Library Book Reviews

THE CROWN IN CRISIS by Alexander Larman

This is a much written about subject and one that some of us still remember. As a child I enjoyed listening in on adult conversation, and recollect that there was never anything said in favour of Mrs Simpson. Edward was an extremely popular Prince of Wales and seemed to have all the qualities to become a successful king. He had had a number of love affairs, mainly with divorced women, almost as though he were seeking a mother figure rather than a wife. Mrs Simpson, already married to her second husband, was no exception. Nor did she seek out the Prince with a view to marriage - she was much more interested in entertaining and having among her guests the ‘right kind of people’, of which he was one. However, Edward fell for her completely, and she suddenly found herself caught up in a web from which there was no escape. It came as a shock to Britain, and I can just remember listening to Edward’s abdication speech. ‘The Crown in Crisis’ is a readable and accurate account of what happened in unprecedented circumstances. One always wonders how happy Edward and Mrs Simpson actually were, and whether Edward ended up a disillusioned man, especially as his younger brother became such a popular monarch. Mrs Simpson was never granted the title ‘HRH” nor were either of them ever made welcome in Britain. This is an interesting book for anyone interested in Britain’s Royal family.

THE MARA FIASCO by Ian McKenzie-Vincent

This is a very relevant story for all those living in Kenya, and for people intending to visit. and its message a vital one. Classified as one of the World’s Wonders for its spectacular beauty and prolific game, it is hardly surprising that the Masai Mara is especially popular with poachers. The Mara Fiasco is about three Kenyans, hell-bent on making easy money fast, plan to shoot a rhinoceros. They have guns, but very little experience in using them, and even less geographical knowledge of the Masai terrain. A rich and unscrupulous Chinese man, ‘needs’ a pair of elephant tusks fast for export. Money for hard drugs is also involved. Fortunately there are ‘goodies’ as well as ‘baddies’ in the story. While, the Chinese smuggler plans his Mara trip – in and out - with his tusks to put on a flight to China that same night, Popsy Kangela meets David Macharia - both are tour guides and devoted conservationists, who connect unexpectedly in a car crash when Popsy is driving to pick up safari clients. The tension builds up rapidly and keeps readers page turning. This book holds a message that everyone who cares about Kenya should read and remember - our wildlife matters and is precious. Vincent writes competently, but his message is blunt for people who have not yet realised the importance of game conservation.

YARO AND THE RHINO by Rachel Shaw

Young MCC Member Rachel Shaw has recently published her first book, ‘Yaro and the Rhino.’ The book, is aimed at children aged 7-11, and tells the story of a young Samburu who makes friends with a rhino and of the adventures they experience together. It is set in Samburuland, and Rachel hopes to raise awareness of the wildlife there and its need for protection. She plans to donate copies of the book to local schools in Samburuland to help promote awareness. Inspiration for ‘Yaro and the Rhino’ came to Rachel on her last safari in Samburuland with her father Chris Shaw and grandmother Diana Shaw. Every evening at their Lodge, they were treated to a talk from a local Samburu warrior on conservation and animal behaviour, which Rachel found fascinating and made her take a moment to reflect on the beauty, intricacy and fragility of bush life. When she returned to UK she sat down and wrote her story. This delightful book, written from the heart and beautifully illustrated, is a perfect gift for any Members who have children or grandchildren in this age range and Rachel hopes it will shed a little light on the plight of the natural world and a better understanding for children of our currently beleaguered times. ‘Yaro and the Rhino’ is dedicated to Rachel’s grandmother Diana Shaw, who was a long-standing Member of MCC, who died last year. Rachel will be at the Club in January to give a reading from ‘Yaro and the Rhino’ to Members’ children and their friends, and to sign copies.

‘Yaro and the

Rhino’ by Rachel Shaw can be ordered on line from Amazon.

“I sincerely hope that this book brings joy and educates children in the importance of wildlife and human interaction, living in harmony rather than conflict.”