Published in 2 volumes in 1835, this ground breaking book cause much ado in 19th century France. Describing the plight of the Chevalier d’Albert in his quest for the perfect woman and combining the escapades of the historic figure, Madeline de Maupin.
D’Albert is tormented by his unattainable ideal of the perfect woman and settles for the beautiful but second best widow, Rosette. During a holiday at her family Chateau, d’Albert finally meets his vision of beauty and falls head over heels in love but only to discover the vision is male!
Madeline de Maupin leaves home at 17 years of age on a quest to discover the truth about men and their real thoughts on women. To succeed in this quest she assumes the clothes and pursuits of men, pursuits including the seduction and wooing of young women. But will her quest for the true nature of men lead her to love? How will d’Albert reconcile with his perfect love being male? And what is the history between Rosette and the handsome horseman, Theodore?
This historic novel was considered ground breaking in its time for the themes it addressed so openly, homosexuality, gender roles, cross dressing and the idea that women too have desires and ideas on their love life. D’Albert has the soul of an artist and as so his descriptions are epic in detail whereas de Maupin’s story is short and to the point. This contrast in narration is intended as a reflection of the characters telling their tales. Overall an interesting story giving a glimpse of 18th century rural life.
Source: http://www.booksreview.org.uk
http://www.booksreview.org.uk/Reviews/Popular-Fiction/Mademoiselle-de-Maupin-Theophile-Gautier/
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Monday, 27 October 2008
booksreview.org.uk - The Outcast
Review by C.S.Hyde
This beautifully written novel takes place in an English village during the 1950’s, telling the tale of Lewis Aldridge. It starts in 1957 when Lewis returns home from prison aged 19, then zooms backwards in time, to ten years earlier when it is Lewis’ father returning home from war. Lewis’ mother, a clever, glamorous lady is involved in a tragic accident and Lewis and his Father are left on their own.
The pair handle their own grief in completely different ways and are unable to comfort each other; resulting in Lewis growing up and learning to in a sense look after himself, which combining his grief and being 10 years old leads to devastating consequences. As Lewis is involved in one catastrophe after each other, you can’t stop reading as you will him to better himself and for everything to turn out ok. Like watching a car crash, this book is both difficult to put down, yet difficult to continue with.
This haunting novel, while being quite easy to read, is written in such a manner that it will stay with me for a long time. I was one minute on the verge of tears, the next overwhelmed by anger, shock, then despair and then hope. A true emotional rollercoaster of a read, that leaves you wanting to know more.
Source:
http://www.booksreview.org.uk
http://www.booksreview.org.uk/Reviews/Popular-Fiction/The-Outcast-Sadie-Jones/
This beautifully written novel takes place in an English village during the 1950’s, telling the tale of Lewis Aldridge. It starts in 1957 when Lewis returns home from prison aged 19, then zooms backwards in time, to ten years earlier when it is Lewis’ father returning home from war. Lewis’ mother, a clever, glamorous lady is involved in a tragic accident and Lewis and his Father are left on their own.
The pair handle their own grief in completely different ways and are unable to comfort each other; resulting in Lewis growing up and learning to in a sense look after himself, which combining his grief and being 10 years old leads to devastating consequences. As Lewis is involved in one catastrophe after each other, you can’t stop reading as you will him to better himself and for everything to turn out ok. Like watching a car crash, this book is both difficult to put down, yet difficult to continue with.
This haunting novel, while being quite easy to read, is written in such a manner that it will stay with me for a long time. I was one minute on the verge of tears, the next overwhelmed by anger, shock, then despair and then hope. A true emotional rollercoaster of a read, that leaves you wanting to know more.
Source:
http://www.booksreview.org.uk
http://www.booksreview.org.uk/Reviews/Popular-Fiction/The-Outcast-Sadie-Jones/
Sunday, 26 October 2008
Carp Tackle - Bait Boats
I was sat on the bank enjoying a days carp fishing. The weather was good, the water was calm and the bite count was quite productive.
The pond is located in a large private, well hidden area. There are generous coverings of lily pads and other greenery.
About 4 hours into the day, a chap had arrived on the opposite bank. After tackling up and before he cast for the first time, I saw him put what looked like a remote controlled boat.
My first thoughts were 'How can he think of playing with a remote controlled boat when fishing?' I was thinking how I could show my objections when he put this boat into the water. He steered it over the area he was about to fish. The boat was very quiet, much quieter than the standard remote controlled boat. It was at that point I realised he must be baiting the fishing area using this device.
I've never come across this technique before and was intrigued. I walked around to investigate and I was impressed. It was a bait boat. You stock 2 channels in the top with bait. When you've taken the boat to the area you intend to fish, you simply open 2 flaps on the boat which releases the bait into the water.
Simple and marvellous idea. I am thinking of adding this to my collection of carp tackle.
Source: http://www.carptackle.org.uk
The pond is located in a large private, well hidden area. There are generous coverings of lily pads and other greenery.
About 4 hours into the day, a chap had arrived on the opposite bank. After tackling up and before he cast for the first time, I saw him put what looked like a remote controlled boat.
My first thoughts were 'How can he think of playing with a remote controlled boat when fishing?' I was thinking how I could show my objections when he put this boat into the water. He steered it over the area he was about to fish. The boat was very quiet, much quieter than the standard remote controlled boat. It was at that point I realised he must be baiting the fishing area using this device.
I've never come across this technique before and was intrigued. I walked around to investigate and I was impressed. It was a bait boat. You stock 2 channels in the top with bait. When you've taken the boat to the area you intend to fish, you simply open 2 flaps on the boat which releases the bait into the water.
Simple and marvellous idea. I am thinking of adding this to my collection of carp tackle.
Source: http://www.carptackle.org.uk
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Books Review: I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
Books review written and submitted by Tammy Robson
Published in 1954, I am Legend is a story of one mans survival set in the virus ravaged landscape of 1970’s America.
Robert Neville spends his days scavenging and stockpiling food and supplies. By night he barricades himself in his fortified house and tries to barricade his mind from the screams and taunts of his fellow city residents. But why do they scream and terrorise him at night? Why is he the only uninfected human in the city, maybe even America? When he finds another survivor, a woman, his loneliness is lifted but only to be replaced by suspicion. Who is she? How has she lasted 3 years alone? And more importantly, what does she want?
Well written and suspenseful, I am Legend is a classic piece of science fiction, inspiring numerous authors since. Recently having been turned into a film with Will Smith, the original storyline in the book contains enough differences to keep you on edge til the climax (also different to the film).
Published in 1954, I am Legend is a story of one mans survival set in the virus ravaged landscape of 1970’s America.
Robert Neville spends his days scavenging and stockpiling food and supplies. By night he barricades himself in his fortified house and tries to barricade his mind from the screams and taunts of his fellow city residents. But why do they scream and terrorise him at night? Why is he the only uninfected human in the city, maybe even America? When he finds another survivor, a woman, his loneliness is lifted but only to be replaced by suspicion. Who is she? How has she lasted 3 years alone? And more importantly, what does she want?
Well written and suspenseful, I am Legend is a classic piece of science fiction, inspiring numerous authors since. Recently having been turned into a film with Will Smith, the original storyline in the book contains enough differences to keep you on edge til the climax (also different to the film).
Book Review: Skin and Bones by Kathryn Fox
Another book review from http://www.booksreview.org.uk kindly written and submitted by CS Hyde.
This third novel by Kathryn Fox follows detective Kate Farrer as she returns to work after 3 months off following her kidnapping and torture by an intelligent psychopath.
Skin & Bones brings Kate straight back to work in homicide with a house fire which reveals the corpse of a young woman who has been bludgeoned, frozen and then burnt to death...
To read the rest of this book review, please visit: http://www.booksreview.org.uk/Reviews/Crime/Skin-and-Bones-Kathryn-Fox/
This third novel by Kathryn Fox follows detective Kate Farrer as she returns to work after 3 months off following her kidnapping and torture by an intelligent psychopath.
Skin & Bones brings Kate straight back to work in homicide with a house fire which reveals the corpse of a young woman who has been bludgeoned, frozen and then burnt to death...
To read the rest of this book review, please visit: http://www.booksreview.org.uk/Reviews/Crime/Skin-and-Bones-Kathryn-Fox/
Carptackle.org.uk Article - Fishing for the Family
Article source: http://www.carptackle.org.uk
Consider taking your kids fishing. It's an outdoor activity they will enjoy as long as you make it sound interesting. Point out wildlife around the lake or pond and point out fish activity. It will stimulate their minds and help them respect nature, also it will get them away from the TV and games consoles.....to read the rest of this article visit:
http://www.carptackle.org.uk/articles/fishing-for-the-family.htm
Consider taking your kids fishing. It's an outdoor activity they will enjoy as long as you make it sound interesting. Point out wildlife around the lake or pond and point out fish activity. It will stimulate their minds and help them respect nature, also it will get them away from the TV and games consoles.....to read the rest of this article visit:
http://www.carptackle.org.uk/articles/fishing-for-the-family.htm
Book Review - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Another great review from books review kindly written and submitted by Tammy Robson.
Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein at the tender age of 19, an age by which she had ran off with a married man and been associated with the scandals of Lord Byron. Whilst spending one summer holed up in a chateau, away from the prying eyes of the press, Frankenstein was born.
Written in an age of scientific enlightenment including advances in chemistry and medicine, this tale is less about the method and more about one mans obsession to create life and the creations subsequent obsession to destroy his father..... To read this review please visit:
http://www.booksreview.org.uk/Reviews/Horror/Frankenstein-Mary-Shelley/
Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein at the tender age of 19, an age by which she had ran off with a married man and been associated with the scandals of Lord Byron. Whilst spending one summer holed up in a chateau, away from the prying eyes of the press, Frankenstein was born.
Written in an age of scientific enlightenment including advances in chemistry and medicine, this tale is less about the method and more about one mans obsession to create life and the creations subsequent obsession to destroy his father..... To read this review please visit:
http://www.booksreview.org.uk/Reviews/Horror/Frankenstein-Mary-Shelley/
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Carp Tackle - Carp Bait
Carp can be very selective about what they eat. Some days can prove very productive with a certain type of bait, other days with the same bait can be less fruitful. So, you prepare your Carp tackle, what bait do you use?
My favourite type of bait is floating bread chunks on a calm day. It takes the boredom out of the days fishing watching the fish ponder over taking the bait. When they do take it, you see their huge mouths swallow the bread - there's nothing better.
But what bait alternatives are there that Carp like?Well, I'm no expert on what the best nutritional foods for Carp are, but from experience, boilies work very well as does sweetcorn. I've caught more carp using bread than any other bait.
I think it could be down to the most common bait used in that water although as mentioned earlier, Carp remember what food is dangerous.Serious carp anglers look at bait as their carp tackle and do add their own formulas to baits in an attempt to find the perfect carp bait, but for me, I enjoy sitting by the water enjoying the day. If I catch anything then it's a bonus. If I'm looking for Carp but end up with 10 roach then it's a good day.
My favourite type of bait is floating bread chunks on a calm day. It takes the boredom out of the days fishing watching the fish ponder over taking the bait. When they do take it, you see their huge mouths swallow the bread - there's nothing better.
But what bait alternatives are there that Carp like?Well, I'm no expert on what the best nutritional foods for Carp are, but from experience, boilies work very well as does sweetcorn. I've caught more carp using bread than any other bait.
I think it could be down to the most common bait used in that water although as mentioned earlier, Carp remember what food is dangerous.Serious carp anglers look at bait as their carp tackle and do add their own formulas to baits in an attempt to find the perfect carp bait, but for me, I enjoy sitting by the water enjoying the day. If I catch anything then it's a bonus. If I'm looking for Carp but end up with 10 roach then it's a good day.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Books Review
I stumbled across this site: http://www.booksreview.org.uk/
I'm a fan of books and this looks like the site is growing so I will submit some book reviews to this site. It looks as if they have an online shop linked to Amazon. Very nice site and I hope it's a success.
http://www.booksreview.org.uk/
I'm a fan of books and this looks like the site is growing so I will submit some book reviews to this site. It looks as if they have an online shop linked to Amazon. Very nice site and I hope it's a success.
http://www.booksreview.org.uk/
Carp Tackle
A new website has been launched called carp-tackle.
It's a new, growing site that will contain news and articles regarding carp tackle and fishing tackle.
There will be an online shop containing all types of carp and fishing tackle.
Address: http://www.carptackle.org.uk/
It's a new, growing site that will contain news and articles regarding carp tackle and fishing tackle.
There will be an online shop containing all types of carp and fishing tackle.
Address: http://www.carptackle.org.uk/
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