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Reviews by Jenny (69)

Fascinating Concept

Time Shelter

I found the main idea of the novel fascinating - that providing an environment which represents a happy time in a person's past can be a healing experience for them. I since discovered (see Link on this book) that research has confirmed this thesis. The first part of the book provides these experiences on a personal level wo willing patients and I enjoyed this part. However once the movement gets bigger to incorporate pocket societies and late even countries, I found it too political and heavy going to plod through. This may be a result of my very poor understanding of esp E European history and culture. Also I found the translation quite laboured.

Beautiful and Uplifting

Alfie & Me

This is a beautiful book which tells of the rescue and care of a baby owl which the author and his wife were privileged to enjoy during Covid lockdown in rural USA. It is filled with philosophical asides ranging from Plato through world religions to modern rock music. I loved this book for its gentle satire eg 'the aberration in the White House', 'billionaires stroking their rockets'. What also resonated for me was the purity of connection one can have with an animal, especially a wild one, and also his criticism of the Abrahamic faiths which endorse man's dominion over nature for his capitalist greed. A very special read that will stay with me.

Gripping and Disturbing

Twist

This is a novel set on a repair vessel at sea that fixes breaks on undersea internet cabling and its strange chief engineer and diver, John Conway. Its central theme is connection and the vulnerability of this and also human connection. It is enthralling but also disturbing in the insights its highlights to our fragile connections. It has been compared with Conrad's Heart of Darkness which I also found unsettling. An excellent read and highly recommended.

Women nurses in the Vietnam War

The Women

I really enjoyed this story of a spoiled young California girl, who elects to sign up as a nurse in Vietnam, largely to win her military minded father's approval. Her beloved brother has been killed there and is considered a hero for his service. She is transformed by the experience. The book exposes the futility of this war that never should have been, and mourns the thousands of young lives sacrificed to a pointless cause. An excellent read.

A marathon read

The Hallmarked Man

Like the earlier books in the Strike and Robin series, this is a non-put-downable mystery thriller that kept me enthralled for 3 days straight. JK Rowling knows how to grab and keep her readers' attention. Highly recommended but advisable to read these in order.

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