The New Kobbe's Opera Book - Earl of Harewood, Antony Peattie

Advantages: Brilliantly researched and written
Disadvantages: None

...The battle for Stalingrad has, on many occasions, been cited as the turning point of the war on the eastern front. In “Stalingrad” Antony Beevor has produced a work worthy of the heroic efforts of the soldiers who fought and died there. An important distinction to make is that this book is not a conventional novel of just the experiences of a handful of soldiers but rather a documentary style masterpiece that covers the whole bloody campaign from the perspectives of all of the key players involved. Mr. Beevor has unearthed new sources of evidence and brilliantly weaves into the book startling first hand accounts of the bitter fighting, the personal feelings of the generals on both sides to the complex reasoning as to why the battle came to mean much more than just a fight for control of a city, but rather to represent the titanic... Read review

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Advantages: Wonderful characters, well-written, satisfying plot
Disadvantages: No great excitement

...Under Gemini is the story of twins separated at birth, finding each other quite by chance in their early twenties. Perhaps an over-used plotline, and I have to admit that there's an astounding coincidence in the first couple of chapters, leading to their first meeting. Yet somehow Rosamunde Pilcher, who is one of my favourite modern writers, manages to make it seem like a brand new idea. The story doesn't switch between the perspectives of the twins, as I thought it might. Instead it focuses on Flora, a friendly and caring person who was brought up in Cornwall by her father. As the book opens she has just moved to London to look for a job; suddenly she bumps into Rose, the sister she did not know existed. Unfortunately, although they look identical, Rose is totally unlike her twin in character. She cares little for anybody other... Read review

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Advantages: Good if you carry on to read Antony and Cleopatra
Disadvantages: You can get bored after a while

...forces. Brutus learns of Cassius' death. The battle rages on. Tired and weary, Brutus rests with his few remaining followers. One by one, Brutus asks Clitius, Dardanius and Volumnius to kill him but each refuses. Finally Brutus falls on his sword, killing himself. Octavius, Mark Antony, Messala and Lucilius now arrive. Strato explains how Brutus died. Mark Antony pays tribute to Brutus' noble spirit by famously saying, "This was the noblest Roman of them all..." You will definately notice the difference in Mark Antony's personality and actions in the two plays of "Antony and Cleopatra" and "Julius Ceasar" but this will make appreciate his character more along with Octavius. I like the way you see the destruction of the first triumvirate and the coming of the new triumvirate. It is another must read play by William Shakespeare and one... Read review

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