Author: BookBarmy

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

I chose this short Christmas novella with the perfect cover during a cold and windy night over the holidays.

Brief but breathtaking, Small Things Like These was shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize and is set in the days leading up to Christmas.

Bill Furlong is living a quiet, simple life in Ireland. He’s a happy man and dotes on his wife and five daughters. They have enough to eat and aren’t living on credit. The town has known hard times, factories are closing, and people are being laid off. Mr. Furlong is making ends meet by delivering coal and firewood to the townspeople.

Near Christmas, he makes a delivery to the local Magdalen convent and laundry, Bill encounters some of the unwed girls and single mothers incarcerated within. He becomes concerned about the conditions and treatment of the girls. It torments his conscience, but he does nothing until he discovers a traumatized young mother locked in the freezing coal cellar. What should he do? Continue as nothing has happened, as everyone else seems to do? Or do the right thing and risk losing everything? His internal quandary make for heartbreaking prose:

… he found himself asking was there any point in being alive without helping one another? Was it possible to carry on along through all the years, the decades, through an entire life, without once being brave enough to go against what was there and yet call yourself a Christian, and face yourself in the mirror?

and then his thoughts turn:

If you want to get on in life, there’s things you have to ignore, so you can keep on.

Let me stop and give the backstory: Ms. Keegan addresses the horrific treatment of women in the Magdalene Laundries and the oppressive power of the church that dominated lives in 1980s Ireland. To the point of abuse and oppression of unwed single mothers and mothers-to-be.

This convent looms over everything in the town, its people and ultimately Bill Furlong. The author’s writing is spare but beautiful. Ms. Keegan is most adept at showing not telling, what is not said holds the weight in Small Things Like These.

The book portrays a small Irish town and the quiet desperation of simple people struggling to get by and keep their religious faith while being overshadowed by the tyranny of the church. But for me, most compelling is when the author examines a singular man and how his small action might become the first steps in undoing a system of abuse and oppression in his society.

This is an important, poignant, and beautifully written book on a dark part of Ireland’s history.

N.B. Ireland’s last Magdalen laundry was not shut down until 1996.

P.S. One of my favorite quotes is from Bill’s wife ~~ “What it is to be a man,’ she said, ‘and to have days off.”

Murder at the Manor Edited by Martin Edwards

I’ve been dipping in and out of this short story collection for several months and it seemed like the perfect choice to continue during the busy holidays.

(I have a big weakness for the cover art on most all the British Library Crime Series – just can’t resist.)

From the blurb: The English country house is an iconic setting for some of the greatest British crime fiction. This new collection gathers together stories written over a span of about 65 years, during which British society, and life in country houses, was transformed out of all recognition. It includes fascinating and unfamiliar twists on the classic ‘closed circle’ plot, in which the assorted guests at a country house party become suspects when a crime is committed. In the more sinister tales featured here, a gloomy mansion set in lonely grounds offers an eerie backdrop for dark deeds.

Just as the book blurb says, all these stories share a rural, country house setting– a staple amongst mystery authors from Sherlock Holmes to Agatha Christie. These isolated setting(s) make communication difficult and a limited number of suspects. At the same time, they hearken back to a bygone era of British Manor Houses, with aristocratic, wealthy (and sometimes not so wealthy) landowners who indulge in lavish house parties.

These are not warm and cuddly families. The staff can’t always be trusted, and friendship only goes so far. Each story I’ve read has been clever and entertaining. While I haven’t read all the stories in this collection, I’ve found some familiar, yet others, completely unexpected.

Some of my reads so far: The Secret of Dunstan’s Tower by Ernest Bramah features his blind detective Max Carrados; A Horror at Stavely Grange by J. S. Fletcher, a “who and how” done it; The Murder at the Towers By E. V. Knox which I found very witty; and The Unlocked Window by Ethel Lina White, an good suspense story, even if I did guess the ending.

If you are a fan of classic British mysteries, I highly recommend you add Murder at the Manor to your library. You won’t be disappointed by the quality and the variety of tales within.

A No for the New Year

We’re already half way through January and I’ve been missing, but for good reasons.

We had a busy, fun-filled holiday with beloved friends coming to visit from near and far. It was a wonderful whirlwind, but I did remember to pause and look around to remember these moments with those I love.

But now it’s a new year and so far, not so good. I’m sure many of you feel the same.

I like this quote:

I don’t need a New Year’s resolution. It’s the year’s turn to be better.

But, wait, this is Book Barmy not CNN, so I’ll stop and focus on reading and books.

Many of the book folks I follow set reading goals for the new year, and happily recount the number of books they read last year. Am I in this crowd? In a word, no.

The other evening, when I perused my shelves, and contemplated the number of unread books– I don’t mind telling you I felt a bit of pressure there — but I caught myself and said no.

I never want to feel anxiety about my books or my reading – In a word, no.

I decided to change my mind set.

These are not books I must read, this is not a To Be Read situation. I’m too old to have reading assignments. No, my unread books are merely possibilities. My shelves are filled with choices, stories for escape, tales of adventure, and candidates for learning something new.

So in a word, no.

No reading goals, no new year resolutions, no pressure to read as an accomplishment.

My mood will guide my reading this year. If I’m feeling like murdering someone – I have my mystery and crime shelf. If I am in need of comfort – there are plenty of unread books by my favorite comfort authors. When I need adventure – I have a travel books. When I want to escape current reality, I have Jane Austen. And sometimes, I’ll just catch up on my New Yorker magazine stack.

I’m going to read whatever I want, when I want.

I hope we’ll all consider alleviating pressure on ourselves in this new year.

Be gentle with yourselves, give yourselves a break. Life is tough enough as it is.

Thus endeth my Ted Talk – thanks for listening.

Christmas Advertising

It’s time for the annual Book Barmy collection of the best Christmas ads from around the world. As always, the UK seems to dominate our list with beautifully produced and magical holiday stories. As with the current marketing landscape, AI and social media-first storytelling play a strong role. But it doesn’t seem to diminish these sometimes corny, often nostalgic, and yet magic stories of the holiday season.

Grab a cup of something warm, and be sure to click on full screen and turn up your volume.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our first ad from Disney opens with a misread wish list to Santa, which turns a simple doodle into something magical. It doesn’t try to sell you anything, making this short film – a touching tale of connection and imagination – feel trustworthy and memorable.

With over 2 million views on YouTube, John Lewis & Partners Christmas ad has once more resonated with viewers, reinforcing why the brand’s festive Christmas ads remain cultural touchstones year after year. A teenage son finds the perfect gift for his father…I had tears…

Often credited with defining modern Christmas advertising, Coca-Cola naturally earns its place on this list, but not without controversy. This year’s festive campaign was created using generative AI, following similar AI-led ads in 2024. Viewers on YouTube and social media quickly pushed back, with many criticizing the use of AI instead of traditional artists and designers, and the video’s prominent tagline referring to “using real AI magic.” And while that does seem odd given their “real” message, it is still lovely to watch. Enjoy anyway.

British retailer Marks & Spencer’s has created one of this year’s most viewed and talked-about ads. The video follows the M&S Christmas fairy, with the delightful Dawn French, as she navigates a congested motorway on her way home, surrounded by stressed drivers and travel mayhem.

This ad works well because it draws viewers into a relatable scenario of Christmas travel frustration and transforms it into something heart-warming and playful. The brand’s food range appears naturally as the source of comfort, making audiences feel good about the message before they even notice the marketing.

Intermarché the French supermarket’s sincere storytelling makes this standout commercial one that any audience can understand (yes, it’s in French, but no worries you’ll get it.)

The story centers on a lonely wolf searching for connection during the festive season. In contrast to the AI-generated ads out there, this uses traditional animation and creates warmth and charm through its woodland characters and wintry setting.

Barbour’s uses the British characters of Wallace & Gromit who multiple generations love and recognize. This ad resonates across generations, from the charm of the animated characters for younger audiences to the enduring heritage of the Barbour brand for older viewers.

Barbour stayed true to the spirit of Wallace & Gromit, including the Claymation style, the quirky personalities, and the inventive silliness.

In “Hello”, LEGO brings to life warm holiday moments through its brick-built world, following characters as they reconnect and build memories. The animation feels delightfully familiar to anyone who grew up playing with LEGO, or watching its imaginative creations come to life.

The British institution Sainsbury’s uses a familiar festive truth, that Christmas rarely goes exactly to plan. Here’s a light-hearted story about a family whose dinner preparations are disrupted by an expected guest, turning potential stress into warmth and humor.

This commercial pulls in familiar characters like Roald Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant to guide the story and establish a sense of nostalgia.

The British (again those creative Brits) supermarket chain Waitrose released their take on everyone’s favorite seasonal genre – the Christmas rom-com and with wisps of – Love, Actually.

Following a narrative of two characters unexpectedly reconnecting over the festive season, one of them a movie star, the ad blends humor, warmth, and relatable moments in a way that keep viewers engaged from start to finish. By the time the Waitrose brand appears, audiences are already invested in the story and open to the message – quite clever.

Chevrolet (finally a US commercial) once again shines with a family ad that will be sure make you look around and appreciate your family this holiday season – whatever your family looks like.

The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater

Each November, I used to check this book out of my local library and browse through its lovely pages. But alas, before I could get through – it had to be returned. I did this for three consecutive years, until this year – finally – I found a used copy at my favorite book store .

The Christmas Chronicles takes the reader from November through January and covers everything most-British-holiday.

Each day of the season, Mr. Slater writes about food and its preparation sensuously and lovingly, but also gardening, practical tips, and decorating his home. He delves into childhood memories and fascinating insights into Christmas traditions and their origins.

There are lots of recipes, many of which I would never attempt, but are bound to make the cold months in the UK bearable. There are mince pies, malt loaf, winter drinks and Christmas wreaths, candlelight and carols.

There are much-loved (again very British) Christmas classics, such as goose and turkey (and making the most of the leftovers), mincemeat pies and, the infamous Christmas pudding –a flaming dome of booze-drenched cake which is featured in many a Dickens’ Christmas.

Here’s one I have tagged and may try — Panna Cotta flavored with buttermilk with cranberry and orange sauce.

Here are some favorite quotes:

The icy prickle across your face as you walk out into the freezing air. The piercing burn to your sinuses, like wasabi. Your eyes sparkle, your ears tingle. The rush of cold to your head is stimulating, vital, energising.

Home means more to us in cold weather. Making ourselves comfortable is a duty. Making friends and family comfortable is an art.

And some photos – and a sample of the lovely text – click to make larger:

The book itself is gorgeous. It’s beautifully produced, with thick paper, and gold leaf on the cover which catches the light prettily — as a bonus, it has a ribbon bookmark (something I always appreciate).

This book is not for everyone but if you are (or know) a raging anglophile then this would be a wonderful gift for the season. It celebrates the joy of simple pleasures — such as a cup of hot chocolate or the scent of oranges spiked with cloves.

I’m loving reading it every day, (I’m a bit behind) and will miss dipping into it each day once I get to the end. It’s like a daily dose of Dickensian joy during the season.

The Trespasser by Tana French

The Trespasser is the last in the Dublin Murder Squad series, and I am a big fan of the previous installments. You can read more HERE.

In each of these series, Ms. French uses a different member, or outlier, of the Dublin Murder Squad and tells the investigation from this new point of view.

In The Trespasser, Detective Antoinette Conway (formerly with the Missing Persons Unit) is a new member of the elite Murder squad and has not been welcomed kindly. So far, she has been stuck with thankless cases and has been the victim of vicious pranks, not to mention actual harassment.

She works well with her partner, Stephen Moran, who also seems to be her only friend. Their newest case looks like yet another by-the-numbers lovers’ quarrel gone bad. Until it’s not…as Conway and Moran, start to notice tiny cracks in the case. They are soon pressured by their superiors to arrest the obvious suspect and go further to try to thwart their investigations outside of the obvious solution.

I won’t give any more away, but do be warned, the first half of The Trespasser can be slow, but in a good way, as it smacks of realness — real squad room politics, lots of police procedural, and the endless suspect and witness interviews. Stick with it, as it suddenly becomes a fast paced race to an ending, which is so beautiful and perfect, that it makes up for some of the slower-to-read parts.

I really enjoy and admire Ms. French’s skill at creating utterly convincing characters who are simultaneously flawed and vulnerable. Her books remain some of the best in mystery writing.

Please do yourself a favor, and read all of Ms. French’s Dublin Murder Squad books – but be sure to start from the beginning – each installment sets the stage for the next. I’m going to miss this series but…

Ms. French has a new series which I haven’t read yet, so these are next ~~

But, wait, I have the newest Louise Penny book which, naturally, has to come first.

Bedtime Stories Edited by Diana Secker Tesdell 

We’ve been rearranging our guest room in preparation for some lovely visitors coming over the holidays. Found some some nice bedside tables and got rid of a bookcase that was much too large for the small room.

In clearing out the books from that bookcase, I found this lovely little volume, which I kept near the bed for guests. It’s from the Everyman’s Library Pocket Classics Series which was founded in 1906 by the famous Joseph Dent, a visionary publisher. He promised ‘infinite riches in a little room’. Lovely to hold, these little books have sewn bindings (quite rare), come with attached bookmark ribbons (love those) and beautiful covers. And each comes with the famous archaic quote

Everyman,

I will go with thee,

and be thy guide,

In thy most need, to go by thy side

But enough about the printing publication, what about the book itself?

Well full admission, I picked it up at my library book sale years ago and never read it — languishing as it did in the guest room. The other evening, I decided to dip in and out of Bedtime Stories and found it to be a totally unique surprise. Not only an excellent collection of fiction for — yes just before bed — but also short enough to be read in one go. This collection does not sacrifice quality for brevity.

Washington Irving’s comical “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” was a fun re-read, but I found most of the stories and some authors were new to me. Lord Dunsany, whose “Where the Tides Ebb and Flow” was just exquisite. Also included:

  • “The Dancing Dwarf” by Haruki Marakami
  • “The Bottle Imp” by Robert Louis Stevenson
  • A. S. Byatt’s “The Thing in the Forest,”
  • “Troll Bridge” by Neil Gaiman

This is no sugary, innocuous, collection of stories — the settings are magical, foreboding, and set in near reality and far away fantasy. The best part is that they are unpredictable and surprisingly engrossing..

Quite a few in this collection I would label as creepy fantasy and were reminiscent of mildly frightening stories told around a campfire. Nothing too scary, as to cause nightmares, but grown up tales that weave in and out of dreams, the real, the unreal and the surreal. Somewhat like peeking into someone else’s dreams.

Again, I have to rave about the physicality of Bedtime Stories — just perfect for reading in bed: small, light and easy to hold in the hand.

Sweet dreams!

The Everyman’s Library has a whole series of these little books. I own this one which I get out every holiday and have (again) just dipped into.

And this one which I treated myself a few years ago and (shame shame) have never even opened.

There’s many, many more to this series – I selected just a few from the Everyman’s website. Well worth browsing.

The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz

The Sequel is aptly named, as it is truly the sequel to The Plot.

I’ll start with commenting on The Plot which is the first book in this series. You must read it first, so you’ll understand Anna’s story as a whole. Jake is a novelist who experienced early modest acclaim, but he hasn’t been able to replicate that success in his subsequent books.

He is now a writing instructor at small, second-rate writing program in Vermont. Jake borrows a plot idea from a student and expects no one would ever notice. But someone does and begins sending him notes threatening him. The anonymous notes torments him and he perpetually worried that he would be exposed. His wife, Anna has steps in to take care of things for Jacob. And in the end, laid to rest those anonymous accusations of plagiarism that so tormented him. But there is so much more to this book than this simple recap. My full review HERE

The Sequel

We pick up Anna’s story as a literary widow (no, I won’t reveal why or how) enjoying her husband’s royalty checks in perpetuity. She decides, how hard can it actually be to write a popular and universally lauded bestseller? So she writes her own debut novel, “The Afterword” which tells her side of her relationship with best-selling author Jake and his death (again not telling…).

Anna gets her book published and indulges in her own literary acclaim, but soon she begins to receive excerpts of a novel she never expected to see again, a novel that should no longer exist. Something has gone very wrong, and someone out there knows far too much: about her late brother, her late husband, and just possibly… Anna’s own dark history.

She has come too far, and worked too hard, to lose what she values most: the sole and uncontested right to her own story. And she is, by any standard, a master storyteller. Determined to take care of things once and for all, Anna attempts to do just that. After all, this is Anna’s story and she will not allow anyone to take it from her, no matter what the cost.

The story brings the reader along on an intense ride as Anna attempts to sort things out. We come to realize that Anna has her past secrets and dark issues that plague her, leading to darkness and violence. and warning — violent it is!

Yes, The Sequel is a dark thriller, and while it goes a bit slow at first, but the last half of the book takes off and I kept turning the pages. I never really empathized with Anna (as I did Jake in The Sequel) and I found her character somewhat one-dimensional and unlikable. Like its predecessor it delves into the publishing world and the overall theme of plagiarism but not with the same artfulness as The Plot which it turns out I enjoyed much more.

Recommended as a good plane read, but be prepared for some violent scenes and dark motivations, not to mention an unlikable character.