Pure by Andrew Miller: a lyrical novel about a rather dull subject
Deep in the heart of Paris, its oldest cemetery is, by 1785, overflowing, tainting the very breath of those who live nearby. Into their midst comes Jean-Baptiste Baratte, a young, … Continue reading
Drop Dead Gorgeous by Anna Cheska – a necessary chaser between grim books
Imogen’s marriage has hardly been an exciting affair but when her husband dies, she’s alarmed to discover that Edward hadn’t been nearly as predictable as she’d always thought … She’s … Continue reading
If I Loved You, I Would Tell You This by Robin Black: a literary and rather grim collection
From the blind girl who sees more than her parents can, to the portrait artist who sees more than her clients might wish, Robin Black illuminates secret fears, hidden desires, … Continue reading
A Mile of River by Judith Allnatt – the long hot summer of 1976 revisited
It is 1976 and England is suffocating. The long, dry spring has given way to a summer of severe drought, with standpipes in the streets and a rallying cry to … Continue reading
Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo – seeing Austen as you’ve (probably) never seen her before
After Jane Austen’s death, nearly three thousand of her letters were supposedly destroyed, taking with them the secrets of Jane’s life. But what did they hide? Austen scholar Emma Grant … Continue reading
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller – a stonkingly good novel and a worthy prizewinner
Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends … Continue reading
The Other Half Lives by Sophie Hannah – where I’m with the half that died …
Ruth Bussey knows what it means to be in the wrong and to be wronged. She once did something she regrets, and her punishment nearly destroyed her. Now Ruth is … Continue reading
It’s summer!!…
The Book Foxes have been having a high old time over the last few months, reading and reviewing a whole plethora of books for your delectation. Now it’s time for … Continue reading
Spellbound by Jane Green: where the magic simply fails to ignite
Alice knows she should be happy. After all, she has a handsome husband, a beautiful house and membership to all the most exclusive clubs in London. So what if the … Continue reading
Island of Wings by Karin Altenberg – a novel which tries hard but doesn’t quite manage to fly
It’s 1830. Neil and Lizzie MacKenzie, a newly married young couple, arrive at the remotest part of the British Isles: St Kilda. He is a minister determined to save the … Continue reading
VL Classic: Sunday Haiku by Anne Brooke
Disclaimer: Anne Brooke is my friend. She offered review copies; I jumped at the chance. A year in haiku. Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall; Autumn doesn’t scan. Some … Continue reading
4th Annual Poetry Week
It’s Spring and that means it’s time for Poetry Week on VL! For our fourth installment, we are featuring women poets, which started out coincidentally, but is a good way … Continue reading
The Two Mrs Robinsons by Donna Hay – and now for something charmingly different
All Eve ever wanted was the security of a loving husband and family, so when Oliver left her and started a new family with Anna, she could never entirely let … Continue reading
History of a Pleasure Seeker by Richard Mason – all the pleasures of one-upmanship and all the fun of the fair
It is 1907. The Belle Epoque is in full swing. Piet Barol has escaped the drabness of the provinces for the grandest mansion in Amsterdam. As tutor to the son … Continue reading
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