Books reviews

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

2010-11-25T02:11:00.000-08:00

I have been voraciously reading like eating a box of delicious chocolates. Lost in the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan for a good chunk of it. Discovered many marvellous authors and seem to be very drawn to fantasy.

Gaimon's Neverwhere is urban fantasy, set in a world beneath London. It's an inventive, quirky escape into an unpredictable, imaginative ultra-reality that is violent, grimy and sinister.

The main character is Richard Mayhew, a typical Londoner who untypically rescues a bleeeding girl from the pavement. Thus a chain reaction of events propels him into the bowels of London, and hence begins a modern quest for the key that will save them all. The girl, Door, has an ability to open things, anything... or create a door between here and there. Her family has been foully murdered, and she needs to avenge their deaths. With them is the Marquis de Carabas. Hard on their heels are the well spoken but viciously focused Mr Croup and Mr Vandemar, and let's not forget the rat speakers.

Colourful characters that are realistic and believable, teamed with a fast paced plot set in such a vivid world combine to create a spell binding journey into a place of that is hauntingly real. Will definitely read this one again!

As a side note, I did try to read Gaiman's Anansi Boys, and it sucked. No depth, slow paced, I gave up after a few chapters!

In Moral Danger by Barbara Biggs

2009-12-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

"A true story", says the byline; and I feel emotionally wrecked. Not the kind of angst you get sitting in front of a big screen with a box of tissues for, not the heartache of national historic atrocities like you see on television, nor any of that kind of heavy duty emotion. The wrecked feeling is one of admiration. Yes, I am admirably wrecked. Can I help feeling wretched with admiration and awe for this woman who can recount her life in such a candidly honest way, a life of sexual abuse, crime and adventure? Not for one moment does BB wallow in self pity, she owns her emotions and experiences without blame or justification, and a lot of this stuff is pretty hardcore one would expect her to have the proverbial chip on her shoulder, or at least whine a little, or throw a more spectacular tantrum than the one that landed her in a psychiatric ward.

BB recounts her life with such clarity and realism, and even humour. Within the story, she skips back to flashes of her time as 'sex slave' to barrister Robert Vernon, whom she dubs "the Chief". Her articulation and colloquial way of writing is personal, concise yet full of depth, immediately drawing the reader in. BB manages to make hard core experiences, embarrassing events... somehow ok through her candid recounting. Somehow she manages to speak from the mindset of her age at the time, which I find a remarkable feat. She IS fifteen, with a teenager's angst and concerns and attitudes; and in this respect the book is skillfully written and flows along beautifully.

What I find astonishing is BB recounts succinctly, without directly acknowledging, the results of sexual abuse and it's impact on a child's life. Several suicide attempts, love affairs, casual sex and prostitution, international travel, and even obsession into hobbies, all play their part in BB recovering her sense of self. The book does not end with this resolution, but leaves the reader curious as to what comes next....

For me, a good book is one that leaves me affected, or changed somehow, after turning that last page. Four in seven teenage girls are sexually abused or assaulted at some point in their lives, it's an issue that touches a huge number of people. Within BB's extreme life experiences, I heard my own voice; I recognised and understood a little better my own life choices, that have been directly and indirectly touched by this issue; and maybe even in the process forgiven some of the choices I made when young. Beyond this, it's a book that will challenge you to be less judgmental, perhaps, of those who choose to live their lives in ways society would regard as less than optimal... petty crime, sex for sale or free, a maturing adult seeking acceptance and love and validation in, as the song goes, all the wrong places. It's enough to break your heart... but instead BB instills a sense of, through the pain and heartache, adventure and unconditional acceptance.

Barbara Bigg's Website

The Secret Cure by Sue Woolfe

2009-06-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

Sophisticated and artistic from cover to eloquently glowing reviews on the back, this book is somehow enchanting even though the author does not once mention the word stalking, even though this is what this fairytale-like book is all about! The stalked become stalkers themselves in this believably poignant tale.

I really enjoyed reading this because I couldn't predict what would happen next. I was also very surprised to find it was about autism (showing I don't really read everything on the back of a book unless I get really sucked in!) For me, it highlighted the then current medical viewpoint on Aspergers Syndrome as being nurture shaping the child so it must be the parent's fault, and the implications this has on parents of autistic children - all twisted into a clever tale of deceit and aspirations, morals and good intentions.

Under the characters voices and quirky humour- all Australian except for the German doctor / genius - we experience the pursuit of science and love at all costs with one of those twists of fate endings.

The front cover boldly states, Extraordinary" and yes, I agree; this book is worth reading, and one that stays living within you in some way... marvelous (to put it mildly LOL)

The People Collection by Zenna Henderson

2008-10-25T04:17:00.000-07:00

It's been quite some time since I read an un-put-down-able book, and this one certainly fits the bill as one I will read again! I purchased it for $1.50 at an op shop in the mall. As engrossing as Sheri Tepper and "The Time Traveller's Wife", this collection of stories written about The People almost sixty years ago has not dated. In fact, it could have been written in contemporary times, and the themes of both the storyline and subject slot perfectly in the current popular genres of supernatural themes and mystery.

A collector of ephemera, Zenna Henderson (born 1917, died 1983 aged 65) appears as a dichotomy to her writing - a homely looking lady with incongruous pig tails; also in many ways an archetypal teacher of the 1950's. The world she has superimposed on our own is one where supernatural powers are a natural part of one's makeup. Being able to read minds, or move objects, detect metal deposits or shares market returns, the gifts are varied. The original (Star) People are scattered over earth and many manage to reunite. The whole concept is fascinating and like good sci fi, utterly convincingly believable as being possible - which this series is.

Zenna Henderson writes in a lilting style, she plays with words in a way that is offbeat and expressive. Her turns of phrase and deep soul searching hook the reader into the plot almost instantly as you see the reality of the challenges the characters face. And these aren't the usual challenges in life, but ones of high drama, morals and virtues as much as death and separation.

I really enjoyed reading how the various characters met the challenges they faced in blending into the world of the outsiders. Their special gifts can cause a different reaction depending on whom they meet. They sometimes alienate, frighten, bewilder and draw others, and as their children have less control than adults in spontaneously revealing their differentness, they tend to live together in isolated areas. There's several themes in the book which address archetypal emotions from a sense of isolation to deep belonging, of community yet also individual drives and goals. which all come together under the lives of The People.

Magician by Raymond E Feist

2008-05-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

I have been on a real fantasy binge lately - and not a book review writing binge, that's for sure!

Magician. Classic fantasy... highly regarded... and very enjoyable! I did find I skimmed quite a few pages, glossing over the finer details of war and blow by blow accounts... "A good yarn" certainly described this novel well!

My major quibble was later in the novel, one of the main characters finds a wife. That in itself is plot, however Feist totally left her an empty personality that was unbelievable. Pug unexpectedly returns after four years absence, they re-unite and within minutes their four year old child becomes hungry and she meekly absents herself to feed him - hello!!!! This character, after all the detailing of Carline, is a non-entity and certainly fits the sterotype of the non-dominant woman who has no opinions or participation other than "there." She should have become a major character, in my opinion!

I also found some of the major characters did not get enough attention. For example, Tomas' change of appearance and personality seems as abrupt as Pug's was... and why did not Tomas confide in anyone? His actions were not believeable, so I would say character development was both excellent AND lacking, even in the "author's preferred edition" that I read.

Don't let me put you off! If you enjoy fantasy this is worth escaping into! A nice thick book as well (even if you are like me and prefer to gloss over wars!) There's humour and plot surprises, intrigue and your curiosity is certainly aroused in places... yes, "not a bad yarn!"

The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

2008-02-06T02:09:00.000-08:00

What a brilliant novel! I thoroughly enjoyed this one, being hooked on the first page!

I picked it up in an opportunity shop in Weybridge, London where there were several copies... in several shops... wondering at the time if it was so good, (best seller embalzened on the cover), wouldn't it be a keeper and hard to find? Well whatever the reason, I am glad I didn't allow my pre-conceived judgment as to the plethora of second-hand copies to cloud my mind and preclude me from buying it.

One gratuitous thought was, as I started it, how wonderful it was a thick book... hours of venturing in a new world awaited me... Books are a little like drugs, pills with pages... you can forget everything and just immerse yourself... lose yourself... and live vicariously through the adventures, albeit fictionalised, of others.

I did make the mistake of being so excited about this novel, I googled it to see if there was a movie in the making (there is) and darn it, Wikepedia had spoilers! All the same, my enjoyment of this novel was not thwarted however I did find one small wee continuity error, such as it is... which of course, in the nature of the book, had me spinning in a few time zones.... and it wasn't just the fact I had time traveled myself from the northern hemisphere back to my home in the southern!

Henry has a genetic disorder that spontaneously places him into a different time zone and place... so of course, he inherited this from ... whom? I suspect his mother, which is what caused the car accident she was in... and is the deep seated motive Henry has in not ever driving... however one then surmises, why didn't the mother jump into the future to meet Henry after her death, why does he not once mention either of his parents having the disorder? To me, this leaves a very logical and obvious hole in the book.... Hmmmmm....

I became deeply attached to the characters, yes I cried reading this book, sucking up the pathos like a greedy slug reeling on the intense emotions... this review is short, because it can be so easily summed up with... grab a copy, if you haven't taken this journey.... I cannot imagine anyone not loving, and I mean LOVING, this book!!!

Dear God, What's Happening to Us? by Lynne Grabhorn

2007-06-08T01:24:00.000-07:00

Dear God, what happened to Lynn Grabhorn?

I read the book, almost gave up half way through in shock and disbelief but out of respect for her previous books ("Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting" & associated playbook) I persevered.

I then followed up with reading the very mixed reviews on amazon.

Phew!

The book does seem to have been written in a rush, with many inconsistencies and some areas a lack of information. I believe Lynn experienced a psychic attack of some kind (or emotional breakdown) and am very surprised Hampton Roads didn't at least give the book to another of their authors in a related field to review. Robert Bruce springs instantly to mind ("Practical Psychic Self-Defense", which I edited before it went to them!) Then at least Lynne may have had a framework or context in which to place her bizarre experiences!

The message in the book is the archetypal balance and battle of light against dark. It is total antipathy to her previous work, and in this respect I was ... shocked! Gutted, even! I just couldn't believe that Lynne was raving on about all this, that this was Lynne Grabhorn... and that this book even made it to the bookshelves - truly!

Did she lose credibility for me, as a person?

On a deeper level, I do believe Lynne had some kind of archetypal intuitive visionary experience coupled with an extreme psychic attack experience (as did her friend Bailey, and we never hear what happened to her; nor why in all her vast research Bailey (or any of Lynne's spiritual friends) didn't venture into the obvious area of psychic attack!) I suspect the book was written and published before Lynne had a chance to digest and assimilate everything. Then perhaps the theme of the book may have presented as a more concise visionary journey instead of as a nervous breakdown.

Some paragraphs just didn't make any sense! Was this book even edited????

In light (pun intended) of where Lynne was coming from, she did not lose my credibility, the publishers did! I can understand the shock value of her message, garbled and inconsistent as it is, may have had something to do with this. She isn't bringing forth anything new. It certainly was thought provoking in a nonsensical twisted kinda way.... and validated quite a few things for me on a personal level... beneath the external inconsistency/technical/editorial problems within the text.

It's up to you whether you would want to read it - obviously! If so, and you can get past the mumbled higgedly-piggeldy nature of the manuscript, you might find some little pearls to take home.... that may reinforce something you already have heard about, or know ...

The Organ Grinders by Bill Fitzhugh

2007-05-31T00:17:00.000-07:00

Pure comedy with intelligence, a thriller of sorts, twists and turns, megalomania and poignant sorrow, laugh out loud moments and the mental imagery is enough to curl any vegan tree-hugging bookaholic! I LOVE this novel!

My second time romp through the pages of this tome had me just as enthralled as the first time experience. It appeases the intellect's need for information and cognitive coherence, as much as it does the mystery behind the bizarre murders (the landfill manager buried in his own soiled dump, complete with dirty diaper in his mouth) and just how the whole sit com can resolve itself... vivisection, cross-species implants, environmental concerns, greed, revenge, the quest for immortal life, and so many more human conditions and issues are addressed through Bill's lighthearted yet twisted view on the world...

I can't forget Arty, the guy who severs his limbs for the insurance and sells his body organs for huge profit, reduced to just a torso being carted around in a backpack by his biker bud... and I will never shake the scrotal imagery evoked by the description of Mr Landis' testicles when he gets the third one implanted (courtesy of Arty.)

Read this novel - it's funny, thought provoking, and twisted! Highly entertaining escapism!

Dear Merilyn by Barbra Leslie

2007-05-13T03:33:00.000-07:00

To say I have doubts I could do justice writing a review on this book is an understatement. The effects of the story within its pages lingers in the psyche, leaving me touched in such a deep way I am very tempted to track down the author and... hug her!

I really struggled writing this review. It took some deep thought and clarifying what meaning Barbra's journey has for me as an intrinsic part of "Dear Merilyn's" message. A deeply personal book, the courage this amazing woman has shown by being so frank is a gift of healing and insight for those who are devoured by it's story.

I was initially drawn in by the plethora of colour artwork scattered through the pages, from native landscapes to erotica to harsh depictions of domestic violence to the naiveties of youth.

A riveting, very real book chronicling the life journey of an incredible woman. Australian artist Barbra Leslie's forthright and frank, painful and exuberant, biography begins with the Ash Wednesday fires in 1980. A beginning of high emotion fraught with tension sets the stage for her journey fraught with highs and lows, pain and joy, light and shadows. As the native bush around Barbra regenerates, so too does she, as the writer reliving her experiences and healing her past.

I wonder if this book touched such chords within me as in many ways it reflected my own experiences, as well as the archetypal journey of artist, woman and survivor.

To intimately describe the contents of this book would really do it an injustice however some of the topics include child and sexual abuse, abortion, domestic violence, physical pain, the mother-daughter relationship, the concept of family, suicide and healing the past. Life's unpredictable tragedies are interspersed with golden sunlight catching the forms of eucalypti and sandy estuaries. Life is Art, in wholism.

"Dear Merilyn" is mostly written as a series of letters to Barbra's friend, and one also forms a relationship with her. It is 'what isn't said', 'what isn't told', that captures the mind and heart as much as what is said.

The book is raw, it is shocking, it is strength and vulnerability. It isn't a book of joy, however it is one of hope. Of victory. The feeling of finishing that last page leaves a lasting impression of familiarity, admiration, respect and deep affinity with the author. She surely brings you into the precious sanctums of her inner being, complete with fragile poppet.

Wherever Barbra Leslie is now, I surely know she is passionately exploring life as wholeheartedly and honestly as she can - hopefully with a glass of wine in hand, a sway to her hips, friends and family aplenty, and an eye on just how that flight of cockatoos paints its own unique calligraphy across the limitless horizon...

The Family Tree by Sheri S Tepper

2006-12-10T19:33:00.000-08:00

Sheri Tepper would have to be my favourite multi-published author overall. A prolific writer, her imaginative and diverse books cover ethical, environmental, social and even metaphysical issues. These themes can address anything from race, feminist/sexist power plays, ethics, virtues and archetypes / symbols, consciousness,and many more!

Tepper shines in the realm of fantasy/sci-fi. Her books, to a large degree, are fairly predictable in that you know you will be drawn in and lose yourself totally in the worlds and their dramas that she so eloquently and vividly creates.

'The Family Tree' (1997) stands out to me as her most surprising work. It is almost on par with her "Marianne" trilogy, which I consider the pinnacle of her work (to date, I have read maybe 50-60% of her books.) 'The Family Tree'

'The Family Tree' is a startling book. The separate character's groups and locations (modern day earth, and another, totally different world) are initially confusing, but knowing Tepper has the ability to join loose threads, I perservered with curiosity as to HOW she would do this. This in itself makes this particular novel stand out from her other work. There sure is a huge surprise within it's pages, totally unpredictable and shocking in its whole repercussions. It causes one to pause, review the story line, see the pieces slotting in more coherantly, then continue reading with piqued curiosity.

Tepper's books often contain life wisdom, little pearls of "self-help" which leave me wishing I was brave enough to get a pen and mark them out. There were several in this book. Finishing "The Family Tree" leaves me awed at Tepper's uniqueness and "out of the box" thinking. She would be someone I would dearly love enjoying an armakfatidi concoction with, discussing geneticism and repercussions of "what if's..." I highly recommend this book for many reasons - the surprise twist, the concepts and ethical issues it raises, as well as a remarkably good storyline....

Possessing the Secret of Joy by Alice Walker 1992

2006-08-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

This is the second time I have journied through the pages of this riveting book, picking up new nuances and concepts along the way. This book is one of my all time favourites because it hits an emotional chord and attachment to the charcaters and their inherant obstacles develops through each page to well after the book is finished and one is left musing the strangeness of certain customs and how mutilation can become culturally acceptable until individuals questions it. "Resistance is the secret of Joy..." in this case is an apt finale to the book.

The whole concept of genital mutilation is abhorrant to me and I have been active in the past over male infant circumcision, so it is a subject that moves me. Walker has the ability to address the psychological impact of female circumcision from many angles - not just Tashi's husband, lover, their children, family and even Carl Jung. (I love how Alice Walker, in her "Thanks" states she "gives" Jung Tashi... and yes, what a complex and intriguing character she is!

Walker makes copious use of dreams and symbols throughout the book, engaging the reader to think through her ideas to try and work out exactly where she is leading. Mental illness, or rather, the psychological impact female genital mutilation has is deeply examined, not just the effects on Tashi but those around her. Tashi chooses to go through the initiation as an adult to become accepted by her Olinka tribespeople, as her association with the white missionaries has caused a distrust of her she seeks to regain. The consequences of this are riveting.

I highly recommend this book for the inherant statement made about an issue through which me might better understand the current political & cultural climate in the Middle East, extreme as that sounds. The subjugation of women is not something of the past, and one CAN wonder at it's impact today on how these countries face the world when mutilating their young girls is par for the course. Highly recommended book!

BLACK ANNA by K.M. MacAulay

2006-08-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

You'd be surprised how often you doubt your own sanity when you don't understand your own capacities.

A book that deeply moved me... published in 1976 under a Literary Arts grant. Aussie. I googled Kenneth, but couldn't find a thing - most mysterious. Like this novel.

To encapsulate the themes in this poignant tragedy - race, greed, ambition, control, abuse (racial, sexual & environmental), sexuality, social propriety and conventions, violence, activism, mysticism & a spiritual journey 'home.'

This book leaves the reader totally re-evaulating their perceptions of Life in a way that is both confronting and challenging. With the pain of the shadow side of abuse, death and the impersonal sequence of Life's events out of one's personal control, this book manages to rock the foundations of one's perception of reality.

Who hasn't experienced deja vu or at least thinking about someone only to have them call? MacAuley manages to confront contemporary views on extra-sensory perception (ESP), visionary experiences and telelpathy 40 years ahead of his time. Another overpowering theme is the Aboriginal viewpoint the earth is a living sentient being, and our inconnected relationship with it.

This perceptive novel follows the intertwined journies of 4 wounded beings with many subplots and interconnecting relationships. An intelligent novel.

If I were to liken this book to contemporary literature examples, I would say it puts all others out of the running. It is intelligently written - very stimulating metaphors and descriptive passages coupled with acute observations that brings this novel to high literature standards. Pushed into a corner, I would put it in the personal and spiritual transformative visionary genre - is there such a thing? It is way above the works of James Redfield "Celestine Prohecy" series; "Conversations with God", etc. I don't label these books as 'literature' but as 'popular fiction'; however their messages have had such a huge impact on Western consciousness, and this is where "Black Anna" implicitly fits the pseudo genres I allude to. These bestselling books' capacity for insight is incomparable when compared to the shining light of MacAulay's words.

To imagine this novel was typed on paper to almost 80 000 words TWICE, then intentionally burnt, reveals MacAulay's pefectionism and attention to detail. There is an emphasis on the many interconnecting relationships between the characters, the nuances between them and their impact on the course of events. This book will shift your outlook and views about fate, and leave you deeply thinking, versus complete admiration for the genius of the author.

I don't know if K.M. MacAulay wrote anything else, as I would dearly relish reading more of his creative writing. It would be amazing to know if he were still alive and lucid...maybe I need to try a telepathic connection? I do know a very few things - like he was born in 1927 - luckily the informative dust jacket was still on the book when I purchased it at the opp shop - and to think I was almost deterred by the dusty cockroach stains! Goes to show, don't judge a book by the grime on its cover! I regret to say, after my google search, this book would be VERY hard to obtain easily. I think this is an outrageous shame (reprint! reprint! reprint!) because it is an EXPERIENCE worth the journey thru its pages.