Zweck

Book of the Month

If you have a passion for classical music, a love of history and sense of humour, then this is definitely a read for you.

Brilliantly researched and written in a somewhat original format, Stephen Deutsch has hit all the right notes with his novel, Zweck.
We follow the somewhat promiscuous story of musically talented Bernard Robbins, who unintentionally meets his great uncle Hermann Heinrich  Zweck in London in 1972.

Zweck who is almost 100 is quite an eccentric character, he has a lot of  history to relate in a most opinionated but witty and engaging manner.  He tells of his disappointing experiences in the war and his own personal musical history. 

We also learn a lot about the history and quirks of other famous composers who were his contemporary's, although seemingly not much liked by Zweck.
The author Stephen Deutsch is obviously a lover of words with a great sense of humour. Definitely a book to add to your list this year.

October Author of the Month Falling by Julie Cohen

Author of the Month
Falling by Julie Cohen 

I totally ‘fell’ into the pages of this book and, excuse the cliché, didn’t want to put it down!
A beautifully written, emotive and powerful novel exploring challenges that each age generation could face. Three women, all part of a strong willed and often stubborn family, all trying to deal with their own bales in secret. Gradually brought together as they begin to discover each others strengths and weaknesses, they all come to realize that the bonds of family hold a gravitational force that none can deny. A familial force that brings love, support, joy and above all, hope.
Relatable, thought provoking and heart warming, this is a  must to put on your reading list for this year!

Reviews: Virginia Macgregor - What Milo Saw and Norah Returned to...

Virginia Macgregor and Liz Darcy Jones
at Beatons Crowthorne Launch

This Berkshire novelist has me oblivious to my surroundings until I reach the last page! And I had the delight of welcoming Virginia as our Guest of Honour at Crowthorne's launch soiree. Expect to see these glowing reviews (or edited versions) in your local papers sometime soon...

'What Milo Saw' by Virginia Macgregor, pub Sphere 2015 p/b £7.99

I discovered Virigina Macgregor while researching about Crowthorne, Berkshire - home to our new Beatons tearooms. It's incredible that this is a first novel as the flow is so assured and consistent.Try not fall in love with three endearing, utterly individual, desperately human characters - Milo, Gran and Tripi - and a pig called Hamlet! 

Yet Virginia Macgregor covers the uncomfortable realities of the mixed up world of war-torn Syria and the worst of the UK care system in this heart-warming novel, peppered with humour. Fast-paced and yet sensitively observed by the artlessly simple writing of a real pro, 'What Milo Saw' is so visually rich I can see it up there on a 'Milo adapted' big screen. The story left me wanting more of Milo and Macgregor which I got days later...

The Astonishing Return of Norah Wells by Virginia Macgregor, pub Sphere Jan '16, £14.99 h/b

When you're asked to review a book you try - and I usually succeed - to leave a little window for a critical literary eye to use its objectivity. With 'The Astonishing Return of Norah Wells' it proved impossible. I read it over twenty-four hours, so totally immersed that 4 am came and went before I knew it... It's been years since a novel which has had that effect on me. Oh yes, and it made me cry, more than once.

This is a captivating story of love and motherhood, and - like Virginia Macgregor's first novel, 'What Milo Saw' - we see the story unravel through children's eyes, as well as that of wise dog, Louis.

It's no surprise to discover the author is an English teacher (at Wellington College, Crowthorne), she understands how children think and it makes for a richer and more agonisingly poignant tale. You will be willing for it to turn out all right with every fibre of your being.

There's a simplicity in Macgregor's writing which cleverly disguises a complex plot. The book's stunning rhythmic chapter openings give the days and nights of 77 Willoughby Street a familiar pattern in which to embrace the emotional turmoil charting Norah Wells' return to her family.

I don't want to give any spoilers so won't add more in terms of the plot, although I can say that twitter users will be delighted with the witty tweets from teenage character Ella's online friends. A second novel, especially when the first is acclaimed, is a challenge. Virginia Macgregor has risen to it with aplomb. Beatons Crowthorne looks forward to hosting events for Virginia for this book and whatever she's brewing up next.

Viriginia Macgregor tweets as @VirginiaWrites   www.viriginiamacgregor.com

Liz Darcy Jones, Beatons HQ

Fay's up to Mischief - a mini-review!

Book: Mischief by Fay Weldon, hardback Fiction Anthology, published by www.headofzeus.com

I was sent a review copy of Fay Weldon's latest book because she's coming to Beatons Blandford to 'Be in Conversation'. She couldn't come to our launch party so this is a special occasion for her to step outside across the border from Wiltshire and for us to give her a welcome here, supporting Blandford's Regeneration Project.

And it's our first book-related event. In fact it's our first post-launch event! Details here.

Mini-Review Number 1:

Before I spread some Mischief, can I just mention that I'm fingering the hardback edition and that I want to SCREAM very loudly that it has THE most stunningly beautiful jacket by illustrator,'Charlotte Jade' as you can see (in what I think is tea-spill-free material). For the vibrant matching turquoise end papers and greyscale title pages and introduction the designers at Head of Zeus Publishing have to be applauded.  See Fay's quote at the end about the aesthetics of paper - it really is a book to treasure.

So, to the contents of Mischief!

It includes a new novella - 'The Ted Dreams'which has me fighting off my own as I try to read just one more page before going to bed... and four decades' worth of short stories. Of these, I've indulged in  'A Gentle Tonic Effect' so far (very occupied with Beatons Chester launch preparations at the mo). So glad that's where my fingers landed. It's wicked, brilliantly crafted - eight un-put-downable pages multi-layered with uneasy truths about the human psyche. And a must for all therapists and counsellors to read!

I'm enjoying the book enough to have earmarked it for a full review in our Summer Reads feature in July.