My Review (5 stars out of 5) This book details the investigation by journalist Kevin Toolis into the lives of men and women who were part of the IRA’s efforts to oust the British Army from Ireland during the infamous ‘troubles’. Exploring the history of the cause and the republican (and loyalist) interpretations of it,…
Month: October 2021
‘Blowing the Bloody Doors Off’ by Michael Caine
My Review (5 stars out of 5) Written in his 85th year veteran British actor Michael Caine looks back on his life with a view to highlighting what he’s learned. Although primarily aimed at those with a yen for performance, his advice is useful for anyone wanting to better themselves. With stories and anecdotes from…
‘Insider’ by Owen Mullen
My Review (5 stars out of 5) With bad-boy Danny out of the way, the remaining members of the notorious Glass family prepare for war. Luke strives to find people he can trust to keep his empire safe, but with rumours of a police spy within the firm, he must tread carefully. To make matters…
‘A Wanted Man’ by Lee Child
My Review (5 stars out of 5) Sporting a newly busted nose, Jack Reacher isn’t hopeful of hitching a ride in Nebraska, but eventually, one car does stop. Though the three passengers—two men and a woman—have believable explanations for their journey and their slightly strange outfits, Reacher soon finds himself picking holes in their account.…
‘This Much is True’ by Miriam Margolyes
My Review (5 stars out of 5) (Audiobook) Known for memorable characters including Lady Whiteadder and Professor Sprout, roles in Little Dorrit and Oliver Twist, and a host of voice-overs for TV adverts, Miriam Margolyes is a national treasure. From her childhood in Oxford and posing naked for artist Augustus John to working with Martin…
‘Manson’ by Jeff Guinn
My Review (5 stars out of 5) How did ex-con and delinquent Charles Manson entice young people to join his ‘family’ and persuade them to commit murder? In this well-researched biography, Jeff Guinn interviewed childhood friends, cellmates, Manson’s own sister and cousin and even members of the Manson Family. Placing Manson firmly in the context…
‘Malice Aforethought’ by Francis Iles
My Review (5 stars out of 5) In the garden of Doctor and Mrs Bickleigh during the inter-war years, a tennis party brings together friends and neighbours. But socialising is not on the henpecked doctor’s mind. Instead, he has his sights on the young Gwynyfryd Rattery whose charms he hopes to surmount under the guise…
‘The Last Conception’ (Movie Review)
My Review (4 stars out of 5) It’s unusual to see a movie representing Indian culture coming out of Hollywood, but The Last Conception has a lot going for it. Savarna Sikand (Nazanin Mandi), and her girlfriend (played by Callie Schuttera) have been dating for a couple of years but so far Savarana hasn’t got…
Colin Garrow 