A crowd in Rome. One aspect of the modern world that contributed to my urge to write the latest novel was the issue of population. It doesn’t feature much in the story, more of an aside, but was definitely an underlying stimulus to the idea of the book. In common with many people, my major …
Continue reading An Excess of…Population
When I was first struck by the idea for my latest novel ‘An Excess Of…’, I understood I’d need to do a good deal of research. Most topics touched on in the story were already familiar, but I felt I should deepen my knowledge in as many areas as possible. Underlying subjects explored in the …
Continue reading Researching for the Novel.
Word cloud created through WordArt. If you’re already feeling down, please avoid this post. I’ve no wish to infect you with more burdens. But, unusually, I need to let others know how the state of the world affects me, and, therefore, billions of other caring individuals. I’m not alone. In the UK, the recent appalling …
365 pagesDystopian Science Fiction/Urban Fantasy A terrific story! This is adventure, mystery, social and political comment, and romance, rolled into one very well structured, compulsive story. The central protagonist, Angel, is feisty, courageous, enigmatic, curious, and a real survivor. Set in a time when climate change has wreaked havoc with the geographical, and therefore the …
Continue reading Storm Girl, by Linda Nicklin: #BookReview.
332 Pages Nonfiction Hardback Subtitled ‘Quest for the Lost Civilisation’, this book led to a major TV series on the UK’s Channel 4 network. Published in 1998, some of the content may now be a little out of date, as archaeological work is constantly updating information based on finds. The book is an attempt to …
Continue reading Heaven’s Mirror, by Graham Hancock & Santha Faiia: #BookReview.
136 pagesPhotography Criticism & Essays This is a primer intended for students studying photography at university, but it has something useful to say to anyone interested in what photography truly is and how it can affect our view of the world. It sports numerous photographs to illustrate the textual points made, and explains how photography, …
Continue reading The Nature of Photographs, by Stephen Shore: #BookReview.
First published in 1907, the text of the stage play I read is introduced by a preface from the author. Here, he talks about the language he has used, how and where he encountered it, and why he has employed such colloquial idioms in the work. I can best serve the author’s intent by quoting …
Continue reading The Playboy of the Western World, by J. M. Synge: #BookReview.
Pride of Place I wonder why it may bethe casean accident of birthshould create such loyaltyto a place you had no say in choosing. You were at your birthof course.But did you choose your parents?Did you select the place, the mannerof your entrance to the world? It is possible you are loyalonlyout of love for …
Continue reading Pride of Place: a #Poem
Should We? Enjoy!#View my pictures here. You can buy them as digital files, framed prints, canvas wraps, or Giclee art prints.
272 pagesPerspectives on Law/Government/Civil Liberties & Political Activism Subtitled ‘Transcending the False Left, Right Narrative’ this book is basically a plea for rational discussion to replace the current fashion for polemic and knee-jerk reactions to so many disagreements. It is also much more than this. The world seems to have descended into extreme factions, if …
Continue reading Depolarized, by Nick Airus: #BookReview.
231 pagesKidnapping Crime Fiction/Crime Action Fiction/Murder Fiction I came across this author and her books via comments on websites I visit. I tend not to read much crime fiction, but the comments led me to expect a good story from this author. And that was the case. The story is full of action, conflict, some …
Continue reading Options: Maye West Mysteries, Book 2, by Brenda Colbath: #BookReview.
353 pages: Women’s Crime Fiction/Coming of Age Fiction/Women’s Contemporary Fiction (It should, perhaps, also be included in ‘Political and Historical Fiction) Subtitled ‘Shelly’s Journey Begins’, this book is a prequal to the authors debut thriller ‘Secrets and Lies in El Salvador’, which I’ve also read and reviewed. Both books are well worth anyone’s cash and …
Continue reading Crimes and Impunity in New Orleans, by Sherrie Miranda: #BookReview.
384 PagesWomen Writers and Fiction/Thrillers This is the latest in the Annie Raymond series, and, as usual, worth waiting for. As someone who doesn’t read much crime fiction, I’ve always enjoyed this series of crime novels, which is probably explained by the excellent writing and the way Penny Grubb delivers her characters.In this story, Annie’s …
Continue reading Boxed In, by Penny Grubb: #BookReview.
296 PagesDiscrimination & Racism/Women’s Biographies/Adventure Stories & Action This is effectively an autobiographical novel, an exceptionally candid and affecting one, as the author followed the same dangers, cruelties and life choices as the fictional narrative subject, Susan. It is not an easy read. But it is a book everyone who can read should.It tells the …
Continue reading A Lullaby in the Desert, by Mojgan Azar: #BookReview.
147 pages Literary Anthology This is an anthology of the winning entries for the poetry, short fiction, and flash fiction annual contest held in 2020. It includes the ‘commended’ entries, too.The Bridport is a well-respected international literary competition. Along with other contemporary creative activities, what is considered ‘good’ is down to personal taste. We’ve all …
Continue reading Bridport Prize 2020 Anthology, by Bridport Arts Centre: #BookReview.
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Antidote to the Novel
Stuart Aken 