Review: The Hidden Book

Title: The Hidden Book

Author: Kirsty Manning

Publisher: 29th August 2023 by Allen & Unwin

Pages: 368 pages

Genre: historical fiction

Rating: 3.5 cups

Synopsis:

From the bestselling author of The Jade Lily comes a compelling novel based on a true story of a WWII European heirloom that brought down war criminals and travelled through history ... to be found in an Australian country shed in 2019.

Europe, 1940 Imprisoned in the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria, Spanish fighter and photographer Mateo Baca is ordered to process images of the camp and inmates for a handful of photo books being made for presentation to top Nazi figures. Just five books in total, or so the officials think ...

 

Mateo manages to make a secret sixth book and, with the help of a local woman, Lena Lang, it remains hidden until the end of the war.

 

Australia, present When thirteen-year-old Hannah Campbell's Yugoslavian grandfather, Nico Antonov, arrives in Australia to visit his family, one of the gifts he brings with him is an intriguing-looking parcel wrapped in calico cloth which Roza, Hannah's mother, quickly hides.

 

Later, Hannah sneaks off in search for the mysterious package. She is horrified to find in it a photo book full of ghastly historical photographs of a terrible place full of people suffering.

 

At first Hannah has little context for what she sees, but over the years as she experiences love, grief and trauma, she understands what these photos came to mean, for herself, her freedom and for those who risked their lives to 'bear witness' to history.

A startling story of clandestine courage and treachery in World War Two, and how we must meet and overcome our pasts to move into our futures.

My Thoughts

Australian author Kirsty Manning is a firm favourite with readers and this time offers a fictional story wrapped around historical facts. Kristy sets out to honour the people involved with saving clandestine photos from Mauthausen Concentration Camp that were used to convict Nazi war criminals. History buffs are sure to appreciate her research efforts in creating compassion and awareness from this sad time.

‘There are so many stories, big and small. We need to tell them all.’

The Hidden Book is a dual time narrative based on true events surrounding a book of photos that was smuggled and then hidden from Mauthausen during WWII. The first timeline is from 1944 with several narrators at the time the book was being made. The second timeline is the present day when Hannah (grandchild) embarks on a journey to discover the history behind this mysterious book. 

‘… if she destroyed the images the prisoners had entrusted to Lena, how would anyone eventually know what went on inside those dark walls?’

Whilst I honour and respect the topic, I just found this book lacked depth in the contemporary timeline. I found the inclusion of Hannah’s story troubling at times with huge time jumps and began questioning the reasoning behind it being there at all. The links - not to her grandfather's story but that of her own storyline - were too tenuous especially concerning her romantic relationships - that I began to question why they were even alluded to. I found her personal life story irrelevant and detracted from the book as a whole.

The Hidden Book at its heart is a story about WWII and the brave actions of those to ensure the truth of the trauma be revealed. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that is based on real events are sure to find value in this tale. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author 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 Moon Gate

Title: The Moon Gate

Author: Amanda Geard

Publisher: 13th June 2023 by Hachette Australia

Pages: 500 pages

Genre: historical fiction, mystery

My Rating: 5 cups

Synopsis:

A mesmerising story of love, war, and a mystery that ensnares three generations, moving between Tasmania, London, and Kerry in 1939, 1975 and 2004. Perfect for fans of Natasha Lester, Kate Morton, and Lucinda Riley.

1939: On the eve of war, young English heiress Grace Grey and her companion, the strikingly beautiful - yet impossibly distant - Rose Munro, must travel to the far side of the world to stay with Grace's eccentric uncle. Coaxed out of her shell by the extreme wilderness of Tasmania - and helped by the attentions of her Irish neighbour, Daniel McGillycuddy - Grace finally learns to live. But when Daniel is called to the war in the Pacific, he unwittingly leaves behind a terrible secret which will forever bind them together. 

1975: When an anonymous benefactor leaves artist Willow Hawkins a house on Tasmania's remote and treacherous west coast, she and her new husband, Ben, can't believe their luck. Confused and delighted, they set out to unravel the identity of Towerhurst's previous owner and in doing so uncover a mystery that will alter the course of their lives.

2004: Libby Andrews is living in the shadow of her mother's grief. Willow has sheltered Libby from the truth behind her father's death for her whole life. But, when she discovers a faded photograph of a house emblazoned with the name 'Towerhurst', it unlocks a long-buried memory. As Libby follows in the footsteps of the investigation her father could never complete, she realises that some secrets are best left buried . . .

My Thoughts

The Moon Gate  is a rich, multi-layered story with an intricate tale spanning three generations. Complex characters in three evocative locations and with a plot that testifies to Amanda’s mastery in storytelling. 

“Come on, tell me. An old house in the rainforest, a secret legacy, some hidden history her mum wouldn't talk about.”

This is a book that I can’t even begin to imagine how it was possible to weave it all together into such a riveting and successful story. There is 2004 as Libby searches for answers about her father, Ben’s, death. There is 1975 when Ben is alive and seeks to unravel the mystery and identity of Towerhurst - an old house on the rugged Tasmanian west coast. Finally, there is 1939 when two young women, Grace and Rose, are sent away from London and the advancing threats of Nazi Germany to a distant relative in the house called Towerhurst.

‘… the moon gate … stepping through it was like walking into another life. A rebirth … he'd realised just how circular human existence was, and that no matter how hard you tried to shake off the past it was always there, coiling round the years, holding them tight.’

Three timelines - I don’t think I have ever attempted a read such as this. All related, all linked - intricate puzzle pieces in a slowly unfolding mystery. Now this did mean I had to pay attention - closely! This interwoven, multigenerational mystery will be a challenge but well worth it for the end result. The characters both main and secondary and the locations from west coast Tasmania, to London, to Ireland's county Kerry are rich and inviting. The writing ties it all wonderfully well in a masterclass of historical fiction. 

‘It seems silly, doesn't it, that we spend all this time in life not saying things to people that we should, and then it's too late?’

The Moon Gate is definitely in the category of a sweeping saga inclusive of all the romance, heartbreak with family drama and mystery. The twists and turns will unfold in this highly ambitious tale, with some definite surprises.  A wonderful and encapsulating read for lovers of this genre. 

‘Everything that happens to us, everything we do, weaves into the future as though we're sewing ourselves together with invisible threads.’

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 Collected Regrets of Clover

Title: The Collected Regrets of Clover

Author: Mikki Brammer

Publisher: 6th July 2023 by Penguin General

Pages: 320 pages

Genre: contemporary, fiction

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

In her work as a ‘death doula’, Clover Brooks ushers people peacefully through their last days, collecting their final words into three notebooks: ADVICE, CONFESSIONS and REGRETS.

But Clover spends so much time with the dying that she’s forgotten how to live . . .

Can her clients’ hard-won wisdom – and the inspiring love story of a spirited old woman named Claudia – show Clover the way to a happy ending?

After all, what’s the point of giving someone a beautiful death if you can’t give yourself a beautiful life?

My Thoughts

I love a book that makes me think and reflect and The Collected Regrets of Clover certainly did this. This book is not only thought provoking but also due to its unusual content, most heartfelt. It is also unique, uplifting and inspirational. One might think that because the themes of dying and death are forefront it might be melancholy but not so. Yes, it is a book about grief and regrets but it is also a book about moving forward and living your best life. 

‘Grief plays tricks on you that way - a familiar whiff of cologne or a potential sighting of your person in a crowd, and all the knots you’ve tied inside yourself to manage the pain of losing them suddenly unravel.’

Clover lost both her parents at a young age and now lives alone in an apartment in Manhattan. She is a death doula - a companion for the dying and their family through the process of death. She is very good at her job - assisting those to die with dignity and see their wishes carried out. Clover records their final words in three books - Regrets, Advice and Confessions. She often reflects on the words in these books, selecting an entry and trying to fulfill or live by what is said for a week - it might involve eating something or attending a museum as an example.

‘I realized that it wasn’t my job to help them gloss over that reality if they didn’t want to; it was to sit with them, listen, and bear witness. Even if they were unhappy right up until their final exhale, at least they weren’t alone.’

Mikki Brammer has done an outstanding job for a debut novel. Interwoven throughout the tale is a celebration of life, urging you to enjoy each moment, take life by the hand, learning to live with as few regrets as possible. It is a beautiful message. Some readers found Clover a difficult character to warm to but I appreciated all she had been through. I loved the flashbacks of the memories with her grandfather and the character of Claudia and her story was truly beautiful. 

‘It wasn’t just the regrets of the dying people I was trying to resolve—it was my own …. maybe it was time I addressed my own regrets.’

All up this is a lovely story that I thoroughly recommend, feeling that its message will resonate with many. There is so much to appreciate, reflect and linger over. With heart wrenching topics of aging, loneliness, dying with dignity, I found Mikki was very sensitive, making the subjects both relevant and mindful. 

‘Here’s to living a life with fewer regrets’

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: Uhtred's Feast: Inside the World of The Last Kingdom

Title: Uhtred's Feast: Inside the World of The Last Kingdom

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Publisher: 2nd August 2023 by HarperCollins Australia

Pages: 272 pages

Genre: historical fiction, short story, recipe nonfiction 

Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

WELCOME TO UHTRED’S FEAST . . . 

Over the course of writing the Last Kingdom series, Bernard Cornwell discovered an increasing fascination for the Anglo-Saxon world: its people, their culture, and their domestic lives beyond the battlefield. And so when he met renowned chef Suzanne Pollak, someone with a passion for Anglo-Saxon cookery, Uhtred’s Feast was born.

A combination of beautifully crafted recipes which incorporate Anglo-Saxon ingredients and cooking techniques, and brand new Uhtred stories by Bernard which show the iconic warrior behind the shield, Uhtred’s Feast opens a door into the ordinary Saxon home – and an extraordinary moment in our history.

My Thoughts

I am such a fan of Uhtred and Bernard Cornwell’s, Last Kingdom series, I will read anything - even a recipe book! I will say from the outset that it is disappointing reviewers are unhappy with only short stories, or that there are recipe’s included - did they not read the blurb? If you go in with your eyes open, then I think this is a fantastic book that lovers of Saxon times are sure to revel in!

I would divide this little gem of a book into three sections - Cornwell’s nonfiction  historical discussion, the joy of more time with Uhtred through a few short stories and some really interesting links and shared knowledge on Saxon cuisine and cooking techniques - what a veritable feast!

The first section provided a fascinating introduction of a brief overview of the history of England. This was especially with regards to how it tied in with the Last Kingdom books. It is wonderful to be provided with the author's thoughts and feelings towards this character that we have all grown to love so much. This book gave Cornwell the opportunity to investigate further into the day to day living of the time. 

‘Fictional history is not real history, novelists leave that to real historians, but our books must be authentic, and authenticity is in the mundane details: What did they wear? How did they travel? What did they eat?’

The book provides three short Uhtred stories - as a boy, as a Royal advisor and one final shield wall battle that, in terms of the timeline, comes after the final book in the series. Wonderful! I really enjoyed the short story on the gift of God which detailed a trip to the country with King Alfred and Uhtred and the story of the former being granted sainthood because he made a girl come back to life. Fascinating story and excellent writing by Bernard Cornwell.

"I looked up at the stars and thought I had fought my last fight, faced my last shield wall, and was racing home to a loving woman, to good ale, and to Bebbanburg."

Interspersed throughout are recipes but what I enjoyed most was the background given on things such as food accessibility and storage. It was very interesting to learn about not only what they ate but things such as quality and quantity. Interesting facts such as:

‘Salting has also been used for thousands of years. Soon after the Romans came to England in AD 43 they started developing saltworks along the east coast. …Later, Hellath du got the Anglo-Saxon name Northwich, meaning 'northern saltworks'. (The Anglo- Saxons called a saltwork a 'wich', so any place in England with 'wich' at the end at one time produced salt.)’

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to readers who love this time period, wish to learn about the history and cuisine and especially lovers of The Last Kingdom. 

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author 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.