Book review: The Photographer’s Wife

The Photographer’s Wife

Nick Alexander

 One of the main characters in this book is exactly who you would expect it to be – Barbara is the wife of a famed photographer and the story starts with her growing up in London during the Blitz. The other main character is Sophie, aka the photographer’s daughter who we read about in the present day as she explores her fathers work. Naturally, the narrative switches between ‘then’ and ‘now’ as Barbara grows up and meets the photographer, and Sophie tries to pull together an exhibition in her fathers memory. And of course, secrets are uncovered along the way for both of them. I personally enjoy the switching between times technique as I like to try and work out the mysteries that link the two together. Barbara’s story is really engaging right from the start. We learn about her life from a child in wartime London to life on the arm of a famous photographer in the seventies. The social backdrop to being a woman growing up in this era is key, and is thoughtfully explored here. I have no doubt that some of Barbara’s experiences weren’t uncommon for a lot of women during these times. The modern day story of Sophie isn’t as interesting but much of this is questioning the past and is really just a frame to pull the whole thing together. Some of the plot lines were a little predictable but that didn’t matter to me here because the book had me hooked! It’s a great story, easy to read, thought provoking….some of my favourite things to have in a book!

Book review: You are a badass

  
 I like to read the odd self-help book but I’m not a fan of ones that give you a prescribed ‘plan’. I prefer those that give general good sense and inspirational advice and I would say this book fits nicely into the latter category. There is no ‘plan’ as such, although Sincero does frequently chunk up her advice into small sections so it can sometimes read a bit like a checklist. I found that format pretty repetitive unfortunately and at times a little annoying but don’t let that stop you reading this book because the good sense and inspirational advice that I was looking for came in spades. I don’t think there’s much new in what she is saying, but Sincero has a no-nonsense, everyday style that I could relate to. It feels like you’re reading a magazine, or chatting to your best friend, rather than receiving potentially life-changing words of wisdom. I mostly loved this book. I say mostly because there are a few bits I took with a pinch of salt. Connecting to the universe, praying and meditation I can understand, but I’m not sure that all of the suggested tips are grounded in reality…..e.g. just get out the credit card and buy the car you believe you should own and everything will work out dandy! I’m sure Sincero would say that my scepticism is because I don’t have faith in the universe or myself, but I haven’t made that leap yet and I’m not sure I will ever get there 100%. Still, if you’re willing to keep an open mind and feel in need of a bit of a pep talk to move your ass into action then I would definitely give this book a go.

Book review: Elephant Moon

I am reading quite a bit these days. I spend hours sitting on trains and rather than sit and be bored or work the whole journey I like to read. I’ve always wished I had more time to read and now I do! Here is my first review:

Elephant Moon by John Sweeney

  
Elephant Moon focuses on the story of Grace Collins, a young school teacher working at an orphanage in Burma. World War Two is raging and catches up to Burma in the first few chapters of the novel. Seated in the town of Rangoon, Grace, her colleague, and the orphans soon realise that they are no longer safe there and must flee to India. The story follows their adventures through the Burmese jungle as the Japanese fighters draw ever closer to their tail. 

Naturally the party of refugees meet some characters as they navigate their path including a herd of elephants who help them on their way. We also meet the Jemadar, a mysterious stranger who makes a slightly confusing confession, and the sinister bad guy Gregory who brings an additional threat to the party’s safety. The back stories of the main characters are solid, and give the characters sufficient depth, although the story of Grace’s love interests feels a little superficial. There are some long and detailed passages in parts which personally weren’t for me but they didn’t take anything away from the story. 

The book is relatively slow paced, much like the lumbering pace of the elephant/refugee line, but it is captivating. Sweeney really brings the jungle to life and this is one of those books that I found myself imagining even when I wasn’t actually reading it. It had humour, terror, danger, and a nice dose of light-heartedness which aren’t easy things to tie together! If you like a good story that captures the imagination woven in with vivid descriptions of the jungle and the Second World War then this could be the book for you.