My Brother’s Secret by Dan Smith

May18

From Brainwashing To Eyes Wide Open

My Brother’s Secret by Dan Smith was a powerful, heartbreaking children’s novel that totally consumed me. It is perfect for ages twelve years and over. Whatever your age, this is a great read.

The novel is set in 1941 in Nazi Germany. We meet twelve year old Karl and his brother Stefan who is four years older. Karl is a member of the Hitler youth group. He wears his uniform proudly, blindly believing everything he is told – until one day that changes everything and Karl begins to have doubts – a dangerous mindset at the time. Karl begins to question everything including his beloved Fuhrer.

Stefan is the opposite to Karl. He hates the Fuhrer and everything he stands for. Stefan does what he can to disrupt the Nazis. He is brave, and seemingly reckless at times. He loves Germany but hates the people running it and those who follow blindly.

Even as a member of the Hitler youth group, Karl has a conscience and empathy but is too afraid to follow it. “No one could help him. We were all too afraid.” Karl watches acts of cruelty but stays silent. His lack of actions keep him awake at night.

Continue reading →

Silent Parade by Keigo Higashino

May18

A Thinking Man’s Novel

Silent Parade by Keigo Higashino is an intriguing Japanese contemporary crime suspense that enthralled me from the start. It is part of A Detective Galiled series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Keigo Higashino has produced a complex plotline which is extremely well thought out. It is definitely a thinking-man’s novel as there were twists and turns before the jaw-dropping reveal. Silent Parade is a roller coaster ride, buckle up and see where the author takes you!

The action is in a suburb of Tokyo as the reader is treated to an annual parade and ‘experiences’ the café culture.

In a close-knit neighbourhood, when one of their own is murdered, friends and neighbours draw together. When the culprit is apprehended and subsequently released, a vigilante culture emerges. Locals are determined to do what the police cannot.

A long list of suspects emerges but not one single perpetrator. If no one confesses, how will the police catch the guilty one?

A long buried cold case is unearthed in present day.  Lack of evidence put the case to bed twenty three years ago. Is history doomed to repeat itself?

Continue reading →

Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley

May18

Life Is For Living

Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley is an intriguing contemporary novel that kept me amused for a few hours.

The leading ladies are seventy one and eighty nine. They suddenly find that their twilight years are anything but calm and peaceful as the pair search for a stolen painting. Add a thirteen year old into the mix and the action ramps up as her enthusiasm knows no bounds.

We follow the characters to a family wedding in Norfolk where an uncle has thrown open his large, old house. There are elements of Agatha Christie as the family descends and three members are practicing their amateur sleuthing skills.

Society has written off ladies of a certain age, meaning they are practically invisible in their antics. Women over sixty are seen as beige, boring and staid – but they prove themselves to be far from this assumption. A sense of adventure is awakened in them as they prove that life is for living, whatever your age.

Continue reading →

Fire Music by Connie Hampton Connally

May17

Light Shining In The Darkness

Fire Music by Connie Hampton Connally is a powerful dual timeline novel surrounding a Hungarian family. The novel concentrates on the years 1945 and 2013 as we alternate between the two time periods.

Most of the action is set in Budapest. The two time periods are united by a sixteen year old in 1945 who becomes a grandfather in 2013.

We meet a young American searching for her roots, after her grandparents passing. She wants to know her story and where she comes from.

1945 was a terrible time for Hungarians. First there were the Nazis and then the Russians moved in. Both were brutal. Women were not safe as they could be attacked and far worse.

We follow a family who had very little but had a tremendous musical talent. Music breaks down barriers, uniting those from all walks of life. Music can be passed down the years to future generations. Music also sends us back down the years to a moment in time. As talents unite, beautiful music is made.

Continue reading →