Library Book Reviews

New Arrivals

A TAPESTRY OF TREASON by Anne O’Brien

Anne O’Brien has based her story on Constance of York, Lady Despenser. The book begins in Richard II’s reign - that tragic young King who mysteriously ‘disappeared’ and died, although few, other than those responsible, ever knew the truth, nor is it entirely clear who those guilty parties were.

Constance herself is a real historical character, usually maligned by writers as being cruel and unscrupulous. Married to one of the Despensers, a family with a deservedly unsavory reputation, she has problems of her own, and during Henry IV’s reign was imprisoned in the Tower twice, then freed, lucky still to have a head on her shoulders. She involves herself in a love affair, and battles continually to keep her children close to her.

O’Brien has done a magnificent job bringing an obscure character to life, and whose story moves from one crisis to the next with alarming speed. The book is a long read, perhaps confusing for those unfamiliar with the history of this melting pot in English history, as the country emerges from mediaevalism into the more sophisticated ‘modern’ regime of the Tudors. Although two comprehensive family trees are provided, there is a tremendous profusion of characters, often making it difficult to remember ‘who belongs to whom’. Nonetheless here is a rewarding read, especially for those who enjoy a good historical novel.

I FOLLOW YOU by Peter James

Many will have read and enjoyed Peter James’s Detective Roy Grace novels. This too is a gripping book, set in a Channel Islands hospital. One of the principal characters is surgeon Marcus Vernon, charming, popular and at the pinnacle of a successful career, but at the same time ruthlessly ambitious and determined to remain unchallenged in his prominent position.

Although happily married with a family, Vernon suddenly and unaccountably develops an obsession for a woman who he thinks closely resembles a long-lost love of his younger days. As his fixation grows, he even begins to imagine, and later almost convinces himself that this could be the same person who turned him down all these year ago. Sadly this mania threatens to take him over completely: he starts to fantasize and becomes thoroughly unbalanced to the extent that he is in danger of ruining his professional life. Later a dead body is found in the cold room of one of the island’s main hotels, with the seemingly unanswerable question, how could it have got there? Peter James brilliantly brings out the rivalries that can often obsess skilled surgeons who play such a powerful role in their patients’ lives.

The author writes superbly in his descriptions of hospital life, tightening the tensions of the narrative as the story moves swiftly on to reach its climax. This book is impossible to leave alone, so be prepared: don’t start it when there are more important tasks in hand! Thoroughly readable and strongly recommended.

THE ORANGE GROVE by Rosanna Ley

Were I the author of this book, I should resent it being classified as ‘a good holiday read’, which is how some critics have described it. ‘The Orange Grove’ is beautifully written – easy reading certainly, but of the best as far as fiction is concerned, in that it holds the reader’s interest from its first page to the last. Additionally, it is an irresistible endorsement for the Spanish city of Seville. The early spring climate is perfect, there are interesting sight-seeing opportunities, and the food out of this world. It is hardly necessary to point out that Seville is where those wonderful marmalade oranges originate - they play an important part in the plot.

Mother, father and daughter Holly visit the city. Ella, the mother, still retains happy memories of her first Seville experience some time before she married, and nostalgically remembers a love affair. When she returns with her husband and daughter and her husband is obliged to go back to UK unexpectedly, will she try to revive this, and will her daughter Holly embark on a similar close relationship with a young friend of her own? The narrative flits back and forth between the mother’s earlier romance and present day. Currently this change of time scene from past to present seems to be a very popular mode with novel writers. My own preference is for a chronological order of events, but nonetheless I found this a delightful read, making me wish that I could visit Seville.