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

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

Well Read?

It’s the third day of the ‘blog every day for a whole week on bookstains challenge’ and I’ve been wondering which is the worlds most best-selling book..  The answer is surprising.  I would have thought it was the bible –  but it isn’t.  The sales of these  best-selling books are over 1 million copies.  They are- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles

Annabel Lee

It’s the second day of my ‘post each day on Bookstains for a week’ challenge.  I came across this poem by Edgar Allan Poe, (1809 – 1849) the American mystery and horror writer.  The poem is about Poe first love Annabel Lee and is the last completed poem Poe wrote.  The subject, as well as

All Behind – and a personal challenge – Day one

You have heard the expression ‘getting ahead of yourself?’ Well I am getting all behind with myself – especially as far as my Bookstains blog is concerned.   I’ve been so busy with other stuff.  I have book reviews to post, films to mention and there’s a couple of new poetry challenges to be posted.  All these posts

Happy Birthday William Butler Yeats!

Today is the birthday of the Irish poet and playwright William Butler Yeats (b. 1865 – 1939).  He was the brother of the artist Jack Butler Yeats (see my post on him over at echostains) Dublin born and educated, the poet spent his childhood in Sligo.  Yeats was to become a real driving force behind the Irish Literacy

Poem ‘My Life in Lifts’

not one to beat about the bush

Titus Groan – Fuchsia’s attic and adventures with cake

Fuchsia has gone on an adventure.  She has pulled back her bed, opened a cupboard door and ascended into darkness with only a candle to lead her.  This is Fuchsia’s secret world – her attic:- One of these narrow beams lit Fuchsia’s forehead and shoulder, and another plucked a note of crimson from her dress. 

Authors I’ve read: Daphne Du Maurier ‘Rebecca

  I’ve read such a lot of Daphne Du Maurier books – some good and some better,  If I had to rate them, number one would surely be Rebecca.  The  first line sets the mood  of the book, as we are whisked away back in time to the mysterious Manderley and the equally mysterious Max De Winter. 

‘Titus Groan: Swelter – poetry in slow motion’

 Deep in the bowels of the castle,  Flay looks on furtively at  the drunken revelry  going on around him.  The celebration of the birth of the heir to Gormenghast is well underway now. The kitchen has celebrated all day and it really shows.  Peake is at his most descriptive here: you can almost feel the heat raging from