sirinrob

glad to have helped and hands cookie another serviette

That sounds an interesting read, dovetailing rather neatly into background reading for my writing ( I accept it is fiction, but as it's historical fiction then it counts )

One way I like to cook leg of lamb ( I prefer the the top of the leg, as it's meatier) is to pot roast. what I do is put the joint in a large casserole pot. Add chopped onion, garlic, juniper berries (crushed), root vegetables. season to taste and add enough liquid, water is ok as the lamb releases a lot of liquid as it cooks, to come halfway up the joint. then gently simmer the meat for 4 hours covered, turning once an hour. Then uncover and continue cooking for another hour. you end up with lamb that melts in the mouth and a tasty sauce as well.

The Faeroese writer, musician and painter William Heinesen, wrote this novel in 1950. The novel tells the story of three brothers who live on the Faeroe Islands. All three are musicians, who use their musical talents to offset the various setbacks in their everyday lives. Their story is played out against the backdrop of the war of words between the sectarians, who want alcohol banned and the rest of the populace. This war of words has consequences for each brother. The novel has a fair number of colourful characters. The brothers themselves are to varying degrees daft. The leader of the sectarians is a bigoted, buffoon. The supporting characters are a motley bunch of ne'er do wells and well intentioned souls. The book is divided into four parts, each labeled as a movement by the author. The first part is the easiest to engage with, containing some magical moments, chapter 3 in particular. The story really starts in Part 2, which is amusing in places. Part 3 is the heart of the war of words. This is heavy going, the themes being rather heavily handed. Part 4 describes the fate of each brother. The son of one leaves the island as well. The version I read was translated by W. Glyn-Jones. Based on the 'taster' given on the publisher's website I was going to say this is an excellent translation. Having read the book, I've modified my view. He does capture the author's deft use of language, but in places is over precise. Whilst the prose does flow, there is a forced feel to it. Add to that a couple of oddly constructed sentences and continuity errors leads me to conclude it is a good translation. Overall the heavy handed treatment of many of the themes, the contrived plot and rather sombre feel reduced my enjoyment of this novel.

finished 'The Lost Musiciains' by William Heinesen. Had been looking forward to reading it, but was a bit disappointed in it by the time I finished. Made a start on 'Palace Walk' by Naguib Mahfouz. Read 11 chapters and really enjoying it.

Thanks Janet. Reading her article she gives the runes there traditional meaning - naud being a good example. the ordering of the runes I'm using is different and the qualities are different, so I'm probably on solid ground. I'm surprised they haven't really been used that much. I know Tolkien used them, but purely from a language point of view. Can't comment on HP as I haven't read it, but would be surprised if it deviated much, if at all from the traditional approach.

right quick check on those three shows IO'm using them in a different way, both in period and meaning.

thanks chesil, I'll look into them.

Does any one know of a work of fiction ( novel, short story, novella) in which the nordic runes play a significant role. I'm using them, but I'm not aware of other fiction that does.

Going to make a determined effort with the 'Lost Muscians' tonight - damn the writing.

Peter Hoeg

This might not be quite what you are looking for but 'The arrow of time' Peter coveney & roger Highfield covers Relativity and Thermodynamics. It is relatively old (1990) but is a serious book, not popular science, at the same time is accesible

Just to add this is one hell of a book

now when can i move into barters shop, book heaven

seems i missed question 10 The status of women in afghanistan seems to have always been somewhat precarious. In Kabul they fared better than elsewhere, till the Taliban took over. In more rural areas they where treated little better than servants, a point the author makes.

Thanks Kylie. !'ve got 'Cloudstreet' on my wishlist ( as a result of your review) I'll look into the Malouf as well.

Be interested in what you think of the Penguin Guide to Punctuation as I'm looking for such a book. There are online guides, but the advice seems to vary somewhat which is confusing. I don't need extra confusion at the moment

Finished 'Tiare' by C

This is the third novel by this Tahitian born writer, who now lives in Australia where she wrote this novel. Her previous two novels are 'Breadfruit' and ' 'Frangipani'. synopsis from amazon.co.uk In the Tahitian town of Faa'a the daily routine is relaxed and pleasantly predictable. But there's one thing you cannot escape and that's the watchful eye of the family. News travels fast on the 'coconut radio' and before you know it every cousin, in-law and neighbour who's been into the local store or bakery that day knows your business. And Materena Mahi, champion professional listener, has a problem that everyone's talking about: her husband, Pito, is a big zero. He has never impressed the family, and now the children are grown-up and she has her own successful radio show, even Materena is beginning to wonder why she still puts up with him. But big changes are on the horizon for the Mahi household. When baby Tiare is literally abandoned on the doorstep of her bewildered grandparents, Materena has some very new ideas about who's going to be left holding the baby.. The novel starts out promisingly, but falls flat soon after, till almost halfway through the book. Most of the characters I found to be one-dimensional, Materena and Pito being the exceptions. The repeated invasion into their life by elderly female relations palls with repetition. In the first half there are some funny chapters, but by and large it is dull. The second half picks up though once the baby enters the story. The ending is predictable happy ever after. French and Tahitian words are liberally scattered throughout the novel. most are explained, but sometimes not. I didn't find that off putting as it added colour. This novel felt as if it was aimed at people who were Tahitian or had experienced Tahiti. It never really engaged me, which is a disappointment.

The very early scene where Jailin's wives made it very clear that Mariam had to marry rasheed and disappear out of their lives, as her presence was a shame. Another facet of oppression for me.

my reading has slowed down over the last few days. I know why , I'm busy writing and enjoying it I have read some more of 'Tiare'. Might finish it tonight

Most of the time its a pleasure. I occasionally read books that prove to be a chore to read. If they are for one of my challenges, then i tend to stick with them, otherwise abandon and read something else.

The point your making vodkafan is the one Hossein is making.

Well im the exception that proves the rule. I'll leave you to your fandom.

@ poppyshake 'Bees and Mist' is already on my wish-list. Your review has whetted my appetite, thank you