Under the Net

I enjoyed Under the Net by Iris Murdoch which was originally published in 1954 and republished by Vintage Classics in 2002.  It is the story of Jake Donaghue living in London without a "proper" job and sponging off his friends.  He ekes out a living translating a French novelist's books in to English.  When he is kicked out of his accommodation he must find a new residence and perhaps even get a job.  Jake has a number of adventures, even going to Paris to try and find his love, Anna.  It is well written and interesting. 31/2/5

In Love and War: Nursing Heroes

I very much enjoyed In Love and War: Nursing Heroes by Liz Byrski which is a non-fiction account of the history of plastic surgery and how it was used to help burn patients in England during and after World War II.  The author was a small child living in East Grinstead, Sussex.  Close to the town was the Queen Victoria Hospital whose patients had been seriously burned while they were flying RAF planes during the War.  The hospital was run by a remarkable man, pioneering plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe.  Many of his patients became members of his Guinea Pig Club.  McIndoe also looked after his patients in unconventional ways.  He understood the diminished self-esteem which could be fatal in a patient's rehabilitation.  He insisted on having pretty nurses to look after the patients and encouraged an atmosphere of flirting and more.  McIndoe also enlisted the help of the local townspeople to ensure that when his "Guinea Pigs" went to town they were treated well.  The author conducted a number of interviews with Guinea Pigs, relatives, and nurses to try and see beyond the facade.  She wasn't sure about writing the book so left it for seven years.  She has written a fascinating true story about this topic.  Highly recommended. 5/5

The Boston Girl

I enjoyed The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant set in Boston in 1985.  An elderly woman, Addie, is interviewed by her granddaughter about her life.  Addie was the youngest child in her Jewish immigrant family and the only one to be born in Boston, in 1900.  Life was a struggle for poor immigrants at that time and all family members had to have paid work to survive.  Addie longed for a full education.  She loved books.  She loved learning and she had great teachers and friends who helped her.  The family experienced joys and tragedies as they became touched by WWI and the Flu Pandemic.  Addie eventually meets the love of her life and finds happiness.  A gentle story. 4/5

Violent Exposure

I enjoyed Violent Exposure by Katherine Howell which is set in Sydney, Australia.  Detective Ella Marconi investigates the murder of a woman whose husband disappears after the murder.  The inquiry gets more complicated as other people who knew the murdered woman are investigated.  The reader learns the fate of the husband but we don't learn the reason till late in the story so there is a strong mystery element there.  There is another thread of the story when a paramedic, Mick, attends what seems to be a drug-related death.  The murder is of course, solved satisfactorily. 31/2/5

Wayfaring Stranger

I enjoyed Wayfaring Stranger by James Lee Burke which is set mainly in post WWII Texas.  Veteran, Weldon Holland and his friend Hershel Pine, whose life Weldon saved, start a business with a new welding system used by the Germans.  They also both witnessed the death camps and saved an almost dead Jewish woman, Rosita.  Weldon's grandfather, Hackberry Holland lives with him and is his mentor.  Powerful people in the oil industry try to take over their company by criminal means so it is a constant struggle between good and evil. Burke is always a good read. 4/5

April Book Club

We all had a lovely meeting on Monday evening with almost everyone here.  One of our ladies was interstate with her daughter who has now given birth, so that is wonderful news.  Our host provided a delicious supper and bought some great new books for us to enjoy.  There's was lots of talk about travelling overseas this year.  One lady is going to Borneo soon, another to do the Alaska, Rocky Mountains trip (one I'd love to do).  At our age and while we're healthy, we should travel as much as we can.  I'll look forward to reading the books I've selected and see all these wonderful ladies next month.

Fat Chance

I enjoyed Fat Chance by Nick Spalding (Kindle edition) which is set in London.  An overweight couple in their 30s, Zoe and Greg, compete against other couples in a weight-loss competition run by the local radio station where Zoe works.  The competition requires them to keep a journal and we can read alternate journal entries by Zoe and Greg so we get an insight in to their struggle to lose weight and their lives generally.  As their incentive, there is a prize of £50,000.00.  Zoe and Greg were teenage sweethearts then married and gradually started putting on weight.  At first it all seems too hard to lose weight and the prize money is their only incentive.  As the months go by that begins to change.  We read about their sometimes hilarious efforts to lose their excess weight including a "brutal" personal trainer and a week of eating cabbage soup.  The story is both funny and poignant as we barrack for them.  Will they lose weight?  Will they win the prize?  A light-hearted entertaining read. 4/5