Gothic, effectively atmospheric mystery set in a convent boarding school in 1990s Ireland. There are -
The handsome art teacher... The ironic manic-pixiGothic, effectively atmospheric mystery set in a convent boarding school in 1990s Ireland. There are -
The handsome art teacher... The ironic manic-pixie-dream-girl pupil... The scholarship girl, too smart to comply with all the petty rules, too ill-at-ease to fit in...
And the mystery of the two of them that disappeared that term. A investigative journalist unravels a series of odd events when they start looking into the past...
A comedy of manners set in an upper middle class Dublin suburb, this 1950 crime classic is highly enjoyable. Fashionable Dublin likes to seem knowlegabA comedy of manners set in an upper middle class Dublin suburb, this 1950 crime classic is highly enjoyable. Fashionable Dublin likes to seem knowlegable about art, but when disreputable artist Fergus Gandon seeks refuge with his respectable sister Hester claiming someone is trying to poison him, the trouble is only beginning. Her art-mad daughter Barbara is dazzled by her bohemian uncle and his artistic millieu, Fergus continues to get sick under her roof and now Hester fears her family's name will be dragged through the mud...
Sparkling, witty, thoroughly enjoyable - if only Sheila Pim's books were still in print!...more
Set in Stillorgan one evening during the extraordinary meeting of the resident's committee, this is spot on. Explores the fears and prejudices that sqSet in Stillorgan one evening during the extraordinary meeting of the resident's committee, this is spot on. Explores the fears and prejudices that squirm under the veneer of public politeness...but also the humanity, tolerance and capacity for change and compassion. ...more
Subtle with the dryest of humour and the occasional curveball that surprised me into laughing aloud. Beautifully written without being showy; incisiveSubtle with the dryest of humour and the occasional curveball that surprised me into laughing aloud. Beautifully written without being showy; incisive, acerbic, clear-eyed and angry yet tender too. Extraordinary....more
Strong, meaty stuff - Hester is fighting a losing battle to hold onto her lover, her home and her child... With magic, murder, class and community exerStrong, meaty stuff - Hester is fighting a losing battle to hold onto her lover, her home and her child... With magic, murder, class and community exerting pressure on all the characters, the ending is explosive....more
A perfect, hand sized book that is a meditation on the creative process, loss, bird migration, life, art, love...
The author is not only an acclaimed wA perfect, hand sized book that is a meditation on the creative process, loss, bird migration, life, art, love...
The author is not only an acclaimed writer, she is also an artist; in handiwork she shows us the inner workings of her creative process in an accessible way. It inspires you to approach your own endeavours with an open and (I keep using the word) creative mindset.
It is ideal for this moment; it is written in small chapters that dovetail together in a way that make a small yet beautiful whole. It is also a lovely object to have in your hands.
Stunning, poetic, beautiful, moving and very unusual. A memoir, a haunting, an elegy to a woman centuries dead and an account of the woman's life who Stunning, poetic, beautiful, moving and very unusual. A memoir, a haunting, an elegy to a woman centuries dead and an account of the woman's life who is trying to unearth her story. One of a kind with a voice like no other....more
I rarely listen to audiobooks - for one thing, they take too long! Reading the book is much quicker.
I often dislike the voice of the narrator and findI rarely listen to audiobooks - for one thing, they take too long! Reading the book is much quicker.
I often dislike the voice of the narrator and find it intrusive; but this is different! Maeve Higgins is a stand-up comedian, and it shows; the pace and timing of the reading is spot on and I found it funny, entertaining, delightful and on occasion thought-provoking.
Thoroughly enjoyed a book I grudging downloaded from Borrowbox - an absolute treat....more
How have I not read CDH before now? Tatty is incredible - writing in a real and vivid way from a child's point of view is difficult, but this book pulHow have I not read CDH before now? Tatty is incredible - writing in a real and vivid way from a child's point of view is difficult, but this book pulls it off with ease. Tremendous novel, deservedly 1city1book for Dublin 2020....more
A fabulous new Hazel & Daisy adventure for World Book Day - they're on holidays at the seaside with Uncle Felix and Aunt Lucy when a body is found. ThA fabulous new Hazel & Daisy adventure for World Book Day - they're on holidays at the seaside with Uncle Felix and Aunt Lucy when a body is found. The Murder Most Unladylike crew are on the case!
Perfect as a little nibble between books, or as an introduction for those starting this series for the first time....more
Witty, playful story allied with tender, atmospheric illustrations as big sister and little brother explore the nearby forest, despite the strange noiWitty, playful story allied with tender, atmospheric illustrations as big sister and little brother explore the nearby forest, despite the strange noises that scare them. Beautiful....more
A book about family, community, local politics vs big picture, and teens from different cultures being forced to work together...who become as interesA book about family, community, local politics vs big picture, and teens from different cultures being forced to work together...who become as interested in each other as they are in electing the progressive candidate.
It was lovely and heartwarming as well as heartbreaking; how social media effects everything was deftly shown without being heavy handed. Also that fighting for a cause you believe in is important; if you don't stand up for others, who will stand for you when it's your turn?
What an astonishing and brilliant book! I'm fascinated by cities, by what makes a city, embodies it, how we use them as machines for living en masse. TWhat an astonishing and brilliant book! I'm fascinated by cities, by what makes a city, embodies it, how we use them as machines for living en masse. The City we Became is set in one of the greatest cities on earth - New York - as it stumbles into sentience as a person, an avatar of the city. But not everyone in the multi verse welcomes this difficult process - there are entities that wish to stifle the city in its birth throes... Imagine Neverwhere meets Lovecraft set in NY but with a sharper, feminist edge that interrogates the nasty underbelly of HP's tropes. Absolutely smart and gripping writing....more
If you like the history of the Elizabethan period, if you enjoy Shakespeare's plays and if you're interested by dramatic deaths, this is the book you'If you like the history of the Elizabethan period, if you enjoy Shakespeare's plays and if you're interested by dramatic deaths, this is the book you've been waiting for. e
Lots of brilliant glimpses of how differently contemporary audiences would have experienced and understood these plays - for instance I knew about some of the sex jokes but completely missed how many pox references there are.
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