For the love of the Shakespeares
The wives of many male authors have had a rough time, regardless of how much they supported their husbands in emotional and practical ways. Charles Dickens’ attempt to have his wife Catherine, mother of his ten children, committed to an asylum lost him several friends and supporters at the time, even though in the 19th … Read more
Local inspiration for intriguing speculative tale
A new novel about a warmonger’s quest for peace after a bloody civil war draws on the local history of Metroland. The “clay hills” north-west of the capital are a special place in B B Elsin’s new fantasy novel, “Heroes and Traitors”. In this article, the author explains her discovery of the joys and challenges … Read more
For Those Who Typed
Alice stepped on to the tube train. It was a new one. Without the usual jostling of people and fug of cigarette smoke, she noticed the varnished floors, stylish lights, grab handles and cushioned seating covered in brightly patterned fabric. At Embankment Station, she hurried up the steps into London’s dirty air. The late summer … Read more
Sing, Sing, Sing and All That!
A Wycombe fan of sixty years rambles on about football anthems. As a reader of historical and fantasy novels, I know that every clan must have colours, a symbol and an anthem. Sports clubs have adopted these ancient tribal institutions. At Wycombe Wanderers we have our blue quarters, the swan that evokes grace and loyalty, … Read more
Did I mention that I’m unique?
Here I come! Floating down aimlessly. You think I’m a white blob because I’m touching other water crystals. Light reflects off us to make you think that. But we are all transparent, and all unique! It’s a miracle enough that we have formed this far south. The right combination of bitter cold and water vapour … Read more
“Orwellian” is not just about “1984”…
A Clergyman’s Daughter by George Orwell. First published by Gollancz in 1935. Genre: Classic fiction After a few pages of “A Clergyman’s Daughter”, I had the eerie feeling that I was Dorothy. The author plunges you into her relentless routine, and I was soon wound up in it and exhausted by it. She is caring … Read more
