Book Review: ‘The Silent Companions‘ by Laura Purcell

The first book I have read in absolutely ages. I have made a resolution to read books which have been piling up for ages. At last I have managed to get my concentration back by reading a little per night. Before I knew it, I began to get absorbed again into the pages, just like

Into the Read

In the beginning, Echostains, my art blog, featured art history, design, film, book reviews – in short a pot pouri of art/arts related topics. I then decided to transfer the book and film reviews and subjects to another blog. Thus Bookstains was born. Content on Bookstains has been sporadic, to say the least over the

Happy Birthday Charles Dickens! Authors I have read – Charles Dickens

Note: This is a W.A.R. post to commemorate Charles Dickens birthday. W.A.R. what is it good for? (Worth A Reblog ) Charles Dickens is one of my favourite authors of all time – I just love his characterisations and observations concerning the quirkiness of human behaviour.  I have read nearly all his books, but there

Selected Poem: ‘Whatifs’ by Shel Silverstein

In these days of uncertainty, made even more so in this present climate , I think everyone can relate to this poem. ‘Whatfs’ is a playful poem relating to our own personal fears and writtten imaginatively from a child’s point of view by American poet, artist, cartoonist and playwright Sheldon Allan Silverstein (September 25, 1930 –

Great Lines: Charlotte Bronte

Great lines ; Charlotte delivers

Happy New Year!

After a fairly long hiatus, Bookstains reactivated last year. Slowly but surely, starting back in April ( no coincidence this…). Although only 18 posts (19 counting this) I remain positive, optimistic and have many ideas regarding Bookstains direction. Lots of drafts, reviews, poetry to be undertaken, including the poetry challenges which proved popular. Many of

Great lines: Gertrude The Countess of Groan (Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake)

Quotes from films, plays and books ‘There is nowhere else, you will only tread in a circle, Titus Groan. There’s not a road, not a track, but it will lead you home. For everything comes to Gormenghast.’ This is the warning Gertrude Groan, 76th Countess of Groan gives to her son Titus as he is

Happy Birthday Thomas Hardy!

English novelist and poet Thomas Hardy (2nd June 1840 – 11th January 1928) Dorset, England focused his work on the decline of rural society. He was a great fan of Charles Dickens and George Elliot. His romantic poetry was influenced by William Wordsworth. Hardy regarded himself foremost, as a poet. His first poetry collection was published in

Exhibition Review ‘From Hamlet to Hollywood’ The Barley Hall York

There promises to be a lot more activity on Bookstains this year – and a lot of changes.  It seems that these days that everyone and their wives are doing poetry challenges,  so I feel that it is time to close mine in order to retain some originality.  I shall still be featuring poetry but it shall

Poem ‘My Life in Lifts’

not one to beat about the bush