Malinche's Conquest - Anna Lanyon

I think when I got this book (and I can't remember where it came from), that I thought it was a novel - it isn't. It's hard to describe but I guess it's part travel log, and part biography.

Lanyon is an Australia scholar who teaches and studies women's issues and in particular Spanish and historical issues. This book explores the life of Malinche, a native of 16th century Mexico who translated for the Hernan Cortés during his conquests of her lands (and surrounding lands).

Through the telling of her visits to libraries, museums and various historic sites connected to the little understood life of Malinche, Lanyon gives as good an outline of her part in the Spanish conquest is as possible from the scant traces which remain. Also looking at how her name has become synonymous with 'traitor' in modern Mexico.

It hadn't been what I was expecting, but I did enjoy the story and learning a little bit of the history of Mexico and the conquest. I struggled with most of the names, and even now I'm unsure how to pronounce 'Malinche'.

July - August 2012

The woman who died a lot - Jasper Fforde

I was so excited that this was published that I couldn't wait for the paperback this time - and rushed out to get the hardback, getting a signed copy (at no extra cost).

However, I'm sorry to say that I think Fforde should actually retire Thursday Next. In this book she's sort of in retirement anyway, and an interesting plot device is used to give her the energy and speed she needs to fight Goliath (and Jack Schitt) again.

Although partly set in a library, and with some really clever (as usual) in jokes and little sub plots, I really miss the book world and wish that she'd get back there (in this book she's lost the ability to read herself into books).

So, as I say, I'd like to see Thursday and Landon pensioned off, and if Fforde insists in writing some more 'Next' books perhaps he should think about focusing on Friday (their son) as a Chronoguard, or Tuesday (their daughter) as a mad scientist.....or even Jenny?

Bought at Waterstones
August 2012

The High Deeds if Finn Mac Cool - Rosemary Sutcliff

I'm not sure how this Puffin book got onto my bookshelves but suspect that it came from Dads at some point (it's a 1967 edition). John picked it for me to read, and I'm glad he did.

It's really a collection of short stories of the Irish mythical king Finn Mac Cool, telling of his life and adventures, and those of his friends and enemies.

Having visited Ireland (a long time ago now), and some of the places mention it was great to read the stories.

Although connected by the characters, each story is separate, and since this book was, I think, written for children, each is quick and easy to read.  It's made me think that I should look out some folk stories about
England - King Arthur? Robin Hood?

Inherited from Dad
Read June 2012

Times Arrow - Martin Amis

I'd be tempted to say that this book has overtones of 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', but that would be unfair as I've not read Benjamin Button, only seen the film. But the device of time moving backwards is used to great affect in both. Times Arrow is narrated by sort of conciousness within the mind of a doctor (when we first meet him), who views the life described backwards - from being a doctor in America, to working in the death camps of Nazi Germany. Although a short book it took longer than usual to read as many of the sections needed re-reading in order to get my head around them, especially the dialogue (which often needed to be read backwards to make sense). The author has clearly thought through many things backwards, descriptions of some bodily functions are not nice to think about! However, the way the narrator sees and understands day to day life is fascinating, the giving of gifts, or administering of medical treatments - think about a person coming to a doctor feeling pleased and well, only to go through an opertation which makes them worse! Although it took a while to get into, and I didn't much care for the character, the unusual method of telling the story kept me gripped. No idea where I got the book, read on John's recommendation. May 2012

The Third Policeman - Flann O'Brien

Jen wrote her MA English dissertation about this book, and when she told me about it I was intrigued.

'Weird' is a good word for it, another is 'Surreal', especially since the book was written in 1939 but not published until 1966 (the writer failed to find a publisher so withdrew the book, it was published after his death).

The unnamed narrator of the book tells the story of his life; being orphaned, discovering the writings of de Selby, breaking his leg (and having a wooden one fitted), returning to his family home to a man who is obviously a crook, murder, a quest for a box full of money, ghosts, policemen, imprisonment, unbelievable things and bicycles.

I'm not going to tell you what happens, it's a short book and well worth a read - very surreal in places, make sure you read the (sometimes extensive) footnotes, and certainly worth the effort.

Green Metropolis
24th January - 3rd March 2012

Mr Toppitt - Charles Eldon

I can't say that this is a good book, in fact I'd go so far as to say that it's a let down. The story begins with the writer of the 'Hayseed Chronicles' being hit by a bus in London, and taken to hospital by a passing American tourist. Told from the perspective of the son of the writer, the story centres around the fall out of the author's death, and what happens to the family. But the answer is 'not much', and I was left wanting so much more. I'm sure that it's ripe for being made into a film, in fact that's what it read like in many sections - a film treatment. Shame, it won't be staying on my bookshelves (in fact it's already gone!) Bought on Green Metropolis

Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsover

It's been a while since I've read a book that I really couldn't put down, but this one has probably come before many things recently!

The story of a family, who are taken by their father, a missionary, into the Congo, at a time of massive upheaval (1960s).

Each chapter is written through the eyes of the women; the wife of the missionary, and their four children.  They tell of their life amongst those they first regard as 'savages', slowly becoming involved and entangled in the Congolese rural way of life.

As you'd imagine, things are not easy; for the Westerners who want to impose their ideals and their god on the natives, but not for those who were born and raised in the harsh environment either.

A series of disasters occur, and these are seen by those who witnessed and took part.

I loved this book, it was totally fascinating, the descriptions of the country, the customs, and the believes of all the characters.  I learnt more about the history of the Congo (mainly though looking up places and names mentioned in the text), and I came to care what happened to the women.

If I had to compare with any other book I'd compare it to Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey - another story of misguided religion.

3rd - 19th March 2012