Having just finished reading the third in Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell trilogy, The Mirror and the Light, rather than posting one review here, I thought I would bring together my three reviews, each originally posted online soon after I read the book. Book 1 – Wolf Hall Now I’ve finished Wolf Hall, I feel asContinue reading “Book Reviews: Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell Trilogy”
Category Archives: About Books I love
Favourite Feel Good Action Heroes in Books and Cinema: TinTin and his Universal Appeal
During the Covid-19 Pandemic and throughout the three lockdowns in the UK, many have sought the consolation of escape – into books or films. Every so often I return to one of my top favourites – The Adventures of TinTin: the Secret of the Unicorn. To my mind this film exemplifies classic story structure; butContinue reading “Favourite Feel Good Action Heroes in Books and Cinema: TinTin and his Universal Appeal”
The Nature of Creative Inspiration and Practice – Inspiration from Hilary Mantel
Recently I watched and listened to Hilary Mantel speaking at an online event from the Stratford-upon-Avon Literary festival, following the publication this year of her two newest books The Mirror and the Light and Mantel Pieces. I loved what Hilary said about the process of writing. It seems that she does not subscribe to theContinue reading “The Nature of Creative Inspiration and Practice – Inspiration from Hilary Mantel”
Extract from the Introduction to Paranormal Warwickshire
I have heard, but not believed, The spirits of the dead May walk again William Shakespeare So says William Shakespeare, through the lips of Antigonus in Act 3 Scene 3 of The Winter’s Tale. Did Shakespeare believe in ghosts and spirits? Opinions are divided; Herbert, Shakespearean actor, who led us around Stratford-upon-Avon one evening onContinue reading “Extract from the Introduction to Paranormal Warwickshire”
Virginia Woolf on the art of reading a book
Listening to an interview by Andrew Marr on BBC Radio 4 the other day, I was delighted to learn that Virginia Woolf‘s classic essay How Should One Read a Book? has been republished in a new edition (12 October 2020). I studied this text in school as part of my GCE ‘O’ level English LiteratureContinue reading “Virginia Woolf on the art of reading a book”
Paranormal Warwickshire is Now Live!
I’m delighted to announce that Paranormal Warwickshire has now been released by Amberley Publishing. It was a very exciting moment when I received my box of books. Here’s an early review from fellow author and blogger Ritu Bhathal, who received an advance review copy: A fantastic book filled with tales of ghostly sightings across theContinue reading “Paranormal Warwickshire is Now Live!”
Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 16: Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon
This is the sixteenth in a series of glimpses into my new book Paranormal Warwickshire which will be published by Amberley Publishing on 15th November 2020. Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon is known as Shakespeare’s Church, because the Bard was baptised there, and because he is buried there. The story of his association with this church,Continue reading “Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 16: Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon”
Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 13: Nuneaton
This is the thirteenth in a series of glimpses into my new book Paranormal Warwickshire which will be published by Amberley Publishing on 15th November 2020. My visits to Nuneaton have uncovered some truly astonishing stories. Nuneaton is strongly associated with the great novelist George Eliot, who lived there during the first part of herContinue reading “Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 13: Nuneaton”
Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 1: Shakespeare’s Ghosts and Spirits
This is the first of a series giving you a few tasters from my book Paranormal Warwickshire which will be released by Amberley Publishing on 15th November 2020. Warwickshire is a county steeped in the supernatural, as befits the county of Shakespeare and the many ghosts and spirits that he conjured up in his works.Continue reading “Glimpses of Paranormal Warwickshire Part 1: Shakespeare’s Ghosts and Spirits”
Angel Encounters Mini Series Part 1. Modern-Day Angel Encounters – With or Without Wings.
What does a modern day angel look like? Like the fussy angel played by Michael Sheen in the deliciously funny and clever ‘Good Omens’ by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett? More, perhaps like this angel depicted by Vincent Van Gogh? or maybe like the powerful and moving Knife Angel that appeared at Coventry Cathedral inContinue reading “Angel Encounters Mini Series Part 1. Modern-Day Angel Encounters – With or Without Wings.”
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