Alexander Kent

Advantages: great story telling, great pictures
Disadvantages: probably too light for the serious student

...Michael Wood is the everyman of history in the media; casual and charismatic, TV friendly and a fantastic story teller. The book is a companion to the TV series as is the usual format for Woods work. To travel the path taken by Alexander the Great is no small undertaking. The research alone to re-kindle footsteps taken over 2000 years ago is an admirable project, to actually re-travel the route is an amazing task which can not fail to make a great story. The book works on two levels. At the same time as explaining the reasons and routes behind Alexanders advance, Wood is able to look for evidence still visable in the modern landscape. From buildiings and physical geography to stories still told and the people themselves help bring the story to life and turn the dusty pages of history into a beautiful joining of past and present. The book... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Well-researched and analytical.
Disadvantages: At over 400 pages some people might find it rather long.

..."The Duchess of Kent The Troubled Life of Katharine Worsley" by Mary Riddell is a fascinating indepth analysis of the life of the present Duchess of Kent. The author analyses the forces which shaped the character of the young Katharine from her privileged upbringing in Yorkshire to her unhappy marriage overshadowed first by the domineering presence of her mother-in-law Princess Marina, then darkened by the stillbirth of her last child, mental breakdown and many years of chronic health problems. A greater part of the book deals with the Duchess's conversion to the Catholic faith and the effect this had on her life, both personal and public. Also the author examines her relationships with members of the Royal Family and draws parallels between this and the life of Diana, Princess of Wales. I found it an insightful read.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Alexander McCall Smith is a genius and does write beautifully
Disadvantages: The stories are too short for you to get your teeth stuck into them!!

...If you are expecting something similar to Alexander McCall Smith's No1 Ladies Detective agency or the 44 Scotland Street series you will NOT get this with this book. This is a quirky collection of traditional stories, very short stories, some only a couple of pages long. They are similar to fables or fairy stories, all independent from each other. I did read this book in full - but I must admit my attention was waning towards the end. Some of the stories are a bit samey - good defeating evil, etc. The stories do paint a wonderful picture of African traditions and landscapes, the author does project hs love of the continent very effectively. If you are a fan of Alexander McCall Smith you will probably want to read this regardless of my review, but it would probably be more satisfying to dip in and out of this rather than read... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful