Tuesday 18 September 2012

The Clan of the Cave Bear, by Jean M. Auel

The Clan of the Cave Bear (Earth's Children, #1)The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It has been a long time since I have read a story that is so engrossing. Set 25,000 years ago, the story follows the child, Ayla, after the death of her mother and father in an earthquake. She is found by cavemen who are in search of a new cave, their's having been destroyed by the same earthquake that killed Ayla's family. The clan's medicine woman takes pity on the child and takes her with them, much to the intrepidation and confusion of the other clan members. Ayla is just too different; she is one of the 'Others', a different species of human to the clan. Try as she might to fit in her instincts and nature, her different brain formation, and different way of communication set her firmly in the category of 'outsider'.

This story is so unique and unlike anything I have ever read before. In reading it I was able to glean an insight into the way early humans lived. As a student of Biology I have often wondered, but struggled to imagine clearly, how the early humans would have behaved, looked and thought. Jean M. Auel was able to capture their spirit and bring it to life, and you discover a people who love fiercely and who are truly adept at survival. Ayla is more like a modern day human (although there are many differences too), and I was able to sympathise with her confusion whenever she accidentally did something that wasn't 'clan', and at her frustration at finding it difficult to fit in. I was on tenterhooks the entire novel, and I cannot wait to read the next one. My only regret is that I took so long to begin reading this book (having been given it a year ago!).

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Tuesday 11 September 2012

Mistress of Mellyn, by Victoria Holt

Mistress of MellynMistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is one of my favourite Victoria Holt books. It is about a young woman, Marty who, due to reduced circumstances and the inability to find a husband must find a job as a governess. She accepts a post in Cornwall as the governess of the daughter of the imposing Connan TreMellyn. Against her better judgement she falls in love with her Master, and her new home, but she is haunted by the ghost of Connan's deceased wife.

This story is full of intrigue and suspense. I love Marty as a character - she is so strong, stays true to herself, upholds her morals, and she don't take no crap from no body! She is perhaps the first person to ever defy Connan TreMellyn, and she constantly fears he will dismiss her for it. She wins over a difficult student through sheer grit and intuition, and she acts with dignity and decorum most of the time.

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Tuesday 4 September 2012

The Viscount and the Virgin: Regency Silk & Scandal, by Annie Burrows

The Viscount And The Virgin: Regency Silk & Scandal V. 5 (Mb Continuities)The Viscount And The Virgin: Regency Silk & Scandal V. 5 by Annie Burrows
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story follows Imogen - a lively, vivacious girl who is much more comfortable running wild outdoors than she is sewing in the drawing room. She has a kind, loving heart and loves to look after those around her. Upon the death of her mother, then her step-father, Imogen has been taken in by a kindly aunt who wishes to see her happily married. Imogen is sent off on her first London season (quite late, at 27 years of age), and the poor girl is like a fish out of water. Due to a scandal surrounding her mother, Imogen has to be on her best behaviour at all times lest gossip should ruin her reputation, but it is not long before her lack of lady-like accomplishments gets her into trouble.

Monty is a second son whose elder brother has just died. Monty is now forced to continue the family business even though he would prefer to have remained in the army. At a ball Imogen accidentally knocks a glass of wine all over Monty, which he interprets as her way to get an introduction with the season's eligible bachelor. He is sick of women chasing him like a dog with a bone so, to make an example of her, he spurns the poor girl. Unfortunately for Monty, he then finds himself taking quite a fancy to her.

This is a very enjoyable story. The main characters are strong and likeable. They are linked by the fact that neither of them fits into the society they have been thrown amongst. The chemistry between them is palpable, and the story leaves the reader waited, breath abated, for that final moment when they fall in love. This is a lovely story and I would like to read it again.

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Tuesday 28 August 2012

The Gift, by Cecelia Ahern

The GiftThe Gift by Cecelia Ahern
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this book last Christmas and it had me bawling my eyes out. The story follows Lou, who is probably one of the least likeable me out there. He is also very strange, and I found some of his quirks a bit hard to follow at times. However, this story was beautiful in that it reminds you of the importance of appreciating you friends and family, and to value the time you have left with them on this earth. A lovely, quick read.

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Thursday 23 August 2012

Swoonworthy Gentlemen - Theodore 'Laurie' Laurence

Often a romance story's love interest is adored by women because he is the stereotypical 'bad boy'. I'm not sure what it is that draws young women towards this dangerous type of man. 'Laure', from Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Women' couldn't be more different from this, and I think that is what I love about him so much. He is the good guy, he is nice, he is loyal, and he doesn't let the unfortunate events leading to his birth get him down. To me, this is the perfect type of gentleman.

Image Source: http://laughsarahann.blogspot.com.au/2009/02/laurie-from-little-women.html

Image Source: http://bellesbookshelf.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/pash-pick-or-pass-men-of-little-women.html

Image Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4v-ssZ2snSVWVhocNGzG5zuR9CMhpu71uhpwn0jTJ2mrZ1FKZdVQgzKmdPX7PF1BGRjLbKAGYZ_ec5Yhc3fIbLOKlQnRuMcfToI5qgY86rGxXStQj9DdlL6N5qArbxxm-zKVRau4ghUWg/s1600/40-guys-07-christian-bale.jpg



Tuesday 21 August 2012

Emma, by Jane Austen

Emma Emma by Jane Austen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When I first tried reading this book I didn't like it... until it dawned on me that it is supposed to be a satire. Once I was able to view the characters tongue-in-cheek I found this to be a very bright and sparkling read. It was funny, with some societal morals thrown in there somewhere too. I love to hate Emma, and love to see her have to eat some humble cake. I would recommend this book if you are not after something to serious.

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Thursday 16 August 2012

Swoonworthy Gentleman - Westley

I really didn't want to swoon over this man, Westley from 'The Princess Bride' but I couldn't help it. He would have to have one of the greatest sense of humour in literary fiction, and he's dashing in the bargain. Every time I laughed at one of his smart-alec phrases I found myself swooning more and more. And so, here's to you, Westley:

Image Source: http://aheartfullofdaisies.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/top-five-wedding-movies-by-she-is-sara.html

Image Source: http://www.princessbrideforever.com/15-romantic-movies-men-should-love/

Image Source: http://bellesbookshelf.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/my-book-boyfriend-westley.html


"I love you. Okay? Want it louder? I love you. Spell it out, should I? I ell-oh-vee-ee why-oh-you. Want it backward? You love I... I've been saying it so long to you, you just wouldn't listen. Every time you said, 'Farm Boy, do this', you thought I was answering, 'As you wish', but that's only because you were hearing wrong. 'I love you' was what it was, but you never heard." (Quote Source: http://bellesbookshelf.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/my-book-boyfriend-westley.html)