It feels like Sunday today; probably because it's the Victoria Day holiday and it's a bit quieter outside. Having said that the CF-18 fighter just flew over the house, practicing for his air demonstrations this summer. It was out flying last night at 9 p.m. Talk about loud. We're relaxing, watching Mercury Rising at the moment. Entertaining movie.
I didn't manage to finish any books since my last entry but I got a few new books so I'll provide the synopses for them. I'll also continue with my look at Women authors I've been enjoying, one of the classics this time.
New Books
"Italian police detective Commissario Trotti returns to investigate the murder of the man breakfasting at the table next to his, during a holiday on a northern Italian lake, and Trotti discovers that he may have been the intended target."
"A young woman who is in
Mrs. Roosevelt's employ is suspected in the murder of her boyfriend.
Mrs. Roosevelt is certain that the young woman (Pamela) is innocent and
with the help of a few officials, sets out to prove it. This is not an
easy task, since the murdered boyfriend is the son of a Congressman who
doesn't take too kindly to Mrs. Roosevelt's involvement, especially
since her investigations reveal a few not-so-nice details about the
young man's personal life and hobbies.
The plot involves a jewel
theft and false identities. You'll get to meet a few seedy characters
from the gambling world. Mrs. Roosevelt mingles with these people in an
effort to get information, and it's rather amusing."
"At a university in Reykjavik, the body of a young German student is discovered, his eyes cut out and strange symbols carved into his chest. Police waste no time in making an arrest, but the victim's family isn't convinced that the right man is in custody. They ask Thóra Gudmundsdóttir, an attorney and single mother of two, to investigate. It isn't long before Thóra and her associate, Matthew Reich, uncover the deceased student's obsession with Iceland's grisly history of torture, execution, and witch hunts. But there are very contemporary horrors hidden in the long, cold shadow of dark traditions. And for two suddenly endangered investigators, nothing is quite what it seems . . . and no one can be trusted."
Women Authors I'm Enjoying - Anne Bronte
Anne Bronte lived from 1820 to 1849, dying of pulmonary tuberculosis. She was the youngest of the Bronte sisters and had two novels published. I have previously discussed the works of her sister Charlotte, whose books I enjoyed very much. I've read one of Anne's novels and enjoyed that just as much.
Anne Bronte
"The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë was originally published under the pseudonym Acton Bell, basically required during the time it was written, 1848, as it was difficult for women to publish under their own name. It's the 2nd Bronte novel I've read in the last couple of years, the first being The Professor, by sister Charlotte Bronte. I think I preferred The Professor, but both were fine stories.
We find Helen Graham and her son recently installed in Wildfell Hall, a mysterious woman with little back story. She gradually becomes acquainted with the residents of the area. Gilbert Markham, a land owner who lives with his mother, brother and sister becomes infatuated with Helen and while she seems to reciprocate, she also pushes him away, frustrating him greatly. Helen's reputation becomes suspect to the locals due to the time she spends with her landlord, Mr. Lawrence.
When challenged by Halford, Helen gives him her diary to read in order to explain everything. This story tells of her life with her husband, Mr. Huntingdon and the reason she has come to Wildfell Hall, quite a disturbing, tragic tale. Of course there is much more to the story, especially the ending which I won't tell.
It's a long tale, told in various formats, diaries, letters and basic story telling which I found quite interesting. Men aren't for the most part portrayed very sympathetically, especially Huntingdon and his friends. Halford is good-hearted but also head strong and emotional. Helen is a strong character, dealing with many hardships and trying to raise her son away from the influences of his father. It's often a depressing story but also an excellent one. As I got into it, I found myself spending more and more time with it, wanting to see how it resolved. (4 stars)"
Anne Bronte's other novel was Agnes Grey, published in 1846. I may have to find a copy.
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