Holiday Reading - Five Book Reviews

As one who writes, I enjoy a good read.  I get the best opportunity to read when on holiday and do little else, actually.  My beloved is the same.  We spent two fabulous weeks on Kefalonia in June and got through a serious amount of reading between us, pausing only to grunt at each other occasionally in an effort to decide whose turn it was to get the beers.  In September, we had a week in a cottage in Ireland which was a bit more active in that we had my in-laws to entertain.  Nevertheless, I managed to read another book.

I thought I would share my thoughts on what I read.  These reviews are, of course, personal opinions.  You will no doubt be able to find other reviews that totally contradict my views; there is no accounting for taste...

The Butcher's Theatre - Jonathan Kellerman

I bought this book on the recommendation of the shop assistant.  It is a long read, probably three times the length of your average paperback, but with two weeks in front of me that in itself was no disincentive.  I had never read anything by this author before, so it was quite a risk to take on such a huge volume as an introduction.  I was not disappointed.

This psychological thriller is about the search for a serial killer in and around Jerusalem. The book is well-plotted with excellent characterisations.  The bad guy is despicable and could, if you are at all squeamish, put you off finishing the book.  The good guys are utterly believable, flawed human characters.  The writing itself is excellent with a clear style and flowing easily, what you would call a 'smooth read'.

Assuming the facts were well-researched, the book is also very informative about its setting.  Certainly, as someone who has spent a couple of weeks in Jerusalem, nothing jarred with me.

There is a particular scene near the end of the book that really fired my imagination.  Kellerman describes a fight between two of the characters with staccato phrasing that is anything but smooth: it captures the frantic desperation of a hand-to-hand battle that can only end with a death; it sucks you in and keeps you reading.

Conclusion: this was a thoroughly satisfying read, with red herrings and twists along the way, culminating in a thoroughly satisfying ending.

American Wife - Curtis Sittenfeld

This is a work of literary fiction based around the life of a real American First Lady.  The story is told in autobiographical form, and falls into three parts: the first about her growing up through various traumas and tragedies, the second about her relationship and life with her man and his family, the third about their time in Office.  The first part I found delightful, the second less so - but then, once you realise which President it relates to, that is no surprise.  The third part I found less satisfying but still interesting.  It was very well written throughout - but then you would expect that in this genre.

Conclusion: well worth a read, if literary fiction is your thing.

Acid Row - Minette Walters

I sometimes wonder about the excerpts from reviews that get printed on book covers.  'Breathtaking' this one said.  Er, no; except in the same way that manually loading a piano on the back of an elephant is.  The book reads like a screenplay for a second rate television drama, which may be what the author is pitching for.  Actually, it would not be a bad second rate television drama but, for a novel, I found the plot about paedophiles and riots contrived and the characterisation poor and underdeveloped.

Conclusion: I started, so I finished.  I doubt I will start another by this author.

The Bourne Sanction - Eric Van Lustbader

This one I picked up from the bookshelves in the resort by way of exchange for American Wife the day before we were due to travel home.  I really enjoyed the Bourne Trilogy films so thought I might enjoy this book.  Wrong.  Cliche upon cliche.  I started but could not be bothered to finish it.

I have never read any of the books that the films were based on so I cannot judge how well this one compares.  Since it is written by someone other than Robert Ludlum, the author of the original Bourne books, it may not reflect Mr Ludlum's talent at its best, although I presume whoever is running the franchise must have approved of what was written.

Conclusion: glad I hadn't paid for it.

True Detectives - Jonathan Kellerman

I bought this book in the airport to read in Ireland on the strength of my enjoyment of The Butcher's Theatre.  I was really looking forward to getting my teeth into another good read but I was disappointed.

It was nowhere near as good in any sense as the other book.  I found the characters two-dimensional, the plot about two feuding step-brothers involved in the same investigation into the disappearance of young woman somewhat thin, the red herrings floundering and the resolution pedestrian.  The setting (LA) appears to have infected the writing style and not just the dialogue, the whole book seeming to be written in cop-speak.

Clearly, Mr Kellerman is capable of excellent writing, and I will give him the benefit of the doubt with this one and try again.  I wonder if the pressure from publishing houses for authors to produce is not counter-productive when it comes to capturing a following...

Conclusion: all-in-all, very middle of the road. 

Holiday 2010

My beloved and I have just had two wonderful weeks in Kefalonia, Greece, in the resort of Skala.  After our last excursion to Greece (see Stranded in Skiathos, this blog), you would think we would be somewhat reluctant to go there again.  Not so.  We were reluctant however to go with a tin-pot tour operator so we shelled out a bit more cash (i.e., credit) and went with First Choice.

Even though we had read the brochure and our accommodation looked good, having been to Greek islands many times and stayed in self-catering studios of usually less-than-good standards, we still held some trepidation as to what we might end up with.  Still, we had the usual fun of spending money and waiting about in the departure lounge, then waiting about in the boarding lounge, then waiting about on the plane.

Once airborne, and on the basis that it must be 6 o'clock somewhere, we indulged in an aperitif before our in-flight cuisine was served and a glass of wine while we ate it.  Chicken with roast potatoes and veg.  Not bad.  Airline food has definitely improved.  My beloved spilt some of her wine and I, soft touch that I am, shared mine with her so that she would not be deprived.

We arrived on the island at dusk and were directed to our transfer coach by the 'Holiday Adviser' — Thompson's new name for 'Holiday Rep'.  Darkness fell as we travelled along the narrow, winding roads plagued by Greek drivers, considerately hiding the vertiginous drops beside the road as we negotiated hair-pin bends.  Each time the coach stopped to let off fellow tourists, we looked out of the window at their destinations, thankful that we were not staying there.  This served only to intensify our only moderate anxiety.

Eventually, we reached Skala and the coach set off into the darkness behind the village.  Our destination was achieved, and the coach reversed down a steep driveway alongside the place that was to be our home for two weeks.

It looked fantastic.

We got off the coach and recovered our luggage, which was packed as usual to within a microgramme of our baggage allowance, and dragged them towards reception.  The owner met us and immediately impressed us with his friendliness and the personal touch of escorting us to our room.  He opened the door and led us in.

It looked fantastic and it was fantastic.  There was a proper bathroom with a shower curtain to keep the bog-roll dry (normal Greek accommodation has a wet room with no curtain, guaranteeing that everything in the room gets wet, and some things out of the room too).  Not only that, the shower was over a bath!  A bath in a Greek self-catering apartment?  Yes.

A balcony with a sea view.  Air-conditioning.  TV.  A microwave, a kettle, a fridge (with bottled water in it), tea and coffee, and a toaster!

The owner cooked a meal for us at 11pm!  Unbelievable!

We soon settled in to spending our days reading on the balcony, reading by the pool, reading on the beach, reading in bed, swimming in the sea, swimming in the pool, eating in the local tavernas or at our pool bar (where the food was excellent value and the wine easily palatable in large quantities at low cost).  I got so relaxed that I actually had a whole day in which I did nothing but eat, drink, and lie on a sunbed listening to the music in my head.

Since we went during school term, there were only two children in the complex.  One, about four years old, was a quiet lad.  His sister, approaching two, had a voice that could break glass.

We hired a car and drove on the wrong side of the road (i.e., the right side) for a couple of days (unlike Greek drivers, who seem to drive in the middle).  Kefalonia is a beautiful island and well worth a visit.  We think Skala is the best resort and our accommodation the best we saw.

My beloved and I fully intend to return (economic crisis permitting).  We cannot recommend our accommodation to you enough.  However, I am not going to tell you the name of it because you will book in and make it unavailable to us.

Now we are back at work and feeling in need of a holiday...

Prime Ministerial Debate No. 3

Well, that's it.  We've seen them all.  Now, at least, we have something to help us make up our minds.

I thought the last debate was interesting for as much as was not said as for what was.  We had a nice demonstration of adversarial politics, of which we are all well and truly sick, with Mr Brown and Mr Cameron slagging off each other and having a dig at Mr Clegg.  Mr Clegg seemed very quiet, apart from attempting to correct statements made by the other two about Lib-Dem policies.  Perhaps he was content to let them show us that they would only give us more of the same.

Mr Brown

Actually, I thought this was a better performance from him.  More commanding.  He seemed to identify the Conservatives as his primary target, presumably believing them to be the only genuine challenge to Labour.  Perhaps he sees the need not to come last in the popular vote so that he might get enough support to form the next government.  I believe he has a good grasp of the problems we face and genuinely wants the best for the UK.

Mr Cameron

The polls seem to indicate he won this debate.  I can't think how.  What were people judging by?  Not policies, if Mr Brown is to be believed.  Mr C. indulged in quite a bit of scaremongering.  For goodness sake, grow up.  I believe he wants to be in power and hopes we are sick enough of Labour to give it to him.  I think he is out of touch.

Mr Clegg

As I've said, he was relatively quiet.  I think he talks sense.  The other two seemed to want to make his immigration policy out to be something it is not but he held is own.

Whatever you may think of them,

1. it is important to use your vote
2. it is imperative that you vote according to conscience, not because of the way your grandfather and father before you always voted
3. it is better to vote for something rather than against something else
4. it is essential to remember that it is your vote to cast as you believe best for the United Kingdom
5. do not be manipulated by one party into casting your vote to their advantage on the grounds that to do otherwise would let the other lot in.
6. if you don't vote, don't complain afterwards.

I said in my last post who I intend to vote for, and nothing in the last debate changed my opinion.  Like many in the country, I am looking for genuine change.  I want to see a pragmatic approach that makes a difference. I am not impressed by idealogical twaddle and adversarial bickering.  I only see one party offering real difference.

In the last few days, there will be a lot of 'baby-kissing'.  Don't be impressed by that.  It doesn't at all mean they are in touch with the electorate - it just means they want your vote.  Give your vote to the candidate who best demonstrates he or she deserves it by their service for you in your constituency and for our country.

Please use your vote on Thursday. It Matters.

Prime Ministerial Debate No. 2

Once again, I had to record the debate and watch it at a later date.  So, how did they do this time?

Mr Brown

Actually, he gave a much better performance, not that I think that performance is what a general election is about.  However, he did get less in the way of what he was trying to communicate.  Well, done Mr Brown.

Mr Cameron

More of the same, I'm afraid.  He said nothing that convinced me that I want him for my Prime Minister, or that I can trust the Conservatives with my country.  Whilst not part of the debate, I think the smear tactics deployed against Mr Clegg during the week just about sums them up.  Mr Cameron, you may as well not turn up for the next debate if all you have to offer is more hand-waving and specious argument.  The Tories were claiming that he won this debate.  Whatever were they watching?  Did I record the wrong thing?

Mr Clegg

Another consistent and good performance.  He continued to hold his own.  I do hope that his WYSIWYG claim is true.

The winner?  Neck-and-neck with Mr Brown and Mr Clegg, with last week's showing putting Mr Clegg in front.

Actually, in my constituency we have a two-horse race between Lib-Dem and Conservative, labour having come a disastrous third in the last election.  The Tory candidate doesn't come from here, has failed to win seats in other parts of the country and is standing here because his first choice didn't want him.  How cynical is that?  Our MP is supposed to represent us.  How can, if he doesn't know us or our area?

Since the only reasonable choice for me is to vote Lib-Dem, I need not watch the last debate.  I shall, though, because I take my right to vote seriously.

Ah! Nick Clegg! So that's His Name!

Did you see the Prime Ministerial Debate the other day?  I watched it on Saturday morning having been out on Thursday and recorded it.  It thought it was very interesting, giving a clearer insight into what is on offer in the forthcoming election.

Mr Brown

I thought he was a bit stuffy, and disdainful of the other two.  I think everyone knows he is not very good in front of a camera and hope, since we are electing a Prime Minister and not a film star, that everyone is able to take that into account.  Even so, he did nothing to convince me that I want another five years of Labour.  Even though I've voted Labour in the past, I don't think I will be this year.

Mr Cameron

Bluster.  Posh.  PR.  Spin.  More interested in office than service.  He just does not convince me that he knows how many ears and mouths he has.  Or that the numbers indicate the proportion in which they should be used.  I get the impression that he does it all for effect.  He comes across as someone projecting an image.  He may well be a very decent human being and a nice man.  I just can't see him in Number 10.  Even though I've voted Conservative in the past, I don't think I will be this year.

Mr Clegg

Frankly, a breath of fresh air.  I have to say I was very impressed with this man.  If he was setting out to project an image, he very successfully projected the impression that what we saw was the real thing, not a put-up job.  He talked sense almost all of the time.  Mind you, I thought Tony Blair was a good guy, so what do I know?  I have voted Lib-Dem in local elections before.  We'll have to see how their policies hold up to a good bashing from the Reds and Blues before I make my final decision.  Would it be a wasted vote?  Well, if everyone who would like to vote Lib-Dem but thought it would be a waste actually voted Lib-Dem, we might just find ourselves with a Lib-Dem government...  Could they be worse?

BBC Showcases BNP

I have just watched this week's Question Time featuring Nick Griffin, leader of the BNP, and perhaps the most controversial piece of BBC broadcasting the nation has seen for many years. 

Was the BBC right to invite Mr Griffin onto the panel?  The BBC has no right to deny a voice to anyone in a democratic society that prides itself on freedom of speech and expression.  British people (of whatever colour or ethnic origin) have a right to know where political parties stand; how better to hear it than direct from the mouth of the horse?  Or should that be a sheep? Or, perhaps, a wolf disguised as a sheep?

What do I think of Mr Griffin?  I think it takes a particular kind of courage to expose one's utter bankruptcy in such a public way.  Maybe courage is the wrong word...

Billy Elliot - A Punter's Review

On Saturday, 2nd August 2008 my beloved and I went up to London to see 'Billy Elliot', a musical based on the film of the same name and with music for the stage show written by Sir Elton John. Billed as 'The Greatest British Musical', it held out great promise for a thrilling night of theatre.

The performance we saw had Layton Williams in the leading role. I can honestly say that the lad was absolutely fantastic in just about every aspect of his performance. I was very impressed by his ability and his natural presence on the stage. He really lived the part, and certainly held his own in the pas-de-deux with Barnaby Meredith who played his older self, taking account of the boy's age and the experience of the older dancer.

It was strange for me, a Brummie living in Newcastle and having travelled all the way to London, to hear a whole production done in Geordie. Even that most difficult of accents the boy managed extremely well, with a couple of slight mispronunciations. I've lived near the Tyne for 22 years and still can't do the accent as well as Layton.

Billy's dad was played by Phil Whitchurch, known for his TV roles in 'The Bill' and 'My Hero' (in which he played a very convincing idiot). He put in an excellent performance, displaying his versatility in contrast with those other roles, powerfully conveying the pathos of a man in mourning.

I have to say the music did absolutely nothing for me. I found it unmemorable and lacking in depth and breadth, apart from one piece - an excerpt from Swan Lake, written by Tchaikowsky. Sir Elton John has written some superb stuff in his time, for example, the music for 'The Lion King'. Unfortunately, at least for me, this effort was not comparable and left me unmoved. Certainly, there was comedy in Grandma's song but that had more to do with the libretto than the score. The anthem entitled
(presumably) 'We're Going Down' had the potential for so much poignant irony but failed to plumb its depths. So, sorry, Sir Elton, but in my opinion this is not Britain's greatest musical; I saw 'Joseph' in November and that had much more going for it.

I was moved by the parts involving Billy's late mother but even there I have to say that was because it evoked memories of my own loss rather than empathy with his.

The show has been criticised for the amount of swearing in it. Even as someone who never uses such language, I did not find it offensive, fitting, as it does, the culture in which the story is set. I know that sounds awfully snobbish but I was was once a young boy and am fully conversant with the terms used. Indeed, some of the worst expletives were used by the youngest members of the cast and only served to make the comedic sections even funnier.

All-in-all, I preferred the film - but I would not wish to detract from the excellent performances I have already mentioned and there was some superb theatre among it all. By way of balance, I have to say that the audience received the show very favourably, with most of its members out of their seats in ovation at the end. Certainly, the man sat next to me seemed to be enraptured by the whole thing.

My beloved loved it, of course. Still, you can't expect to please everyone...