Thursday 23 May 2019

intriguing

An Unsuitable Woman

I was asked to review this book by Love Reading.co.uk

Previously published as The Hunters, this is the authors take loosely on actual people who lived in Kenya in the 20s. She tells the story via Theo arriving as a 14 year old with his sister. Their father is a director of the railway. This is set in colonial Africa and lifestyles that are within the history books - white people who felt black people were beneath them and who waited upon the rich and privileged.

life was luxurious for the rich and Theo gets in with the "happy valley set" and an American heiress and lord.

The story is interesting and depicts a time when we thought we owned countries and could do what we want as it was part of the empire. It is interesting and dark at the same time. Some of the characters are unlikable but again this was a different time.

The 30s are then on the horizon and what will happen to Kenya in the future, Theo and Syvie and the threat of world war 2 waiting in the wings.

Thank you to the Borough Press and Love Reading for letting me review this novel.



Very Frank

pposLet Me Be Frank
I was asked to review this book by Nudge books.

My recollections of Frank was in dreadful game shows late 70s and early 80s and all I could remember was the laugh - was this really what this sports personality was all about - so I was pleased to read this book.

Mental health has been given permission by the Royals and other famous people and Frank is extremely Frank about his mental illness which affected his career and loved ones. This is a so personal account of someone who suffers from bipolar disorder.

Frank suffered from retirement of his sport and struggling with the present and the great times he had in the ring. I suppose it is the latter Frank I saw when I was younger in those dreadful shows and thinking what a waste all he seemed to be able to do was be on these shows or be in pantomime.

this is incredibly emotional and it gives a whole new perspective on this man, it is no holds barred and the good thing is despite many sectioning he appears to be on the road to recovery, managing the illness and I wish him well.

this is an insightful book warts and all and I am so glad I now have a very different perspective on Frank.

Thank you to Nudge and the publishers of Mirror books that I was allowed to review this book.