Remarkable Creatures, Tracy Chevalier’s newest novel, tells the story of Mary Anning, a British fossil collector, from the nineteenth century, who became famous for finding the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton, and her friend Elizabeth Philpot, a middle-aged spinster who moved to Lyme Regis with her sisters and took an interest in fossil hunting. Different backgrounds but similar interests bring them together, in a friendship that no one else understands, and they both tell us their story, alternating chapters throughout the book, with truly distinctive voices. (…)
England, 1173. Times are of rebellion, King Henry II’s sons oppose him in his choice of successor and trying to secure their place and lands, decide to move against him, with the help of their mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. Despite their efforts the King is victorious, and after imprisoning his wife, he deals out his sons’ due punishment, completely crushing their rebellion.
Browsing through the extensive list of Jean Plaidy’s books I decided to read Flaunting, Extravagant Queen, about the life of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France from 1774 to 1792. I have to confess that my knowledge regarding French history is sadly lacking, which was one of the reasons that made me choose this book, plus the other day I saw a documentary about this fascinating and misunderstood woman and have been wanting to learn more about her ever since. (…)
Everyone knows the tale of Robin Hood, the Prince of Thieves, who robs the rich to give to the poor, so Stephen Lawhead decided to write a different story, more or less based on the famous tale, claiming that this is closer to the truth. His explanation at the end of the book does sound believable and although we may never know if Robin Hood truly existed, who he was or when he lived, it was certainly interesting to hear a different account of the facts, even if lacking a little on the action scenes. (…)
