Merry Christmas, One And All

Wishing everyone who's kind enough to read this blog a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous new year.

I hope Santa is good to you and brings lots of book tokens and gift vouchers. I know it took me decades to train my mother in what to give, and I have the beige jumpers to show for it.

I'm running the village now, part 4

I am not pleased! I go to Brussels for a few days - for vital EU business, not for a bit of pre-Christmas duty free shopping, as a few have churlishly commented. Sam may well pick up some Ferrero Rocher at the airport but that's none of your damn business. I don't send people to count the mince pies in your shopping bag (well, I do if you're on benefits but that's by the by).

Ami McKay: The Virgin Cure Review

A major departure from the usual books reviewed here - but a book that I'm delighted I read and that I'm happy to recommend to you.

The second novel by a very promising Ami McKay, this is a tale of the fight for survival by a 12 year old girl in the poorest parts of 19th century New York. It's a sad but uplifting tale, it's sympathetic without being over-emotional or cloying -- read it and see.