Spring book reviews: with

Medina Bookshop Spring book reviews

A selection of titles personally recommended by the team at Medina Bookshop: these books reflect what it means to belong – to ourselves and with others

The Smallest Man by Frances Quinn This emotional debut centres around Nat Davy, a dwarf, who is gifted against his will to Queen Henrietta Maria (wife of King Charles I) in 1625. Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War and loosely inspired by a true story, Quinn brilliantly interweaves captivating fiction into historic fact.

As Nat recounts his story to the reader, we come to know a troubled young person plagued with resistance to who he is. You can really feel his desperation to be liked and respected by others. Only through his unexpected journey do we understand the true meaning of acceptance, strength and hope. Friends by Robin Dunbar We get by with more than just a little help from our friends; recent research states friends are vital for our health and wellbeing. In this book, worldrenowned psychologist Robin Dunbar utilises a wealth of information, including first person experience, neuroscience and anthropology, to give a comprehensive explanation of how and why we make friends. From strengthening our existing relationships to the difference between family and friends; this is the ultimate read for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of social human behaviour. Raceless by Georgina Lawton Journalist Georgina Lawton writes a unique and moving memoir about her fascinating search for identity and belonging. Growing up Black in a white family her race was never acknowledged. It was only when her non-biological father sadly died that she began to question her racial identity. Travelling across the world, Lawton speaks to experts in genetic testing, sociologists and psychologists as well as people who have similar experiences to her. This is an eyeopening investigation into what it means to define ourselves, our truth and the nuances of family and connection.

pickingsSpring

This issue, as the thriving online and offline community approaches its first anniversary, we speak to Green Island Veg Economy founder Holly Maslen about her seed of an idea that grew into an Islandwide movement.

Inspired by the abundance of farm-fresh free-range produce across the Island, we’ve also picked out three of our favourite special occasion egg recipes to shake you out of a scrambled rut; all the better when served with our very own ‘Style subscribers blend’ of deep and chocolatey Island Roasted coffee.

And finally, with Easter just around the corner, we’ve got classic Sunday roasts, peppery spring greens – plus a sparkling something in the form of Mermaid Gin’s classic Singapore Sling – covered too.

Eggs are only the beginning – pages 48-53

When you GIVE a little love: spotlight on the Green Island Veg Economy – pages 54-57