Book Corner

I am pleased to feature some more readers’ suggestions in this issue.

Sue Andrews has read The Island by Victoria Hislop.

Sue says, “What a good read! It is set in Crete where a young woman attempts to trace her family history. She discovers that she is connected to the Island of Spinalonga, which was actually Greece’s former leper colony up until 1957. I had no knowledge of Spinalonga prior to reading this novel and became fascinated as to its existence. The book reduced me to tears on several occasions.”

Sue also recommends Girl with a Pearl Earing by Tracy Chevalier. “This book is set in 17th century Netherlands and centres on the household of Vermeer the artist. It is a jewel of a novel and I would recommend it to anyone who has not yet read it.”

Andina Burton write “I can recommend The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, an emotional story of friends, family, devastating mistakes and redeeming love, set in Afghanistan and America. It also tells of the sad and turbulent history of Afghanistan. A film was made of the book (which I have not seen unfortunately).

A young friend from Portchester, Jenny Mountain, is very enthusiastic about her choice, The Heart of the Dales by Gervase Phinn.

“This book is one of my favourites - just because it is hilarious, and never fails to make me laugh. It is the fifth in a set of autobiographical memoirs by ex-teacher, school inspector, poet, author and humorist Gervase Phinn. He worked as a school inspector in Yorkshire for a number of years and the books are based on the characters (both old and young) that he met, and the humorous occurrences which happened to him as an inspector - from innocent, all-seeing children, to terrified, if rather wonderful (and some not-so-wonderful) teachers.

The book is full of light-hearted anecdotes, touching stories, and frankly laugh-out-loud moments, which will make you look rather a fool if you read it on the train! In short, I would recommend this wonderful book, and the other books in the series, to anyone - old or young. Anyone who works, or would like to work with children, anyone who enjoys the work of James Herriot or Miss Read or anyone who wants to read a piece of non-fiction which will make them feel good about the world.”

Another title worth mentioning, with Christmas in mind, is the delightful A Wayne In a Manger also by Gervase Phinn. This is centred around very amusing incidents in connection with preparing form Christmas at school. An excellent gift for a teacher, perhaps, who will undoubtedly sympathise with the various ups and downs encountered during performances!

Please keep your suggestions coming in! If you are given a book for Christmas, why not review it for the magazine?Happy Christmas Reading everyone!

Lynn Winter