Book Report July 2014

A Tower of Steel (1943) by Josephine Lawrence

At the beginning of the war, Thalia, Leis, Frannie and Bon all work in a law office. Their boss, who had planned to retire, leaving the business to his 3 nephews, has to continue working when all the nephews go into the service. I learned some interesting things about life during that time, one of the biggest being the coupon use. I had no idea that America had the coupon system going during the war. I knew Europe did. The 4 women in the book had the usual trials and tribulations of being “working women” instead of marrying and having children. I thought the book ended a little too soon. I would’ve liked to learned more of what went on in their lives.

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The Grave Gourmet (2010) by Alexander Campion

Never heard of this author before getting this as a free e-book. Fun! Capucine is a young, beautiful police woman married to an older man who is a restaurant critic. She is bored with the desk job she has and longs to do REAL police work. Her wish is granted and the fun starts. This is the first in a series, but is self-contained.

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The Wayfarers (1945) by Dan Wickenden

Another book taking place at the beginning of WWII. Norris is a man who lost his wife 10 years ago, became an alcoholic, had an epiphany, and then tried to make amends to his children and become a part of their lives again. There was a reasonable end to the book, but it was a real downer in parts.

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Singing Waters (1946) by Ann Bridge

Interesting book. In 1936 a rich widow meets a famous writer in Albania. The writer has traveled all around the world, writing about the lives and conditions of people. She shows the rich woman that you can find happiness in an otherwise empty life by helping others. The rich woman decided to stay in Albania and use her wealth to help a small village. This book was supposed to be semi-autobiographical about Ann Bridge. 

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All That Seemed Final (1941) by Joan Colebrook

This concerned the lives of a group of friends in London at the beginning of WWII. Nobody seemed to be very happy. I did not enjoy this book. Too much angst and stress APART from the upcoming war. After the war started, things REALLY went down the toilet.

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Darwinia (1998) by Robert Charles Wilson

When this book first came out, I was really interested in reading it. I found it in a thrift store and was chuffed. Then I started reading it. Meh.

It involves a parallel Earth, filled with demons. Yucky stuff happens. Lots of people die. Very graphic. Crappy ending. Don’t bother…