Publishers Books

Since most everyone should be familiar with the basic premise of the novel by the time this review is read, I'll point out a few worthy considerations. Mapp and Lucia, the fourth volume in the Lucia series by the inimitable E.F. Benson, is simultaneously fantastic and sublime. Benson's brilliance is his ability to translate significant, though sometimes easily missed observations onto the page using the most exquisite and economical description possible. He manages to take some of the silliest social aspects of human behavior, renders it important, and turns it into a first-rate triumph. The reader walks away from Benson completely satisfied and certainly hungry for more.

I'm sure the fourth installment can be read on its own, but I consider the first three in the series (Queen Lucia, Lucia in London : A Novel and Miss Mapp) indispensable in getting the most out of Mapp and Lucia. While all three are delectable entertainments (think social reality TV done to its fullest potential), this one departs its counterparts in a rather bizarre turn of events in the plot. Despite its absurd hilarity, it was logical and it worked, almost too perfectly.

Many thanks go to the originator (In Honor Bound) of this fabulous fondness for Lucia in our family. I am now officially and unashamedly a Luciaphile (would it be too much to admit that I've picked up a thing or two from her? Or would Benson be proud?), and I have no problems getting others on this habit. Just make sure you pair this series with your favorite treat--time with Lucia is worthy of indulgence.

Oover the last fifteen years I have been meaning to read certain authors. H.E. Bates, Anthony Trollope, P.G. Wodehouse, E.F. Benson and the like.

Last week I succumbed to a nasty bout of influenza and E.F. Benson. I had grabbed the slender volume of "Mapp & Lucia" from the library shelf and it had rested in my bookcase for almost a week. Not wanting to dull my brain with endless hours of television, I cracked open "Mapp & Lucia".

Ten pages into the book and I was hooked. Lucia, her period of mourning almost over is looking to regain her iron control on her hometown. First action, regain her star role as Queen Elizabeth in the village fete.

As I read Lucia's plots and plans, a strange thought hit me. Lucia is the creature Hyacinth Bucket (the main character of the BBC's Keeping Up Appearances) secretly dreams of being. Having taken over the fete from her dazed and confused friend, Lucia goes onto greater pastures, the hometown of Miss Elizabeth Mapp, reigning social goddesss.

Miss Elizabeth Mapp (known as Mapp) plots with her friends to rent out their respective homes a profit. Lucia and her best friend (a gentleman who brings to mind a cross between KUA's Richard and AYBS Mr Humphries) move and slowly begin to take over the town. Mapp is not pleased and a genteel war of one-upsmanship begins between the two ladies.

Drawings are rejected from the art exhibit, parties given, ownership of produce and fruit desputed with the poor town in the middle. Matters come to a head on Boxing Day (December 26) when Mapp decides to steal a longed for recipe that Lucia refuses to give to her.

Lucia stumbles on her rival in the kitchen and both women are swept out to sea on Lucia's kitchen table (yes, Lucia's kitchen table, this is a not a mis-type). The town mourns the two ladies as lost and the Great War of Mapp-Lucia as over.

Okay, enough said. You'll have to succumb to the collective charms of the ladies Mapp and Lucia yourself and find out all the bits I've left out. Now, I'm off hunt down and read the rest of E.F. Benson's wonderful books.

"Mapp & Lucia" is like reading Trollope's "Barchester Towers" with the gloves off. The teacup may be small, but the battles rumble like thunder on the bay. Lucia is incredible. She combines absolute self-absorption with ironclad charming resolve to succeed in her every endeavor. She really is wasted being queen of Society in a small English village when fulfilling the duties of Lord High Admiral would not cause her so much as a tiny frown.

Lucia is a newly minted widow in this hilarious outing. Her fires have been banked, and she is anxious to get back in the swing and show her mettle. She rents a house for the summer from the formidable Miss Elizabeth Mapp of Tilling. Miss Mapp is clearly the leader of society in Tilling and revels in her role. Lucia eyes the situation, and the lines are drawn in the most charming but resolute way possible Lucia is the richer of the two and possibly more clever, but Miss Mapp has some powerful advantages of her own. She has pride of place, a town full of quaking allies, and indomnable perseverance. When these two square off, the fun begins and doesn't let up.

This is a delightful read, a mood lifter of the first magnitude. "Mapp & Lucia" is my introduction to Lucia, and I cannot wait to further my acquaintance with this fascinating lady.
-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer

Read these books and discover the truth. It's all there -- the vanity, greed, passion, jealousy, and exultation. Don't let the objects of all these towering emotions fool you (lobster recipes, psychic bridge, red currant fool, babytalk Italian, dead budgies, suspect gurus, the Moonlight Sonata), it is the stuff of life!

E F Benson's characters are just sublimely and achingly funny, it seems with Mapp and Lucia he was aiming to scrutinise and satarise the nosensical heirarchy and rivalry of bored and over privelaged upper middle class folk.
This aspect of the British Class system was one he knew well and which was breathing it's last in the times in which Mapp and Lucia live, witness the somewaht irritating coldness with which the Ladies treat their Maids, Drivers and Shop staff.
Lucia is the dominant character, lithe, fashionable and razor sharp while Mapp is clumsy, mumsy and opts for bulldog tactics.
The two appear in many novels, Lucia more often and one cannot help wonder if she was based on a Lady whom Benson was ever so slightly in love with, but here they meet for the first time, as Lucia moves to "Tilling" for the summer in Mapps rented out home "Mallards". The array of colurful charcters they surround themselves with and draw into their delighfully bitchy and cunning war agaisnt each other, are of equal delight, of particualr note are Quaint Irene and Georgie. Perhaps seen as little more than bohemian in their day but doubtless these characters would now be seen as obviously Lesbain and Gay; with the former being in love with Lucia. A daring inclusion in Benson's time but subtle and beautifully inclusive one.
Fans of these deliciously naughty pair should see the 1986 TV series which is available on DVD. Geraldine McKewan (of current Miss Marple fame)is petite, pretty, acid and simply perfect as Lucia while Prunella Scales (Cybil of Fawlty Towers) brings Miss Mapp to dusty, dowdy and bullish life! Excellent stuff!
The series was filmed in Rye in Sussex, home town of Benson, it used many locations close to his home (Lamb House), such as the lovley houses of Watchbell Street (My favourite being No 11 which was used as Godiva's house) and "Twistevens" shop on Mermaid Street, actually a Tea Room in reality.
WELL WORTH A VISIT! Literature fans may also wish to know that Lamb House was once home to American novelist, Henry James before Benson's time. One can also visit Benson's Grave in the town. Benson was Lord Mayor of Rye for a while and the river "Tilling"-ton flows through the town.

This book is so chock full of warm fuzzies and beautiful illustrations, I could not put it down in the store. Even if I did not have children that adore bunny books, I would have bought it for myself for a pick-me-up. There are few books out there to match the soft delights of Marshmallow!

This is a delightful tale about two furry animals from opposite sides of the food chain. Oliver is a cat and the established pet in the house and Marshmallow is a young bunny that Miss Tilly has just obtained. Like all young rabbits, Marshmallow is curious, fearless and nibbles on everything. Oliver at first dislikes Marshmallow and appears to want to make him into a dinner. However, Miss Tilly warns him to never harm Marshmallow, so he obeys, although he is unhappy about the whole thing. However, one day when Miss Tilly is gone for an extended period of time, Oliver opens the door and makes friends with Marshmallow. This makes Marshmallow very happy, as he now has what he thinks is a mother who will snuggle with him and lick him. The story closes with the two of them fast friends, sleeping together cuddled up into a giant ball of fur which is one of the best illustrations you will ever find in a book.

This is a story about a cute little bunny that is brought to a house with a little old lady and her cat. The cat has never seen anything living other than the little old lady. At first the cat is scared of the little baby rabbit but then grows to love it. It takes a long time but eventually happens. This is a great story for rabbit lovers and cat lovers alike. You will think that the end of this story is the cutest thing ever.

Josh

The best way, according to the front flap, to describe Oliver, the tabby cat, is that he is "set in his ways". I, personally, would call him a loner. He has never known any real animals(unless you consider a stuffed bunny to be an animal) and lives alone with a woman named Miss Tilly.

When Miss Tilly brings home a baby bunny, named Marshmallow, Oliver's happy world is shattered. He's been thinking that he is the only existing animal. Will Marshmallow and Oliver ever be able to get along? I'll give you two guesses. :D

Newberry's illustrations are classic. I love how she uses only black and various shades of red in this book. Please Parents, look for this book!!!

I love this book! Children are captivated by the simple familiar characters so clearly described. The story line is sweet and well written, NOT "dumbed down". There are lots of words on most pages and it takes more than a minute to read which is so helpful in developing attention span. My three year old was taken in completely! ( Not to mention my seven year old!)

How I wish I could have read this book thirty years ago when I was in the throes of being a stay-at-home mom of three, a wife, a PTA president, a Sunday School teacher, a Bible study leader, a volunteer at my children's high school, and a mentor. Stack not only tells the "Marthas of the world" that they need to say NO, but she shows us how to priortize our assignments . She also clarifies that Mary's choice was not to simply sit at Jesus' feet, but she had learned to Love the Savior, others, life, and herself. This book should be read by all who get overwhelmed with the busyness of life and all of those who get totally frustrated with those who try to do everything.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone dealing with the burden of to do lists! I found so many surprising things in the book. The author's research on Martha of Bethany was really eye opening. I hadn't considered how they may have met Jesus or that they may have been wealthy. And she answers the question..."Why is Martha so bent out of shape?" The stories from the author's life, and those of friends, made people stop and ask me why I was laughing so hard. My two favs, the young couple preparing for the family BBQ and Milly's cats "swaggering through the food encrusted dishes, like tiny Cleopatras walking through piles of gold." I must have read that part to 10 people and I cried with laugher ever time! Awesome book!!!!!!!!!!

This book gave real world examples that made me chuckle when I realized how accurate of a description they are of me. I would recommend this book for Type A Christian woman who think they can do it all, but need to remember where our focus should be.

Okay, I admit--I'm not a perfectionist, at least not in the usual sense of the word. So, as a bona fide, card-carrying, clutter-oriented messie, I was surprised at how much I identified with the author's struggle. Perfectionist parenting and post project depression are common for many of us! Thanks for the reminder that an out of balance life doesn't honor the Lord, regardless of which side we fall on.

I gave this book FIVE STARS hands down! I love how this author hones in on the ever-challenging struggle us Christian women have between naturally being more like Martha in our own flesh vs. wanting to be more like Mary who willingly takes time to put God first and sit at His feet first every morning. After reading this book I see now that if I am surrendered to Christ and to walking in the Spirit over my own flesh....I can be the BEST of both Mary who sits at Christ's feet and listens and is taught and the BEST of her sister Martha who is more project and task oriented in the details of her day.

My favorite line in the book is on pg. 20 because it describes me and how I lived before reading this book: Debi writes, "Like Martha, I am tempted to perfect my own personal kingdom not seek the kingdom of God. Like Martha, I tend to view life as a series of projects, not a path toward knowing and serving Christ."

I am so pleased to boast that by applying many of Debi's ideas and with the Holy Spirit's help I regularly participate these days in THE GREAT SUPERNATURAL exchange of trading in my days dominated by walking in my flesh as a type A, O-C (obsessive-compulsive) Martha for a transformed life of walking in the Spirit (the best of Mary and Martha) as my new *normal*!

Like Debi before I was intentional and prayerful about living for God, I too was misguided for decades by admiring the unrealistic ways of such type A, O-C Martha perfectionists. But living this way wore me down and zapped me of contentment, zeal and joy! I thank God for Debi and her eye-openig and life-giving book and for her candid and transparent willingness to share her hard-earned lessons and battles so the rest of us may learn easier and quicker than she did! I enjoy Debi's humorous and honest approach willing to laugh at herself! I too use to judge harshly the type B's and viewed them as the lesser and very lackadaisical compared to us superior more competent classic Type A perfectionusts! Like Debi I skimmed over the scripture "Pride goes before destruction" and self-destruct I did which tends to happen when you live your way and not God's way!

But I am happy to report I am much closer to sharing Debi's motto these days of "PAMITP". . . what on earth is that you ask? Well it stands for Peope Are More Important Than Projects! This book is a MUST READ OWNER'S MANUAL for any Type A, O-C perfectionistic Martha's out there! It's chock-full of wisdom, laughs and a VERY easy and enjoyable read! God bless you Debi for sharing from your heart!!

The artwork stands out and the book is worth the price for that alone. The story itself is also wonderful and gives a good starting place for talking about what happens to a person after s/he "dies." My daughter loves this book.

Although my 20 month old is too young to understand the story he definately relaxes from the calm that this book brings to me as we read it together. Beautiful illustrations too.

I checked this out of the library and read it when I was 4 and have loved it ever since. It's one of those "must-have" books. It's a children's book but adults can enjoy it as well. The idea of the book is very sophistocated but can be easily understood by kids due to the simple language and color artwork.

I asked friends who practices Buddhism about any books that they could recommend that I could gift to a young friend who lost a companion very unexpectedly. Although they said that the content does not strictly follow Buddhist principles they suggested it with rave reviews. I was intrigued by the delicate simple manner of the story and noticed an interesting element in the illustrations ( read it to discover for yourself!)The story seems to soften the sadness of losing a loved one, reminds the reader of how dying is a part of living and raises hope that there is life after. It also beautifully narrates how fulfilling and rich a simple life can be. The illustrations are soft and enchanting like the story and the ending is all embracing....

Gorgeous illustrations and a truly beautiful story make this book a rare treasure in Children's literature. A valuable addition to the book collection of Buddhist parented children. Explains the process of death and rebirth/reincarnation in a gentle and interesting way. Not weird at all and so suitable for children of non-Buddhist background as well as it provides an valuable insight as to how Buddhism/other belief systems explain death and the afterlife.

I had read this book before and misplaced it, so I was happy to find another copy to read again. This is a great book. Victoria Holt combines historical accuracy with a bit of fiction, and the result is a book that is informative as well as interesting.

I've yet to find a Victoria Holt book that I don't like. This was a great historical biographical novel. The historical research was accurate. This book made the triangle between Elizabeth I, Robert Dudley and LetticeDudley come alive. Highly recommended.

This is, by far, one of the best books, if not the best, I have ever, ever read. Victoria Holt really did her research on this book, and it is a pleasure to read both from the fiction-lover's viewpoint, and from the biographers. Be forewarned, however, that if you are not already in love with Robert Dudley and Elizabeth I, you will be no later than halfway through the book.

Interesting read, I was fascinated to learn more about Lettice Knowles. From previous books I have read about the period, I had heard Lettice's name occasionally, and knew there was some speculation about whether or not Henry VIII fathered her mother during his affair with Mary Boleyn. We'll never know.

All in all an enjoyable read - not the greatest in the historical fiction genre, but worthwhile to learn more about the secondary players in the times of Elizabeth I.

I have to say, it's kind of sad that history has all but forgotten Lettice Knollys. She was, according to this book, one of the most vibrant and influential people of the day. But she also made a terrible enemy of her queen, perhaps explaining why more people don't know about her.

Everyone who knows something about Queen Elizabeth I knows that she loved a man named Robert Dudley, a man she gave great honors to and had known all her life. Some historians even believe that he killed her wife so he could marry the queen, and that they may have had a son together. But Elizabeth remained unmarried all her days (and supposedly a virgin) while Dudley had two wives in his life.

The second was Lettice. She was the Queen's cousin and possible her niece as her mother was popularly believed to be Henry VIII's daughter through Mary Boleyn. She came to court when Elizabeth came to the crown and soon fell in love with Robert Dudley. Later they would become lovers and eventually marry. But always it was a relationship of three people, the Queen, Robert and Lettice. Later on, the Queen would give her son from her a previous marriage great honors, and eventually was forced to behead him when he led an uprising against the crown. In that relationship too was the Queen, Lettice's son the earl of Essex, and Lettice.

This book is her story. It's a little dry at times, being a supposed memoir Lettice writes before her death at the age of ninety six, but overall not bad. I do like to think of Robert Dudley as an entirely different person as described in this book, but hey, this was the authors vision and if she saw him as grabbing for power (which he was, true) and not truly loving Elizabeth for herself not just for the crown, that's her choice.

The only bad thing about this book is the most annoying way Lettice constantly says how beautiful she is and how she's so much prettier than the queen and all men love her and bla bla bla. It gets old fast. But hey, a vain women would probably write her life story like that.

Other than that, I just like to view Elizabeth and Dudley in a more romantic way then this book does. Possibly I'm deluding myself. But if you're like me, then read this, because its not a story I was familiar with and I bet most people aren't either, and then read the secret Diary of Anne Boleyn, for the very sweet scenes between Elizabeth and Dudley (part of the book takes place right after Elizabeth becomes Queen).

This book is a must read...a great story that is wonderfully written. Anyone who loves a good love story, whether you like historical romances or not, will be quickly captivated. The way the author moves quickly from the past to the present, keeps you turning the pages. Rarely do I find a book, as this one, so well written that I wouldn't changed a thing. You will fall in love with the characters; I'm sure, as I did. I couldn't wait to start to read the next one, "On Sparrow Hill".

This story also has wonderful teaching lessons for living a God, honoring life. Lessons we could all learn from. After reading this book, how could one not view others with disabilities and their families, differently? This book will make you cry and laugh.

I'll be looking forward to reading more of Maureen's books in the future.

I read the first chapter of this book online several weeks ago, and was finally able to get it from inter-library loan this past week. I started the book last night, and could not put it down. I did sleep, but once I woke up this morning, I did not even get on my computer. I just read, stopped to make a PB&J and read. It is now almost four in the afternoon and I am finished. Maureen Lang has quite the affinity for story telling. I was completely entranced by the family heritage story that she was unrolling and could not stop until there was no more. (I'm glad there is a sequel!) As a genealogist myself, I'm very interested in learning of other peoples adventures into their heritage through newspaper entries, letters, or in this case an old diary.

Natalie, or Talie as everyone calls her is the modern mom of America. She attends her contemporary church with her husband and enjoys having her mother and sister near. Mom and baby's social group turns out to be less than she expected... and then she finds a box of heirlooms including a diary. The family legacy lies within the pages and it is not what Talie expected, but it turns out to be a curse that Lord can make into a blessing.

Other than genealogy, at one time I fancied a future as a nurse and genetics is something else that I have found intriguing. This story is one that all families should read. If something comes at you that seems terrible, there is a chance that there is good to come from it. Look for your lemonade in your lemons, and your blessings in your supposed curse.

With her book The Oak Leaves, Maureen writes a compelling tale that most women can relate to. We're nurturers. We want children. Healthy children who will one day give us healthy grandchildren. I know a family who had a daughter who was deaf. Everyone but the parents knew it for years before they had her tested and got her hearing aids. One of my son's didn't talk until he was three. He was my fourth child so I didn't think anything about it until his grandfather started worrying about it.

So I understand when Maureen's character Talie denys that her precious son, Ben is anything but just a little slow. I understand how she wants to protect Ben, her husband and herself from reality as long as she can.

And when she reads her ancestor's diary and learns about the Kennesy legacy, she can deny the truth no longer, I understand why she wants to protect her sister from the Kennesey "curse."

The story leads us though the present day with Talie and takes us back to 1849 as she reads Cosima's journal, making this a parallel story. Cosima wisely writes ". . .love is stronger than fear." This, I believe is the message Maureen would like us to take with us as we finish reading this inspiring book.

Oak Leaves
By: Maureen Lang
This story is as beautiful as the rich gold of oak leaves on an autumn tree. This book is almost like two in one. Maureen mastered the art of telling family history within a modern story in such a way that made all characters, both present and past real.

Talie Ingram found a family treasure, the journal of her great-great grandmother. She discovered within the pages a history of her family. As she began her journey into the past her heart thrilled at the chance to find out about her Irish heritage. But the joy was short-lived. Within the pages she discovered a sad family history which unraveled the very fabric of her life.

She and Luke had the perfect marriage and a beautiful son and another baby on the way. But what she read within her ancestor Cosima Escott's journal threatened to destroy her world. Was it possible that she passed the frightening genetics to her children?

Maureen Lang has written a story from her heart directly to yours. It is written to the place in every heart that looks to God with doubt and frustration when life does not go as planned or expected. And within this story that crosses generations and enters its precious message into the reader's heart that with God we can grow through all and whatever comes our way.
Chandra Lynn Smith

I am a mother of 2 children with fragile X syndrome. This book hits the emotions on the head. And then it's not just all about fragile X. Its about a pure love that can be found in our life. Everyone could enjoy this engaging novel.

Unbelievably inspiring. I challenge you to compare his reading with any one else's or your own in your head. He makes it alive. Not perfect, mind you. You'll find yourself suggesting to him in certain spots that he missed the meaning by putting some emphasis or other on the wrong words. Nevertheless, you know you couldn't do better overall. A real treasure.

Great for a long drive or while driving cross town in Manhattan. You can debate the issues of suffering with Milton in your head.

Sure do wish it were the whole work.

Contains extensive information in the introduction that is lends an understanding to anyone reading any of Milton's work. This particular version is very inexpensive, and contains everything one would need to understand PL. Excellent!

My review is of the library binding edition released by Buccaneer Books. It is a very plain and small volume which is wonderfully bound. It contains nothing but the poem itself (including the prose arguments) with the original spelling and punctuation. That means no notes, commentary, or introduction, so if you're looking for lots of in-text help, this isn't what you want. The Fowler, Hughes, or Norton editions are all laden with helpful material like that. But if you just want to experience Milton's masterpiece alone, this is a lovely edition. I found that the book could be purchased much more cheaply if I ordered directly from the publisher's website.

Milton in Paradise Lost unfurls a morning star banner heralding the cosmic story of the fall of angels and men in language eminently civil. I am sure that Homer and Dante were Milton's schoolmasters yet Milton almost exceeds them in the slendid language and poetry of this epic creation. Philip Pullman said "No one, not even Shakespeare, surpasses Milton in his command of the sound, the music, the weight and taste and texture of English words". This is a poem of majesty and sublime lyricism as in Milton's description of Mulciber falling: "from Morn
To Noon he fell, from Noon to dewy Eve, @@@+PARADISE LOST+@@@
A Summer's day; and with the setting Sun @@@+JOHN MILTON+@@@
Dropt from the Zenith like a falling Star".
Each book of Paradise Lost is introduced with an argument, or summary. These arguments were written by Milton and added because early readers had requested a guide to the poem. Milton's purpose in this masterpiece is to tell about the fall of man and justify God's ways to man. When the angels battle in heaven at one point they pull up mountains and hills and throw them at each other: "So Hills amid the Air encounterd Hills Hurl'd to and fro with jaculation dire, That under ground, they fought in dismal
shade." After their coup attempt in heaven Satan and the other rebel angels are lying stunned on a lake of fire. Satan rises from the lake and makes his way to the shore. He calls the other angels to do the same, and they assemble by and above the lake. Satan tells them that all is not lost and tries to cheer his followers. Led by Mammon and Mulciber, the fallen angels build their capital and palace Pandemonium. They decide to get at God through his new creation and Satan sets off on this mission. In reading Paradise Lost the poem reads the reader while being read. What I mean is that Milton lets his readers go awry in their affections and he corrects and instructs those misreadings as well as anticipates them. In this way the poem becomes a live text with meaning apprehended through the interplay between the peruser of the poem and the text itself. Milton allows the reader to subjectively question the justice of the current religious paradigm and then leads them back to the perspicacity of deity. Ultimately Paradise Lost is Milton's paean to a vast pattern in the universe, the disruption of that pattern by rebels, and the weaving of those rebellion threads back into an ever more beautiful tapestry.

I read this book because it was a book club choice. I don't know what I was expecting however the first line of the book totally turned me off. I thought, "Why are we picking such bad books to read?" (the last few book club selections have not been very well received) However I kept on reading and was so glad I did. Throughout the book I kept thinking I really don't like this book, but I couldn't put it down. I found myself bringing it with me while I was doing errands in hopes I would get a few moments to read a little more. The writing is compelling, if not a tad transparent. I was able to guess what was happening as I was reading along. Except for the ending. The ending is a twist I never expected and was chillingly well done.

This is a book I would have never read if I had not been in my book club but I am so glad I did. It is a well written mystery/love story/western type book that is vibrant and dark at the same time.

In our book club we rate our books from 1 - 5 (5 being the best). The book received an average 4.8 - the highest of any book we have read in a very long time. I would highly recommend reading it and it makes a most excellent book club read. Our discussion about the book was one of the best we have had, with many different opinions and observations being shared.

I am stunned by all of the wonderful reviews for this book. I thought it was by far, the worst book I have read since high school. It could not have moved any slower. The thing I did like about it was the ending and things turn around to get you. Just so much of it was completely out of left field. Boring! Boring! Boring!

This is an unbelievably wonderful novel to sink your teeth into. A page turner of high literary merit, accessible and intelligent. Fabulous craft and language, a most diabolical villain who drives even saints to wish him ill.

Yes he is intelligent, arrogant, rough, caustic, poisonous, and evil, all to hide one tiny chink in his armor that nonetheless, one person manages to find.

Read this book! My one regret is that Thomas Savage doesn't know how popular he is today.

The afterword by Annie Proulx reveals even more about Savage's motivation for the novel, and provides an extra ounce of satisfaction to to novel's end.

Read this novel as slowly as you possibly can, for every paragraph is painted with no fewer than two rich coats of molasses-thick paint, and sometimes silver paint in one layer reflects off of another.

Hunted by a dog, chasing prey as a dog, or dog pursuing dog?

Savage leaves nothing to chance, for this novel will speak to all three.


Skip the after-word, initially.

A completely unexpected and disturbingly powerful character study of a small group of characters in the West, circa 1940s. The prose here is incredible, and the plot unfolds slowly and myteriously. Palpable tension-- the author knew precisely what he woas doing-- with an ending I truly didn't see coming. One of the most remarkable books I've ever read.

This book is great to have in your collection if you are trying to learn to cook authentic Jamaican food. I am so glad I bought this book.

This is a superb book. Many recipes that I remember from my childhood. I've made a few already and they've all turned out really well.

I use it for everyhting when I can. Its a little hard getting the correct measurments. I love it and should be a a staple in every jamaican household.

I am Jamaican and know how to make some Jamaican dishes, but wanted to learn new recipes. I found this book to be very user friendly with recipes that are well known, as well as some lesser known ones. For the reviewer who said there isn't a recipe for oxtail, may I point you to page 101, right next to the one for curried goat.

Totally what I expect in a cook book from start to finish. It was very user friendly with the vocabulary, history and step by step instructions from the market to the pot. In the end ...authentic Jamaican cuisine. Anyone can use this cook book and enjoy the flavors of Jamaica. This was a hit for me!

I'm enjoying reading as much of Karen KIngsbury's work as I can find, Thanks for the prompt service.

This book as well as the whole Redemption Series is GREAT. I have purchase the next series on the Baxter Family as well as the Sunrise Series (still waiting for book 2). My husband, who never reads a book, started the Redemption Series on vacation and he can't put it down. You have to know my husband to understand how good the Series is.

This is a terrific series! Karen captures your heart with her stories and keeps the focus on the Lord. Outstanding!!!

Loved it....lives up to what I have come to expect of Karen Kingsbury.

Rarely does a book move me to tears but this one did. This book was well written. I though Elizabeth and her family demonstrated great courage during this time of adversity. Not all was sad in the book. I don't want to give too much away for those who haven't read the book yet but you will be pleased at some of the ways God is working miracles in the lives of some of the other Baxter clan. Even though this is the last one in the Redemption series it is not the last we will see of the Baxters. Looking forward to getting glimpse of thier lives in the new series which is centered around the long lost Baxter son Dayne Matthews who we are introduced to in this book.