Jan 16, 2015 | On Books, Past Notes
Ariana Franklin is the master of historical suspense, and I love what she did in MISTRESS OF THE ART OF DEATH. My favorite part of the book is her mock-Chaucerian beginning, where she quickly sketches the different characters who are approaching Cambridge after their...
Jan 16, 2015 | On Books, Past Notes
Morality Play, by Barry Unsworth, is a tight taut tale of a troupe of actors in 14th century England who enter a new village and find out about the murder of a local boy. In a twist unusual to their station in the culture and their tenuous place in life, they actually...
Dec 1, 2014 | On Books, Past Notes
Historical Fiction Book Tour REVIEW Book Review by Mirella Patzer This book is definitely making quite a stir in the historical fiction community, and after reading it, I can see why. First, it is a gripping tale about a mute named Mear whose son was one of five young...
Nov 30, 2014 | On Writing, Past Notes, Poetry
I’m sorry to report that the wonderful poet Mark Strand has died. In his honor, here is my favorite poem by him: The Continuous Life What of the neighborhood homes awash In a silver light, of children crouched in the bushes, Watching the grown-ups for signs of...
Nov 29, 2014 | On Books, Past Notes
Sinful Folk by Ned Hayes: REVIEW BY FLASHLIGHT COMMENTARY Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Obtained from: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Read: October 19, 2014 A terrible loss. A desperate journey. A mother seeks the truth. In December of the year 1377, five children were...
