The Book Insider

“Thoughtful and entertaining with a fantastic mix of fact and fiction”

Arden might not be the first name you would think of when speaking about William Shakespeare, but after reading this part fact, part fiction by GD Harper, you will not forget their story.

Thomas Arden was the former mayor of Faversham in Kent but was brutally murdered by his wife, Alice Arden, who was burned at the stake for this scandalous crime.

Shakespeare, who is born 13 years after the death of Arden, uses the nasty outcome to his life as the basis of the Bard’s first ever play. Despite being the inspiration for his work, Shakespeare omits any mention of Arden and GD Harper has taken it upon himself to investigate why.

With the use of recently published academic research and digging deep into historical documents, Harper has produced a thoughtful and entertaining story which will have the avid reader wanting to delve into history themselves to discern fact from fiction.

Harper has unearthed new evidence about the murderous end to Thomas Arden’s life and how this is linked to Shakespeare’s play. If you are a fan of the Bard or love some historical intrigue, then reading Arden would be a great way to spend a chilly Winter’s night.

“Adventures that help you see the wood from these extraordinary trees”

Jules Acton is finely placed to write about the mighty oak tree as she works for the Woodland Trust and has immersed herself in the myth and history of one of the most beloved trees in the UK.

The Oak is an important cog in nature’s wheel, providing support for 2,300 other plants, animals and fungi and readers get the chance to find out about the birds, spiders, beetles and butterflies who call the tree home.

Presented in sections covering everything from the influence the Oak has had on English literature, to myths and legends associated with the tree. This is an information packed book and is beautifully illustrated throughout by the author’s sister, Sally Mollan.

It is the kind of book that doesn’t demand to be read from start to finish, as quickly as possible, but more for taking root in your favourite chair and let the branches entwine around you and hug you close. The book is there to be read slowly and for each section to be infused into your being.

The enthusiasm of Jules jumps off the page and it is clear that this is a subject that is dear to her. The passion and dedication she has to the Oak demands similar respect from the reader. As it is not a novel, this is something that the reader can bring to the party and this will bring more enjoyment to this marvellous book.

This is perfect for anyone who loves trees, their history and folklore and perfect for anyone who doesn’t have prior knowledge of trees and wants this to be their first foray into the woods.

“There is something endearing about reading tall tales from a life’s work”

John Donoghue has admitted that he may not have been the best copper on the police force, but it is hard to argue that he has the best stories from his time as a boy in blue.

A Bonsai Tree Called Geoff is another dip into John’s time on the beat and some of the shenanigans that happened during his 40-year career. Despite the code words, it is probably sure that those involved in the stories that make up this entertaining read, would be suffering from burning ears at the thought that their antics have been committed to print.

I read this with some fascination and enjoyed the insight into life in the police. There were also a generous amount of life-out-loud moments that means that this book is read with more of a smile than a cringe at some of the situations described.

There is something endearing about reading tall tales from a life’s work and the humour that is found in the darkest moments. John provides a highly readable collection of stories and there will be plenty who will be delighted with what they find within the pages.

A Bonsai Tree Called Geoff would be an ideal gift during this festive season and will provide plenty of cheer during the post-Turkey comedown.

“It is fair to say that Aspasia had quite a life”

Mining the wealth of material that Greek history provides is a path that many authors have trodden in recent years but when the stories are as compelling as Peter Taylor-Gooby’s The Immigrant Queen, it is easy to see why Ancient Greece is a destination for many looking for inspiration.

The Immigrant Queen in question here is Aspasia, who was celebrated as the First Lady of Athens before seemingly being forgotten by the annals of history… until now, that is.

It is fair to say that Aspasia had quite a life, being the passionate lover of Pericles, being the only woman member of Socrates’ circle, and the model for Athene on the Parthenon.

It is one of those stories in which real-life is can seem more unbelievable than the wildest fiction but Peter has brought Aspasia back to life and delivered her to a generation of readers who are devouring the plethora of novels that retell the lives of characters from thousands of years ago.

There is plenty of opportunity for myth and fact to be blended in a new retelling of a life long forgotten by history, but Peter has added Aspasia back to those who love to spend their reading time among the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece.

The action rips on at a fair pace, which is probably because there is so much in the life of Aspasia that it could have drifted into a brick of a book. The fact that it is a story of around 350 pages means that the reader will be hooked in and not allowed off the ride until the whole story has been consumed.

If you have enjoyed Jennifer Saint and/or Natalie Haynes, then you will enjoy this, and that feels recommendation enough.

“Opens the eyes of the reader and keep them wide-eyed until the final breath”

Living in rural Somerset could not be further away from the gang-controlled streets of Mexico but thanks to the award-winning Antonio Ramos Revillas, the sights, sounds and smells of Monterrey feel like they are on my doorstep after reading The Wild Ones.

Translated by Claire Storey, The Wild Ones bursts off the page and transports you to a world where a generation has been marked by the violence which comes with drug trafficking.

Every page is penetrated with language typical to Monterrey giving this read verisimilitude as you are plunged into the lives of teenager Efraín and his younger brothers, left to fend for themselves after their mother is wrongly arrested for theft.

The boys are trying to buck the trend by studying to give them a future away from the drugs and violence. Unfortunately, they are blighted by the neighbourhood to which they were born, and the reputation that brings with it.

While their mother had tried to keep the boys away from the criminal gangs who rule the roost but they are left with no choice to accept offers of support from gang members.

Survival is paramount but accepting the help of gangs comes with a significant cost, and it is not one that money alone can repay, even if that money was available.

This adventure story has an emotional impact which can leave the reader appreciating the circumstances they are enjoying this book in, compared to the lives of Efraín and his brothers.

The story may be bordering on a novella but there is enough in its pages to open the eyes of the reader and keep them wide-eyed until the final breath of the last sentence.

Thank you to Random Things Tours for including me on this blog tour.