Anna Horsbrugh-Porter

Advantages: A masterpiece
Disadvantages: A very long masterpiece

...Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is an incredibly popular story. Well known and loved by many it has survived the passage of time and is as beguiling and popular now as it has ever been. I say story rather than novel as this has been the subject of many film and TV adaptations, from Greta Garbo in 1935 to Sophie Marceau in 1997 the IMDb website lists no less than 24 different adaptations, from all over the world. How popular the novel itself is is questionable, weighing in at over 800 pages it is quite daunting but if you've only seen the films you really have missed out. The novel is a masterpiece of literature and covers characters and themes far beyond the reach of film. I'll be honest and say that I've never seen any of these adaptations but from the synopsis' and commentaries I've read it seems that they focus almost entirely... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: great read with a cup of tea and a jaffa (optional)
Disadvantages: hmm.....none

...I remember reading this book when I was 15 years old and could narrate to this. Nine years on now I have brought my own copy as this book brings allot of memories to my mind. ANNA OF THE FIVE TOWNS - THE TITLE Anna of the five towns is the first of Arnold Bennett's 'Five Towns' novels which was published in 1902. This is the first series of stories set in the potteries which is Arnold Bennett's birthplace. It now consists of the City of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire. The 'Five Towns' novels are; Anna of the Five Towns (1902), The Old Wives' Tale (1908) The Clayhanger Family (1925). You do not have to read them in order as each book is a story itself. THE AUTHOR Arnold Bennett also known as Enoch Arnold Bennett was born in 1867 and died in 1931. He started writing in late nineteenth century while... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: well written, dramatic
Disadvantages: too short

...An excellent book from Anna jacobs, full of drama, excitement and sorrow. A book to enjoy, curled up by the fire or spread out on the beach. i used a whole box of tissues while reading this book. The rest of the books in this series are excellent too. The main character is a woman with a determined character, modern women could take a few tips from her. I read this book in 1 night as once started i couldnt stop reading till i reached the end. I felt as though after reading it any problems in my own life were minor and i was thankful i born in this century. Any one who likes history and a strong story line will love this book. I thoroughly recommend reading Anna Jacobs.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful