Review: Follow Me to Africa

Title: Follow Me to Africa

Author: Penny Haw

Publisher: 25th February 2025 by Sourcebooks Landmark

Pages: 300 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction

Synopsis:

Historical fiction inspired by the story of Mary Leakey, who carved her own path to become one of the world's most distinguished paleoanthropologists.

It's 1983 and seventeen-year-old Grace Clark has just lost her mother when she begrudgingly accompanies her estranged father to an archeological dig at Olduvai Gorge on the Serengeti plains of Tanzania. Here, seventy-year-old Mary Leakey enlists Grace to sort and pack her fifty years of work and memories.

Their interaction reminds Mary how she pursued her ambitions of becoming an archeologist in the 1930s by sneaking into lectures and working on excavations. When well-known paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey commissions her to illustrate a book, she's not at all expecting to fall in love with the older married man. Mary then follows Louis to East Africa, where she falls in love for a second time, this time with the Olduvai Gorge, where her work defines her as a great scientist and allows her to step out of Louis's shadow.

In time, Mary and Grace learn they are more alike than they thought, which eventually leads them to the secret that connects them. They also discover a mutual deep love for animals, and when Lisa, an injured cheetah, appears at camp, Mary and Grace work together to save her. On the morning Grace is due to leave, the girl—and the cheetah—are nowhere to be found, and it becomes a race against time to rescue Grace before the African bush claims her.

From the acclaimed author of The Invincible Miss Cust and The Woman at Wheel comes an adventurous, dual timeline tale that explores the consequences of our choices, wisdom that comes with retrospection, and relationships that make us who we are, based on the extraordinary real life of Mary Leakey.

My Thoughts

Penny Haw has written a wonderful piece of historical fiction inspired by the story of Mary Leakey, a woman who carved her own path to become one of the world's most distinguished paleoanthropologists. This book is a mixture of both nonfiction and fiction and I felt Penny weaved the two together seamlessly. I keen to read previous books written by Penny as she clearly understands these remarkable women who achieved great things and she wants this to be celebrated.

‘For Mary, the untamed Serengeti, with its tremendous wildlife, ancient beds of Olduvai Gorge, and warm embrace of the sun, evoked a primal connection to the world she’d never known. Even when she was alone there - perhaps mostly when she was alone - she experienced an unprecedented sense of composure and peace.’

Follow Me to Africa takes the facts and weaves the fiction into the life of Mary. For someone who had no formal education it is an incredible tale of determination and passion. Her discoveries and hard work earned her prestigious awards and honorary doctorate degrees. I knew of Richard Leakey so it was enlightening to learn more about his mother and her contributions to the origin of species. Penny made this a dual time narrative and has a much older Mary interacting with a young girl in a contemporary (1980s) timeline. The purpose of this was Penny’s desire to imagine what Mary looking back on her life might say to her seventeen-year-old self if she had the opportunity. “What would you tell your younger self?”

Penny’s book was well researched and written. I found both timelines engaging and also the cast of supporting characters. The historical note at the back of the book explains what was fact and what was fiction and Penny’s decisions on what to include. This book not only covers archaeology/palaeontology but also more personal topics such as relationships - marriage, family, friendships - and choices people make with the consequences and lessons learned from that. 

‘... what struck her most was how infinite her surroundings were. The only thing grander than the boundless savannah was the inestimable sky. Their combined magnitude made her feel at once insignificant and mighty.’

I, having lived and worked in Africa, feel such an affinity for the continent and love when books really capture the majesty and awe of the place. This book is full of love for Africa as seen through the land, the animals and the people. The courage Mary faced in going against expectations of the time for women and paving a way for women to work and be acknowledged in a field such as this was enthralling. 

‘There was no ultimate destination in her work, but a journey fueled by curiosity and driven by science. She owed her success to no one but herself.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: A Guide to the Wars of the Roses

Title: A Guide to the Wars of the Roses

Author: Derek Ronald Birks

Publisher: 30th January 2025 by Pen & Sword History

Pages: 224 pages

Genre: History | Nonfiction (Adult)

Synopsis:

Provides a clear, accessible explanation of the conflict’s origins, key events, and aftermath, stripping away centuries of distortion.

So much has been written, and is still being written, about the Wars of the Roses – both in print and on the internet - that the interested student of history is in grave danger of being utterly overwhelmed. The key players in the conflict are very interesting personalities but they have become so distorted by caricature that they now appear as a procession of heroes and villains rather than living, breathing people.

The aim of A Guide to the Wars of the Roses is to help the reader understand what happened and why during the great political upheaval of the fifteenth century. It describes the origins, nature and aftermath of the wars in short, accessible chapters and explains how the period can be divided into three separate, though related, political crises.

In describing the rise of Richard, Duke of York, in the mid-fifteenth century, the Guide traces how his rivalry with Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, ultimately led to the deposition of the hard-pressed, and wholly unsuitable, King Henry VI. It also explains how the accession of a new king from the House of York failed to solve England’s political problems. The triumphant Yorkist faction is examined to chart how the fears and jealousies of its leading figures eventually led to a fatal instability at the heart of government.

By putting the wars firmly in their medieval context, the Guide seeks to strip away the hype of half a millennium to examine objectively the roles and motives of those involved, without seeking either to exonerate, or demonise, any particular individual. While the Guide is intended to be comprehensive, it is also an easy-to-follow manual for a subject which has often been dismissed as ‘too complicated’.

My Thoughts

This book is brilliant and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in learning about the War of the Roses in a most accessible and entertaining way. I have always had a fascination for all things Tudor but my fiction reading of late (I’m looking at you Annie Garthwaite) has led me to go further back to the time just before the Tudors and I am so glad I did! It can get confusing, however, this is the most plain speaking and comprehensive guide to this rich period in history. 

“... studying the politics of fifteenth-century England is not for the faint-hearted. It is a world of riveting personalities, savage battles, sudden switches of allegiance, violent feuds, the murder of innocents - and not so innocents - and Lord knows what other mayhem. You could find yourself up to your elbows in blood and gore…”

As the author himself states, “our fascination with interesting people and what they did in difficult circumstances is timeless.” Two of the most enticing aspects of this book is, firstly, the author looking at events as they unfolded and shutting out hindsight where possible. Secondly, the wit and charm Derek brings to this book. His words are so accessible and oftentimes filled with humour and sarcasm. For example: “The object of the exercise was to persuade Clarence to shut up and toe the line. It backfired because Clarence was always slow to take a hint” .... or .... “The removal of Clarence meant that no one now threatened Edward’s throne. Well, that’s good to know…”

This is not a stuffy, boring history book - the furthest thing from it. Derek’s approach of focusing on the facts and presenting them in an engaging way makes for fascinating reading. So much of what we know from this time was through a Tudor lens - “the Tudor view of what happened, constructed after the events to explain the Tudor success story.” How refreshing to see events not only through a wider lens but also in an entertaining and informative way.  

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Nephthys

Author: Rachel Louise Driscoll

Publisher: 6th February 2025 by Penguin Random House Australia | Harvill Secker

Pages: 320 pages

Genre:  General Fiction (Adult) | Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction

Synopsis:

Sister. Rival. Protector. The spellbinding story of a forgotten daughter and a forgotten goddess.

Quiet and reserved, Clemmie is happy in the background. But although her parents may overlook her talents, her ability to read hieroglyphs makes her invaluable at the Egyptian relic parties which have made her father the toast of Victorian society.

But at one such party, the words Clemmie interprets from an unusual amulet strike fear into her heart. The beautiful and dangerous glyphs she holds in her hands will change her life forever.

Five years later, Clemmie arrives in Egypt on a mission to save what remains of her family. The childhood game she used to play about the immortal sisters, Isis and Nephthys, has taken on a devastating resonance and it is only by following Nephthys' story that she can undo the mistakes of the past. On her journey up the Nile she will meet unexpected allies and enemies and, along with long-buried secrets and betrayals, Clemmie will be forced to step into the light.

My Thoughts

All the aspects I love from this genre can be found in this book. The story of a young female Egyptologist determined to undo a curse, with deeper themes of respect for Egyptian heritage and culture. If you are fascinated by ancient Egypt, particularly during the Victorian era, then you are going to love this book. Egyptian myths and gods, artefacts and grave robbers, hieroglyphs and curses are all to be found in this highly engaging book.  

‘No doubt the people in this room, at first glance, imagine she’s a typical English traveller, here to enjoy the sun, pick up a few knick-knacks, and purchase a bottleful of sand to take home. They couldn’t be more wrong.’

I will admit that it takes a little while to draw you in and feel a connection to the characters. You will however soon be filled with intrigue especially once you arrive in Egypt. The focus of this book is very much on the two sisters and how the author ties it in with the mythology surrounding Nephthys and Isis is wonderful. There is a solid amount of research here not only around Egyptian gods and their stories but also Egyptomania from the Victorian era (“hunger for the relics of that bygone civilisation. Perhaps the mania part has become too real?”). The impact of tomb raiding and antiquity hunting is very well presented - ‘Artefacts are being damaged, provenance is being lost, and history is undone because everyone wants to claim their own Egyptian treasure ... They are taking what they want from the desert, and when they are through, it will be left ravaged and devastated.’

If these are topics that appeal to you, add in a mystery/thriller component whilst sailing up the Nile and you have a wonderful read. 

‘The fascination for Ancient Egypt began as a game, grew to an obsession, became a curse. Now it’s controlling her every move.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

 

Review: The Bad Bridesmaid

Title: The Bad Bridesmaid

Author: Rachael Johns

Publisher: 28th January 2025 by Penguin Random House Australia 

Pages: 382 pages

Genre: Contemporary | Romance

Synopsis:

When serial dater Winifred Darling – Fred – is asked to be the maid of honour at her mother’s sixth wedding, she’s determined to do everything in her power to stop it. As the author of a forthcoming book called 21 Rules for Not Catching Feelings, she knows better than most about the perils of falling in love.

On arrival at the island wedding destination, Fred is delighted to discover that the groom’s hot muso son Leo is just as set against the wedding as she is. Together, they come up with ‘Operation Break-Up’ to prevent their parents from making what they believe will be a catastrophic mistake.

But as Fred and Leo get to know each other better, their unexpected feelings for each other create further complications, and Fred is forced to rethink her own rigid rules about romance and family. Maybe not every relationship has to play by the book, and could Fred become the star in a romcom of her own?

My Thoughts

The Bad Bridesmaid is a cute fun romcom about a girl (Winifred - Fred for short) who doesn’t believe in love - insert: serial dater with no commitment. In fact, she’s in the process of writing a book, ‘21 Rules for Not Catching Feelings’.  Her mother is getting married for the 6th time up on Norfolk Island and, of course, she’s been asked to be the bridesmaid. What could go wrong? In this funny tale ... absolutely everything! 

‘... she wants me to be her bridesmaid, or rather her maid of honour.’ ‘Excuse me?’ It’s clear by the expression on Bee’s face that she doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Xavier laughs. ‘You’d make a very bad bridesmaid.’

There is a cast of sensational characters from immediate family to step family and the residents of Norfolk Island. Fred and her soon to be step brother (insert gorgeous man) team up for ‘Operation Break Up’ in an attempt to prevent their respective parents from making a terrible mistake. This is of course where everything starts to go pear shaped but very amusingly so. I must also add here that this is a huge plug for travelling to Norfolk Island with loads of interesting information. 

‘It’s not about romance,’ I tell him. ‘It’s a reminder that I’m all I need. That loving yourself is the most important thing you can do.’

If you love great rom-coms with quirky characters, laugh out loud moments in what can only be described as the wedding drama to end them all then be sure to read Rachael’s new book. It is in some ways a sequel to her smash hit, The Other Bridget, however, it can be read as a standalone. There is a small catchup with some much loved characters and how their lives are going (I’m talking about you Bee and Sully) and an epilogue that will bring a huge smile to readers faces. 

‘... love isn’t logical. The heart wants what the heart wants.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: A Dangerous Game

Title: A Dangerous Game

Author: Mandy Robotham

Publisher: 16th January 2025 by Avon Books UK

Pages: 384 pages

Genre:  Historical Fiction, mystery, thriller

Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

London, 1952. Seven years after the chaotic aftermath of World War II, London is coming alive again, with jazz clubs and flickering cinema awnings lighting up the night sky.

But for widowed Helen ‘Dexie’ Dexter, she’s still a woman in a man’s world. She longs to prove herself as an officer in the London Metropolitan Police, yet she’s stuck intervening in domestics and making tea for her male colleagues.

Then Harri Schroder arrives, seconded from Hamburg to the Met. Haunted by the loss of his wife and child, Harri is unlike any man Dexie has ever known. Compassionate and sharp-witted, he sees her not as a threat, but as an intelligent, canny officer full of potential.

And when Harri is tasked with hunting down a Nazi war criminal-turned-respected-businessman, with connections to the upper echelons of British society, it’s Dexie he turns to for help.

But as their bond deepens, a deadly fog engulfs London. Dexie and Harri must expose the fugitive before he vanishes, risking everything for justice – and each other…

My Thoughts

Mandy Robotham is an auto buy for me as you are always guaranteed a great read. Once again her story is from post World War II - on this occasion, 1952 London during the Great Smog. It was at times frightening to be on the streets of smoggy London as our two leads battled not only the elements but also Nazi war criminals. Who are the leads? None other than  ‘your beloved grumpy Inspektor, Harri’ from Mandy’s last book, The Hidden Storyteller. Mandy states, “... in writing the closing pages of my previous book, The Hidden Storyteller, I sensed I wasn’t finished with Harri - he needed space to show us more of his unorthodox policing methods, to shed some of his cynicism, and to heal” - and we could not be happier! To read another story with Harri is reward enough - he is such an endearing character and although he berates his ‘self-conceit that he can actually right the wrongs of an entire war’, you can’t help but cheer him on!

‘You mean former Nazis - war criminals and murderers - are now employed by various security services? As agents? That governments are now rewarding these bastards for doing the Fuhrer’s bidding? You can’t be serious.’

Interestingly, this is a story of not only historic details surrounding the infamous London Smog but also incorporates a thriller detective drama. Mandy does well in combining the gripping tale of a Nazi war criminal on the loose. Towards the end the pace is fast with danger and several tense moments for all involved and readers are sure to be cheering loudly for Harri and Dexie.

‘She can’t die, not here or now, not from a bloody fog!’

Congratulations Mandy on yet another winning book. I have read and adored all your books and cannot recommend them highly enough. 'A Dangerous Game' is a fabulous thriller with a dash of romance. A tale of cat and mouse espionage during the real-life 'Great Smog' of 1952 where it's estimated some 4,000 - 10,000 people died.

‘The hunters have become the hunted.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.