Southern Man - Greg Iles

Greg Iles is a brilliant author. I've read everything he's written and enjoyed each and every one. The long awaited Southern Man, is newly released.

Southern Man takes place fifteen years, after the end of Mississippi Blood. Much has happened in those years and as Iles details what is going on Penn, I had a mental image of a war horse - older, scarred, tired but in it for the battle.

But what is that battle? Natchez is literally burning again. Is it is a new chapter in a long running race war? A son of the south is gunning for another race - that of the President and White House. He's got a shot at it, but at what cost?

The cost has been high for Penn, his family and his friends. The effort to set things right has taken many lives. The political machinations taking place closed doors, and on doorsteps is frightening. History seems to be repeating itself over and over. Hate.

Southern Man is an amazing story told from many time periods and voices. The slave histories were hard to read. As were the current happenings. I must be really naive as the backroom politics shocked me. Lives used as pawns and moved strategically. But then I thought again - this too has happened in the near past.

Iles has penned an incredible book with a myriad of plot lines and a plethora of characters. The tension never lets up as the narrative races to a finale I couldn't have imagined. But one that isn't too far from the truth. Bravo Greg Iles. 

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Southern Man. 

The Cliff's Edge - Charles Todd

The Cliff's Edge is the latest (#13) in Charles Todd's wonderful Bess Crawford mystery series. 

Sitting down with a Bess Crawford book is like catching up with old friends. For it's the characters that bring me back time and time again, but also for the wonderfully crafted mysteries. 

With the end of the Great War, Bess has 'retired' from active service as a battlefield nurse. But her skills as a nurse are still in demand. In the Cliff's Edge, Bess has done her cousin Melinda a favor by agreeing to call on one of her friends, after she has an operation. That kindness grows exponentially and Bess is entreated to travel to a remote village and see to an injured man from the manor house. 

There's a bit of a nod to Agatha Christie here - a remote setting, a limited number of suspects, all whom have been asked by the local constabulary to not leave the house until a culprit is determined. And - an amateur detective who has solved more that one mystery in her time. 

 

I love how the  both investigations (Bess's and the police) unfold. This historical period must conform to the mores, manners and expectations of the time and setting. (1919)  Clues are gleaned from conversations, interviews, observations, intellectual prowess and more. Todd keeps the reader guessing along with Bess by leaving a number of red herrings and lies on the way to the final reveal of whodunit.

The Cliff's Edge kept me company on a cold rainy day with more than one pot of tea. Comfort reading at it's best. 

Sadly, with the death of Caroline Todd, it's also the last collaboration from the writing duo of mother Caroline and her son Charles. I do hope the series continues. The ending of The Cliff's Edge is satisfying. But, the final pages of the book open the door for another mystery.... 

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Cliff's Edge.

Downton Shabby - Hopwood DePree

Hopwood DePree's new book, Downton Shabby: One American's Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family's English Castle, caught my eye. Having lived in an older (150 years) home for many years, I was drawn to DePree's book about his restoration - which is a little older at 600 years!

How does a Hollywood actor, producer and more end up England, restoring a ruin? It's all in the name. When he was younger, Hopwood went by his middle name. As an adult, he choose to use his given name, as it was memorable. Whilst researching on genealogical sites, he discovers a past - and the home of his ancestors - in the remains of Hopwood Hall. 

I quite enjoyed being along for the trip as Hopwood makes connections, makes friends and willingly upends his whole life for Hopwood Hall. His family is just as enthusiastic. As are the supporters of the Hall, who are trying to preserve this historic building. Geoff and Bob are the two core supporters who guide and educate Hopwood on the Hall's past. Their dedication was and is admirable. Hopwood meets many others who are happy to lend a hand. It was fascinating to uncover the historical past of the Hall with Hopwood. The descriptions of the Hall - and included photographs - made me want to come and visit! 

DePree is enthusiastic and able to laugh at himself. I quite enjoyed his book, but the journey isn't over. You can see more on his website. Downton Shabby (clever title) was an entertaining, easy read that kept me engaged. 

The Deepest South of All - Richard Grant

I love fiction, but honestly, the non fiction titles are the ones that stay with me the longest. I've enjoyed previous works from Richard Grant and was quite excited to listen to his latest - The Deepest South of All: True Stories from Natchez, Mississippi. 

Grant has been described as a travel writer, but I think I think his writing encompasses more than just the physical. His locales are explored through the inhabitants - their history and stories. More of a sociological feel if you will. A transplanted Londoner, Grant makes his home now in Mississippi. 

"Natchez, Mississippi, once had more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in America, and its wealth was built on slavery and cotton. Today it has the greatest concentration of antebellum mansions in the South, and a culture full of unexpected contradictions."

Grant introduces us to many of the citizens he meets at a party in the first few chapters. Eccentric is a descriptor that can be used many times in this book. Many of the residents seem so quirky as to be fictional - but they're not. Much of the modern day Natchez is told through the 'war' of the two garden clubs - and their yearly ritual celebration of Natchez history. It's an over the top historical presentation that glosses over the fact that Natchez was the second-largest slave market in the US, second only to New Orleans. The antebellum mansions play a large part in depicting the selective history. Author Greg Iles is referenced as trying to make changes in this long held tradition. And the contradictions mentioned are definitely there - Natchez's mayor is a gay black man who garnered ninety one percent of the vote to take office. Yet, there isn't a black member in either garden club and black history is not presented in the  'Tableaux'. Grant meets and interviews both black and white inhabitants of Natchez and gives the listener a broader picture of this complicated city through their thoughts and history.

Told in alternating chapters with the current time, is the story of one slave - Abd al Rahman Ibrahima, a West African prince sold into slavery in the late 1700's. His story is heartbreaking, but fascinating. And his story is just one of millions.

The Deepest South of All juxtaposes the history and current day climate of Natchez, providing a look inside this enigmatic and yes, insular city. 

Grant's writing is always a treat to read. But, I did choose to listen to this latest. The reader was Matthew Lloyd Davies. His performance was excellent and he interpreted Grant's work really well. He has a British accent (remember, Grant is British) that is charming and easy to understand. His voice is quite versatile - he presented many characters and each was a different and believable voice. His reading has movement and he captured the emotions and tenor of the book.

Curious, quirky, fascinating and most definitely thought provoking. The Deepest South of All makes for timely reading and listening.  Listen to an excerpt of The Deepest South of All.

Winner - The Family Romanov

And the lucky winner of copy of The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming, courtesy of Random House is:

Freda M!

Congratulations! I've contacted you by email for your mailing address. Please respond in 48 hours. After that time, a new winner will be chosen. Thanks to all who entered - keep your eye on the sidebar for other great giveaways.

Giveaway - The Family Romanov - Candace Fleming

I've got a great giveaway today for those who love history! Candace Fleming's new book The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion and the Fall of Imperial Russia, releases today.  And thanks to the generosity of  Random House, I have a copy to giveaway.

From the publisher, Schwartz and Wade:

"From the acclaimed author of Amelia Lost and The Lincolns comes more nonfiction at its very best—and a perfect resource for meeting Common Core standards.

Here is the riveting story of the Russian Revolution as it unfolded. When Russia’s last tsar, Nicholas II, inherited the throne in 1894, he was unprepared to do so. With their four daughters (including Anastasia) and only son, a hemophiliac, Nicholas and his reclusive wife, Alexandra, buried their heads in the sand, living a life of opulence as World War I raged outside their door and political unrest grew.

Deftly maneuvering between the lives of the Romanovs and the plight of Russia’s peasants—and their eventual uprising—Fleming offers up a fascinating portrait, complete with inserts featuring period photographs and compelling primary-source material that brings it all to life. History doesn’t get more interesting than the story of the Romanovs."

"Candace Fleming awarded herself the Newbery Medal in fifth grade after scraping the gold sticker off the class copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond and pasting it onto her first novel—a ten-page, ten-chapter mystery called Who Done It? She’s been collecting awards (her own, not Elizabeth George Speare’s) ever since.
     

Today, Candace is the versatile and acclaimed author of more than twenty books for children, including the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award-winning biography, The Lincolns; the bestselling picture book, Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!; and the beloved Boxes for Katje.

Sound like a book you'd like to own? Simply leave a comment (and a contact method) for a chance to win a copy of The Family Romanov. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends July 19/14.

Giveaway - James Madison - Lynne Cheney

Looking for a great book for a father, grandfather, husband or friend for Father's Day? (Sunday June 15th) Well, Viking Books has a great idea for the history/political buffs in your life.  James Madison: A Life Reconsidered by Lynne Cheney is newly released. I have a copy to giveaway - and the great folks at Viking are guaranteeing delivery for Father's Day anywhere in the US!

From the publisher:

"A major new biography of the fourth president of the United States by New York Times bestselling author Lynne Cheney.

This majestic new biography of James Madison explores the astonishing story of a man of vaunted modesty who audaciously changed the world. Among the Founding Fathers, Madison was a true genius of the early republic.

Outwardly reserved, Madison was the intellectual driving force behind the Constitution and crucial to its ratification. His visionary political philosophy and rationale for the union of states—so eloquently presented in The Federalist papers—helped shape the country Americans live in today.

Along with Thomas Jefferson, Madison would found the first political party in the country’s history—the Democratic Republicans. As Jefferson’s secretary of state, he managed the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States. As president, Madison led the country in its first war under the Constitution, the War of 1812. Without precedent to guide him, he would demonstrate that a republic could defend its honor and independence—and remain a republic still." Read an excerpt of James Madison: A Life Reconsidered.

Sound like a book you'd like to give someone? (Okay, or maybe keep for yourself?) Simply leave a comment to be entered (and a way for me to contact you - either by email or through your blog)

This giveaway is short and sweet in order to make sure the book arrives in time for Father’s Day. A winner will be randomly chosen on Sunday, June 8/14. Open to US only, no PO boxes. please.

Frozen in Time - Mitchell Zuckoff

Subtitled: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II

Mitchell Zuckoff's name might already be familiar to you - he's also the author of a previous best seller - Lost in Shangri-La.

Zuckoff again revisits World War II history, recounting the fate of the men on a US military cargo plane that crashed in November 1942 on the inhospitable shores of Greenland. And that of the men on the rescue B17 plane - that also crashed. And unbelievably, the third rescue plane, the Grumman Duck, that managed to pick up one survivor - and disappeared.

It sounds like a movie plot and improbable that three planes could crash or disappear. What's even more unbelievable is the will of the crash survivors to survive the dead of winter in frozen Greenland.

Zuckoff takes this factual piece of history and makes it 'real'  and personal by inserting many, many details. Where did he get his information? There are survivors to this miraculous tale and Zuckoff follows them all the way through to the present.

But, there are those whose bodies have never been recovered. And that's where the present day story kicks in. Between the US Coast Guard and North South Polar Inc. (a group, who as one of their mandates, tries to bring home the bodies of US servicemen) a mission is mounted to find the lost Duck and the men aboard. Zuckoff accompanies this mission to Greenland.

Cutting between past and present Zuckoff  brings to life this phenomenal story. I could feel the cold seep into my bone as the men were stranded yet another day. And the desperation of those determined to save them.

I chose to listen to Frozen in Time. Zuckoff himself reads the book. I love hearing an author share his words - it just seems to give every sentence more weight. He has an excellent reading voice, expressive and easy to listen to. Listen to an excerpt of Frozen in Time.

Frozen in Time is a testament to the human spirit. Highly recommended. Read an excerpt of Frozen in Time. You can find Mitchell Zuckoff on Facebook and on Twitter.

The Tin Ticket - Deborah J. Swiss

Deborah J. Swiss's new book The Tin Ticket will appeal to lovers of history and historical fiction.

Although I knew that Australia had been populated by convicts during it's early settlement, I really didn't know the full story.

"For nearly one hundred years, England had routinely disposed of its convict population in the American colonies, and built its rich empire on the backs of convict and slave labor. However, the American Revolution, followed by the abolition of slavery, eliminated this option. Great Britain could not persuade its "proper" citizenry to homestead its new colonies in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) and in New South Wales (Australia). Under the Transportation Act of 1718, 162,000 women, men and children were exiled to Australia from 1788 to 1868."

Swiss's research unearthed the story of quite a few women, but follows the journey of four of them in detail, from trying to survive day to day in Great Britain through to meeting the descendants of these women in present day Oz.  But Swiss's telling of their stories reads almost like fiction. She has given these unsung settlers a human face and vividly brings their stories to life. I truly was amazed at the fortitude of these women, surviving inhumane treatment and conditions. I think I enjoyed the story of Agnes McMillan the most. She was abandoned at 12 in Glasgow and finished her life, surrounded by her family in a lovely valley in her own home. Her journey is truly remarkable.

Swiss's book is full of information on a time period in history that I wager few of us really know much about. What makes this book stand out are the personal stories and just how strong women really are. This would be a great discussion book for clubs. Recommended. Peek inside.

The World's Must-See Places - Dorling Kindersley Books

This is the time of the year I love browsing for beautiful coffee table books for gifts. (and for me!)

The World's Must-See Places is perfect for armchair travellers and history buffs. This book covers man made monuments and structures, not nature's must see places.

The index is broken down into continents and then sub divided into countries. There were two listed in Canada, so this was my first stop. I was thrilled to see that I had visited both - the CN Tower in Toronto and the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica in Montreal. 2/100 so far!

Many of the American entries were somewhat predictable - The White House, Empire State Building and  Statue of Liberty etc, so I hopped across the ocean to explore Africa. It is the structures that I've never heard of that fascinate me the most. The mosques of Morocco and Mali were amazing - each completely different - one a marvel of bronze, granite and onyx, the other a mud and brick edifice no less beautiful.

The castles and cathedrals of Europe have always appealed to me. Our history here in Canada is so young, but many of these structures date from the 1100's!

Each entry features a sidebar with details specific to the feature and a timeline on the bottom with key dates. Actual pictures and descriptions surround a 3D cutaway of the architecture.

As with all Dorling Kindersley books, the layout is clean, easy to read and appealing. Their use of colour, detail and glossy stock make their books a joy to peruse. Peek inside.