Star Rating: *** Pages: 249 English translation first published by Secker and Warburg in 2003 Originally written in German and titled Herr Lehmann this story represents life in Berlin, for the twenty-something’s, before the wall came down. With no responsibility or sense of short-coming Herr Lehmann has embarked on a…
Star rating: *** Pages: 256 First published by Hogarth Press in 1939 Want to know what Germany was like pre WWII? Christopher Isherwood highlights the highs and lows of life in Berlin in his short biographical observations expertly put together within this novel. Split into six short stories, all with…
Star Rating: **** Pages: 463 First published in 2011 by Century I recently read an article that condemned James Patterson for his joint projects. The author of the article was unrelenting in his disapproval of the split in workload: two people discuss the storyline and plan out the chapters but…
Marrakech is famous for many things – the Souks and the Night Market of Djemaa-el-Fna to name just two – so to stumble across the brightly coloured Majorelle Gardens was a complete surprise. Designed by the expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle during the 1920’s and 30’s the twelve acres of…
Star Rating: **** Pages: 372 First Published by Headline Publishing Group in 2013 Quiet, reserved, submissive to the life she has adopted as her own – are these all characteristics that lead to murder? This novel is written from the perspective of two people: the unofficial wife, Jodi, a Psychologist…
When people travel to Morocco, and in particular the larger cities, they have an idea in mind of what to expect. Narrow alleyways full to the brim with tiny little stalls that make up the prominent souks: a hive of activity both night and day. Locals exploring the fresh, brightly coloured market produce…
Star Rating: *** Pages: 204 First published in 2005 If you want a laugh-out-loud quick read about a family camping trip this is the book. We follow the adventures of a British family setting off on their annual summer holiday camping exploits in France and from the very beginning you…
Wandering the dusty streets and alleyways surrounding the souks you would be forgiven for thinking that the only attraction in this African city is the allure of some haggling in the covered, crowded corridors lined with enticing stalls, specialising in just about everything you could imagine. Whilst the souks are…
Star Rating: ** Pages: 312 First published in 1991 After years of others raving about Bill Bryson and his novels I took the plunge and added a couple of his titles to my Christmas List. To say I am a little disappointed is probably an understatement. Other than his occasional…
No visit to Marrakech would be complete without a visit to the Medersa Ben Youssef, an Islamic school attached to the Ben Youssef Mosque; home to some of the most beautiful art and architecture you will come across whist in Morocco. Once one of the largest Theological Schools in North…