Peter Richardson

Advantages: Fills in lesser known history
Disadvantages: Still has a few gaps

...In Peter Richardson's new book, 'Herod: King of the Jews and Friend of the Romans', we are given a much fuller account of the king who has graduated to being an archtype, almost mythical character who is the embodiment of evil. 'Herod the Great, as he is usually called, was much like Henry VIII, Catherine the Great, or Peter the Great: talented, vigourous, lusty, skillful, charismatic, attractive, decisive, influential--but a disaster in his personal life. Like them, Herod changed his nation's history.' In a biographical study an author need not like the subject, but it helps if there is something to admire. Herod's personality is not attractive; had I been a contemporary I should not have wanted to spend much time with him. This having been said, Richardson does find much of interest and intrigue in the character and the deeds... Read review

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Advantages: Beautifully written, vivid description
Disadvantages: None

...Lydia Aspen comes to live in the town on Evensford after the death of her father. Living with two elderly aunts, she leads a solitary existence until a local lad, Richardson, introduces her into Evensford society in the 1920s. Richardson soon falls in love with Lydia, but the path to true love doesn't run smoothly - Lydia flirts with two of Richardson's closest friends, Alex and Tom, and others beside. When it appears that Alex is going to ask Lydia to marry him, Richardson is devastated and life for the friends will never be the same again. The very mention of H E Bates's name evokes memories of my childhood. From an early age, I was introduced to his work and I still enjoy it today. Probably best known for his books featuring Pop Larkin and his family, televised in The Darling Buds of May, he has also written several volumes of short... Read review

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Advantages: Pleasant light reading, some great characters, satisfactory ending
Disadvantages: Rather convoluted plot, too many minor characters, some a bit flat

...; gradually she realises that she is the main focus of their lives, in a somewhat unhealthy way. However she is basically a secure, contented person, and mostly accepts her good fortune. Within the first chapter of the book, Ella experiments with boyfriends, reaches her twenties, sees a close friend married, becomes a teacher, and moves to a flat of her own - while continuing to see her parents frequently. She also becomes a regular visitor at Quentins. At the end of the chapter, she meets Don Richardson, a well-known financial consultant, and is immediately attracted to him. To Ella's surprise, Don appears to be equally attracted to her. He seems very open, informing her that he is in a dead marriage, leading quite a separate life from his wife. Ella can't help wondering how dead his marriage really is, particularly when she sees him... Read review

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