Tag: English setting

Colleen McCullough’s — The independence of Miss Mary Bennett *****

Colleen McCullough’s — The independence of Miss Mary Bennett *****

I remember Mary as the Bennett sister who couldn’t sing, but twenty years on from the end of Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, Mary’s life continues. In her desperation for independence, she investigates the plight of the English poor only to find herself in danger.

I wasn’t expecting this to be an engaging tale, but I should have known better because this Australian author has never disappointed me—a book I couldn’t put down when I needed a light read.

Belinda Bauer’s — Black Lands *****

Belinda Bauer’s — Black Lands *****

When Billy disappears and Avery admits to killing six other children, everyone assumes he also killed Billy. His mother, standing by the window overlooking the Moors, is the only one convinced Billy is still alive.

Meanwhile, her grandson, Steven searches with his friend Lewis over the Moors looking for a possible grave, but all he finds is the bones of a sheep. What strategy can he use next to discover Billy’s whereabouts so his grandmother can find closure?

Pip Williams’—The dictionary of lost words *****

Pip Williams’—The dictionary of lost words *****

Motherless Esme hides under a desk in the Scriptorium where her father works surrounded by words. He is one of the lexicographers working on words to include in the first Oxford English Dictionary. When careless lexicographers drop chits, Esme collects the words and their meanings written on pieces of paper and hides them in a trunk. As the years pass, she comes to realize that many words are excluded because the lexicographers believe words for the dictionary should have written examples. So begins Esme’s personal research, collecting excluded words—words of profanity, words commonly used only by women but not men—words she hears in the markets. But what will she do with her collection and how will her life change once she begins working in the Scriptorium? A fascinating tale inspired by the lexicographers who actually worked on producing the first English dictionary back in the late 1800s.

Jane Johnson’s — The sea gate

Jane Johnson’s — The sea gate

Rebecca is disappointed that Eddie, her boyfriend of ten years hasn’t even made it to her mother’s funeral. Afterwards, at her mother’s flat, she sorts through a pile of mail while her brother and sister-in-law pack up her belongings. Amongst the mail is a letter from Olivia requesting help. 

Rebecca remembers visiting Olivia in Cornwall as a child and decides to visit her relative. When she arrives, she learns aging Olivia is in hospital with a broken leg and her house is in shambles. Will Rebecca stay to help Olivia get her house in order so she can return home? What will she do about Eddie if she stays? What will she discover when she sorts through Olivia’s belongings? And what is it that Olivia wants to hide by ordering Rebecca to get the basement blocked up?