Booknutt

Very much enjoyed "To Defy a King" - and who wouldn't "defy" the rotter which King John was as he tried to remove even more wealth from his subjects by force? For a people who very much had God in their minds and in their everyday lives back then, it was a bit of a cheek hiding some of their valuables in monastries and nunneries! Crafty, though. It's a shame that the the marriage of Roger and Ida became such a sham, I thought. Poor old Ida never really stopped mourning the "loss" of her royal son, Longspree, left behind at Court when he was a baby. That's something we love about Chadwick novels isn't it? The mixture and flow of emotions, the reality of life. Great Stuff. Moving on this weekend to "Lords of the White Castle". Another book based on the lives of actual historical characters. Has anyone read it?

Beautiful, isn't it, Rekha333? The Knighty/McFadden version shows a bit, too, also some of the film versions of the other novels. Jane Austen herself loved dancing. The figures of the dances, and the changing of partners also reflect the attitudes of the characters as they work their way through their growing relationship - meeting and parting, meeting and parting - till they finish the dance ... together. Lovely. Pure romance - without the modern day need for snogging as part of the action!

"To Defy a King" is my latest Chadwick. Sequel to "A Time of Singing" and it's fun to read about the now-older Ida and Roger being parents and in-laws to the lively Mahlet, (daughter to William Marshall) married to their son, Hugh. The trouble is that Mahlet's youth is a barrier to the full consummation of their marriage yet, so although they both live in the same household, the "oldies" are keeping a firm eye on the efforts of the kids as they "woo" each other! It was a good idea for a young girl to live with her in-laws for a few years, to get used to her new household before she took full charge, but frustrating for the youngsters if there was an actual attraction there. That was quite rare in marriages of the time - they were more business arrangements with both parties "doing their duty". Another lovely "read" from a great Chadwick Library. Which one are you ? .

Spot on, Miss Mabel - "going back in time" just describes my own love of the classics. Opening the cover of a visit into an earlier world - the world our great-great-grandparents came from ,maybe? If you're into exploring your family history it's one way to get a feel for your kinfolks of old. Experiencing the speech, listening to popular views and even hearing the argument for the opposite, and observing the daily life of that time. We've all come from that to nowadays, some good changes and some not-so. Who needs The Tardis to travel? Just pick up a Dickens or Hardy or Austen or etc., novel - and sit back for the trip. .. and one more pleasure - that beautiul vocabularly, those rich descriptive speeches (Dickens or Hardy especially) We don't have conversations or self-expression like that nowdays - everybody is just so bloomin' busy. Like this, maybe?

Well, fans - I loved it. Everything was covered from underwear to dancing, invitations to that glorious food! Amazing how even the young profesional dancers who made up the Ball-goers admitted how tiring they found the dances, some of which could last for half an hour. Those romantic Regency folks were pretty fit - even if the women at least, had no access to Gyms back then. I loved the idea of the pretty paper fans with the "prompt" printed on the back to help anyone uncertain of the steps. Useful for the gals, but the chaps had no such help. Altogether very enjoyable. I give it eight out of ten. My disappointments were that it could have easily been two hours long, and the room chosen at Chawton House seemed quite small to me - it wasn't possible to enjoy the music and admire the grace of the dancing as much as I'd have liked, as the dancers were actually quite squeezed together. Still, I've got the dancing in the original Ehle/Firth P & P DVD to enioy anytime I fancy.

Just a thought which I thunk after I'd left, Extreemneo - you might like biographies or autobiographies? For me, they're a "middle ground" between fiction and text books. It can be fascinating to read about the life of someone else, from pop star to politician and all the range in between. We know so little about the whole-people who are also the familiar faces of our society. Not to mention the ordinary folk who have their tales to tell, too. Someone at your local Library will point them out for you, you could add a couple more to that armful you can borrow You may be in there some time, my friend - have fun! .

Have just found out that one of my favourite films is actually also a book - why I didn't check that before I don't know. "Black Narcissus" by Rumer Godden is now on request for me at the Library - and I like the sound of her "Kingfishers Catch Fire", too. Quite excited to have found a "new" author to explore.

Welcome amongst us new friend - may the years of you enjoying the pleasure of reading for relaxation be long ones. I'd suggest a trip to your local Public Library, Extreemneo. Joining is free - usually you just need a photo ID and maybe a utility bill or two to confirm your home address. Phone them to check, before you go, and once that's done you can unleash yourself - The purpose for your reading on this occasion is relaxation, after all, so it might be best to just let yourself wander about the shelves and let your eye fall on the title it's drawn to. Titles themselves are the first big "hook" of an author, and you'll find your hand reaching for that certain one ... or more. Try choosing a novel from each section - (maybe you wouldn't fancy Romance, though! ) - most Libraries will let you borrow at least 6 books, so you can borrow them all and try them at leisure at home (Maybe take a bag with you to carry your booty away, too?) If you dislike them, it hasn't cost you a penny - unless you forget to return them within the (usually 3 week) lending period, that is! .You can also renew them for a further period if you like. Or - have a wander around either a Charity shop or your "High Street" bookshop. Obviously the Charity shop will be considerably cheaper, and better for a "try it and see" choice. There are some great good-quality bargains in Charity shops nowadays, as many people move from paperback books onto e-readers instead, and there's no time limit to worry about - once bought, it's all yours. There's years of entertainment and relaxation just waiting for you - dive in, you'll love it! .

All P& P fans are cordially invited to - This Friday night (10th May) BBC 2, 9 p.m. - 10.30 where the programme of "Pride and Prejudice - Having a Ball" will be screened, to show us the kind of preparations required to throw the Ball at Netherfield. Food, dancing, music and costumes will be enjoyed by all - Comfy slippers and chocolate in a form of choice, must be provided by the individuals concerned! Have a good time - and come and share what we thought of it - ? .

Just for the info of any fans who may drop by before the evening off Friday 10th May - There's a programme scheduled on BBC 2, 9 p.m. - 10.30 "Pride and Prejudice Having a Ball" in honour of the 200th anniversary of our beloved novel. The subject is - the kind of preparations which will have gone on to throw the ball at Netherfield - food, dancing, dress etc., It'll surely be an interesting "watch" for any fan, especially if you also just happen to be studying the novel, too. Enjoy, all!

The No. 1 series would be great little holday - just imagine Mma Ramotswe in her bikini, alongside you on the beach. Great fun!

Have just bought 7 of the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency books - excusing myself such foolishness, as they were only £2 each in a charity shop, and in great condition I've already read all this wonderful series, but they call me back again and again, and never get "old". The humour, the respect the characters show each other, ,and the pure love of life shines though each one. Sometimes I even shed an emotional tear or two ... It's the cheapest little holiday I can take, and I love the DVD's too.

Just a thought on that, Ponta - what about trying an online store? You could get one sent over from here, and it doesn't cost much more, in fact it's usually about the same and often cheaper if you choose good condition pre-owned.. A local bookstore could order for you to be sent from here too - but might be a bit more expensive. . I sometimes use that online store which reminds us of strong warrior women starting with A----- and have got several books from the States which weren't available here. The lists of alternative sellers provided usually has a few useful sources . The journey time may be a couple of weeks maybe -, but better than waiting till August. and if all else fails - it'll be something pleasant to look forward to enjoying during the Summer

Always a pleasure to share the excitement of a new author, Nabokovian. Come back and let me know what you think after you've read it, won't you?

Have just finished reading this great first novel of Elizabeth Fremantle, and an enjoyable job she's made of it, too. It follows the fortunes of Katherine Parr (the last Queen of Henry VIII), and her servant girl Dot, whose experiences figure largely in the book too. In fact she has the "last word" after Katherine's death. I liked the "upstairs/downstairs" mixture of this story. The underbelly of life in the beautiful palaces of any King is rarely mentioned in most historical novels. Dot's experiences as she come new to the life of a lowly but beloved servant to another new Queen of England are just as interesting as those of her mistress, surrounded by the usual splendour and intrigue of Court life. . Has anyone else read this yet? What did you think of it? . . .

Have just found a use for the space between the side of my bookcase and the wall - 3 large hardback Juliet Marilliers fit vertically in there very nicely. Now why didn't I think of that before? I used to store books in a similar way between the side of my wardrobe and the wall, too. Pity that space is taken up with other things, now.. Happy reading, All.

There's other two novels in the series currently Ummlilia, The Book of Love and The Poet Prince. Also, a promise from Kathleen for more to come! It's a great series. Makes you think about things ....

You might be interested in "Daughters of the Grail" by Elizabeth Chadwick too, Ummlilia. It's fiction, but gives an as-living account of Cathar life and beliefs at that time.

Got mixed feelings about the t.v. version of Labyrinth. Having recently finished the book itself, I braced myself for huge chunks of the story being missing or messed with, and wasn't disappointed in that. It could've been at least 1 - 2 hours longer So why on earth wasn't it? The same company did so for the Pillars of the Earth and World without End novels and made quite a decent job of them. If you divorce it from the book and watch it as a "timeslip" film only, it's pretty acceptable. It's also rare for me to feel sorry for the "baddies" but the fate of vain Marie-Cecile did make me pity her. At least Sajhe had his love for Alais to help him through a few hundred years of waiting - and men don't fret about wrinkles like we gals do! I recorded it, so I'll watch it again - maybe I'll warm to it more. Not a patch on the book, though.

I wish I was triplets! That way I could get to some of these great I haven't enjoyed yet.

What about "Out of Africa" - ? It's quite a weepy, but romantic love is just one of the kinds of "love" it covers.

I agree with Raven, anotheruser, expensive as it may be, a professional opinion is best for an already-elderly book. It might cost a bit, but if your old friend is special enough it'll be worth it. Otherwise, what about storing your elderly (or newer) book/s in an airtight box of some kind and keeping it in a place where it's dry. It works well for me as I've no other choice than to store many of my own books outside in an airtight (plastic) crate. So long as I'm careful to bring it inside before I open it, (i.e. in the dry) they seem quite fit and and happy, and I've has some of them for years. Are you a member of your local Library? Even if not, maybe a Librarian could offer some advice. The Public Libraries store some really elderly books in a particular way in order to keep them as fit as possible. It might be worth an ask. Good Luck

Yes folks - you read it here ... "Labyrith" is on T.V. this weekend, C4 to be exact, on Saturday and Sunday nights. Each half is stretched over 2hrs.05 mins t.v. time, I'm braced for the fact that it won't be "the same" as the book - t.v. adaptaions never are - but it'll still be good to have an Easter change from the usual Bond re-runs! Enjoy your Easter eggs while you watch

O ye Gods! It might be mean-spirited of me, but having ordered the DVD, I hope it's not this Spring, Sue!