Books
by John Preston
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A Very English Scandal:Sex, Lies and a Murder Plot at the Heart of the Establishment |
The tragicomedy of Jeremy Thorpe's trial for attempted murder, also featuring, among others, his gay henchman, a supportive MP, a male model and Rinka the dog. Add in a 'chicken-brained' hit man and an outstanding but drunken defence counsel and you have rich entertainment. The author had access to new material plus the freedom which the death of most of the principals allows. They took some of the story with them however. What remains almost defies belief.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 87 Winter 2018) |
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The Dig |
The gripping story of the Sutton Hoo excavation, told from several points of view. A race against time and the onset of war as well as the archaeological event of a lifetime which gave rise to furious professional tussles and emotional change. Through it all, implicit themes of the rise and fall of civilisations, human impermanence and the possibilities for life after death are all the more powerful for being unstated. This one hooked me from the first line.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 75 Winter 2015) |
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