Victoria Scott The House on the Cliff Boldwood Books, October 2025.
Thank you, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
The House on the Cliff is the fourth of Victoria Scott’s novels that I have enjoyed. However, although there is much to admire, I felt a little disappointed. The pacing was slow at times; the writing would have benefitted from being sharper and more focussed. Also, although I was impressed with Scott’s exploration of the nature of perimenstrual impact on women and their relationships, this was a little overworked. The positive feature of the way in which Scott dealt with this issue was that the difficulties were validated, and their influence on the present-day main character’s relationships did not dismiss the real challenges she faced and had to reconcile with her marriage, her changing responsibilities and even the seemingly simple task of leaving a familiar environment for an new future. See Books: Reviews for the complete review.
Roxanne Gregory, A History of Women in Piracy Life under the Black Flag, Pen & Sword| Pen & Sword History, August 2025.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
There remains a role for writing women into history despite the numerous works that have undertaken this task so admirably. Roxanne Gregory has assembled short pieces about women who were pirates, restoring them as actors in what has been largely seen as men’s history. Female pirates have appeared in fiction, and they and their male counterparts have provided dynamic narratives in which their escapades are often romanticised. With such a background, Gregory has a difficult job in providing a true picture of the women she chooses to portray, while maintaining some of liveliness that readers have been led to expect from the fictional accounts of piracy. See Books: Reviews for the complete review.
Claire Allan People Don’t Just Disappear Boldwood Books, November 2025.
Thank you, Net Galley and Boldwood Books, for this uncorrected proof for review.
Initially, this appears to be a harrowing story of abduction and cruelty, with a somewhat weak premise. A prologue introduces a man reacting strongly to wailing and lamenting to which he feels unjustly subjected. After all, as he tells a child playing with his toys, none of this is his fault, the woman knows the rules and if she had obeyed, she would not have been punished – he is fair. Like those before her, it is she who lets him down, her punishment is her fault, not his. In chapter 1, a small boy appears at Bronagh’s front door, crying and enticing her to accompany him to where she finds a barely alive woman in an abandoned car. She appears to be the victim of an accident, until Bronagh is hit on the head, and much later awakes in a dirty, cold bedroom. Here she is variously tormented by her captor, the cries of the child who claims that she is his mother, and another woman who is fearful, but possibly part of the kidnapping. See Books: Reviews for the complete review.
Cindy Lou has several breakfasts,brunches, and some tapas at Degraves Espresso in Degraves Lane, Melbourne
Degraves Espresso was a terrific find. We stopped for tapas soon after our arrival – and returned for breakfasts and brunches. The tapas menu is excellent, and we chose our favorites from the experience of eating at La Tasca, a wonderful chain in London that unfortunately has closed – prawns and sour dough, patatas bravas, slow roasted leeks and albondigas (see previous post for photos). The staff at Degraves Espresso is friendly and the meals generous, delicious and interesting. The coffee is good. We shall be pleased to return on our next Melbourne trip.
Cindy Lou eats in a posher lane
This was not as positive experience as Degraves Espresso. Although the cafe was attractive and the coffee served in large cups was good, the salads were overpriced and ordinary. The prosciutto was supposed to be served with figs – a lovely combination- but they were replaced with strawberries (with no explanation or apology) – and although the salmon was pleasant enough the whole meal was not particularly stunning.
Cindy Lou eats at D.O.C. Lygon Street
The environment was terrific, and the food plentiful and flavoursome. However, the silky pasta that I experienced years ago at a meal in Bagni di Lucca seems to be unavailable in Australia even in restaurants with a splendid pasta reputation.
Bar Idda with family
Bar Idda is a Sicilian restaurant which was extremely successful the last time we visited. They were so accommodating, managing to fit eleven people reasonably comfortably around a table made for a smaller number. On this occasion we had the same table for a smaller number, and would have preferred something smaller so that we could talk and hear comfortably over the loud music. My recall was a meal that I could not resist trying again. I found some of the food excellent, and lamb eaters were very enthusiastic about the lamb. On Fridays and Saturdays only the chef’s menu is available, and there is little information before the dishes arrive. The attention to special meals, such as gluten free and vegetarian was amazing. So, a good night, with wonderful staff and pleasant enough food. Less noise and more information about the menu would have been an improvement.
I can see by the photos I must have enjoyed it more than I thought!! Empty plates everywhere.
National Gallery of Victoria
This gallery is always worth a visit. On this occasion I took only a few photos, and they do not do the gallery justice. I enjoyed the time looking instead as my phone needed charging. I chose the Christian Dior exhibition, and a display of chairs instead of the usual paintings I feature in this blog.
American Politics
Good results for Democrats in races for Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York. The referendum in California (see article below) which also took place was a win for Democrats.
This whole referendum in California is kind of complicated. Here’s what residents are voting on
Story by Arit John, CNN
One of the most consequential elections this year isn’t between a Democratic and Republican candidate, but over a ballot initiative in California.
Proposition 50 would allow California Democrats to replace the state’s congressional maps with ones the party hopes will help them to flip five GOP-held seats.
Democrats launched their redistricting push, led by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, after Texas Republicans redrew their maps to create five new seats that will favor the GOP at the behest of President Donald Trump.
Newsom has made himself the face of the effort, investing his own political capital into his party’s efforts to win back control of the US House next year.
But while Texas Republicans were able to pass new maps through the legislative process, California Democrats had to first seek voter approval. That’s because Californians amended their state Constitution in 2010 to give an independent redistricting commission the power to set congressional lines.
Continue reading
Proposition 50 would give lawmakers the right to temporarily override that map through the 2030 election, after which the commission would draw the next decade’s maps.
Supporters of the measure have argued it will level the playing field ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, when Democrats hope to retake control of the US House, and serve as a check on the Trump administration. If passed, it would help Democrats neutralize much of the advantage Republicans have gained after redrawing congressional maps in Texas, Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina.
“The essence of Prop 50 is to say that if you are going to play that game, then we are going to try to counteract that abuse of the system,” said former President Barack Obama, who has thrown his support behind getting the measure approved, during a virtual event with Newsom last month.
Critics, however, say Proposition 50 would undermine the nationwide effort to promote nonpartisan redistricting, and they have said Democrats may be reluctant to relinquish the power to draw the congressional map in the next decade and cede seats back to Republicans. Several Democrats have already announced their plans to challenge incumbent Republicans in the proposed new districts.
“There’s this war going on all over the United States. Who can out cheat the other one?” former Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who served from 2003 to 2011, told CNN’s Jake Tapper in October. “Texas started it. They did something terribly wrong. And then all of a sudden California says, ‘Well, then we have to do something terribly wrong.’ And then now other states are jumping in.”
Newsom and other Democrats backing the measure have stressed that Proposition 50 reaffirms the state’s general support for independent redistricting, despite the current attempt to gerrymander the state.
British Politics
Labour Rosette
It is an honour to introduce this edition of The Labour Rosette in recognition of Black History Month. Last month, we paid tribute to the contribution of our Black community in this country, both in our past and in our future.
If one moment has come to symbolise that story, it is the arrival of the Empire Windrush in 1948. The Windrush generation, who came on that ship and others thereafter, left the Caribbean for Britain. Here, they helped a Labour Government build a New Jerusalem from the ashes of the Second World War. When we needed them, they were there for us.
Many years later, after decades contributing to this country, the last Conservative Government had the chance to stand by them. Instead, they abandoned them. People who had given so much to our country, over so many years, were treated as illegal immigrants in their own home. The Windrush scandal will forever be a stain on our history, and on the legacy of the last Conservative Government.
For those affected, the delays, the uncertainty, and the injustice have caused immense pain. Now, I am determined to put things right – and not just with words, but through action.
We have re-established a dedicated Windrush Unit in the Home Office to ensure support reaches those who need it most. We have also now launched a £1.5 million advocacy fund, to ensure the voices of those affected are always heard.
Crucially, we are paying compensation to those affected. In the last few weeks, I announced that Windrush victims can now receive most of their compensation upfront. Elderly and vulnerable claimants will be prioritised for rapid support. We are also extending the scheme to cover lost pension contributions, for those who had to withdraw their savings to fund their quest to prove their lawful immigration status.
The harm that was done to the Windrush generation can never be fully undone. But we can and must do everything in our power to right this historic wrong. That is what this Labour Government is doing. That is the difference a Labour government makes.
In contrast, Reform is now threatening to pursue the path of the Windrush scandal all over again. Their divisive plans to strip people of their settled status – which allows them to live in this country for good – is a gross betrayal of who we are in this country. It would tear families apart, separating children from their parents. It would do untold harm to our public services, not least the NHS. And it would cause untold damage to our communities. It is the action of those who seek a littler England, not a greater Britain.
Labour will always fight for those who have been left behind. We will always deliver justice where it has been denied.
In this edition of The Labour Rosette, you will read more about the work Labour is doing to fight for national renewal and build a Britain for all. I am proud to play my part in that effort as your Home Secretary.
Thank you,
Shabana Mahmood
Secretary of State for the Home Department
Fairer future for renters with Labour’s Renters’ Rights Act
Labour’s historic Renters’ Rights Act has received Royal Assent meaning it is now law, securing a fairer future for 11 million private renters in England. In the coming weeks, Labour Ministers will outline how these reforms will be rolled out.
The landmark legislation will abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and rebalance landlord-tenant relations across England as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
What does this mean?
- This Act abolishes Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions – a practice that has pushed thousands into homelessness.
- Tenants will also be able to challenge unfair rent increases and ask to keep a pet – something landlords can’t say no to without a good reason.
- The Renters’ Rights Act will also tackle discrimination head-on, banning landlords and agents from refusing tenants because they have children or receive benefits and bringing the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law into the private rented sector for the first time.
Why this matters:
- The Renters’ Rights Act delivers on Labour’s manifesto commitment to level the playing field between landlords and tenants.
- The Conservatives did nothing to protect England’s renters during their 14 years in office, and they voted against the Renters’ Rights Act in Parliament. Nigel Farage’s Reform Party also voted against Labour’s measures to protect renters. Only Labour is on the side of working people.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“Every family deserves the dignity of a safe and secure home.
“For too long, millions of renters have lived at the mercy of rogue landlords or insecure contracts, with their futures hanging in the balance. We’re putting an end to that.
“A secure home isn’t just bricks and mortar – it’s the foundation for opportunity, safety, and a better life. No child should grow up without one.”
Australian politics
From Women and literature
7 Novels That Explore Motherhood’s Complexities – Donna Frietas
In the opening pages of The Paper Palace, the protagonist has a thought that made me want to throw the book across the room, not to mention scream bloody murder: “The best lesson my mother ever taught me: there are two things in life you never regret—a baby and a swim.”
It’s tossed out as though it’s a given for everyone—and I suppose to many people, it is. But for me? That single sentence pushed hard into the deepest button I’ve got. It prompted me to stop reading the book. I couldn’t bear it. Throwaway statements (and beliefs) like these assumed to be universally true for women are what steal a woman’s real feelings from her own mouth, and forbid her from speaking them out loud. (My emphasis).
I knew from the time I was very young that I didn’t want children. Yet once I reached my 30s everyone was pushing me to ignore my gut and have a baby anyway. The cacophony of voices arguing that if I didn’t overcome my resistance I’d eventually regret the decision for the rest of my life was relentless. Ruthless even. Yet not a single person worried about the other possible outcome: that if I ignored my gut and became a mother, I might regret having had the baby.
Beliefs like these and the way I was hounded are what compelled me to write The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano about a woman who doesn’t want children, whose marriage has come to rest on whether she’ll change her mind.
They’re also behind my forthcoming thriller, Her One Regret, about a woman (Lucy) who vanishes from a parking lot, leaving her baby behind in a shopping cart—everyone assumes she was taken. We soon learn that maybe Lucy wasn’t kidnapped after all—that maybe she planned her own disappearance because she regrets becoming a mother.
Her One Regret hinges on that question: Was Lucy taken or did she run?
I’ve come to think of Her One Regret as “The 10th Rose.”
In The Nine Lives readers see Rose’s life twist and turn depending on whether she has a child even though she doesn’t want one, or whether she stands her ground and doesn’t become a mother. But the version of Rose I was too afraid to write was the one based on my own greatest fear: the Rose where she has the baby and then regrets it.
To be frank, I thought if I wrote that Rose, the novel would not get published, because openly discussing motherhood regret is still so taboo. Yet after many emails from readers who wanted to know why I hadn’t given them a Rose who regrets—I finally decided to write that story. It emerged as a crime and suspense novel, Her One Regret, that turns on Lucy Mendoza’s disappearance.
Times have changed even in the last few years, and we are having many more complicated conversations about being a mother, and about choosing not to become a mother, and even (yes, at least a little) about regretting having children. But we still have a long way to go. Here are seven of my favorite books/series that offer portraits of very complicated motherhood.
Begoña Gómez Urzaiz, The Abandoners
Ashley Audrain, The Push
Lionel Shriver, We Need to Talk About Kevin
Rachel Yoder, Nightbitch
Elena Ferrante, The Neapolitan Quartet
Doris Lessing, The Fifth Child
Robin's Room 