Winter book reviews: With

Medina Bookshop winter book reviews

As we approach the end of this rather unusual year, the team at Medina Bookshop recommends three reads to keep you going through the winter months. With each book centred on inspiring individuals, you will find an Isle of Wight scandal that rocked the nation, a life of simplicity and contentment, and an extraordinary tale of strength

The Scandalous Lady W: An Eighteenth-Century Tale of Sex, Scandal and Divorce - Hallie Rubenhold “The divorce that scandalised Georgian England.” The Scandalous Lady W is a true account of Lord and Lady Worsley of Appuldurcombe House on the Isle of Wight and Lady Worsley’s lover George Maurice Bisset.

A fascinating history of a marriage ripped apart by two eloping lovers, this book should not be underestimated by its salacious surface. What appears at first to be a gripping true story of sex, debauchery and scandal invites the reader to further examine the life of this wealthy woman through a critical lens. Her lack of freedom, and the tenacity she showed in order to remain in control, gives this title its place in our ‘inspiring individuals’ theme. Rubenhold successfully takes this account of Lady Worsley from an entertaining tale to an uplifting story of an empowered eighteenth-century woman. Leonard and Hungry Paul - Rónán Hession

A poignant story of ordinariness, Leonard and Hungry Paul is the novel we all need during these difficult times. Leonard writes successfully for children’s encyclopaedias but longs for a life partner, and someone to share his appreciation of the world around him. Hungry Paul is fairly content in his life, working part-time and spending evenings with his family and friend Leonard playing board games. Witty, uplifting and remarkably unremarkable, this book is an appreciation of the mundane and of a contentedness with what we can have, rather than a longing for what we cannot. In his quiet, unique way, Hungry Paul serves as an inspiration to all of us seeking a little joy in our ordinary lives. Swim Until You Can’t See Land - Catriona Child

A story of loss, strength and extraordinary spirit. Hannah Wright is 21 years old. Having recently sustained an injury she has been forced to abandon her career as a professional swimmer. A chance meeting with 81-year-old Mariele leaves Hannah desperate to learn more about the elderly woman’s life. Hannah soon discovers that Mariele found her core strength whilst she was being tortured by water during WWII. In hearing Mariele’s story, Hannah finds her own inner strength and learns to accept her situation as a retired swimmer. Swim Until You Can’t See Land is the story of two inspiring women and what can be achieved when those women come together to inspire each other.

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook @MedinaBooksIOW to keep up to date with our most recent reviews and the latest releases. For more information you can find us at 50 High Street, Cowes, call us on 01983 300044 or drop us an email on info@medinabookshop.com