Mary Riddell

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: Cant put down type of book.
Disadvantages: Makes the reader feel a bit of an idiot.

...An excellent book for children ages 8-13 and very addictive (cant put down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I have read all 12 works out so far and must say this isnt my favorite. Can get very irratating when he explains everything and occaisionally a bit reppetative. The Good Points far outwiegh the bad points! The sort of people that would enjoy this book would probably be the sort of person that enjoyed the following: Any of the Harry Potter Books by J K Rowling Phillip Ardaughs books like Awful End Eva Ibbotsons The Secret of Platform Thirteen Any of the Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddel including Beyond the Deepwoods and The last Sky Pirate So overall i would say that this is a good book but would probably seem a little bit wierd if you havnt read the previos ones: The Bad Beginng The Reptile Room The Wide Window... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Lovely story, easy for children to follow
Disadvantages: Having to read it ten times a day!

...vanishes, asking 'Where's T'ratio?' (She can't quite say Horatio properly yet, but she's working on it). In fact Amy enjoys this book so much she almost knows it word for word herself & if no one is available to read it for her she will sit, looking at the pictures & reciting the words she knows. When I asked her for a comment for this review she said 'Read T'ratio Mummy, Read it, read it'. The book is written by Kathryn Cave & illustrated by Chris Riddell. It's published by Hodder Children's Books & is available in both hardback & paperback from all good book stores, including Amazon, WHSmith & Waterstones. It retails at £4:99, but can be picked up cheaper if you shop around. I managed to get the paperback version from our local Poundstretcher for the amazing sum of 99p. So I guess that about sums it up really. I would recommend this book... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful