What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, by Haruki Marukami, Translated by Philip Gabriel #book #review Biographical/philosophical account of Marukami’s running and writing life He says it provides him with the stamina needed to write a novel. The two activities appear complementary.

#Book #Review: The Paris Apartment, by Lucy Foley A clever and complex story. Jess gradually gets to know the residents and unravels the secrets. She’s at risk—will she share her brother’s fate—whatever that is. No one seems to feed, toilet or pet the cat! But a good read—even for a cat lover. #cat

#39: We, by Yevgeny Zamyatin, translated from the Russian by Natasha Randall A dystopian novel which was banned on publication in 1921. Following the Two Hundred Years’ War people are ciphers in the Benevolence of the One State. Shades of Brave New World (1932) and 1984 (1949). #book #review

Inverted World, by Christopher Priest A science fiction story set in a world with quirky topography and way of life. A strange story set in a logically weird setting. Illustrated by Andrew Stephenson. Full review on goodreads & Fb. #book #review #bookreview

#37: The Death of the Fronsac, by Neal Ascherson A story of the tangled lives and relationships of people against the background of WWII. No fighting is described. It's told by Maurycy Szczucki, a Polish soldier stranded in Scotland I really enjoyed this book. #book #review #bookreview

Inspector Imanishi Investigates, by Seichō Matsumoto, translated by Beth Cary. Detective story set in 1960 Japan. Not a Western style of detective story; the action proceeds at a steady pace, but it’s a satisfying read. Maps of Japan and Tokyo Full review on goodreads & Fb #book #review #bookreview

#35: Hannah’s War, by Jan Eliasberg A fascinating tale of relationships set against the development of the atom bomb. Some technical aspects are necessary but they do not obtrude. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it whole-heartedly. Full review on goodreads & Fb. #book #review #bookreview

The Vanishing Futurist, by Charlotte Hobson 1914. Gertrude leaves Devon to work as a governess for a wealthy family in Moscow. War breaks out and in 1917 the Revolution changes everything. It was challenging to read the hardships they endured. But interesting in the end. #bookreview #book #review

The Discovery of the Bismarck, by Robert D Ballard with Rick Archbold A good read for those interested in the subject. full review on fb & goodreads #book #review #bookreview

Boom! by Mark Haddon Children’s story. Jimmy and Charlie discover their teachers wear brass wristbands and speak an alien language. Charlie disappears and brave Jimmy and his resourceful sister Becky set out to find him. Thriller, with space travel and jeopardy. #book #review on Fb & goodreads

‘No’, Ruth had answered, straightfaced. ‘They’re kittens. If I had a baby it would be a cat substitute.’ The Crossing Places, by Elly Griffiths. First in the Ruth Galloway detective story series. Full review on Fb & goodreads #book #review

Pike in the Flash this morning. Aware of me and eventually dashed off in a swirl of water.

#book #review Samuel Pepys the Unequalled Self, by Claire Tomalin Full review(s) on Fb & goodreads A very readable and comprehensive biography. The review of the arbitrary and vindictive behaviour of Charles II echoes that of Donald Trump.

Rodi #cat

Oscar keeping his bottom warm while looking out of the window. #cat

#book #review Abroad in Japan, by Chris Broad. Chris Broad went to Japan to teach English to school-children. He learned Japanese and posted YouTube videos of his experiences. Interesting and informative read. Full review in goodreads & Fb.

#book #review Careless People, by Sarah Wynn-Williams, who worked at Facebook 2009-2017. The stuff of nightmares, filling me with dread for the future. The Trump victory in 2024 now appears obvious and inevitable. Read this book and take on board its terrible warning. Full review goodreads, Fb.

#bookreview The English Führer, by Rory Clements Autumn 1945. there is a plot by fascists to harm Britain using biological weapons. Ex-spy Tom Wylde investigates. A reasonable read. Full review on goodreads & Fb.

#bookreview The Thin Man, by Dashiell Hammett. Noir detective story set in 1932. Nick and Nora Charles are in New York for Christmas. Nick’s asked to investigate a murder. The Charles’s witty dialogue is very enjoyable. Hammett wrote The Maltese Falcon. Full review on goodreads & Fb.

#bookreview The Lantern of Lost Memories, by Sanaka Hiiragi, translated by Jesse Kirkwood The theme of the book is similar to the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi: enabling people to come to terms with the past. A soft, gentle story. Full review on goodreads & Fb

Oscar sleeps

Review #21 posted on Fb & goodreads: Reykjavík Nights by Arnaldur Indridason, translated from the Icelandic by Victoria Cribb. The life of a traffic cop in Reykjavík is detailed and his investigation into the fate of Hannibal, an alcoholic vagrant, proceeds slowly. #2 in a series. Not a bad read.

Review #17: The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece, by Tom Hanks posted on Fb & goodreads I was sceptical at first, having seen other celebs' literary efforts, but Hanks knows his stuff (obviously). I recommend this to anyone interested in film or a good story. #review #novel #film

sleepy Oscar

Montalbano, Sicilian detective, is on the track of a murderer. The case involves a car accident, an open marriage and a violin. I love the Montalbano stories. There’s a humour to them and our hero is flawed and therefore human. Full review posted on Fb & Goodreads

Oscar enjoying the view through the window while sitting on the radiator

The Universe Next Door (book 1 of Schrödinger's Cat Trilogy), by Robert Anton Wilson people forever of the idiocy of worshiping money.” SF fantasy satirising American life, culture & politics. Full review on Fb & goodreads I may continue reading later but not just now.

Baboons at the British Ironwork Centre, nr Oswestry

Oscar

Timescape, by Gregory Benford Much of science fiction is concerned with imagination and plot, to the neglect of character development. This is serious ‘hard’ science fiction in which the protagonists are authentic people with real problems, failings and lives. Full review posted on Fb & goodreads