Sahana Singh’s — The educational heritage of ancient India *****

This book explores the many universities that flourished all over India from the 6th century onwards, and how students travelled from many parts of Asia to study in these prestigious institutions. At its height, universities specialized in subjects from mathematics, medicine and logic to the arts and military training. Much of this knowledge was translated into Arabic and then from Arabic into European languages where the knowledge was claimed as their own.

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Ann Patchett’s — Bel Canto *****

A South American government tries to lure Mr Hosokawa to a party so he will invest in their country, but the Japanese tycoon is not interested in doing business with this regime. When he is not working long hours at his company, Nansei, he is passionate about opera, especially opera singer Roxane Coss. So when the South American government invites him to attend his birthday party where this very opera singer will perform, he cannot refuse.

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Ireme Nemirovsky’s — Fire in the blood *****

Silvio returns to his French village after years away losing his land bit by bit because of its neglect during his absence. He’s soon drawn into the family’s secrets when he stumbles on the real reason for Colette’s husband’s drowning.

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How time improves editing

One of the key factors for me when editing, is time — not time to edit, but time between edits. I don’t immediately see many problems in my writing until I leave a piece for a week or longer. When I return, the issues become clear.

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