Monthly Archives: August 2020

Amazing Women of the Middle East

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Wafa Tarnowska. Pikku Publishing. (112p) ISBN 9781999639853
Amazing Women of the Middle East

Amazing Women of the Middle East

I was given this to preview by the publishers to include in the www.indiebookshops.com monthly newsletter as well as review on here, so watch out for the newsletter to see what extra terms are being offered for Independent Bookshops on the release of this book.

I’ve always loved these small biographies when I read them, simple enough to have you consume each section quickly but with enough information to inform but also tease you to want more, and Amazing Women of the Middle East is no different.

Wafa Tarnowska writes very intriguing little biographies for each of the women, turning historical people into personalities whilst laying the groundwork for you wanting to learn more about each woman, small but compelling, including a women I thought was fictional, Zenobia, which was one of. the most fascinating parts for me.

Covering a broad time span from Cleopatra VII up to the current period, each small biography is accompanied with illustrations by Hoda Hadadi, Christelle Halal, Esteli Meza, Sahar Haghgoo, and Margarida Estevez which complement the biographies well.

Publication date is the 20th of September 2020.

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Holiday Heart

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Margarita Garcia Robayo. Charco Press. (160p) ISBN: 9781999368449
Holiday Heart

Holiday Heart

I had previously read Fish Soup by Margarita Garcia Robayo and thought it was absolutely stunning so was really looking forward to reading this and wasn’t disappointed at all. This sounds simple, and in a way it is but Margarita takes this simplicity and shines it to perfection.

An exploration of a couple, Lucia and Pablo, and their relationship before and after the incident of the Holiday Heart.

The pace of the writing and the development of the characters throughout the unfolding story are excellent, keeping you wanting more and delivering on that throughout the book.

This is a considered development, not a word out of place, characters introduced at the right moment to develop the plot, the environment is used to great effect throughout to really ground you in the place of this story.

There is an underlying ache throughout the whole book, both cultural and personal which impacts on everything the characters do, especially in gender expectations. Though this ache is lightened in place by some humour it is bittersweet.

Another wonderful book by Margarita Garcia Robayo, translated by Charlotte Combe and published by the ever brilliant Charco Press.

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In the Beginning… Was the Command Line

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Neal Stephenson. William Morrow Paperbacks. (151p) ISBN 9780380815937
In the Beginning... Was the Command Line

In the Beginning… Was the Command Line

It’s been quite a while since I read this and I remember it being a book that helped me navigate the social phenomenon of the Internet and how it has developed.

Mainly humorous, definitely tongue-in-cheek, this book still makes points that are worth exploring today even though it is almost 20 years old.

Developing the idea of the interface between people mediated by computers it was very prescient, and like all Neal Stephenson’s writing accessible.

Most of the actual technology that he talks about is out of date now though, but still worth a read for the philosophy behind his thoughts.

An updated version to see what Neal thinks now would be appreciated.

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Secrets of a Sun King

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Emma Carroll. Faber & Faber. (304p) ISBN: 9780571328499
Secrets of a Sun King

Secrets of a Sun King

In Emma Carrol’s latest historical adventure for Middle Grade we find Lilian and her friends in a race against time to stop the Pharaoh’s curse.

Right from the start this goes at a cracking pace that pulls you along in anticipation of the next part of the adventure, set in London and Egypt (and a few places in-between) there is a real feel of nostalgia throughout. Wonderfully described scenes and believable characters help with his pace.

There is also a thread about families and secrets that weaves through the story which adds to the mystery.

Bravery, love and friendship are some of the main themes of this book and are explored so well.

Get Secrets of a Sun King as soon as it comes out on the 2nd August 2018, you really won’t regret it.

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