Reviews

  Freya loves rainbows. She loves their bright colours and their curvy shape. More than anything, she wishes she has one of her very own. One that she can keep forever. So she decides to become a Rainbow Hunter! Armed with a net and a rucksack full of rainbow hunting kit she sets off to catch a rainbow, but there are no rainbows to be found. Undeterred, Freya decides to make her own, collecting items in every colour of the … Read more

  An impressive, sweeping Great-Depression-era novel which uncovers the truth behind a reclusive millionaire. Secretive Wall Street tycoon Andrew Bevel is the subject of much innuendo and gossip, as well as suspicion. Between the bare facts and the scandal written about him lies a deeper, and more complex truth…which will be revealed by the end of the novel. Trust is ingeniously split into four sections – a sensationalised novel of Bevel’s life, followed by his own Autobiography, followed by an … Read more

  Its 1926 and, while London recovers from WW1, there are cracks in the Coker family empire – a string of glamorous but illicit nightclubs in Soho – built by the wily and resourceful Nellie Coker, a character inspired by the obituary of real-life club maven Kate Meyrick. Shrewd and ruthless, Nellie is ambitious with a flair for business. She wants the best education for her six children, funded by her extremely lucrative trading activities. But the world Nellie exists … Read more

  After a gap of 21 years, swashbuckling anti-hero Luther Arkwright makes a spectacular return for more warped adventures in the multiverse. Luther Arkwright travels through parallel dimensions of earth that are both familiar and startlingly different, skipping between utopian and dystopian in the blink of an eye. When humanity is threatened with mass destruction from an evolved threat, it is up to him to use strength and guile to overcome staggering odds and save the day. Superstar writer and … Read more

  A road trip in 1950’s America is fraught with diversions and distractions in this fantastic and immersive read. Returning home from juvenile jail, where he has served time for accidentally killing a boy, Emmett intends to take his brother and set off across the state line to make a new life for them both. However his past is never far away, and threatens to ruin their future before they even get started building it. What could be a long … Read more

  A beautiful, balanced account of a year exploring the natural history of the New Forest, revisiting places first discovered 40 years ago, how they have changed and reflections on what Ansell has learnt in between.  Neil Ansell has shown in his previous books, Deep Country and Last Wilderness, a special talent for immersing himself in a landscape. In clear, descriptive prose The Circling Sky conveys his experiences of 30-odd walks throughout all seasons of the Forest – the sights, … Read more

  A remarkable portrait of this unique archipelago, its amazing natural history, its rich culture and mix of modern and traditional society.  Tim Ecott first visited the Faroes 10 years ago and was captivated by the landscape, people and wildlife. He returned many times forging lasting relationships with farmers, fishermen,  environmentalists and historians who have shared their knowledge and invited him to experience life on the islands, participating in the hunting, harvesting and celebrations, giving him a true insight and … Read more

  A hugely entertaining romp through the history of Europe’s oldest civilisation. From the popular ‘Shortest History’ series, this latest focus is of Greece and it’s surrounding islands. In a brief but detailed format which includes photographs and illustrations, it traces the odyssey of the Greeks from ancient past all the way up to their complicated present. Ex-Ottakers boss James Heneage – currently residing in Greece – gives us all we could ask for and more with this deep dive … Read more

  Sam Wasson revisits one of the most pivotal moments in American film history – the making of Chinatown. 1974’s Chinatown, which starred Jack Nicholson and was directed by Roman Polanski, is widely regarded as a turning point in both the style and method of filmmaking in America. Behind the scenes of this groundbreaking motion picture though is a story of betrayal, deceit and passion from which none of the protagonists come away unscathed. More than just a simple blow-by-blow … Read more