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.

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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.

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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.