas in coffee shops? Introduced by two Syrian coffee-house owners in the 16th century.

Kerr also explores the darker side of coffee’s history, as its cultivation has often involved slave labour. The sections on this will shock you, especially when we are told that slave labour persists in some coffee-producing countries to this day. 

Coffee has also caused religious turmoil. In 16th century Cairo, when a preacher declared that coffee drinkers were not true followers of Muhammad it caused a riot, with worshippers attacking and burning a coffee house to the ground. 

Coffee has also played a significant role in the cultural history of Europe, and Kerr explores its growth in countries such as France, Germany and especially, as you’d expect, Italy. A chapter is also devoted to coffee’s impact on the Americas. 

The book is peppered with quotes from historical figures on encountering the miraculous drink. King Charles II, concerned about London coffee houses being used to spread gossip and “fake news”, sought to suppress them and coffee itself. He didn’t succeed. 

Gordon Kerr’s book is a well-written, meticulously researched, funny and thought-provoking history of our favourite beverage, with an astounding fact on every page, and is recommended reading for coffee lovers everywhere. 

BUY IT ON BOOKSHOP.ORG!

THE BLUE BOOK OF NEBO

TITLE - THE BLUE BOOK OF NEBO

WRITTEN BY - MANON STEFFAN ROS 

PUBLISHED BY - FIREFLY PRESS 

PUBLICATION DATE - FEBRUARY 6TH, 2022 

A post-apocalyptic novel set in the year 2026, “The Blue Book of Nebo” tells the story of Dylan, his mother, Rowenna, and baby Mona who eke out a living in the isolated village of Nebo in north-west Wales, learning new skills, and returning to the old ways of living. They are surviving in the aftermath of a catastrophe that Rowenna names “The End”, when the electricity went off for good following a nuclear war, and life changed forever. Despite the close relationship between them, the mother/son dynamic changes as Dylan must look after the family unit. Both of them have secrets, and these secrets are revealed as they record their thoughts and memories in a found notebook - the Blue Book of Nebo. Dylan writes about “now” and his mother writes about the “olden days and The End”. They agree not to read what the other writes…”in case”, but Dylan doesn’t know what that means. The story unfolds in Dylan and his mother’s entries in the Blue Book. 

Dylan is too young to fully remember the time before and just after The End and things like computers and mobile phones which his mother took for granted; he measures distances in “steps” as this is a measurement directly related to his daily experience of getting from A to B. Dylan’s “voice” is simple and unfussy, strongly evoking a life of hardship and necessity. But he is intelligent, resourceful and mature beyond his years, and he eventually realises that he “fits” into this new life. 

Rowena’s sections speak of the breakdown of society and panic buying in supermarkets, which resonates strongly with our current times. Rowenna is remarkably resourceful when The End comes, but she is permanently affected by it; she has been hardened and her sections are quite heartbreaking to read as we learn the truth about what happened to her after The End. 

Translated from the original Welsh-language edition, which was awarded Welsh Book of the Year in 2019, this book resonates with me as a native of that country, and many Welsh books are mentioned in the story; there is also a subtext about the loss of the Welsh language. Dylan loves to read and books are almost like characters in this story. The writing throughout is spare, concise and affecting. This is described as a YA novel, but the story transcends that rather restrictive tag by being quite harrowing in parts, and can be enjoyed by an older audience. Terrific and memorable in any language, with a profound ending, “The Blue Book of Nebo” is an absolute triumph.

 

BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

MARVEL - XAVIER'S INSTITUTE | SCHOOL OF X

TITLE - MARVEL - XAVIER'S INSTITUTE | SCHOOL OF X

EDITED BY - GWENDOLYN NIX 

PUBLISHER - ACONYTE BOOKS 

PUBLICATION DATES - 

EBOOK - DECEMBER 7, 2021

US PAPERBACK - DECEMBER 7, 2021

UK PAPERBACK - JANUARY 6, 2022 

 “School of X”, edited by Gwendolyn Nix, the latest book in the Marvel - Xavier’s Institute series, consists of seven short stories set in the new Charles Xavier Institute which is located inside a disused underground Weapon X facility. It features the exploits of the next generation of X-Men under the tutelage of senior mutants including Emma Frost, Cyclops, and Magneto. The stories are written by, among others, the authors of the previous books in the series. These new X-Men must fight alternative versions of themselves, battle psychic visions, vengeful cyborgs and more, whilst also coming to terms with their own powers and identities. 

The first story, “Your Fifteen Minutes” by Jaleigh Johnson, takes place on movie night in the Institute. After watching the exploits of a cinematic hero, Fabio Medina longs for his fifteen minutes of fame in which he can be the hero and save the day, and gets it. The story is fast-paced and twisty, with a surprising, feel-good ending. A solid start. 

“Call of the Dark” by Robbie MacNiven is a tense, redemptive tale as Graymalkin strives to conquer his fear of the dark, which may also mean conquering himself, in the deepest, darkest parts of the underground Xavier Institute. It’s dark and brilliantly written, with hints of the larger X-Men lore. MacNiven also wrote the previous novel “First Team”, and this story has references to it as well as some recurring characters. 

The third story is “Uncatchable” by Cath Lauria, and features one of the Institute’s oldest students, David Bond, AKA Hijack, who is able to control vehicles, wanting some “me-time” away from the Institute by taking part in a road race that turns out to be much more than it appears. This is a fun and exciting story with some great banter between Hijack and Alisa Tager, AKA Cipher, and well-written action. 

In “Eye of the Storm” by Amanda Bridgeman, Iara/Shark Girl and Sooraya/Dust, under the protection (kinda) of Santo/Rockslide, are building a dam in a river at risk of flooding and exposing the Institute when Shark Girl’s curiosity leads them into a battle for their lives. This is very much a traditional story, solidly exciting and action-packed with a boo-able villain. 

Fifth story “Of Dirt And Bones” by Pat Shand stars the so-called Stepford Cuckoos, psychic triplets Celeste, Irma and Phoebe. This is more of a visceral horror story than the rest, as Phoebe and Benjamin Deeds/Morph face nature fighting back. It also touches on the fact that mutants are seemingly born to fight their entire lives. 

“Kid Omega Faces The Music” by Neil Kleid is narrated by the powerful but fun-loving and rebellious psychic mutant, Kid Omega. Attempting to steal the ultimate piece of memorabilia from his favourite actor, he instead finds himself transported to pivotal moments in X-Men history. But will he be tempted to change it? And is he really having a crisis of conscience? It’s a fun romp yet also a profound and redemptive journey and one of the longer stories in the book, along with the final tale, “Depowered” by Carrie Harris. 

Left on their own while the teachers attend a meeting, the students have the worst party ever in the Danger Room which is interrupted by the arrival of unexpected guests who have a plan to fix the catastrophe of M-Day when many mutants lost their powers. Soon, however, an outside threat forces the students to finally bond as a team. This is a cracking story, with blistering action and strong character moments. 

All the stories in this collection are very good while some are really excellent; they don’t drag and just get on with telling the story. The tales feature callbacks to earlier novels in the series but can be read and enjoyed as standalone stories; indeed, they invite the reader to check out the other books which will enhance these stories even further. Obviously, this is a vastly different experience from watching an X-Men movie, but shorn of glossy visuals, the stories are more character driven and are much better for it. As with all the novels in Aconyte’s Marvel range this book is well-written, pulse-pounding fun.

BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

******************************************************************

I received an advanced reading copy of this book in return for an honest review.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.

For more information visit marvel.com. © MARVEL 2021

DECADES - JOY DIVISION & NEW ORDER

Full disclosure - I don’t really like Joy Division or New Order, but if ever a book was going to make me like them, then “Decades” by John Aizlewood would be the closest thing to it. 

Forever the darlings of the music critics, there has always been a sense that both groups are bulletproof and beyond true criticism. Like Berlin-era Bowie, Morrissey and The Smiths, someone has decided that THEY ARE IMPORTANT, and we need to keep talking about them, even when they’re being rubbish. Luckily, John Aizlewood is very good at talking about Joy Division and New Order. This book is for both hardcore fans and those whose knowledge extends only to knowing that Joy Division did “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and New Order did that surprisingly good World Cup song. 

As author John Aizlewood maintains in his history of the two bands, Ian Curtis “meant it”. Indeed, I think this is a crucial factor in their lasting importance. Dying young, ostensibly on the cusp of greatness, his legend remains preserved in aspic because he didn’t live long enough to become rubbish. Aizlewood writes vividly and economically on the early years of the band members and offers insightful analyses on each album and single; this is a real fan speaking. Lucid “sleeve notes” sidebars accompany the dissection of each album. 

Emerging from the “dirty old town” of postwar Manchester, a deprived yet indomitable city, grammar school boys Bernard Dicken (later Albrecht then Sumner) and Peter “Hooky” Woodhead bonded at school (sort of) over a shared love of music and misbehaviour. On meeting the intense and married Ian Curtis, the band Warsaw was formed, to some acclaim, with Stephen Morris eventually warming the drum stool. As Aizlewood memorably puts it, only death would change the lineup. After a necessary name-change, Joy Division were born, honing their dystopian music as a reaction to the post-industrial surroundings of Manchester. Aizlewood writes unsensationally on the suicide of Ian Curtis, quoting music press obits of the time, one of which claimed Ian’s death “froze” Joy Division in an eternal moment of almost making it. To do that, they would have to reinvent themselves as New Order, recruiting Stephen Morris’ girlfriend, Gillian Gilbert, on keyboards. 

All of that band’s hits & misses, highs & lows, splits & reunions, solo projects of varying quality and nightclub-owning shenanigans are examined by Aizlewood as New Order initially struggle to exorcise the ghosts of Ian Curtis and Joy Division. The biggest-selling 12” record (remember them?) of all time, “Blue Monday”, would change all that. New Order’s latter years are a litany of strained inter-band relationships, financial mismanagement and Hooky’s alcoholism; painful to read but sadly essential when discussing this particular band’s history. 

Saturated with cultural references from one of the greatest ever music eras and fully illustrated with photographs, (complete with irreverent captions), “Decades” is erudite but also incredibly funny; John Aizlewood eschews the usual pretentiousness that Joy Division engender in favour of a writing style which borders on satire. But his admiration for the music comes through strongly. The result is as good a history of Joy Division and New Order (including all the awkward things associated with them) that we could ever hope for. “Decades” is an outstanding, coffee-table-friendly history of two of the most interesting bands ever to come out of Britain.

BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

    

THE POPE'S GREATEST ADVERSARY | GIROLAMO SAVONAROLA

TITLE - THE POPE'S GREATEST ADVERSARY | GIROLAMO SAVONAROLA

AUTHOR - SAMANTHA MORRIS 

PUBLISHED BY - PEN & SWORD

 A lively and intelligent young man who was hungry for knowledge, Girolamo Savonarola’s unrequited love for the “girl next door” led him to depression and a hatred of corruption in the Church and the profligate ways of the rich. Resolving to take Holy Orders after hearing a friar delivering a passionate sermon, he set out on the path which would eventually lead him into conflict with Italy’s most powerful rulers and a brutal public execution, the grisly details of which we are not spared in these pages. 

“The Pope’s Greatest Adversary - Girolamo Savonarola” by Samantha Morris is aptly titled. A powerful orator who over-reached himself, he caught the public imagination at an incendiary and God-fearing time in history, and was said to preach with a “voice of thunder” as he predicted cataclysmic events, one of which ostensibly came true and only added to his power. One could argue that Savonarola was a kind of Renaissance Rasputin, who also had a swift rise to influence and power, had both powerful friends and enemies and met a brutal end. Was Savonarola a positive force for change or simply a clever demagogue? The speed and simplicity with which he was able to oust the ruling Medici family and effectively rule Florence seems incredible to our modern eyes, but these were very different times.

And what are we to make of the “Bonfire of the Vanities” - public burnings in which thousands of works of art and literature were destroyed for being ungodly in the eyes of Savonarola and his cronies. A complicated and imperfect man, then, but an important one; certainly he was considered dangerous enough for Pope Alexander VI to attempt to silence and then excommunicate him. By the time of his downfall, Savonarola had obviously begun to believe he was untouchable. 

Fully illustrated with paintings of Savonarola and photographs of relevant locations in Florence, this is a concise and vivid slice of history. Featuring a colourful cast of characters including everyone’s favourite hedonists, the Borgias, (a singular family on which Samantha Morris has previously written very successfully), it is a solid biography of a remarkable man who still divides opinion today.

BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

MARVEL UNTOLD | DARK AVENGERS - THE PATRIOT LIST

 

With the real Avengers gone, Norman Osborn, the erstwhile Green Goblin, has assembled his own Avengers, made up of supervillains masquerading as their heroic counterparts, to step up and protect the world…kinda. This is his chance to be a hero and put the Goblin to rest for good. But he has a hard job trying to keep his team members in check, inclined as they are to senseless violence, murder and wisecracks. When a list of their possible replacements is stolen by S.H.I.E.L.D. sympathisers, putting his power at risk, he unleashes the full force of his twisted team of heroes to get it back…preferably without telling them what’s on the list. 

“Dark Avengers: The Patriot List” is a new novel from the Marvel Untold line, written by David Guymer, relating a hitherto unknown tale based on the Dark Avengers comic storyline. And oh my goodness…it is SO good. Sparking writing, sassy dialogue and some of the best-written action scenes I have ever read. Concise, punchy prose propels the story forward with not a word wasted. Guymer gets the tone just right with a story pitched in that sweet spot between serious and crazy, with blistering action scenes and a pacy plot. 

One of my favourite things about “Patriot List” is that there are darkly funny moments aplenty - I mean pitch-dark, even during scenes of brutal violence. Memorably, there is an hilarious “Friends” (the TV show) reference which we can all relate to. Or maybe that’s just me… Anyway, you’ll find yourself flinching, chuckling then flinching again, and enjoying every minute of it. 

I cannot and will not get over how good “Dark Avengers: The Patriot List” is. Author David Guymer absolutely nails each of the diverse characters, from the gloriously shameless Bullseye, the god-like but troubled Sentry and especially Venom, who possibly has never been so sympathetically depicted. Whilst the reader may not exactly care about the characters in the regular sense, you do find yourself rooting for them in a weird way - they are so damned entertaining! This book is a joyous celebration of bad guys pretending to be good guys, and doing what comes naturally.

BUY IT FROM BOOKSHOP.ORG!

********************************************************************************************************

I received an advanced reading copy of this book in return for an honest review.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.

For more information visit marvel.com. © MARVEL 2021

THE BOOK OF MALCOLM

 Fraser Sutherland was a noted Canadian writer and poet, and it truly shows in the beautiful, honest prose in his book about the life and death of his son, Malcolm. Fraser completed this memoir shortly before his own death, which makes this book even more poignant. 

Malcolm had suffered from schizophrenia from his late teens and died on Boxing Day, 2009, at the young age of 26. Part one of the book deals with Malcolm’s death and the aftermath. It becomes clear from the tributes paid to Malcom by his friends that he was a rare being who positivity affected the lives of many people. Fraser’s reminiscences about Malcolm’s quirks and the role he played in the family dynamic are funny and touching. Malcolm was that special kind of person everyone gravitates towards. 

Fraser’s description of Malcolm’s death is unflinchingly honest and lucid. He shares his innermost thoughts about the well-meaning chaos of his son’s funeral and the throng of relatives that descended on them after. Anyone who has been in this situation will recognise this. Fraser’s way of dealing with Malcolm’s death jars with his wife’s, who, eager to talk about their son, can’t understand her husband’s reluctance to and distance from the subject. 

The second part relates Malcolm’s birth and early life. The section on the birth itself is both funny and slightly embarrassing as his wife’s anatomical details are laid bare. Malcolm becomes an imaginative and precocious boy and this section is a joy to read as we are introduced to his imagination in full flow in games and writing.

The third part of the book is the toughest to read as Malcolm begins to have psychotic episodes and other mental health problems. Extracts from his diary, both articulate and disturbing, show a troubled soul. The book ends more or less where it began, just before Malcolm’s last Christmas. 

“The Book of Malcolm” is superb. It is a short but powerful book which, as the afterword by one of Fraser’s friends explains, doesn’t offer any moral at the end but merely celebrates a life. Brutally honest and relatable, it is vigorously recommended for anyone struggling with mental health issues or the passing of a loved one.