This is another case of a great story resulting in a mediocre (at best) book. I was extremely interested when I saw the blurb and I got an advance copy in e-galley form. I finished it, because I wanted to write an honest and fair review, but dear reader, you will do better to readContinue reading “Star Spangled Scandal by Chris DeRose”
Author Archives: Robin Henry
The Heroine by Eaton Stannard Barrett
As I continue my quest to read the Gothic novels that Austen read, I came to this gem. Technically speaking, it could not have been an inspiration for Northanger Abbey, since it was published in 1813 and read by Austen in February and March of 1814, however, it provides a fascinating look at Gothic parodyContinue reading “The Heroine by Eaton Stannard Barrett”
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
This has been sitting on my to be read pile for quite a while. I originally received it as an e-galley, but decided to wait and buy it because I enjoy books more when they are in physical format. I could tell this one would be one that would require some time and attention. First,Continue reading “The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck”
Darkness at Pemberly by T. H. White
If you have read my earlier post about the Austen in Austin exhibit at the Ransom Center in Austin, you will have seen a reference to this book in my comments. After I visited the exhibit and heard Janine’s talk, I had to find the book and read it. This little book combined two ofContinue reading “Darkness at Pemberly by T. H. White”
The Making of Jane Austen by Devoney Looser
The Making of Jane Austen by Devoney Looser Johns Hopkins University Press (2017), 295 pages Paperback (2019), $19.95 First published in 2017, I am reviewing the 2019 paperback version with a new afterword. For those interested in reception history and Jane Austen reception in particular, this well-researched book contains much that is original and highlyContinue reading “The Making of Jane Austen by Devoney Looser”
Tea Time Treat: Chocolate Loaf Cake
About a year ago, I embarked on a project to adapt a beautifully illustrated but dreadfully written cookbook, Maison Kayser’s French Pastry Workshop: a Step-by-Step Guide. You can read my review and those of many other disappointed home cooks, on GoodReads. Basically, the ingredient lists are a joke, containing things like, “1 ½ cups +Continue reading “Tea Time Treat: Chocolate Loaf Cake”
Review: The Word is Murder and The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz
It is true that neither of these titles is new, but they are worth consideration for mystery fans, especially fans of the mystery sub-genre, lovingly called “cozies.” If you are looking for a little light reading to get you through quarantine, these two Horowitz gems may do the trick. Full disclosure–I am a Horowitz fan!Continue reading “Review: The Word is Murder and The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz”
Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis by Ada Calhoun
If you are a GenX woman, this is the support group you’ve been looking for–you are not imagining it, being GenX sucks. Squeezed between Boomers and Millenials, GenX has gotten a bad wrap for being whiners, but as this book shows, we’ve got plenty to whine about. It’s not all bad news, though. If youContinue reading “Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis by Ada Calhoun”
The Holdout by Graham Moore
Ten years ago Maya was on the LA jury that acquitted Bobby Nock, accused murderer of one of his students with whom he was having an inappropriate relationship. The jury’s names were leaked to the press and none of them have had any peace since. Most of the public believed Bobby was guilty and theyContinue reading “The Holdout by Graham Moore”
Review of new Emma directed by Autumn de Wilde
You can read a professional review here. While I am a professional with regard to book reviews, I am not a professional movie critic, so this is just the opinion of one Janeite, take it for what it is worth. Overall, I found the new Emma very enjoyable. The costumes and scenery–both the exteriors andContinue reading “Review of new Emma directed by Autumn de Wilde”