Brian Sykes

Advantages: Great science and great storytelling
Disadvantages: some harded science readers may find the storys out of place

...I discovered this book while researching my dissertation on mitochondrial genes in human evolution. I have to say that it completely knocked me sideways and have read it numerous times since. The story of our evolution is the probably the greatest story ever told or ever likely to be told. Sykes tells this chapter of the population of Europe, exquisitely mixing science with his own stories of how the seven daughters lived. The mitochondria is a small component of our cells which contains is own DNA. This DNA is much smaller than our own DNA and is largely unchanged through generations. However as an added twist, mitochondrial DNA is only passed on through the female line. This book is split into to different sections, firstly he begins by leading the reader step by step through his own discoveries and exploits. Starting with his... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: funny, humanising, informative, insightful
Disadvantages: Not enough of it!

...As someone who has grown up with Michael Palin's influence I am astounded at this book. It brings to life someone who we see regularly on TV acting like the kind of friend or brother we all wish we had. Somehow though, you imagine that no-one can be as nice, as funny and as thoughtful as he appears. There must be a dark side to him! Well there isn't. This book brings to life the comedy background of the seventies. It covers the period of the Python series and brings to life the characters we became familiar with during those years. Then we move seamlessly towards the Holy Grail film, Ripping Yarns and eventually Life of Brian. What makes this book great though is Palin's ability to make his growing fame seem so 'normal'. We are taken through his sadnesses, his joys, his successes and his frustrations. Household names are made... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Olivers innocence
Disadvantages: Fagin-evil

...Oliver Twist is one of Dickens greatest books examining how children are vulnerable and can be exploited by adults. I first read this book at school for my GCSE coursework and at first didn't find it that interesting but when I read between the lines it made much more sense. Oliver is a boy abandoned at the workhouse by his mother when he is a baby. When he is older Oliver becomes a member of Fagin's gang of thieves where he is taken advantage of from the moment he enters their den. The story develops with Oliver being abandoned and accused of being a pickpocket then being taken in by Mr Brownlow. Oliver is then kidnapped by Mr Sykes and then taken back to the criminal underworld. Soon Mr Brownlow tries to get Oliver back and sets up a meeting to hand Oliver over with Nancy who is Sykes' girlfriend. When Sykes finds out he finds Nancy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful