Grave of the Fireflies by Akiyuki Nosaka and Translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori - #bookreview

On the mainline Sannomiya Station, bayside exit, Seita sat slumped against a column, its tiles peeling off to expose the bare concrete, with his bottom on the floor and both legs stretched out straight before him...

The Blurb

The heartbreaking Japanese classic telling the story of two orphans fighting for survival at the end of World War Two, published in English for the first time

In the dying days of the War, Seita and Setsuko must fend for themselves. Firebombs have obliterated their home in Kobe, leaving them searching for shelter and scrambling to survive in the depths of the countryside. But, as their suffering becomes a constant companion, so do the lights of the fireflies – shining from the bomber planes, and the insects glowing by the lake at night.

This unforgettable semi-autobiographical tale by Akiyuki Nosaka won him the Naoki Prize, cementing his place in the Japanese cultural canon. Published here for the first time as a standalone story, Grave of the Fireflies illuminates the untold sorrows of normal people who live in the shadow of war.

My Review

Publishing today this short but heartbreaking and raw novella is an absolute must read. 

It is the story of Seita and Setsuko who have been orphaned by war. Brother and sister are aged about fourteen and four respectively. Reading of how the older sibling tries to take care of his younger sister amidst such terrible and harrowing circumstances made me feel quite emotional. 

 The author describes everyday life for them as society disintegrates around them as Japan faces defeat. Originally published in 1967, this book is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Our media is full of war and the suffering of innocent people and I could not help but think that nothing has been learned from the past.

At less than 80 pages I found this to be a concise telling of the harrowing hardships of war.  This semi-autobiographical work which was originally a short story made for excellent reading. 

Translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori she has done an excellent job of bringing this story to the attention of the wider reading community and I highly recommend it.

Book Details

ISBN:  978 0241780213

Publisher:  Penguin Classics

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  80 (paperback)

Purchase Links

Bookshop.org

Amazon UK

Blackwell's

Waterstones

About the Author

Akiyuki Nosaka (1930-2015) was a novelist, singer, lyricist and former member of the House of Councillors in Japan. Born in Kamakura, Kanagawa, his memories of living through the Second World War – including the loss of his adoptive father in the 1945 Kobe bombings – served as the inspiration for his most famous short stories. In 1967, he won the Naoki Prize for Grave of the Fireflies and American Hijiki, both based on the Japanese experience of the War. Nosaka also wrote erotic fiction, including The Pornographers (1963), and in later life he continued his career as a newspaper and TV journalist, as well as a politician and chanson singer.

(ARC and media courtesy of the publisher)

(author photo courtesy of Wiki)

(all opinions are my own)

(Bookshop.org affiliated)

Books I Have Read in July 2025

 

I can hardly believe that we are at the end of July already.

This month I have had my son visiting from overseas which was wonderful. I also spent some time with my two eldest grandchildren drinking bubble tea. Well, they had the bubble sort and I had a lovely jasmine green tea. They are both doing the summer reading challenge that the libraries are running so we had a good chat about books. In fact, my ten year old granddaughter, who is a very keen reader had finished the challenge by the end of the first week. That's my girl...

I hope July has been a good month for you. Have you read anything exciting?

Wartime Comes to the West India Dock Road by Renita D'Silva

This book is the second in the West India Dock Road series. Having enjoyed the first in the series I was keen to read this and enjoyed it very much. If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.

Enchanted Beach by Esther Freud and Emma Chinnery

This is such a lovely picture book which portrays the beauty of the beach in all seasons and weathers. If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking  here.

This is Me Trying by Jenna Adams

This was a five-star read for me, and I enjoyed every page.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.

Victory for the Foyle's Bookshop Girls by Elaine Roberts

I so enjoyed being able to revisit the staff of Foyle's Bookshop in this book. It worked well as a standalone novel so not reading the previous book was not necessary to enjoy this book.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.

The Standing Stone on the Moor by Allie Cresswell

This was an excellent historical fiction read, and I enjoyed every minute that I invested in reading it.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.

Alliance with Her Renegade Knight by Lissa Morgan

I was delighted when the author of this book, Lissa Morgan asked me if I would consider reading her latest novel.  I enjoyed it very much.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.

Butter by Asako Yuzuki

This is a unique book, and I cannot recall anything similar in my reading experience. It is a genre-defying novel based on fact.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.

The Lady of the Tower by Elizabeth St. John

The Lady of the Tower is the first book in the Lydiard Chronicles series. Based on the true story of the author's ancestors, The Lady of the Tower tells us of Lucy St. John and covers the period 1603 - 1630.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.

A Murder for Miss Hortense by Mel Pennant

The titular Miss Hortense may not be popular in the town where she lives, but people come knocking on her door seeking advice nonetheless. An enjoyable book.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.

The Girl from Normandy by Rachel Sweasey

This was a lovely dual-timeline novel, which I enjoyed very much.   If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.

The Last Laugh Club by Kate Galley

There are few books which could be so instantly appealing to me: a trio of older characters and knitting.  If you would like to read my review you can find my full review by clicking here.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

This was my book club read this month. It made for interesting reading although some liked it more and less than I did. 

There's Something About Mira by Sonali Dev

Although I haven't written a review of this one I enjoyed it very much. Set in an Indian community in Birmingham, it's the story of Mira who is engaged to be married very soon.

A Little Trickerie by Roseanna Pike

I literally only finished this last night. It's a fabulous book and unlike anything I have read before. My review will be up next week so watch this space.

10 Ten Exciting Books I Want to Read in September 2024

 

I suspect by that by the end of this month our surroundings will be looking much more autumnal.

It hasn't been a brilliant summer in my neck of the woods. There hasn't been many consistently sunny days. However, there is something lovely about early autumn. It hasn't yet got too cold but the colours of nature are beautiful.

It is time to think about getting out the blankets and the warm socks back out of storage, although it's not cold yet. I wonder how long before the weather turns chillier?

Here are ten books that I would like to read this month; some new, some old and some for the little ones.

A Memoir of Jane Austen by J.E. Austen-Leigh

Monster Post by Emma Yarlett

The Frightened Ones by Dima Wannous

Hot Dog by Doug Salati

See Under: Love by David Grossman

The Stones of Burren Bay by Emily de Angelis

Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama

Michal's Destiny by Roberta Kagan

A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls by Patricia McBride

All the Old Knives by Olen Steinhauer

Happy September Reading!

10 Ten Books I Want to Read in April 2024

 

As I sit to write this post, the sun is shining brightly outside. Nothing cheers me quite as much as the spring sunshine.... except perhaps a good book to read.

What are your reading plans for April? Here are just ten books that I would like to read.

The Last Policeman by Ben Winters

George Eliot by Jenny Uglow

Jane Eyre: Abridged for Young Readers by Charlotte Bronte and Patrice Lawrence

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon

Hello, Goodbye by Kate Stollenwerk

Future Hopes: Hopeful Stories in a Time of Climate Change by Lauren James

To Cook a Bear by Mikael Niemi

And Then She Fell by Alicia Elliott

Widows on the Wine Path by Julia Jarman

I, Mona Lisa by Natasha Solomons

Reading Roundup for March 2024

 

Here we are, almost at the end of March and spring is in the air.

I am a little early with my reading roundup for March but I prefer to be early than late with things. I am one of those people that arrive everywhere half an hour before I need to be there!

Have you read anything good that you think I might like this month?

Books I Have Read

In Sickness and in Health/Yom Kippur in Gym by Nora Gold - This is a flip book of two novellas. Both were five star reads for me. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Shadow Network by Deborah Swift - An excellent book set during WWII. I was gripped by this. You can read my review by clicking here.

Dark Clouds Bring Waters by I. R. Ridley - A short book which made for beautiful reading. You can read my review by clicking here.

A Swift Return by Fiona Barker - A picture book for children with a strong ecological message. You can read my review by clicking here.

Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor - This modern classic was my favourite book this month. 

Newborn by Kerry Hudson - Such a good memoir about life as an expat during pregnancy and illness during the pandemic. You can read my review by clicking here.

At the Stroke of Midnight by Jenni Keer - An excellent book with a time travel element. Well worth reading. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Teacher Who Knew Too Much by Rob Keeley - A lovely book for middle grade children. You can read my review by clicking here.

And Now There's Zelda by Carolyn Clarke - I loved this book which is being published in May. My review will not be published until then.

Wuthering Heights - by Emily Bronte - I have read this a few times already. It was chosen by my book group so read it again. It is not my favourite of the Bronte novels.

Counting Sheep: A Farmyard Counting Book by Michelle Robinson - This is a wonderful picture book for little ones and well worth reading. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W. by Cate Green - This was another five star read for me. My review will be up later this week.

The Mistress by Valerie Keogh - I love her books. You can read my review clicking here.

The Complete Stories of A. A. Milne by A. A. Milne - A lovely and varied collection of stories from the creator of Winnie the Pooh. My review will be up tomorrow as part of the blog tour.

The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh - Beautifully written fiction about a soldier during the Vietnam War.

Books I Am Currently Reading

Does My Dog Love Me? by Graeme Hall

From Crime to Crime by Richard Henriques

Murder on the Dance Floor by Katie Marsh

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

10 Ten Books I Want to Read in March 2024 - #TBR

 

Welcome to March! 

Today is also St. David's Day and I wish you all a happy one filled with happiness and daffodils like the one above. Unfortunately, the ones I had in my garden have been eaten by slugs/snails. They tend to decimate everything in my garden; with the exception of the weeds naturally!

What reading plans do you have for March? Here are ten books that I hope to read this month.

How to Survive in Medieval England  by Toni Mount

The Good Servant by Fern Britton

At the Stroke of Midnight by Jenni Keer

The Sewing Factory Girls by Posy Lovell

Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Call it Sleep by Henry Roth

The Trawlerman by William Shaw

The Heron's Cry by Ann Cleeves

The Incredible Adventures of Gaston le Dog by Michael Rosen

Reading Roundup for January 2024

If you have noticed that things have been a little quiet on the blog this week, it is because this gorgeous little bundle of mischief has joined the family!

When I lost my lovely border collie to old age last September I was completly heartbroken. At the time I did not think I would ever have another dog again. Any of you who have lost a beloved pet will understand exactly what I mean. But then my daughter-in-law sent me a link to this litter of puppies, and they and their mum were only twenty minutes away... well you can imagine the rest. I was instantly in love again.

We have called her Roxie and she is a border collie/Bedlington terrier cross. She is a little darling and I am so happy to have another writing companion... that is when she allows me to do any actual writing! So, I hope you will bear with me if my reviews are less frenquent than they usually are.

That said, here is my list of books that I have managed to read this month.

Books I Have Read

Cover the Bones by Chris Hammer - This book is part of the Ivan Lucic and Nell Bucanan series and well worth reading. You can read my review here.

The Pierogi Peril by Geri Krotow - The second book in the Kielbasa Queen series. It was a light-hearted story which will appeal to cozy crime readers.

War of the Wind by Victoria Williamson - I love this author's books. They are all very different but all brilliant in their own way. This one is aimed at children of 10+ You can read my review here.

Maisie's Big Book of Kindness by Lucy Cousins - This lovely picture book for children has a positive measure about kindness, thoughtfulness and sharing.

 

Back to Her Future by Cary J. Hansson - This was a fantastic novel and was easily a five star read for me. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Austrian Bride by Helen Parusel - This was an excellent book set in Austria during the annexation in 1938. You can read my review by clicking here.

Stitch by Padraig Kenny - Based loosley on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, this was my favourite book this month. You can read my review by clicking here.

But You Did Not Come Back Again by Marceline Loridan-Ivens - Although I did not get around to reviewing this book it is well worth reading.

Will You Be My Friend? by Sam McBratney - I will be posting my review of this gorgeous book for young children very soon.

A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines - A brilliant modern classic and my review will be coming soon.

Harvest Cruise by Rebecca Benison - This is an exciting adventure story based around a singles cruise ship. You can read my review by clicking here.

River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure - A fabulous book set in China. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Secrets of Crestwell Hall by Alexandra Walsh - This is a dual timeline book, moving between the 17th century and the modern day. You can read my review by clicking here.

Books I am Partway Through

 The Brother Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky - expect to see this one here for a while.

Newborn by Kerry Hudson

A Brilliant Life by Rachelle Unreich

Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge by Lizzie Pook

Top 10 Ten Books of 2023

 

Happy New Year

I can hardly believe that another year is behind us. The New Year for me is always a time of reflection on the joys and sorrows that 2023 brought with it. It is also a time to reflect on my reading for the year and to try to whittle down the 157 books that I have read to a mere ten - not an easy task as I am sure you can imagine.

So, in no particular order, here are my top ten (click on the book title to go straight to my review.)

The Wolf Hunt by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen - I was already a fan of this author, having read her book, Waking Lions a few years ago. The Wolf Hunt was every bit as good and is well worthy of a place in my top ten book.

Don't Look Away by Rachel Abbott - Set in Cornwall, this is a suspenseful book that I enjoyed very much.

Good Girls Die Last by Natali Simmonds - This was a very powerful book which I cannot recommend highly enough.

The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths - This is the final book in the Ruth Galloway series. I have loved all of these books and this one was no exception.

Morgan is My Name by Sophie Keetch - This is a wonderful feminist retelling of the character of Morgana from the tales of King Arthur. Well worth reading.

The Best Minds A Story of Friendship, Madness and Good Intensions by Jonathan Rosen - The author writes of his childhood friendship with Michael, and his diagnoses of scizophrenia.

The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed - Based on a true story and set in Cardiff's, Tiger Bay. This is a compelling story of injustice.

Dreaming of Flight by Catherine Ryan Hyde - The story of a young boy and his friendship with an elderly neighbour.

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler - This book was a little out of my reading comfort zone but I thoroughly enjoyed it's time travel element which moves between modern day America and the Antebellum South.

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Suzy K. Quinn - This self published novel is well worthy of a place in my top ten books. It is both poignant and humourous and I highly recommend it.

Wishing you all a wonderful 2024

Annie x

The Husband Criteria by Catherine Kullman - #BookReview #BlogTour

 

It is the undisputed ambition of every mother to see her daughters and, to a lesser extent (for a daughter-in-law may one day supplant her) her sons, suitably married. The eligibility of potential matches is determined by an arcane logarithm setting his station, wealth, and personability against her beauty, fortune, and station. Although there is no Euclidean exposition to assist in the application of this tool, matrons of all classes are expert in evaluating a man's worth, and the likelihood of their daughter successfully attracting his attention.

***

London 1817

The primary aim of every young lady embarking on the Spring frenzy that is the Season must be to make a good match. Or must it? And what is a good match? For cousins Cynthia, Chloe and Ann, well aware that the society preux chevalier may prove to be a domestic tyrant, these are vital questions. How can they discover their suitors’ true character when all their encounters must be confined to the highly ritualised round of balls, parties and drives in the park?

As they define and refine their Husband Criteria, Cynthia finds herself unwillingly attracted to aloof Rafe Marfield, heir to an earldom, while Chloe is pleased to find that Thomas Musgrave, the vicar’s son from home, is also in London. And Ann must decide what is more important to her, music or marriage.

And what of the gentlemen who consider the marriage mart to be their hunting grounds? How will they react if they realise how rigorously they are being assessed?

A light-hearted, entertaining look behind the scenes of a Season that takes a different course with unexpected consequences for all concerned.

***

This historical romance very much had an Austensque/Georgette Heyer feel to it. Indeed, the opening lines (above) reminded me of the opening paragraph of Jane Austen's, Pride and Prejudice. Through this the author is nicely indicating the type of story the reader is about to embark on.  

The story portrays three friends who are also cousins, who are termed, the three graces, during a London Season in 1817. This forms part of a marriage market where the girls embark on finding a suitable match. However, Ann, Cynthia and Chloe are slightly different to the average young woman they will encounter at balls and parties, because when younger they had compiled a list of characteristics that they wished their future husband to have, hence the titular husband criteria. Not only was this entertaining but this aspect made me smile as I remember my best friend and I do something similar when we about twelve or thirteen. I so wish I had kept that list as I would love to look at it through more mature eyes. All I remember is that I wanted him to be blonde with blue eyes and my husband does indeed have those attributes (well, his hair is more grey than blonde now!)

At the beginning of the book, there is a useful list of the characters as there are many. Personally, I would have preferred to read this in a physical form rather than an e-book. A physical copy provides easier opportunities to flick back to the list and would have enhanced my enjoyment of the book. It does soon become apparent who the main characters in the story are but I found many of the secondary characters more difficult to pin down.

This is the third book in The Lorings series. However, it works perfectly well as a standalone book and did not affect my enjoyment of this novel.

Readers who enjoy classic historical fiction will enjoy this book. Happy reading!

ISBN:  978 1913545901

Publisher:  Books Go Social

Formats:  e-book, hardback and paperback

No. of Pages:  297 (paperback)

About the Author:

Catherine Kullmann was born and educated in Dublin. Following a three-year courtship conducted mostly by letter, she moved to Germany where she lived for twenty-five years before returning to Ireland. She has worked in the Irish and New Zealand public services and in the private sector. Widowed, she has three adult sons and two grandchildren.

Catherine has always been interested in the extended Regency period, a time when the foundations of our modern world were laid. She loves writing and is particularly interested in what happens after the first happy end—how life goes on for the protagonists and sometimes catches up with them. Her books are set against a background of the offstage, Napoleonic wars and consider in particular the situation of women trapped in a patriarchal society.

She is the author of The Murmur of Masks, Perception & Illusion, A Suggestion of Scandal, The Duke’s Regret, The Potential for Love, A Comfortable Alliance and Lady Loring’s Dilemma. 

Catherine also blogs about historical facts and trivia related to this era. You can find out more about her books and read her blog (My Scrap Album) at her website. You can contact her via her Facebook page or on Twitter.

(e-book and all media info courtesy of The Coffee Pot Book Club)

(all opinions are my own)

Reading Roundup for August 2023

 

This month has not been such a great one for me, and I have not reviewed as many books as usual. I had to have a stay in hospital (nothing serious) and upon my discharge I caught covid. I was looked after brilliantly by the NHS but lying there recovering I found it really difficult to read. There was so much necessary hustle, bustle and noise going on around me and I found I couldn't settle to anything.

Most of all, I missed my dog. It goes without saying that I missed by lovely husband too, but I was at least able to see him each day during visiting hours. My husband tells me that the dog missed me equally and judging from the reception his waggy tail gave me when I returned home he was quite right. So, this month my gorgeous dog, Buddy, is my header photo for no other reason that I love him and missed him so much.

Anyway, enough dog talk and on to books. I am a little behind with my reviews this month but they will be coming. In the meantime, here are the books which I read this month.

Books I Have Read

The Wolf Hunt by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen - This was easily my favourite book this month. My review will be up very soon so watch this space.  Purchase Link*

In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes - This was an excellent book and my review will be up soon.  Purchase Link*

All Good Things by Amanda Prowse - I like this authors' books very much and this was no exception. My review will be up soon.   Purchase Link*

The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey - This was most enjoyable for anyone who enjoys Golden Age detective fiction.  Purchase Link*

How to Draw a Giraffe: The Alice May Way by Alice G. May - I spent a very enjoyable afternoon with this book. You can find my review by clicking here.

Norah's Ark by Victoria Williamson - My review of this smashing book will be up tomorrow in time for the blog tour.  Purchase Link*

Wartime with the Cornish Girls by Betty Walker - This is the first in the Cornish Girls series. I liked it very much and my review is coming.  Purchase Link*

Kings and Queens: Alfred the Great to King Charles III and Everyone In-Between! by Marcia Williams - This was a fantastic comic-strip presentation aimed at junior school/middle grade children. If you would like to read my review you can do so by clicking here.   Purchase Link*

The Cornish Rebel by Nicola Pryce - This historical fiction title is one in a series and I cannot wait to read some of the others. My review for this book can be found here.  Purchase Link*

Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew J. Sullivan - Although this book is not what I expected I enjoyed reading it very much. You can find my review by clicking here.  Purchase LInk*

The Prosecco Pact by Kiltie Jackson - A story of three very different women who are friends. You can read my review by clicking here.

Don't Look Away by Rachel Abbott - This was a fabulous read and I highly recommend it. You can read my review by clicking here.  Purchase Link*

Books I Did Not Finish

Last of the Summer Moet by Wendy Holden - Not finishing this is no reflection on the book but I was trying to read this in hospital and could not get into it.

I, Julian by Claire Gilbert - I had really high hopes for this book but couldn't get into it. I may try it another time.

Books I am Partway Through

Murder on the Farm by Kate Wells

The Yorkshire Farm Girl by Diane Allen

*Disclosure: I only recommend books I would buy myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains an affiliate link from which I may earn a small commission.

Reading Roundup for May 2023

 

May began as spring but now feels like early summer. I am thrilled that I have been able to sit outside with a book a few times. There is something about reading outside that I love. Hearing the birds sing, the sunshine on my face and nature all around me.

The eagle eyed amongst you may have noticed that I have joined the affiliate programme with Bookshop.org. I like this website because it means that every sale made via my page means that money goes towards supporting independent booksellers, and I receive a small commission too. If you would like to see my shop front then please click on the link https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/LeftontheShelf. It is still a work in progress, and I am adding new books daily so please do pop over there and take a look from time to time.

It has been a good reading month too. So without further ado, here is my reading roundup for May.

Books I Have Read

The Devil's Glove by Lucretia Grindle - I only finished this last night. My review will be up on Friday as part of the blog tour.

The Girls of Summer by Katie Bishop - This book was my favourite this month and you can read my review by clicking here.  You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them) by Nadine Aisha Jassat - This was a lovely book for middle grade children about a twelve year old girl who helps care for her grandmother who has Altzeimers. You can read my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Maybe It's About Time by Neil Boss - This was almost my favourite of the month. Set during the pandemic it tells of the experiences of two very different people. It is well worth reading and you can read my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

A Mother's War by Helen Parusel - I enjoyed this WWII novel very much. It is set in Norway during the German Occupation. You can find my review of this book by clicking here.

The Foundling by Stacey Halls - I read this as the book of the month with the book group that I lead. I really liked this historical novel and you can find my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Lyrics for the Loved Ones by Anne Goodwin - This is a sequel to Matilda Windsor is Coming Home and is excellent. You can read my review by clicking here. 

The Keeper of Stories by Sally Page - This was a delightful read which I highly recommend. You can read my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Henry VIII: The Heart and the Crown by Alison Weir - I can guarantee that when I pick up a book by this author I am going to love it. This lived up to my expectations in every way. You can find my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

A Stepney Girl's Secret by Jean Fullerton - I enjoy a good saga set during WWII and this one was very good. You can read my review by clicking here.    You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan - I read this YA title as part of a blog tour and it was an excellent read. You can find my review by clicking here.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Through Three Rooms by Sven Elvestad - This novella is part of the Asbjorn Krag series and has recently been translated from Norwegian. You can find my review by clicking here.

James I: The King Who United Scotland and England by Keith Coleman - This non-fiction title was informative and interesting and I recommend it. You can read my review by clicking here.  You can buy the book from Bookshop.org *

Books I Did Not Finish

The Shadow in the Glass by J.J.A. Harwood - There was nothing really wrong with this book but it just was not working for me when I had so many other books waiting to be read. Don't let that put you off though as it was not a bad book.  You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Disembodied Torso by Kali Nicole Gro - The only reason that I did not finish this book is because I had to take it back to the library.   You can buy this book from Bookshop.org *

Books I am Partway Through

Unorthodox Love by Heidi Shertok

Hope is a Woman's Name by Amal Elsana Alh'jooj

*Disclosure: I only recommend books I would buy myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains an affiliate link from which I may earn a small commission.

(header photo courtesy of Unsplash)

Reading Roundup - August 2022

Well, here we are at the end of August already! At this point in the year, I am hit by realisation that Autumn is not far away. There have been reports in the news recently that the trees think it is autumn already due to the unusually high temperatures that we have seen.

However, as I sit here writing this post, I can see only lush green leaves on the trees visible from my window, and I shall enjoy it while it lasts.

It has been a busy month, and I have not reviewed all of the books that I have read as the days and weeks have just whizzed speedily by. Still, I have read some good books and there have been some interesting and exciting features on the blog.

I was thrilled to interview Lorenzo DeStefano, author of the outstanding novel, House Boy. You can read the interview here, and my review of the novel here.

Carolyn Clarke told us about her Desert Island Books and you can read her interesting post here.. Carolyn is the author of the brilliant, And Then There's Margaret. You can read my review by clicking here.

There has also been a cover love posting featuring, The House Beneath the Cliffs by Sharon Gosling which you can read by clicking here.

In addition, my top ten new releases for September can be accessed here, and a library loans post here. 

Have you had a good reading month?

Books I Have Read

The Keepsake by Julie Brooks - I have recently taken part in the book tour for her previous book, The Secrets of Bridgewater Bay, which I preferred to this more recent book. If you would like to read my review you can do so by clicking here.

Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie - This was so almost my book of the month but the ending let it down.

Dark Music by David Lagercrantz - Translated from Swedish this is the first in a planned series. It was okay but I am not planning on reading the next one.

After Silence by Jessica Gregson - This wonderful book was my favourite this month. You can find my review by clicking here.

Nightshade by E.S. Thomson - This is number five in the Jem Flockhart series of books.

Pamela by Samuel Richardson - I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had read it in a physical form rather than on my kindle.

Before the Dawn by Emma Pass - I have not previously read anything by this author and I enjoyed reading this.

Shadow by Michael Morpurgo - This is an amazing story, written for children but to be enjoyed by all. You can find my review here.

Books I Didn't Finish

Four Riddles for Jane Austen by Gabrielle Mullarkey - The only reason I didn't finish this is that I had too many other reading deadlines to meet. What I did read I was enjoying and I will be going back to it at some point.

Books I am Partway Through

Psalms for the End of the World by Cole Haddon

Women Like Us: A Memoir by Amanda Prowse

The Invisible by  Peter Papathanasiou

Love Lesson in Starcross Valley by Lucy Knott

 (header photo courtesy of Alisa Anton/Unsplash) 

Books to Read in August 2022

 

I remember how busy August used to be when I had four little ones to look after. The school holidays were always a time I looked forward to. It was a change from the routine of the school run, and having quality time to spend with my children without all of the hurry, rush and bother. They are precious days and they pass too quickly.

Visits to the library were frequent in those days. Although I personally did not get very much reading done, we used to go every few days so they could choose new books. Then we would go to the park, sit on a blanket and read.  Such happy days.

Here are a few books that I hope to read this month.

A River Town by Thomas Keneally

Little Caged Birds by Lucy Banks

The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain

An Orphan's Journey by Rosie Goodwin

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

The Bookseller of Inverness by S.G. MacLean

Four Riddles for Jane Austen by Gabrielle Mullarkey

Unraveller by Frances Hardinge

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

(this will be a reread for me)

The Woman Underwater by Penny Goetjen

(header photo courtesy of Raphael Biscaldi / Unsplash)

Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye - #TuesdayTeaser

Hello and welcome to this week's Tuesday Teaser. The place where we take a sneaky peek at a book that has caught my eye.

This week we are looking at Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye. With Jane Eyre being one of my favourite books, I was hooked by the cover of this book and wanted to take a closer look.

Lyndsay Faye is the author of critically acclaimed Dust and Shadow and the Timothy Wilde trilogy: the Edgar Award-nominated The Gods of Gotham, Seven For A Secret and The Fatal Flame. She is featured in Best American Mystery Stories 2010. 

The Blurb

Like the heroine of the novel she adores, Jane Steele suffers cruelly at the hands of her aunt and schoolmaster. And like Jane Eyre, they call her wicked – but in her case, she fears the accusation is true. When she flees, she leaves behind the corpses of her tormentors. A fugitive navigating London’s underbelly, Jane rights wrongs on behalf of the have-nots whilst avoiding the noose. Until an advertisement catches her eye. Her aunt has died and the new master at Highgate House, Mr Thornfield, seeks a governess. Anxious to know if she is Highgate’s true heir, Jane takes the position and is soon caught up in the household’s strange spell. When she falls in love with the mysterious Charles Thornfield, she faces a terrible dilemma: can she possess him – body, soul and secrets – and what if he discovers her murderous past?

In the Beginning...

Chapter One

"I wouldn't have her heart for anything. Say yours prayers, Miss Eyre, when you are by yourself; for if you don't repent, something bad might be permitted to come down the chimney, and fetch you away."

Of all my many murders, committed for love and for better reasons, the first was the most important.

Already this project proves more difficult than I had ever imagined. Autobiographies depend upon truth; but I have been lying for such a very long, lonesome time.

"Jane, will you be my friend again?" Edwin Barbary had asked.

My cousin's lips were gnawed red, his skin gleaming with exertion and desire. When his fleshy mouth next moved, the merest croak emerged. He breathed precisely five more times, the fat folds of his belly shuddering against his torn waistcoat, and then he stilled like a depleted clockwork toy.

More of my homicides anon - the astute among you will desire to know why a dyed-in-the-wool villainess takes up pen and foolscap in the first place. I have been reading over and over again the most riveting of book titles Jane Eyre, and the work inspires me to imitative acts. My new printing features a daring introduction by the author railing against the first edition's critics. I relate to this story almost as I would to a friend or a love - at times I want to breathe its entire alphabet into my lungs, and at others I should prefer to throw it across the room. Whoever heard of disembodied voices calling to governesses, of all people, as this Jane's do?

Hereby do I avow that I, Jane Steele, in all my days working as a governess, never once heard ethereal cries carried to me upon the brawny shoulders of the north wind; and had I done, I should have kept silent for fear of being labelled eccentric...

***

This book is a must read for me as it promises so much. What do you think? What genre would you place this book in?