Dr. Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar is the heroine of this mystery set in 1171 medieval England. Not for a minute does this seem as unrealistic as it should. Adelia, a medical examiner from Italy is ahead of her time. Quite far ahead actually. Women in medieval times were not doctors. They were not openly feisty, intelligent, belligerent, fearless, judgmental and … [Read more...] about “Mistress of The Art of Death” by Ariana Franklin
Literature in the Lymes
“Freddy and Fredericka” by Mark Helprin
I quail to think that I may not be able to do this book justice. Mark Helprin is a staggeringly great writer. If I had to pick a favorite (thankfully I don’t), he would be it. His life experience - Harvard, Oxford, Princeton, Army, Airforce, Navy - would be enough of a reason to hear what he has to say, but his scope of experience is minimal compared to his imagination, … [Read more...] about “Freddy and Fredericka” by Mark Helprin
The Isobel Dalhousie Series by Alexander McCall Smith
"The Sunday Philosophy Club", "Friends, Lovers, Chocolate", "The Right Attitude to Rain" and "The Careful Use of Compliments." All four by Alexander McCall Smith Ah, Isabel Dalhousie. All four of the books involving this 40ish woman from Edinburgh, Scotland, are certainly worth a trip to the bookstore, library, or even Amazon.com! Most parts are wonderful, though some … [Read more...] about The Isobel Dalhousie Series by Alexander McCall Smith
“Self-Made Man” by Norah Vincent
Jen Mann never ceases to delight. And where does she find these books? Who knew that a female writer had taken up the persona of a man for 18 months and then written about it? Now if you've all read, "Self-Made Man" by Norah Vincent, we apologize, but if not (like us), Jen says you are missing,"a book you will be the less for not having read. The majority of people have … [Read more...] about “Self-Made Man” by Norah Vincent