A War and Justice Diary

by Victoria Amelina

It is painful, tragic, sad and upsetting to come to this book knowing that its young (37), brave, fierce, talented author is no longer alive. Amelina was killed in Ukraine when she was out having pizza with other writers. Just knowing this, brings all of the horrors of the Ukraine war to light. So many innocent people have been caught up in events that did not have to be.

Left behind is this work which will, I think, become a classic. It looks at war’s impact on women and the resistance that they wage. It is beautifully written and unfinished for reasons that the reader knows. This greatly adds to its impact.

This is not an easy book to read but it needs to be read. I recommend it most highly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 18 February 2025

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Devastating…not to be missed.”
―Publishers Weekly (Starred)

“Amelina’s absence may be felt on every page… It slows you down. It transmits a powerful sense of chaos. It compels attentiveness, as the TV news does not.How to process such things? …As the months roll on, it’s sometimes hard to feel anything at all. Her colleague Oleksandra Matviichuk tells her that when this happens, she should find a pot of face cream and rub it into her cheeks: its coldness, softness and scent will bring her back to life, she’ll find. And it’s true. After a day of heavy bombardments in Kyiv…Amelina tries it for herself, and it works. Such details doubtless won’t be found in any of the bigger, more complete books that will one day be written about the war in Ukraine, but to me they are of inestimable worth: not fiction but written, nevertheless, with the fine sensibility of a novelist.”
―The Guardian

“Amelina has an impressive eye for detail and an incredible capacity to lyrically capture an image and imbue the smallest moments with humanity….Gorgeously rendered.”
―Kirkus (Starred)

“Makes you want to weep, because what the pages of Looking at Women Looking at War instantly make clear is just how much Amelina had to offer…[An] anguished attempt to answer the question: when your country is facing an existential threat, what role can the creative artist play?”
―Financial Times

Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsSeptember 22, 2019

Lady Clementine is a wonderful historical novel and one that I highly recommend. As can be seen from the title, it is the story of Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston. The story is told in Clementine’s voice and Ms. Benedict inhabits that so well that, while reading, I truly felt that Clementine was telling her story. The book focuses quite a bit on WWII but there was much before that in Clementine’s biography and these earlier times merit also captured the author’s attention.

Readers learn that Clementine’s childhood was rather insecure and find out why this was so. The losses she experienced and her opportunities to marry before meeting Winston are detailed.

Clementine and Winston had many years together prior to WWII. Readers experience the ups and downs of their relationship, Winston’s political and military woes and their significant family tragedy. Winston’s neediness and strong need for Clementine to be available become quite clear. Readers also witness Clementine’s mental health struggles and the challenges that she faced as a mother. Throughout there is the lens of Clementine finding her own voice and her desire to be appreciated and recognized for the incredible woman that she was.

I give this novel 5 stars, something that I rarely do. I recommend it that highly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this read in exchange for an honest review.

The best thrillers of 2025 so far — our critics’ top books

https://www.thetimes.com/article/1a102492-e55b-4c47-ae5d-659732fc01de?shareToken=5470dac9d5d69e40911bbfd11a768a67

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/02/18/books/review/20th-century-classics.html

Getting the Most from Your New Cuddle Unit

by Queen Olivia III

#TheCatOperatorsManual #NetGalley

This title offers a tongue in cheek perspective (purrspective) on the relationship between Cuddle Unit 5 (a cat) and humans. The text is quirky but fun and the illustrations help to make the points.

There are what feel like the daily experiences (expurriences) of the cat-human relationship described here. For example, see the section on bed making. Many cat folks will related to how their Cuddle Unit feels about feeding, being disturbed and more.

This book will very much enjoyed by a cat lover.

Many thanks to Chronicle Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 18 March 2025

For fans of The Crown. This novel, set in post WWII England, is a story about the women who made Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown.  Part of the story takes place in 1940s Britain while there is also a modern thread (no pun intended).  I think that this will be an absorbing and fun read. Start the year right with this one.  (Full review to follow)

“Robson deftly weaves issues of class, trauma, romance, and female friendship with satisfying details of Ann and Miriam’s craft. This unique take on the royal wedding will be an easy sell to fans of Netflix’s The Crown and a sure bet for readers of women-centered historical fiction.” (Booklist (starred review))

“Robson vividly brings to life these three women’s struggles. Historical details about fabric, embroidery, and the royal family are well incorporated into their stories, with light romance rounding out this charming work of historical fiction.”   (Library Journal)

“Robson’s novel shifts deftly between… Toronto to London in 2016… giving meticulous attention to the historical detail of post–World War II London. A fascinating glimpse into the world of design, the healing power of art, and the importance of women’s friendships.”
(Kirkus Reviews)

Currently an e book bargain

I read and enjoyed The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir so was thrilled to be offered this e-galley from NetGalley and the publisher.

This novel takes place during WWII. I duly note how many recent historical novels have taken place during this era. Nonetheless, I found this to be one that was a good read.

The novel’s protagonist, Mrs. Braithwaite, (a woman of a certain age), has tried to live her life very much in accord with convention and awareness of social status. She is dethroned from her position as head of the WI early in the book. Over the subsequent course of the novel Mrs. B changes from an unlikable character to a woman with more nuance.

Mrs. B’s emotional and real journeys put her in contact with the unassuming Mr. Norris. Together they move away from their comfort zones, begin thinking more of others and have adventures. Yes, belief must be suspended but one roots for them nonetheless.

There are several story lines that show Mrs. B’s emotional growth. One has to do with a young teacher injured in a bombing raid while another takes place during the blackout in a supposedly safe haven that becomes flooded. The reader also comes to understand Mrs. B’s biography and how it led her to be the person that she was.

There are spies and plots along with counter plots and a depiction of war-torn London. There are the beginnings of a gentle love between the protagonists and other hearts that have been broken.

Mrs. Braithwaite reminds me a bit of Mrs. Bird, the eponymous character in one of 2018’s debut novels. However, unlike Mrs. Bird, Mrs. Braithwaite has the capacity to change.

I enjoyed this novel. Again, thanks to NetGalley and publisher.

A few other WWII books that I have blogged on:

This Bird Soars Dear Mrs. Bird

A (de)light to read: Light Over London

the prisoner in the castle

#PatrickMahomes #NetGalley

Here is another excellent entry in the author’s series that explores the lives of now famous people. She looks at how they came to be that well known person.

In the case of Mahomes, he tried several sports before becoming a Super Bowl winning quarterback. But it was not only sports, but also sportsmanship and dealing with setbacks, that made Mahomes the special athlete that he is. He is also a person who has given back through his foundation.

Kids will enjoy learning more about the football player in this delightfully illustrated entry. It would make a nice gift for a young sports fan.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 23 January 2025

New Books to Make Your Heart Race

#TheMinotaurSamplerVolume14 #NetGalley

Regular readers of my blog know that I love the Minotaur samplers. They always offer an advance peek at forthcoming mysteries that fans of the genre will want to read.

This time, learn about books by Erin Dunn; Gillian French; Sandra Jackson-Opoku; Jo Nichols; and Archer Sullivan. There are descriptions of the books along with generous excerpts, info on the authors and, BEST OF ALL, the sampler is free.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 March 2025

The publisher notes that this book is from an esteemed National Geographic explorer and forest ecologist making her the perfect companion for these pages. Nadkarni has loved trees since childhood and, by now, has climbed trees on four continents.

Readers will enjoy dipping into this author’s essays which she says are about “celebrating everyday trees and their relationships with everyday people who encounter them.” These encounters can include even simple things like using chopsticks.

The book is organized by seasons. Entries are short, engaging and easy to read. By the end, readers will walk away with a deep appreciation for nature’s gifts and will know that it is important to preserve our natural resources.

Many thanks to NetGalley and National Geographic for this title. All opinions are my own.

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher