Yoko Ogawa’s Mina’s Matchbox *****

Yoko Ogawa’s Mina’s Matchbox *****

In 1972, Tomoko’s widowed mother decides to take a sewing course in Tokyo and leaves her daughter with her family in Ashiya. When her uncle picks Tomoko up from the train station, she is stunned by his good looks and Mecedes. When they reach their house, she is an awe of the miniature hippopotamus that lives in the front garden, then their beautiful home.

Continue reading “Yoko Ogawa’s Mina’s Matchbox *****”
The world’s oldest operating bookstore

The world’s oldest operating bookstore

I haven’t posted a five out of five review in a while because I haven’t read anything lately, I consider that good, but also because I’ve been busy with research for an upcoming novel. I visited a London medical and a pharmaceutical museum where I took photos of medical equipment and pages of medicines used in earlier times. Between reading those notes as well as the history of the town where I’m setting part of the story, pleasure reading has slipped from my usual routine.

Continue reading “The world’s oldest operating bookstore”
Crystal Hana Kim’s—The stone home *****

Crystal Hana Kim’s—The stone home *****

In an alleyway, Eunju and her mother are captured and driven in a van to the stone home because they’re considered vagrants. On their arrival, they learn that others like them have been locked away for an indefinite period. Eunju and Umma are segregated with the other females to clean and cook while the boys toil in the workshop to complete orders. Warden and Teacher oversee the Keepers who make sure they obey. There are daily Christian sermons about how evil they are. Violence and sexual abuse is common and anyone who disobeys might disappear.

Continue reading “Crystal Hana Kim’s—The stone home *****”
Tatiana de Rosny’s—Manderley forever

Tatiana de Rosny’s—Manderley forever

For those who have read any of Daphne du Maurier’s books, this is a fascinating insight starting from her childhood when she was spellbound by her father’s acting until, in her teenage years, he became overbearing. To escape, she spent time at a French boarding school captivated by one of her teachers. Her writing was not only influenced by her eagerness to read, but her desire to become independent. When her father purchased a holiday home in Cornwall, her love of the English coastline developed and writing ideas poured out from her imagination.

Continue reading “Tatiana de Rosny’s—Manderley forever”