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Book Reviews by Sallie Eden_____ ___
Dead Man's Grip by Peter James Published in paperback by Pan - 2011; also available as an eBook
The seventh in a series of crime novels set in Brighton, Dead Man's Grip features DS Roy Grace of the Sussex Police force. A serious traffic accident results in the death of a cyclist. Two of the three motorists involved in the incident are later murdered and the third – a drunk driver - fears for her safety as her life, career and family unravel around her.
Gripping but gory (by my wimpish standards), this is a well written story, none the worse for having a few clichéd characters. Judging by the number of acknowledgements, the procedure and locations are well researched. The area around Brighton is accurately described (as far as the places actually exist) and cleverly utilised and the relationships between the various police officers are well thought out, doubtless with a view to continuity across the series of books.
Verdict: Not too taxing, unless you count the extraordinary number of characters, which are sometimes difficult to keep track of and the underlying, but unconnected and so far unresolved sub-plots. Overall, a good read. ***
 She Won’t Get Far Her Bag’s Too Heavy by Marie Stamp Published in paperback by Createspace - Aug 2011; also available as an eBook
In 2010 Marie Stamp and her dog, each carrying their own luggage, set out to walk the South West Coastal Path. This is her story of the 630 mile journey, the places she passes through, the weather, the problems of self-sufficiency – the heavy bag of the title – and some of the people she meets.
Oh Dear! I really wanted to like this book. The title attracted and amused me and, knowing I'll never walk that far, with or without a heavy bag, I liked the idea of experiencing the walk vicariously. The book is also incredibly cheap – another plus, if you read as much as I do.
Unfortunately, the writing and grammar are distractingly sloppy and the reader learns more about the lack of facilities en route than the incredible scenery, hospitality and local food which we know exists.
Verdict: The book reads like a cross between an endurance test – the author seems to have looked at her surroundings only rarely – and a school composition on the subject of 'what I did on my holidays'. *
 Room by Emma Donoghue - Published by Picador 2010
Five year old Jack lives with his Mother in a locked room, unaware there is a world outside. On his birthday he learns that much of what he has seen on TV is real – people, animals, grass, choices and experiences.
Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2010, this is the story of Jack's birth, his life and eventual freedom... or is it?
This kept me hooked for the major part of a five hour train journey. An intriguing, if creepy plot, slightly marred by some points being hammered home, when they might have been more powerful if handled with greater subtlety.
Verdict: I was also slightly irritated by Jack's rather odd use of language – again I felt it was overdone. That said, reviews by major newspapers, writers and others from the “great and good” were resoundingly positive, so who am I to argue? ***
 Brave Irene by William Steig - Published by Particular books, December 2011
The [short] story of Irene Bobbin, whose Mother has made the “most beautiful dress in the world”. Her Mother is ill so it's up to Irene to deliver the dress to the Duchess in time for the Ball. But it's snowing and windy and Irene hurts her ankle.
Written and delightfully illustrated by American cartoonist and sculptor, the late William Steig.
Verdict: This is for children who like simple Cinderella stories, with happy endings and charming drawings. It would be a nice book to read at bedtime. One to buy with a Christmas book token perhaps? ***
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DVD Reviews_______________________
 Crazy, Stupid, Love Starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Glenn Ficarra, Director by John Requa
At fortysomething, straight-laced Cal Weaver learns that his wife has cheated on him and wants a divorce. Now spending his free evenings sulking alone at a local bar, the hapless Cal is taken on as wingman and protégé to handsome, thirtysomething player Jacob Palmer. In an effort to help Cal get over his wife and start living his life, Jacob opens Cal's eyes to the many options before him: flirty women, manly drinks and a sense of style that can’t be found at Gap.
Ok, that’s the plot, and I must admit, I’d been looking forward to this little puppy. Steve Carell’s work in ‘Date Night’ was superb and he didn’t disappoint here, either. But what impressed me most is that right where your average run-of-the-mill RomCom normally becomes predictable, this one came up with great twists that I’m convinced even the most perceptive of us all wouldn’t catch. This is a must see and it’ll be well worth anyone’s time.
Verdict: A clean, highly amusing and well written RomCom with some exceptional twists and great performances! ****1/2
This film will be shown at the Harbour Club in Portscatho on Monday 6th February. See the trailer here.
 Beautiful Lies Starring Audrey Tautou and Nathalie Baye, Directed by Pierre Salvadori.
Emilie (Tautou) puts all her heart into running her busy hairdressing salon in sunny South of France. Meanwhile, her mother, has had her heart broken, and needs love. When Emilie starts receiving anonymous love letters, she decides to send them on to her mother, sparking confusion, complications and dilemmas when the secret admirer is revealed.
This is a charming film which, although takes a little time to pick up because of a few odd and sometimes unbelievable occurrences, does end up giving that all important 'warm' feeling RomComs set out to deliver. The start of this film for me, however, is Nathalie Baye who plays the mother. She's fun and no doubt enjoyed the role. Nevertheless, all come across well in the end.
Verdict: The magnificent 'Amelie' it is not, however, despite a few clumsy scenes, it does deliver. ***
This film will be shown at the Harbour Club in Portscatho on Tuesday 24th February. See the trailer here.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy Starring Colin Firth, Tom Hardy & Gary Oldman, directed by Tomas Alfredson.
George Smiley (Oldman) is a recently retired MI6 agent doing his best to adjust to a life outside the secret service. But when a disgraced agent reappears with information concerning a mole at the heart of the service, Smiley is drawn back into the murky field of espionage. Tasked with investigating which of his trusted former colleagues has chosen to betray him and their country, Smiley narrows his search to four suspects - all experienced, skilled and successful agents - but past histories, rivalries and friendships make it far from easy to pinpoint the man who is eating away at the heart of the British establishment.
An acting masterclass from the crème de la crème of British film and inspired direction from Tomas Alfredson make this a gripping and tense adaptation of John le Carré's classic spy novel.
Verdict: Enjoy, but focus... it’s not that easy to follow the plot! ****
This film will be shown at the Harbour Club in Portscatho on Monday 30th January. See the trailer here.
 In A Better World Starring Mikael Persbrandt, Wil Johnson & Eddy Kimani, directed by Susanne Bier.
From the confines of a refugee camp in Africa, to the deceptively idyllic suburban life of two families in Denmark, Susanne Bier expertly paints a portrait of two fragile worlds inextricably linked by conflict and violence and the hard choices struggling to be made for life in a better world.
Anton is a doctor who commutes between his home in an idyllic town in Denmark, and his work at an African refugee camp. In these two very different worlds, he and his family are faced with conflicts that lead them to difficult choices between revenge and forgiveness.
This 2011 Oscar & Golden Globe Winner for Best Foreign Language Film is a gripping and beautifully constructed human drama about revenge and the power of forgiveness.
Verdict: A great start to the New Year’s releases and one not to miss! ****
This film will be shown at the Harbour Club in Portscatho on Tuesday 17th January. |
