Eliza Graham, You Let Me Go, Amazon Publishing UK Lake Union Publishing 2021.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this proof in exchange for an honest review.
Eliza Graham has written a novel that combines an appealing story, well drawn characters, and a good command of her material. I was particularly pleased to see that the chapters set during German occupation of Brittany during World War 11 relied on a thoughtful story line, complete with realistic events, without a resort to gratuitous horrific detail. The reader is made aware of the privations, fear, and possible outcomes of unwise decisions, but is also given time to savour family moments, love, recklessness, and the ever-present knowledge that occupation could mean imprisonment or death and that selfish as well as principled motives influence judgements.
Jane Adams The Sister’s Twin, Joffe Books, London 2021.
Thank you NetGalley for the uncorrected proof copy for review.
I recall reading In the Greenway years ago, and although I was slightly frustrated at times, I was impressed with this well received debut novel. In particular, the mystical aspects of the novel were treated with a light hand, together with a complex story that made sense. I was ready to be impressed again and prepared to accept any minor disappointing features because of my generally positive recall of reading Jane Adams’ first psychological thriller. Unfortunately, I found several jarring elements in The Sister’s Twin and am grappling to find redeeming features.
To see the full reviews go to : Books: Reviews
Some comments on American Politics from: http://www.abc.net.au/news/
Republicans oust Liz Cheney, Andrew Yang leads in New York and the Bidens adopt a cat By Peter Marsh and Emily Olson in Washington DC
The writers speculate:
‘Make no mistake, Liz Cheney wanted this fight.
Back in February, less than one month after a pro-Trump mob stormed the US Capitol, the daughter of a former vice-president survived a bid to oust her from the Republican leadership.
Back then, she fought to hold on to her job, reportedly making the usual quiet phone calls to shore up her support. But she was unrepentant about the thing that put her at risk.
She told her colleagues she wouldn’t apologise for her vote to impeach Donald Trump over his actions leading up to the attack on the Capitol. She kept volunteering criticism of him in interviews and press conferences.
So when the vote to remove her came up again, Cheney didn’t just seem uninterested in trying to hold on to her post — she stuck out her chin and goaded her Republican colleagues to do their worst’.
Another story worth following is about Andrew Yang who made a good showing during the primaries for the Democratic presidential nomination. He is now leading the Democratic field for nomination for the position of Mayor of New York.
‘Only two years ago, in its much-derided double endorsement of Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren for Democratic nominee, the Times had this to say (emphasis ours):
“Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, is an engaging and enthusiastic candidate whose diagnoses are often thought-provoking. He points to new solutions to 21st-century challenges rather than retrofitting old ideas. Yet he has virtually no experience in government. We hope he decides to get involved in New York politics.”
My favourite story is the following:
Breaking the internet
One of the first promises made by White House press secretary Jen Psaki was that when the Biden’s adopted a cat, it would “break the internet”.
Since then, it’s been a little quiet on the feline front, while the one of the Biden’s dogs, Major, has attracted some …ruff … headlines (sorry).
Well, now we’ve got an update on the cat, courtesy of the First Lady. In an interview with NBC, Jill Biden said the cat, a female, is “waiting in the wings”.
She also revealed that while he was away from the White House recently, Major spent time in a shelter getting familiar with cats.
Asked if adopting the cat was his idea, the President flatly answered “no,” basically breaking his promise to bridge divided Americans by revealing himself as a dog person.
Cindy Lou reviews her favourite Sydney restaurant
Aria
As always, dinner at Aria was superb. The menu offers a three or four course meal, but how could anyone resist having four of the delicious courses on offer? I certainly could not. Even when one realises that there are several additional items offered by the chef, it remains impossible to put aside a course. On this occasion a lovely medley of fish and meat options and a delicious ‘pre-dessert’ were interspersed with our chosen menu items.
I was thrilled with my choices: the WA snow crab with hearts of palm, sunflower, and corn; NZ monkfish, cauliflower, morels, miso and black truffle; more of the beautifully cooked fish in the steamed Murray cod; and the black currant soufflé, lavender, hazelnut and baked cheese. But, of course, I looked longingly at everyone else’s plates. The wine list is splendid.
The service was wonderful, both helpful and knowledgeable, but unobtrusive. We were pleasantly and efficiently welcomed at the door, and promptly taken to a table by the window with full views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
The first time I went to Aria I thought that I would like to visit on an annual basis. The problem with returning is that it becomes abundantly clear that an annual visit is not enough. Six monthly? Move to Sydney so I can go more often?
For the moment, any trip to Sydney will be accompanied with a visit to Aria.
Robin's Room 