Cliff 
“Outside of a dog, man’s best friend is a book” wrote Groucho Marx. Adding “Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” We are always surrounded by darkness at Christmas. This year the match of the festive spirit seems difficult to ignite. Never mind, a book is the perfect pressie that informs, educates and entertains. It rarely needs charging and generally delights the soul. I read a lot of books and blog about them so you can make an … Read more
After moving to Devon, Guy Shrubsole was astounded to discover temperate rainforests on his doorstep. Entranced by their beauty and abundance he set out to discover all he could about this rare and precious habitat. Beginning in Wistman’s Wood and other Dartmoor fragments he travels up the western seaboard of Britain including Wales, the Lakes and Scotland exploring these magical woodlands, their biodiversity, their people, their history and deep connections to our culture. What he discovered was a landscape … Read more
Commando: The Inside Story of Britain’s Royal Marines by Monty Halls The first words of chapter one pretty much sum up what sets a Royal Marine apart: “99% need not apply.” Monty then adds, “This was an ill-judged, but statistically accurate, slogan for a 1990s Royal Marines recruiting campaign.” We’re talking an elite force here and South Devon based Monty, also a former Royal Marine officer who served for over a decade, is superbly placed to shine a light … Read more
The Bookery’s Cliff waxes lyrical about the beginning of Javier Marias’ bestseller A Heart So White… Javier Marias died in September. Widely regarded as one of the best Spanish writers and translators ever, his prize-winning career was one of amazing novel after amazing novel, with no dip in quality. The publishing of a new Marias book was something to be looked forward to, and then celebrated. And, in my opinion, one of his novels contained the best opening line in … Read more
Kev McCready is a writer, born in Liverpool but now living in Devon. Always with his nose in a book and a cuppa brewing. A fanatical reader since the age of five, Kev has a collection of bookmarks as esoteric as his bookshelves… The 13th of October was “Super Thursday”. No, it’s nothing to do with superheroes, or posh expressions of delight that it’s nearly the weekend. It marked the start of the season for Christmas books. And I know … Read more
Annette Shaw is a freelance journalist with 30 years of experience, and has a regular column in Devon Life, sharing her pick of brilliant books with Devon connections. With her reputation for championing books and authors around the county, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to showcase her reviews here. The Drowning Hour by S.K. Tremayne This man, who hails from Devon, writes brilliant books. The kind where you ring a friend for a reality check because it haunts, mystifies and … Read more
Superstar author William Boyd is back, telling the story of a rich and varied life well lived. Cashel Ross, an orphan brought up in Cork, navigates his way through the early 19th century touched by major events and significant figures – he survives Waterloo, he travels Europe and socialises with romantic poets, and crosses the Atlantic to become a brewer. Although the life of one man, the history he lives touches on universal truths and deeply held values. William … Read more
Kev McCready is a writer, born in Liverpool but now living in Devon. Always with his nose in a book and a cuppa brewing. A fanatical reader since the age of five, Kev has a collection of bookmarks as esoteric as his bookshelves… It’s easy to dismiss Marian Keyes work as romantic fluff and you would be foolish to do so. Her books are a delicate balancing act of dry wit; combined with big issues addiction, mental illness, domestic violence … Read more
Annette Shaw is a freelance journalist with 30 years of experience, and has a regular column in Devon Life, sharing her pick of brilliant books with Devon connections. With her reputation for championing books and authors around the county, we’re delighted to have the opportunity to showcase her reviews here. How To Live in The Country by Tom Hodgkinson Lockdown has caused many of us to re-evaluate our lives. Pondering more self-reliance and living in closer harmony with nature, priorities have … Read more
One of the best writers around today is Lawrence Osborne. Originally a travel writer, his modern fiction is atmospheric, gritty, and seductive – perhaps the best way to describe him is that he channels the ghost of Graham Greene, punctuated with the bite of early Ian McEwan short stories. Below are three of his best and most interesting works: The Wet And The Dry A funny and entertaining travelogue, where Osborne travels the world trying to get a drink. Moving … Read more
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