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Genre - Non-Fiction
The author inherited a fascinating collection of tiny (and valuable) Japanese figures called netsuke. He traces the history of his family through generations of art collecting and European luxury, rise and fall, through the fate of the little netuske.
The Ephrussi family were fabulously wealthy Jewish merchants, and Charles Ephrussi acquired the figures in Paris during the rage for Japonisme (Charles was a model for Proust's Swann). They were then sent to the Vienna branch of the family as a wedding present, and the magnificent way of life that prevailed under the Austro-Hungarian Empire is vividly described. Yet the same family came to grief in a matter of days when the Nazis took over in Austria, and the collections, furniture, and works of art were all shipped off: the netsuke were thought to be lost. The story, however, ends in Japan, where a surviving member of the family was able to take them at the end of WW II, and from him the author, a famous potter who had studied with Japanese masters, inherited the netsuke and now tells their story. This is history at its most engaging, a story of glamour, loss, and redemption.
---- Reviewed by Susan, Montrose
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
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Genre - Fantasy
This is the beginning of a wonderful science fiction fantasy novel. It takes place in a medieval time with swords, knights and gallantry. Yet its also very very dark at times, totally character driven each chapter flows from one to the other you love them or hate them and sometimes they die. You could say its like the Sapronos during the dark ages where the winters are very long and the summers short, it starts with an ancient darkness rising beyond the wall that will threaten the very civilization whilst they fight amongst themselves for kingship this involves murder, betrayal, incest!!
Be warned you will not be able to put this book down, especially if you wanting to be transported on these cold winter nights.
I recommend it to teenagers as well.
---- Reviewed by Leonie, Ringwood
Me and Mr Booker by Cory Taylor
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Genre - Teenage
Teenage genre but I think this is one of those books that crosses to the Adult boundaries.
Well written, its a modern story set in an Australian town of a young sixteen year old girl desperately waiting for her life to begin when there isn't really anything happening. Anyone with a small town upbringing can relate as you really empathise with the character as she battles within a very dysfunctional family environment that drives her into the arms of a middle age man...maybe a sexual predator that seduces her into thinking he is the love of her life thus experiencing some kind of life experience and meaning.
---- Reviewed by Leonie, Ringwood
Kaitlyn by Kevin Lewis
Genre - Family
Kaitlyn is about a boy who is removed from an abusive home and not his sister and how it affects everyones lives.
---- Reviewed by Tracey, Boronia
When I found you by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Genre - General
I could not put this book down. It is about a guy who finds a baby in the woods, he wants to keep him but the grandmother comes forward and takes him. Then years later he turns up on his door step. A great read.
---- Reviewed by Tracey, Boronia
Ed note - written by the author of Pay it Forward --webgurl
The Professor by Charlotte Bronte
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Genre - General
I thought this was her last novel but its actually her first, very different from Jane Eyre but its seen now as a prequel to Villette.
The story describes a man's journey who is without place or wealth in society, and how to make a living and find work that will encompass his whole soul and mind yet not comprise his moral principles. The narration is very descriptive yet the clashes with society and personal conflicts is still a very relevant piece of story telling for today.
---- Reviewed by Leonie, Ringwood
A Widow's Story by Joyce Carol Oates
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Genre - Non-fiction
A very raw and honest portrayal of grief written after the sudden death of her husband of 30 years they rarely spent a night apart.
A prolific writer of novels yet this is a true account warts and all of her emotional and physical journey through the dark landscape of grief that keeps you turning the pages.
Highly recommended.
---- Reviewed by Leonie, Ringwood
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