The Jewel of St Petersburg by Kate Furnivall
11 May 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Kate Furnival, the Jewel of St Petersbury
Okay, just finished reading this novel by Kate Furnivall, the author of the Russian Concubine and the Concubine’s secret.
To be honest, at first I thought I had read these books in the wrong order and had missed the start and I was a little unsure about reading this one as it is actually the prequel to the Russian Concubine. I’m not totally enamoured about reading about what came ‘before’ when I already know what’s about to come ‘after’. That being said I’m actually glad I read the books in this order as it makes certain passages have more impact because you know what will come later. It was also really interesting to visit the early years of Valentina and put some meat on the bones there because although I enjoyed her character in The Russian Concubine it was very slim on detail – similarly with Liev Popkov.
The book starts in the late 1900s when a young Valentina Ivanova, daughter to the Finance Minister for Tsar Nichollas II, takes an early morning ride in the forests of her families grounds and stumbles across a band of men creeping through the undergrowth. Valentina is briefly captured by these men but on managing to escape finds her family home has been ripped apart by a bomb and her younger sister very badly injured.
Valentina has a very determined character throughout this book and was never the type to bat her eyelashes and simper behind a fan but the above sequence of events sets her on a new path in life. She decides to devote her life to looking after her sister Katya and in that respect lands upon the idea of becoming a nurse. As you can imagine, her family, as members of the artistocracy, are deeply against this scheme, but reluctantly come to a compromise in order to ‘convince their daughter into a loveless marriage.
Meanwhile Valentina has met Jens, a Danish engineer, and they start a passionate romance.
This whole story is epic in scope. We have this turbulent period of Russian history being dramatically brought to life on the pages of the book, coupled with the struggle of Valentina and Jens to see each other in spite of huge opposition. We have the struggles and strifes of the proletariat. And on top of that we have to deal with this character ‘Arkin’ who used to be the Ivanov’s chauffeur but was also playing a major part in the uprising.
I enjoyed this read very much in fact out of the whole series I enjoyed this probably the most. I like the characters Jens and Valentina, they were passionate and devoted. They were also sympathetic and understanding to the feelings of the poor people whose lives were so dire.
You couldn’t help but be sympathetic to the poor people of Russia. Their lives were dreadful. There living conditions absolutely appalling. They had no money and were surrounded by disease. Small wonder indeed that there was an uprising (not that I’m saying the methods involved were particularly palatable). Anyway, basically, I’m not a historian so, I have no idea whether this novel is true to events, however, it does paint a vivid picture.
Arkin was a strange character. Every now and again something almost ‘human’ came out of him – but, to be frank, it was so fleeting that it was still difficult to find anything redeemable about the man.
My favourite character of the book has got to be Liev – I would definitely read a prequel to his life story!
I’ve read all three of Kate Furnivall’s books now, I really enjoyed the Russian Concubine but thought the Concubine’s Secret was not as good and now to top it all the Jewel of St Petersburg. Definitely, I would say, the best one yet – even though it’s a sequel (so go figure!).
Also, if you enjoy this novel – please check out the Bronze Horseman (OMG what an epic romance!)
Anyway, one book at a time.
Rating A
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Just finished reading Unwind by Neal Shusterman and before I say anything further – Wow! Totally brilliant, fast paced, unputdownable, gripping, compelling, horrible, terrible, unthinkable and quite possibly my favourite book so far this year.
Unwind is set in a future where unwanted teens can be unwound and quite literally all their body parts used by other people. Sounds horrifying doesn’t it? Basically a war has taken place between pro-life and pro-choice groups and the conflict was finally resolved by the suggestion of ‘The Bill of Life’. The Bill of Life gives parents the chance to retroactively ‘abort’ their child’s life between any point during their thirteenth and eighteenth year. The child’s life is not, technically speaking, ended because all the body parts are kept alive and reused. Imagine what your life must be like during that five year period – it would be like having the Sword of Damocles constantly hanging over your head! Not to mention for those children being taken to unwind – you’ve experienced life for 13+ years and now it’s about to end. Okay, your body parts will be alive but you won’t exactly be conscious anymore or taking part in life yourself. You’ll just be an ‘add on’ to somebody else’s life *shivers*.
The story is told by three children who are scheduled to be unwound.
Connor, who is a troubled teenager and a constant source of aggravation to his parents who have finally taken the step to sign him over to the state. Risa, who is a ward of the state and has been put forward for rewind because of cuts in the public purse and Lev who has been put forward as the tenth son of a religious family by way of a ‘tithe’.
This book covers so many highly topical issues. Unwanted pregnancies, abortion, terrorism being just a few and it would have been so easy for this novel to go disastrously wrong as a result but the author makes such an excellent job of writing this story that it succeeds in telling a story that is fascinating and chilling. I went through so many emotions whilst reading this book. At first I simply couldn’t imagine a future where this type of world was a possibility but NS has written this so well that it practically becomes believable. The world described is very similar to ours in so many ways but people have changed. Greed for body parts that can now be much more easily obtained has obliterated to a large extent people’s morality and compassion. In a world where every body part can be bought people are more content to look the other way and not look too hard at what is taking place around them. Also, society has become lazy, there is no longer a need to research and find cures – simply cut off the offending body part and replace it with a new, younger one. It really does sound horrifying and I will admit that the ‘illuminating’ scene towards the end of the book (and I won’t say more because of spoilers) is one of the creepiest things I have read and quite literally made me feel a bit ill – but, that being said, I probably would have been unsatisfied if that part had not been included and, to be fair, it’s not a gore fest, it just made me feel a bit wobbily!
The main characters in the story are really well told. You genuinely feel for them and you want them to escape. They all have different backgrounds and histories and the introduction of more unwinds along the way just adds to this – some likable, some not!
The story is fast paced and compelling. I practically carried it around with me for a full day reading and ignoring everyone and everything else. And, although this is a bit of a horrifying story there are some lighter moments and also a sort of ‘on the side’ romance – one which isn’t rushed into with a love at first sight type of feel but more a slow building of frienship and care that develops into something more. I liked it and thought it was told in a lovely and refreshing way that doesn’t take over the main story.
There are also, thankfully, still some people who are not prepared to sit on the sidelines watching while things continue in this way. People who put their lives at risk to help runaways. A sort of underground resistance if you will. I particularly liked Sonia, she’s tough and uncompromising but her bark is worse than her bite. I also liked CyFy and thought his part of the tale was really intriguing and added yet another element to the whole unwinding issue that needed a lot more thought.
On the whole I thought this was an excellent read and would definitely recommend it. I realise that there may be parts that people may find difficult to read but I think that every part of this story is well told and necessary.
In terms of criticism, mmm, none. Just read it. I will definitely pick up Neal Shusterman’s other novels.
Rating A+
Unwind
The Guardian Angel’s Journal by Carolyn Jess-Cooke
6 May 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Carolyn Jess-Cooke, The Guardian Angel's Journal
This book tells the story of Margot Delacroix who, after dying at the age of 42, is sent back to earth to become the guardian angel of herself. Margot is renamed Ruth and as guardian angel her remit has four themes: to witness Margot’s life, to record it, to protect Margot from any potential threats and, most importantly (I think) to love Margot and offer her comfort and support
There is so much that I want to say about this book that this is perhaps going to be the least coherent review in the history of reviews!
Firstly, I thought this was a great read and a really original and interesting concept. That being said, I will point out that the start of the book is not easy to read in that the experiences that Margot suffers as a young child are very harrowing. However, these chapters are key to giving the reader an understanding of the influences that lead Margot’s future direction and personality. Also, the author is telling Margot’s life and this is part of that story, I suppose she could have simply written a few sentences to skip over the first formative years to infom us that ‘Margot’s life was unbearable and she had a very unhappy childhood until she finally escaped, etc, etc’ but would this really have given the reader the same degree of sympathy towards Margot. To be honest, Margot was not always the nicest person, in fact as guardian angel to herself she often felt regret and shame when witnessing some of her own choices – yet, I think as a reader you are perhaps prepared to be a little more forgiving because you know about the kind of childhood she had. Also, I will say that although these first few chapters bear witness to a very unhappy period for Margot I don’t think they’re over egged or gratuitous.
Secondly, I liked the way the relationship between Margot and Ruth almost felt like daughter/mother. Ruth, after helping to deliver Margot into the world, develops a strong maternal bond. I thought it was really interesting to hear Ruth’s thoughts as she watches events from her own life unfold – but this time with a more complete view of what is actually happening. I also felt for Ruth, she started with the most basic explanation of what she could and couldn’t do as a guardian angel and spent the remainder of the book coming to terms with her abilities. Throughout, she tries to make plans to change the course of Margot’s life for the better but all her attempts are thwarted and Margot continues down her already trodden path. It must be really awful to be a witness to all your own ill-judged decisions and equally awful and frustrating to be unable to make little tweaks here and there to make them work out better. Eventually Ruth chooses an ill advised route herself which will have consequences she cannot foresee.
I think that CJ-C has managed to create a really clear picture of a world populated with guardian angels – and evil demons. The concept has been really well thought out and written really well. It actually makes you take stock for a moment of some of your own decisions!
Now, I did really like this book, but I do have one query, not really a criticism but just something that puzzles me. Obviously, we’re into the whole time travel thing where you start thinking about things and end up going round in circles (did the chicken come first or the egg??) (A bit like the Terminator films – the Terminator was sent back through time to kill John Connor so he couldn’t lead a resistance against the machines that had taken over the world. And yet, if the terminator hadn’t been sent back in time and ultimately been stopped from accomplishing his goal then the knowledge to build such advanced and complex machines would never have existed!! So, conundrum). By the same token, Ruth is sent back to protect Margot – but surely Margot has already lived this life and Ruth wasn’t there to protect her the first time, she had to die before she could go back – or, is it that once Ruth is sent back then she is in a loop already and has therefore always been there protecting herself (OMG I said this was going to be incoherent didn’t I?) Also, I didn’t totally love the ending – I think in my own foolish or over romantic way I was hoping for something different – but thinking about it afterwards that was never a very realistic hope and in fact would have been ridiculous (so I’ve talked myself out of that…)
Anyway, I thought this book was really good and I would recommend it (not sure about the cover – not saying it’s no good but unclear the little girl in the picture has dark hair when Margot was clearly blond – just saying!!).
Rating A
The Guardian Angel's Journal
Friendly Fire by Patrick Gale
4 May 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Friendly Fire, Patrick Gale
FF is a story told by Sophie, an orphan, who thanks to her love of reading and high degree of intelligence is awarded a scholarship at an ancient boarding school. The story is told by Sophie and follows her struggle to make friends and deal with the lessons of everyday life.
This book was chosen for review by my book club. It is a well written and easy to read novel. I enjoyed the school setting and thought PG did an excellent job of bringing the place to life with it’s rambling buildings and old traditions. I liked the descriptions of the different families and the places they spent time in.
Basically, Sophie, because of her own peculiar maturity and intellect is a bit of a social misfit and her friends are similary cast. We see Sophie struggle through a number of tentative ‘relationships’ with the boys in her life, starting with the exotic Lucas who Sophie is inexplicably drawn to, then Wilf who was Sophie’s first friend and protector at the orphanage and lastly Charlie, who becomes friends with Sophie and Lucas after he suffers a family bereavement and is paired with Lucas for a period. The three experience a strange relationship that is never entirely comfortable and usually seems to rely on one becoming set against the other two.
This is an enjoyable coming of age novel, set in an interesting and well portrayed setting which highlights the different social backgrounds of the characters involved and examines their feelings in a well drawn way. The story eventually peaks around a conflict mainly concerning the two boys and a very strict secret that all three must guard against others within the school discovering.
I did enjoy this book. I won’t say I loved it but I definitely liked it. It was my first novel by Patrick Gale (although I do own Notes from an Exhibition but haven’t read it yet). I thought the ending was well done, if a little quick in the last few chapters, and it managed to tie up any loose ends that may have left lingering niggles.
The one thing that I’m not totally convinced about his Sophie’s apparent ease in mixing with families from a totally different social standing. I did wonder if she might have felt a little more awkward at times? Although, that being said, Sophie is a bit of an eccentric character so perhaps she wouldn’t have felt totally ill at ease? You only have to look at her pleasure at being selected to be one of the school’s bell ringers – which apparently raises her to some new found level of respect – although quite why or how I was at a mystery to understand?
On the whole I would recommend this – I think it would make a definite holiday read.
Rating B
Friendly Fire
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter
30 April 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Cross My heart and Hope to Spy
Just finished reading No.2 of the Gallagher Girls Spy School novels. I just think these books are so enjoyable to read. They almost feel like a guilty pleasure but I don’t actually feel guilty about reading them because they are so light hearted, tongue in cheek and fun.
CMH&HTS picks up virtually immediately from where I’d Tell You I Love You You left off (although I’m sure you could probably pick this up and read it on it’s own although these are such quick easy reads I would definitely advise picking up No.1 first). All the characters from the first novel are here. The girls and teachers, and Josh also puts in an appearance, but this episode sees the introduction of some new interesting male characters (although I’m not going to elaborate further – I will say I liked Zach. He’s a little more in Cammie’s league and can give her a run for her money). The story this time involves the girls (which now include Marcy as one of the BFF group) trying to uncover the mystery of Blackthorne, not to mention why has the East Wing of the School been closed under mysterious circumstances? Again, I won’t go into detail because it will spoil the plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment. It was different than book No.1 in that it probably didn’t have as much of a laugh out loud type of feel but I think there was more character development. You can see the way the girls are starting to develop and this time around highlights some of the difficulties and conflicts that they will eventually face given the type of lives they have chosen to lead.
The story has the usual high-tech gadgets, spinning walls, sinking floors, etc, which are excellent and put me in mind of Our Man Flint or a tongue in cheek take on Bond. I particularly love the school setting and think the whole idea of a series of books based on a spy school for girls is excellent.
I don’t really have any criticisms for this book – although, and not wanting to give away spoilers here, the girls did look a bit like the underdogs for a while there!
The ending was really good – I’m not saying I didn’t guess what was going on – but still good.
If you like the whole idea of kick ass girls being taught how to become spies and doing a little covert underwork of their own along the way, whether that is how to discover how to talk to boys or how to dress for a date, then this book should definitely hit the spot.
Rating A
Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
