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The Pandemic Plot - A Review

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 12:07:02 GMT

Introduction

Wow! It’s been a while, I mean a whole seven months, since I last posted on here. But here we are and another book review for you lovely bookworms. This time it’s Scott Mariani’ s murderous crime novel: The Pandemic Plot ; an ironic book to read given that we have just come out of a real-life pandemic, but just like some of the characters in this book you might just survive. The Pandemic Plot is part of the Ben Hope Series, and there’s a lot of them, but regardless of reading a Ben Hope novel before or are new to them it is a surprising and delightful way to be sucked in to one of Scott Mariani’ s books. If you like a good crime book and love playing detective yourself then this is the book for you, it is a read that will almost fill those dark and gloomy prison days no matter how long your sentence may be. And now I think it is time to start investigating this murder of a book and I hope my judgement will give it justice.

A Family Crisis: The Investigation Begins

The Pandemic Plot follows Ben Hope and his old acquaintance Tom McAllister investigating the murder of Carter Duggen, the investigation takes them across the UK and ending in the wilds of Cornwall. Ben’s son Jude is accused of murdering Carter Duggen and is sent to one of England’s notorious prisons while awaiting trial. In the meantime Ben has begun to try and piece together the fragment of clues that not only will prove that his son is innocent, but who the real killers are and in doing so puts him in danger.

As the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle begin to slot together the crisis deepens, and not only for Ben’s family, every time Ben gets closer to the truth or freeing his son a catastrophe happens and it is up to Ben himself to figure a way out of his predicament. The discovery of key information in a form of a memoir raises more questions than answers and takes Ben on a wild chase across the UK. The story of the Forty Elephants is fascinating and a nice backstory in which are somehow linked to the killings that are happening; the prologue becomes much more connected to the main storyline once you have gained more clues and understand the scope of the problem. However, Ben’s SAS military skills come in use and is determined to prove that his son, Jude, didn’t kill anyone and he will often use force to get the answers he needs.

Around every corner and as the plot becomes more complex the number of investigations start to increase, and not only that, because the further you go each one of these separate cases seem to merge into one giant one. A tough case to crack. Yet, have no fear, as Ben is tough and with the help of his old friend the biggest disaster in human history would be solved for once and for all.

Synopsis:

When ex-SAS major Ben Hope is urgently recalled to the UK from his base in France to assist with a family crisis, little does he know that he’s about to be drawn into one of the most dangerous missions of his career: his son Jude has been accused of a brutal murder, and all the evidence points to his guilt.

To prove Jude’s innocence Ben embarks on a wild chase, facing up against mysterious killers and piecing together a fragile web of clues. What connects an all-female criminal gang from the early 1900s called the Forty Elephants, a century-old vendetta and a shadowy government conspiracy that claimed millions of innocent lives?

Along the way Ben teams up with his former acquaintance, rugged Detective Tom McAllister. They’re heading for a showdown in the wilds of Cornwall, and the villains have no intention of letting Ben come out of it alive.

Meet the Gang: The Characters

While there are many characters within the book, I will only talk about the main ones here. Unsurprising if you haven’t already noticed, but Ben Hope is the main character in this book. An ex-SAS Major who lives in France, Ben has seen many awful things and when another exercise comes onto his radar he is more than happy to execute is military skills to win the battle before him. If you have read a Ben Hope novel before then you will be familiar in how he is portrayed, if like me however who is new to these series then there is no better character than to start with. Ben is someone that we all would like to see in our lives, a good listener, friendly but tough and slightly mad at times. A guy that you could love.

His partner in crime, and old friend, Tom McAllister isn’t quite the same as Ben. A man of authority but lacks the charm and devious nature that Ben has. He is stuck with those higher in command who push and shove him about, McAllister may not have the toughness and ability to use dirty tricks to get his way, but is a good detective who may not see reason to Ben’s madness when it comes to solving complex crimes. At first he is reluctant to help Ben in his quest to find out who really did kill Carter Duggen, we’ll come to him later on, believing like his superiors that Jude is the guilty one. At least that’s what the evidence suggests. However, as the case widens he changes his mind and helps Ben not only clear Jude’s name but also try to capture the real killers.

Next is Jude Arundale, and despite his last name he is Ben’s son. A guy who has never been in trouble his whole life, well that’s what every guy says, right? Jude has been accused of a horrific murder and the evidence seemingly points to his guilt, but he swears he didn’t do it and that he is innocent. Little persuades the police in letting him go free and so he finds himself incarcerated in one of England’s toughest prisons. His existence there is grim and he spends every day waiting to be free, and by some freak accident in disguise as a favour he somehow frees himself from the shackles of prison life. He might be a bit of an idiot but without his appearance on the crime scene Ben and McAllister may have never cracked the case.

Now, the next character, Wilfred Grey should be at the beginning as he is the first person to meet, but I think it is best to talk about him further down the line as his connection with the whole plot does not come clear until later on in the book. Wilfred is a sweet gentlemen, according to his wife Violet, but mysteriously disappears and nobody knows why. The mystery of his disappearance comes clear later on in the book, in the journal of Violet herself, however his character becomes more significant and connected with the main story as it unfolds. Wilfred was just another person who suffered from the hands of those who wanted to keep their secret hidden.

The next character is Emily Bowman, a well to do business woman who employed Carter Duggen as an investigator into her family history. At first appearance you suspect that she is a shady character, someone who is up to something, however as you begin to follow her story it becomes clear that she is in danger and needs help. It is her family history that connects her to the death of Carter Duggen and others after and is the starting point in Ben’s investigation. Although not a major character, she is a significant person who tries to help Ben in his investigation before it is too late and brings Ben closer to the truth and the secret that wants to stay hidden.

Next is Violet, we meet her through her journal and it pictures a sombre, painful and difficult life. Her tine at a factory is grim and it seems that her life would be confined to the dark world of long hard-grafted hours of constant tedious work and little pay. During her time there she meets Kitty, who she becomes friends with, and she has become involved in one of London’s notorious women gangs – The Forty Elephants. Violet somehow finds herself involved in this gang, but her involvement finds her at a difficult crossroad; does she continue her devious work with the gang and live a good but deceitful life, or does she tern her back and live a good life with a man she’s fallen in love with but hidden away from everyone she loves? Her choice would become a terrible mistake.

And last but not at all least is Carter Duggen. Carter was employed by Emily Bowman to investigate her family history, he is an old school type and a guy who is thorough when it comes to his investigations. His job for Emily unfortunately leads to his demise, but for his killer it didn’t quite go to plan. Carter’s character may be a small part but he is the centre piece as it was him who found out the truth behind one of the biggest conspiracies the UK has seen. Even so he still is a mystery as there is not a lot of detail we get about him, maybe this is deliberate, but like so many other characters in this book he was just another innocent person who was caught up in a dangerous situation.

Clues and Evidence: The Plot

The book starts with Ben receiving a phone call from his son Jude, he is in some sort of trouble and Ben has to rush back to England from his home in France to come to his aid. At first there is little he can do, all of the evidence points to Jude’s guilt and his behaviour in court does not make the situation any better. When Ben arrives at the crime scene in Little Deaton, Oxfordshire he bumps into his old friend and work colleague Tom McAllister; McAllister is a traditional detective, lacking confidence and ability to break the rulebook. However, he soon comes to the realisation that Ben needs him, mainly to keep Ben in line, but it isn’t easy because Ben likes the freedom and excitement of doing things that are usually dangerous and illegal.

After McAllister gives Ben all that he knows on the case Ben pays a visit to Emily Bowman as she might have more information. When he arrives at her house it is clear to him that something is not right, Miss Bowman’s housekeeper is busy packing things into boxes while Emily herself doesn’t particularly want to speak to him. Yet, just after meeting Ben was racing back to the house to find that it was already too late and the hunt for the killers had begun. While his first lead gives him another clue it doesn’t feel connected to the overall storyline until much later; the book that Ben retrieves is a journal of another character and their life story, although it is a lovely backstory and a great insight to a background character, I feel that it just draws out the book even more and doesn’t hold much significance to what is happening in the context of the main storyline.

Following his findings in Little Deaton, Ben travels to Norfolk where a mysterious meeting between two people took place. There he finds his biggest clue to date, but the only problem is that he doesn’t understand what it actually means. From there he makes his way to Miles Redfield, a former employee of the pharmaceutical company Gilliard Group; Miles and his partner, who also was a former employee of the company, could sense something suspicious was going on and decided to gather evidence, tragically this resulted in Miles’ partner being killed. What connects Gilliard Group with a government secret and a dangerous chemical that changed the cause of World War One? Ben was determined to find out. However, someone else had other ideas and both Ben and Miles was attacked, this led to a dramatic chase that didn’t end well or got quite to Ben’s or the killers plan, but that was not the worst thing that could have happened as Ben was to discover that his son Jude had caused more trouble and this time there could be no way out.

After the incident with Miles Redfield, Ben catches up with McAllister and they head to the wilds of Cornwall as that is where Jude is thought to be, according to Ben. He is heading to a deserted farm where Jude used to hang out with some of his friends, however his task is not only be to find his son but to end the lucrative dealings which Gilliard Group are determined to keep hidden. It becomes a final showdown and there must be only one winner, Ben. Can he survive his deadliest task to date? You must stay indoors read the book and decide for yourself, after all you could be the next victim.

A Killer of a Read: Style and Genre

The style in which Scott Mariani used was your typical crime investigation book, but with a touch of SAS flair. The way that he goes from being from a family prospective to a massive crime investigation that covers vast swaths of the UK is brilliant. The way in which characters intertwine and help in gather clues and evidence makes it a great read, not only does it enable the reader to create their own investigation in their head but also understand how just being in the wrong place and at the wrong time can cause implications that could spiral out of control. Scott Mariani ’s use of place names at the beginning of some chapters really enables the reader to follow where the characters are and how they relate to the ongoing investigation, also it is a great way to follow Ben as he travels across the UK to find clues that could free his son and find who the true killer is. Although, for me there were some chapters that either didn’t make sense or felt like they were just added to bolster up the story in general. Additions which did not give me the excitement that I usually want. Apart from that it was a good read.

The genre of The Pandemic Plot is undoubtedly crime, the whole storyline is set around the brutal murder of Carter Duggen a specialist investigator who unfortunately got caught up with the secret dealings that Gilliard Pharmaceutical were involved in. It is not a crime thriller as I got no thrill when reading it but there were some exciting bits that got me turning the page. It is a good piece of crime fiction and nothing more than that, Scott Mariani has culminated a great piece of literature with a genre in which is very popular and tends to be samey. However, with a more subdued storyline it stands out from other crime fiction books where the crimes are more gruesome and difficult to tell who did it. It is an SAS style crime story with all the trimmings of a traditional crime investigation. A truly criminal case that puts the UK in direct conflict with a gang who want to keep their dodgy dealings a secret.

A Deadly Hopeful Case

To be honest after reading The Pandemic Plot I did enjoy it. As the book progressed I found myself wanting to get to the end and find out who was behind all of these killings, but there were a few times where it flopped for me and that means that I wouldn’t be reading it again. While the main storyline itself was good and was actually interesting, however I feel like some of the chapters were disconnected from the main story and only made sense near to the end. Don’t get me wrong, I liked reading it, it’s just that the disconnection with some chapters and the lack of excitement meant that it took me a while to get through it. Although this is my first Scott Mariani book I cannot say it will be my last as I don’t think I can make a final judgement until I read a few more of his books, but if a crime novel full of madness and mystery tickles your fancy then it is good for you. Although watch out because you could find yourself in the midst of a dangerous investigation that could leave you fighting for your own survival.

Happy Reading Guys!

The Hunger - A Review

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 21:49:11 GMT

Introduction

Let’s take ourselves back to Earth after spending the last three million years in deep space from my last post. And this time the year is 1846. Alma Katsu ’ s book The Hunger is a blood-thirsty, heart thumping, thriller of a book; taking you in to the wild barbaric wilderness of America that is still inhabited by Indians. The story, based on a true event, follows the wagon train of the Donners, and those who are with them as they head west. As you go through the book, small arguments, tiny disagreements within the group, lead to violent confrontations as they turn on each other. It could just be the nature of the wilderness that is sending them mad, but in the darkness a more deadly being is out on the prowl. Awaiting its turn to pick its victims. Survival is the only way to stay alive. So let’s pick up the trail and head west, but be careful, the hungry ones may be following you too.

On the Trail: The Jumping Off Point to the West

The Hunger follows the Donner party wagon train which was heading west for California (1846-47). The wagon train was made up of several families who were seeking a better future, but if they knew how bad the trip would be they might have not done it at all. The book is based on a true event with most of the characters being real people; not only is it a story of an ill-fated group of people trying to make a better life for themselves, it is also the story of America itself. At the time that the Donners and the other families made their journey west about forty per cent of the population lived west of the Appalachian Mountains, but it was still uncharted territory and little was known about the area.

What I have learnt from reading this brilliant book is the importance of the historical relevance that is the backbone of the whole book. By understanding the real life story we can begin to understand the characters in the book and imagine what it must have been like in uplifting your whole family and life away from what was familiar. To emigrate thousands of miles to the west in seek of a better life. Difficult today, even more so back then. And that is why the historical note at the back of the book was so grateful to me. And so, before I go any further the facts must be known.

On the 15 ^th of April 1846 two families, the Donners and the Reeds, left Springfield, Illinois for Independence in Massachusetts. However, by the 1 ^st of November 1846 winter has come and they are stuck on the wrong side of the mountains. They had joined a much larger wagon train (the Russell party) but at some point parted ways as the Donners and Russells decided to try out a shortcut, but this had cost them dearly and out of the ninety people who were stranded at Truckee Lake, only fifty made it through alive. We honour their courage, but also marvel at their ability to make the journey west.

Synopsis:

Having journeyed west for weeks, they have reached a crossroads. Two diverging paths lead to the same destination. Desperate to cross the mountains before the weather turns, George Donner’s decision will affect the lives of everyone travelling with him.

Minor disagreements turn into violent confrontations as the ill-fated group struggles to survive. And a few begin to realise that the threat they face is something more primal, and far more deadly, than the fury of the elements.

Based on the true story of one of the most infamous events in American history, The Hunger is an eerie, shiver-inducing exploration of human nature pushed to its breaking point.

Meet the Party: The Characters

While there are many characters within the book, I will only talk about the main ones here. And it might get a little complicated because of the number of families that were within the wagon train. Firstly, is Charles Stanton a bachelor who had to leave Springfield after the love of his life Lydia tragically died. But that was not the reason, Charles had a secret in which he always kept within him. A secret that people would not believe and so he had to go west. He is unable to love again, although gets close to someone within the wagon train, and believes that his trust is not worthy to anyone. Even his new found love.

Next is Edwin Bryant, another person who is travelling alone. He is a journalist come doctor, he feels that it is better to travel alone rather than within a large group and tries to persuade Charles to join him. However, he turns him down and so Edwin leaves the wagon train, being pulled by the stories of the Indian tribes that inhabit the unknown land. During his journey west, Edwin writes letters – mainly to his friend Charles – and learns of a chilling story of a beast-like creature that feeds on human flesh. Gross right?

The first of the main wagon party families is the Donners. George Donner leads the wagon train, although is overthrown as the leader when trust in him amongst others in the group boil over. Later down the trail the Donners are left behind and become stranded by a creek, it is believed, though some of the children might have survived, that the majority of the Donners and their teamsters perished on route to California. His wife Tamsen, was a strange complex person; more beautiful than any other woman that most men have seen before, and some say that she was a witch but it could just be that she was different from the others. And on top of all that, her daughter Elitha can hear the voices of dead people in her head. It seems that this family is just out right strange or have gone mad one by one.

Another family travelling with the wagon train are the Reeds. Margaret’s husband James leads the family and at one time overthrows George Donner for the leadership of the wagon train. However, a respected and trusted leader, he falls from grace when an incident happens and the consequences of his actions results in somebody getting killed. Despite this, most people within the group still, in some way, look up to him and any bad feeling that you may get from him he is one of the genuine good guys that are within the wagon train.

One of the other families are the Graves, Mary Graves takes a liking to Charles Stanton and it could potentially be love. But her father, Franklin, does not approve and tends to treat her like a little girl. Throughout the book Mary and Charles get closer and closer to one another and by the end of the book they leave the wagon train with a few other people in the hope that they may survive the winter, get to Independence and are then able to send for help and supplies to the rest of the wagon train. If you took out all the horror, the bitter hardship and the struggle for survival away, then it would just be a love story between these two characters I think. Which is nice, but may not be as gripping as it stands now.

And last, but not at all least, is Lewis Kesseberg. Quite a different man from all the rest. He is undoubtedly the bully of the group, a manipulative, self-loving, predatory evil of a man; his aggressive behaviour and sole desire to be leader of the group make him someone that make you want to hate the man, let alone be trusted. Bute is the only word I can use to describe him. But, this is a feeling that I got latter on in the book. When you first come across Kesseberg you think he’s alright, maybe someone you wouldn’t like in real life, and that some of his actions may be because of the situation him and the others are in. However, it is only latter that things change dramatically and you start to have a real hatred for the man. His uncle, Reiner, headed west before he did and unfortunately perished on the way, maybe it is this that caused him to go mad. We will never know.

Now, there are many more that I could discuss here, but if I did that this post would be too long and you would lose interest. These characters take the brunt of the action within the book and the way that they interact with one another is what gives the book the edge. And the fact that a large majority of the characters are real people, it is thanks to them and to their bravery on going on such a trip that this story, and book, would not exist. Thanks guys!

Into Unchartered Territory: The Plot

The wagon train is several months into their journey to California and there is still a long way to go. The action begins in June 1846, the wagon train has set up camp and already there are fractions within the group. Edwin Bryant is preparing to leave the wagon train, as a journalist and fascinated by stories of the Indian tribes that inhabited the lands to the west he feels that travelling alone is much better for a single man than it is travelling in a group. But it meant leaving his only friend, Charles Stanton. Stanton felt different, he felt safer within a group and found himself to have a leading role, but not as a leader. That role was left to George Donner and Lewis Kesseberg.

The horror starts early on in the book as a little boy goes missing and is then found later dead. This scares may people within the wagon train and puts many on edge. And to coincide with all of this, the majority of those within the group do not trust George Donner and his family. Especially his wife Tamsen, who is thought to be a witch by many. The camp they are in had long been abandoned apart from the many letters and notes left behind by those who had passed through the camp on their way west. Elitha, one of George Donner’s children, had decided to open and read them, resulting in her then being able to hear voices in her head. Throughout the book Edwin writes letters to his friends about his travels through the Indian Territory, especially to Charles, and in some way sheds light on the strange sightings as the native Indians tell stories of evil spirits that roam the land seeking out human flesh.

As the wagon train pushes west the tension between different groups and the leading men draws people to take drastic measures that have fatal consequences. By July they had made it to Fort Bridger, a small outpost in the middle of nowhere. They were meant to meet some there who would help them through the mountain pass, however they had already left and George Donner’s party is then stuck at the Fort for a few days. While at the fort they come across a strange man who is always locked for his own good and they meet a small Indian boy called Thomas who had abandoned his party in the wilderness.

After being stuck at Fort Bridger for a while the wagon headed for the Wasatch Mountains, here there is a decision to be made; one route takes you through the mountains, the other around. One false move and it could lead to terrible consequences for everyone. George chooses the wrong decision and thus the survival of the party is at stake, especially because of the haunting spirits that are following them. As summer turns to autumn those fractions within the group are beginning to widen, one of the families’ teamsters has gone a bit crazy and is murdered out of fear; James Reed pays the price for his wrongdoing and is banished from the party and all the while food supplies are getting lower by the day. Can it get any worse than this? Maybe? You will have to read the book to find out.

Throughout the book there are flashbacks, the backstory of some of the characters. Usually these are about their reason for heading west and their secrets that they try and keep hidden from the others within the wagon train. After the mountain pass they head into a huge basin – the Great Salt Lake – there the struggle continues as they are hit by a sandstorm, illness is spreading through the party and more mysterious blood thirsty creatures are prowling the edges of their encampment. And to top it all off, the Donners have been left abandoned by the others. By November 1846 the snow was falling thick and fast. The Donners are still stranded and unable to leave their wintery wilderness, the others further up the trail are also stuck as the snow blankets the land and makes the trail impassable. There is more sickness that leads to murderous incidents and Lewis Kesseberg has become the almighty leader of the party now that George Donner is out of the way. This is bad as Kesseberg is just a bully and a brute (well that’s what I think, anyway) who thinks he needs to throw is manly body weight around whenever there’s trouble.

At this stage it seems that all is lost, even hope, but a small group of people, named the Snowshoe Party Forlorn Hope, are preparing to leave the wagon train in the small hope that they will get to Sutter’s Fort and be able to get supplies and help for the others. As the end of the year beckons the majority of the Snowshoe party were either getting too weak to carry on or are already dead. Only a small number actually make it and to send help. By the beginning of 1847 it is not looking good for the Donner family, Tamsen knows that her husband is not going to make it and thus, hoping for her children, forces them to leave and find the others up ahead, hoping that they might survive longer that way.

When it is was just Tamsen alone she also heads for the wagon train encampment at Truckee Lake, unfortunately she may be too late as it seems that there is nobody there. However she finds Kesseberg alone in one of the cabins and a horrific conclusion unfolds that is just too gruesome to say here. Help arrives by March 1847 and those who are still alive still have a way to go, the book does not say whether they make it to their end goal but the author’s notes at the end give us the facts of what happened during the expansion to the west of America and what is now California.

A Frightening Read: Style and Genre

The style in which Alma Katsu has used for her book The Hunger is pretty unique as it was cut into monthly sections. Most books tend to just have two or three sections or none at all. Also the letter chapters bring depth and a certain emotion to specific characters that the letters are being written for; you get a deep understanding between Charles and Edwin throughout the book and a sad realisation too that many of Edwin’s letters never make it to the reader that it was intended for. Alma Katsu’s use of intertwining a true story with an element of fiction makes the story better, the conversational dialogue between specific characters and groups make it sound even more real. The style that it was written helped me to follow the characters within the book and to actually feel the hardship, pain and survival nature that most of them summoned to as they took the treacherous trip west.

Genre can be a difficult subject when it comes to books as they can sometime cross over into different genres. The Hunger is one of them, though displayed in stores and on the internet as a horror book it can also be called a thriller as it has certain chilling elements that you often see in thriller novels. However, it gets a bit more complicated than that as Alma Katsu adds a historical note at the end of the book to give readers more context to story, therefore you could add historical fiction as another genre to the list. But whatever genre the book comes under it still is a chilling read.

Dare to Follow the Trail!

Simply a great read. A book that I would actually read again. I don’t often read horror books as I think they are too scary – well I wouldn’t watch horror films as I get scared too easily – but The Hunger I could read. And while they say you shouldn’t read these type of books at night that is what I ended up doing anyway. Alma Katsu has brought a piece of dark human history to life with a touch of supernatural drama and the disturbing chills of a thriller, and it is a brilliant read. If you like a disturbing chilling book then The Hunger is for you, but a word of warning, if you take on the trail you may not come out alive. So tread carefully as you turn the page because the hungry ones may just be behind you.

Happy Reading Guys!

Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers - A Review

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:51:58 GMT

Introduction

**** WARNING: SOME LANGUAGE MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR SOME READERS ****

Right Smegheads, here’s another book review, and this time it’s Grant Naylor’s Red Dwarf . After their smash hit TV series, bearing the same name, the Red Dwarf novels have become a part of the posse. ‘Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers’ is the first book out of four and tells the story of Lister, the last human being alive, trying to get back home to Earth. He never makes it and now slobbery wails the days away eating his way through the ship’s curry supplies. His only companions aboard ship are Rimmer, his dead bunkmate, a creature evolved from cats, and Holly, the ship’s senile computer. On their way home they meet a sanitation droid, Kryten, and get in a whole lot of smeg. It’s a sci-fi classic with a flair of comedy thrown in for good measure. Now it’s time to space jump three million years into the future and join this motley crew and cause havoc that will have you laughing from the edge of your space bike.

‘Death isn’t the handicap it used to be in the olden days’

Now, I love the Red Dwarf TV series and yet I have only just discovered the books. By scooting around the dark depths of Maidstone’s Oxfam bookshop, I have found something that brings together two of my favourite things: reading and comedy. The comedic science fiction fantasy sees David Lister three million miles away from Earth and the last human being alive; his companions comprise of Arnold J Rimmer BSc, SSc, his former bunkmate, and a life form that evolved from his pet cat. And with Holly, the ship’s computer, they embark on the long journey home, meeting a number of people and getting into a whole load of smeg.

Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers gives the reader an insight to Lister’s backstory and how he ended up three million years away from Earth. As a book, at first, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it, the imagination from the TV series has in some way warped my vision of the book series and this might have to do with the fact that I always watch it from start to finish no matter how many times I’ve watched it. However, I loved it and cannot wait to find the next one as I want to see how Grant and Naylor have continued the storyline from where they finished.

Unlike many comedic series, Red Dwarf focuses on the emotions and the most humanoid forms of banter that one can think of to humiliate the surviving crew across the entire galaxy. Ahead of its time, the Red Dwarf series is a combination of good comedy, believable sci-fi fantasy, and an exceptional take on life’s boring existence. If our ultimate goal as human beings is to reach for the stars, then look no further; the dwarfers of the Jupiter Mining Corporation (JMC) can show us how fan-smegging-tastic the universe can be. Even though it is a meaningless, godless, lifeless place that has ever existed. Still, you’ve got to laugh haven’t you.

Synopsis:

When Lister got drunk, he really got drunk.

After celebrating his birthday with a Monopoly-board pub crawl around London, he came to in a burger bar on one of Saturn’s moons, wearing a lady’s pink crimplene hat and a pair of yellow fishing waders, with no money and a passport in the name of ‘Emily Berkenstein’.

Joining the Space Corps seemed a good idea. Red Dwarf, a clapped-out spaceship, was bound for Earth. It never made it, leaving Lister as the last remaining member of the human race, three million years from Earth, with only a dead man, a senile computer and a highly evolved cat for company.

They begin their journey home. On the way they’ll break the Light Barrier. They’ll meet Einstein, Archimedes, God and Norman Wisdom …. and discover an alternative plane of reality.

Meet the Posse: The Characters

While there are many strange and wonderful characters within the series, I will only talk about the main ones here. The hilarious foursome that become the Dwarfers. Firstly, is David Lister; a curry guzzling, beer drinking, a good for nothing, slobby space bum. After getting completely drunk on a Monopoly board pub crawl, Lister finds himself signing up to the Space Corps and joining the mining ship ‘Red Dwarf’ as a technician 3 ^rd class. At one time he dated Navigation Officer, Kristine Kochanski and although they were only together for three weeks she is the love of his life. A shame in that she is dead now. Anyway, being the dumb drunkard space bum that he is, Lister ends up being put into suspended animation where he stays until he is released three million years later. And thus being the last human being alive.

Next is Arnold Judas Rimmer BSc, SSc. And BSc SSc stands for Bronze Swimming certificate and Silver Swimming certificate. He’s a total bonehead and Lister’s bunkmate. Rimmer also joined Red Dwarf, hoping that he would become an officer. Yet he has to settle for technician 2 ^nd class as he constantly fails his astro-navigation exam – once he believed he was a fish and wrote ‘I am a fish’ four hundred times – still, he thinks that it is always Lister’s fault that he fails and is unable to become an officer. Unfortunately for him, life couldn’t get any worse, and yet it does. During the time when Lister is in suspended animation Rimmer, with the rest of the crew, is killed by a Cadmium II radiation blast and is then brought back as a hologram. The poor sucker has to live his life all over again.

The third crew member is Cat. A creature who evolved from Lister’s pet cat Frankenstein. A self-centred, self-loving, shallow felis sapien who spends every day trying to be the most coolest hansom guy on board ship. And sleeping is his third favourite thing. With his eccentric fashion style and self-caring nature this kitty cat does not do the W word, believing that it should not cut into his preening time, and has an odd way when it comes to dealing with women. Well that is for a guy who hasn’t even seen a woman.

And then, amongst the humanoids and felis sapian members of Red Dwarf, there is the service mechanoid, Kryten. Well to give him his full name its Kryten 2X4B-523P. And like many of us he doesn’t like his middle name, ‘2X4B, what a jerky middle name’ he cries. This 4000 series mechanoid is a sanitation droid and regularly follows orders, no matter how psychotic or inhumane the order is. Before his arrival on Red Dwarf, Kryten was on the Nova 5 but when it had crash landed killing most of the crew, Kryten spent his time continuing his duties and watching Androids, the silly mechanoid soap opera. Now on board ship he tries to build himself a new life, with the help of Lister, that is.

And joining this fantastic four is Holly, the ships computer. He has an IQ of 6,000, which is the same IQ as 6,000 PE teachers and spends every day trying to devise more and more ingenious ways of keeping everyone on board sane. Not that he is very good at it. After the radiation leak and during the 3 million years that Lister spends in suspended animation, Holly is alone and subsequently becomes computer senile and with that it means a whole lot of chaos ensues.

A Whole Load Of Smeg: The Plot

The book starts 3 million years into the past, on Mimas, one of the moons of Saturn. Lister has woken up from his drunken birthday party without any money or passport and wearing someone else’s clothes. With nothing else to do apart from getting drunk again is to go joy riding on one of the hoppers, this is where Lister unintentionally meets the man who would become his bunkmate on Red Dwarf, Arnold Rimmer, after being stuck on the moon for six months and 793 million miles away from Earth there is nothing left to do but sign up to the Space Corps. And so he does. His idea of getting on board an Earth-bound spacecraft was pure genius, the problem is, Lister unwittingly finds himself on the JMC vessel ‘Red Dwarf’ bound for the outer reaches of the solar system. Not ideal really.

Lister’s time on Red Dwarf was not easy as not only is he the lowest rank on board ship, he also has to share his quarters with none other than that of bonehead Rimmer himself. Rimmer, a man obsessed in becoming an officer, recently failed his latest astro-navigation exam by saying he was a fish four hundred times, what a complete smeghead. Lister’s life on board ship would change though as he soon found his love – Kristine Kochanski. Kochanski was a bright, intelligent and beautiful navigation officer, Lister on the other hand was a curry eating beer drinking space bum and after three weeks of dating, Kochanski ended it. Despite this he is determined to win her back but with the discovery of his pet cat ‘Frankenstein’, Lister is put into suspended animation and therefore survives the accident whereby the entire crew are killed.

It is now three million years into the future, the crew are dead killed by a radiation leak. Only Lister is the last human being alive, his cat and her kittens were safely sealed in the hold and over the three million years they have evolved into a humanoid lifeform. Holly, the ships computer, has gone computer senile after spending three million years all by himself, but never less he has a job to do and that is keeping Lister sane. Not that he is good at doing it. Rimmer is brought back as a hologram and their journey back to Earth begins. They break the light barrier and come face to face with future echoes, find a sanitation droid named Kryten who served on the Nova 5 until it crash landed and killed the crew; they meet Einstein, Archimedes, God and Norman Wisdom and not only that they get stuck inside the Total Immersion Videogame (TIV) Better Than Life.

Better Than Life brings all your fantasies and desires to life, the game is so good that it can kill you. The game takes them back to Earth whereby they live out a life of their own desire, Lister spends his time running a small shop and going home to his wife Kochanski but the odd thing is that it is always Christmas Eve. Rimmer somehow spends a life of luxury while the Cat fantasises living in a castle and claiming he is the king of coolness. However, after realising they are in the game they now must figure out how to leave, can Kryten save them from the game or will it lead to them all being stuck in the game? You will have to find out, won’t you.

‘Alone in a godless meaningless lifeless universe, still you’ve got to laugh, haven’t you’: Style and Genre

The style in which Grant Naylor has used is pretty standard, the use of small chapters and dividing the book into three separate parts makes it easy reading. Although there is three parts to the book, all of them flow from each other and that is what makes this book work. Grant Naylor’s use of humorous language and out of this world sci-fi words brings a whole new dimension to the book; unlike other science fiction books, Red Dwarf is unique in that it follows a group of stranded humanoid lifeforms in deep space who are trying to find their way home. And just like the TV series it ends on a cliff-hanger, a deliberate choice so that readers would pick up the next book to find out what happened next. Genius.

Red Dwarf is a classic science fiction series, everything you expect in a space adventure novel you get with Red Dwarf. But Grant Naylor’s decision, like the TV series with the same name, to include humour in the storyline and the characters make it different from other sci-fi books. The way in which both genres are intertwined within the book make it a great read and while some references and certain language may not be understood or appropriate for some readers, it is nether less a classic sci-fi novel with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure.

A book that will keep you sane for the next three million years

Without a doubt Red Dwarf: Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers is a book that is packed with humour and a great story that is out of this world. With its central storyline of a group of stranded misfits trying to find their way back home there’s no doubt that this motley crew will cause havoc across the universe. If you love reading sci-fi and want to laugh until your hologromatic H falls off, then this book will be right up your street; however, tread with caution cause like the TIV Better Than Life you may find yourselves stuck within its pages and unable to get out. Like me, who loves the TV series, will love the Red Dwarf books, but if you do decide to jump into another dimension I would recommend that you read the books first before watching the TV series to avoid disappointment.

Happy Reading Guys!

The Returned - A Review

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 13:24:00 GMT

Introduction

Here’s another book review for all you lovely readers out there. This time it is ‘The Returned’ By Jason Mott . A lovely, sweet and touching story, where Jason has taken his experience and memories of his late parents and put them into a book and wrapped it around a storyline which is not only sad but moving too. This is the backstory of The Returned, and I think that anyone who reads The Returned should understand the backstory as it makes you appreciate the book a whole lot more. I know I did. As a book goes it’s alright, not one of my favourites but a nice book to read. Although it didn’t keep me turning the page, it was well written and took the reader on an emotional journey. Something that all authors want to do to their readers. And that’s taking them on a journey. So…. Here’s mine.

An Emotional Roller Coaster

Like everything in the world, you won’t know what the ride is like until go on it. Whether you laugh, cry, or turn a nasty shade of green, and you are already strapped in and awaiting for the twists and turns to come. The Returned is an emotional story right from the beginning, the book follows the Hargrave’s eight year old boy (Jacob) and his interaction with his, now much older, parents; a heart wrenching story that will make anyone cry. It is entwined with stories from other Returnees and plunges the reader into a world where the dead have become undead once again. It is a world where everyone has to pick a side. Are you for the Living or for the Returned?

As you go through the book the emotions of love, joy, anger and sadness can be seen. It sweeps you through the pages and gets you to connect with and understand the characters, the way that Jason Mott has encapsulated the characters background and woven it into the main framework of the storyline gives the reader a sense of feeling for some of the characters. Something that some books don’t have. However, apart from this I got nothing else from the book. To me it did not have much of a storyline and unless you want to be an emotional wreck afterwards, then I suggest you find something else to read. Don’t get me wrong, we all love an emotion riddled book once in a while, but for me this wasn’t it.

Synopsis:

A family given a second chance at life
A world where nothing – not even death – is certain

Lucille Hargrave’s son Jacob has been dead for over forty years. Now he’s standing on her doorstep, still eight years old. Looking for her to welcome him home with open arms.

This is the beginning of the returned.

This is a new world where nothing – not even death – is certain.

Meet the Congregation: The Characters

The book focuses on one family – the Hargrave’s. You have Lucille, Harold and their eight year old returned son, Jacob. Lucille is a deeply religious person who at first has a harsh reaction to the returned and then finds herself in a difficult struggle between her beliefs and the way that the returned are being treated. It is this struggle that dominates her character throughout the book, but she also portrays a warm connection between herself and her returned son. Harold is the opposite. He has largely given up on his religious beliefs and struggles to deal with his returned son. However, his character goes through an emotional change throughout the book, and as he spends more time with his returned son a lovely warm connection between them unfolds.

Jacob is eight and although he has been dead for over forty years, he is still full of life. That is because he has returned. Still a child, he wants the love and affection with his now elderly parents, but its difficult because in realty they have moved on and here is a small boy waiting on the doorstep hoping that they would come out and play. Jacob’s character is at the heart and soul of the storyline and we follow him everywhere, taking all the emotions we have with us. We all want to be a Jacob at times and the warmth and friendship we get from him comes off the pages.

Moving on from the Hargrave’s, there is Bellamy who is a member of the Bureau which is tasked of helping the returned, Colonel Willis – an authoritarian man who commands over the Bureau's refugee camp with his own ambitions – a character who you do not want to be on the wrong side of; and there is Fred Green, the trouble maker. Fred stirs up trouble and with his gang of devoted anti-returned followers tries to bring back normality to the town, and the world, where it seems that the returned have taken over. Any tactic you can think of, Fred will use, and if that doesn’t work well violence might just be the answer. His arrogance domineer is what brings out the clashes we see between him and the Hargrave’s that fill most of the pages in the book. It is a real battle between good and evil.

There are many characters that you see as you go through the book, the majority of them are just simple background characters, others there is a little bit more to them. However, I can’t talk about every single character in the book – that would be boring now, wouldn’t it? – But those above, which I have briefly talked about are what I think are the essential characters that hold down the storyline and drive the story along. It is the way that Jason Mott used his characters that kept me reading it.

A Moving Story: The Plot

Set in a small American town called Arcadia, the story follows the Hargrave’s and the people of Arcadia. Jacob Hargrave has come back home, he was dead but now he is alive again and being the happy cheeky chappie that he is. However, he is not the only one that has ‘returned’; as the story progresses you hear stories of other returnees which are embedded within the book. An intriguing way of doing it. At the beginning and throughout most of the book there is not much of a storyline, however, it does get slightly better near the end.

The main action, if you like, takes place within the school building that acts as a camp for the returned. The short stories of different characters give a feel that you are not only following Jacob’s story, but the others too. Apart from these stories and the relationship between Jacob and his parents, the only other action takes place within the town and is dominated by Fred Green and his gang of troublemakers. Like the human race in reality, not everyone is so welcoming to the returned; with banners and a slightly confusing chant, Fred and his gang try and stop the Bureau and the retuned from taking over the town. And towards the end it doesn’t quite go to plan.

The book is full of emotion and while the lead up to the ending gets a little exciting, it is still a warm but sad ending. The way Jason Mott has woven the little stories into the main storyline makes you, the reader, to sympathise with the characters and feel their pain too. Also, what is really touching is that the plot, or book if you like, was created out of Jason Mott’s own life experience. He had a dream that his mother was sitting at the dining room table one day and they were able to chat and to reconnect again, and this gave him an idea which focused on the ‘what if’. What if everyone we ever talked to or connected with was able to come back and be able to relive that time again? What if we could see and speak to our loved ones again? What if the world went round in circles and death is not even certain? A good idea, but not well executed, in that the book didn’t really grip me and I wasn’t an emotional wreck either. Although, that could just be because I am a man, who knows?

A Flicker of Memories: Style and Genre

Jason Mott’s way of writing is not uncommon, but having short one page, two page character stories between the main chapters is different from what most people would normally do. Flashbacks are a good way of broadening out the storyline or that character’s own background, usually they are a scene within a scene or a stand alone chapter in itself and the way that Jason Mott has done it is something that I have not seen before. Different, but a really good way in getting the reader to know more characters that are usually hidden in the background. Brilliant! Language and tone are always important when trying to convey a dystopian world to any reader. You need to get the reader to be immersed in your world and be able to feel like one of the characters, and I think Jason Mott does this quite well. You can imagine yourself in the world he has created, it is witty, it is emotional, it has everything that a book needs. But it did lack excitement.

Genre can be difficult to distinguish for some books, they either don’t have a specific category that they fit in to or they crossover into different categories. The Returned seems to fit into this as it feels like it is just general fiction, although it is based on a real life experience and set in a real life setting, I cannot quite pinpoint a specific genre that it would fall into. Even the woman from the library couldn’t figure out what genre it was. Now, I usually don’t mind what type of genre it is, but if you are someone who likes a specific style of writing then anything that may fall outside of it may find it difficult to connect with the book. Other than that it is very well written and had a sad but lovely ending.

Would I Recommend It?

If you like a warm hearted emotion riddled book, this one is then for you. However, if you are like me, who likes a bit of excitement in a story and wants to be on the edge of the seat, then this may disappoint you. While Jason Mott seems to be a good writer, I cannot deny that, it is not a book that I would read again. The confusing storyline and lack of excitement made me disappointed in the book; it has a great concept, but just not well executed as I was drawn into it by the blurb on the back cover and yet as I turned the pages it didn’t grow onto me. While this may sound harsh, it is best to try and read it yourself and make your own decision. Some may like it, others, like me, may not. Let’s hope that the returned don’t come back in this world and force me to like it.

Happy Reading Guys!

Sail - A Review

Sat, 22 May 2021 17:00:15 GMT

Introduction

Hello, it's been a while since I last posted something here and a somewhat busy break too. In the past few years I have spent my time writing, editing, and putting together a poetry collection book (which should be out shortly); battling Covid and setting up a business. Now I want to start posting here regularly and book reviews seem to be the best idea. As a writer myself it is nice to know that somebody has taken the time not only to read, but to review, the book as well; readers and book fanatics love a good (and bad) book review - even authors to that matter as any publicity is good publicity right.

In this post, as my first attempt, I will look at the book 'Sail' by James Patterson & Howard Roughan. A book that crosses between a horrific crime and a thrilling read. A book that leaves you gripping the pages and wanting you to turn them over in the suspense of wanting to know what happens next. A emotion riddled story, with a chilling heart at its centre. So… let's begin!

An Emotion of Survival and Greed

The first thing I noticed is that it is full of emotion. It has everything in it, love, desperation, fear, anger, and compassion. You get a real sense of the relationship between the characters. The book is gripped with suspense and wrapped in dark secrets, with a touch of detective work. All the way through there are hints of pain, sympathy and grief, the raw feeling you get from the main characters is overwhelming. However, under the surface of what was going on, survival and greed was at the heart of the storyline.

James Patterson and Howard Roughan have constructed and beautifully woven a tale of lost at sea with a touch of murder. ‘Sail’ is an epic, with all the thrills and spills that you would want in a novel. Heart-beating moments that want you to keep turning the page. Half detective, half thriller, Patterson and Roughan have written a story that is completely breath-taking and chillingly cold in the way in which it develops. ‘Sail’ captures the power that wealth can give and encapsulates in a hair-raising battle between survival and deception. I just love it!

Standing on Trial: The Characters

Unlike any other book that I have read, Patterson and Roughan introduces the Dunne family (the crew as it were) in a unique way before starting the story. It was like reading a list of suspects before a trial, but quickly realised that it laid down the relationships between them and gave an insight into their character before you began reading. Dr Katherine Dunne, a heart surgeon, is at the front line of this dysfunctional family, her long hours at the hospital and not spending time with her kids has enabled the relationship between her and them break down almost completely. Not to mention her trauma over the loss of her first husband, Stuart.

Synopsis:

As Peter Carlyle, a smooth-talking, super-successful lawyer, waved his family off on a sailing trip, all they had in mind was lying back and relaxing. But when a violent storm broke out, an explosion caused the boat to vanish without a trace and the family were lost, presumed dead.

Until now. When a message in a bottle is found, it becomes apparent that there must have been at least one survivor

The race is on to rescue th e family, but does everyone looking for them really want to find them alive? Survival may be the least of their concerns. In fact, being found may be the last thing they should be hoping for …

Out all of the Dunne members, it seems, Jake is more of a carefree man. A yachtsman that knows the water like a fish in the sea. His happy and jokey nature, with a firm hand, gives the family a ray of hope – maybe not all of them are miserable. Jake Dunne was the man who kept the boat afloat during turbulent times and steered the family on what should have been a stress-free holiday. On the contrary, the kids, Mark, Carrie, and Ernie are a mess of their own. Mark Dunne looks on life with no ambition, no time to bust his ass at school, and a stoner too. The middle one out of the three kids and always seems to pick a fight, however he’s b rave and courageous – a key to survival maybe?

Quite the opposite to Mark is Carrie Dunne, a solemn, depressed girl who often thought of suicide. Her struggle with life and the relationship with her mother, Katherine, dominates her character in the book. The sailing trip, or the trauma of it, possibly pieces her together and makes her strong, maybe even giving her a new view in life. The last, and youngest, member of the Dunne household is Ernie, a quiet boy and one who is unphased by anything. It is him that keeps his mother going, even if the world around her is falling apart, and is the one who by stroke genius may have kept the fight for survival alive.

Peter Carlyle, Katherine’s new husband, is a multi-successful lawyer. A wealthy man, a man of power, a man who gets what he wants. At first you think he is just a background character, someone who is just part of Katherine’s back story. However, as the book develops you realise he’s not, there’s more to him than meets the eye and is increasingly suspicious as the book unfolds. There’s a possible girlfriend (Bailey) and his grief-stricken feelings become away to hide his true emotions towards Katherine and the kids. Is he good or bad? You decide.

And finally, there is Agent Ellen, a member of the DEA. She is always off on dangerous missions and tracking down bad guys around the world. One of America’s top agents. Ellen again seemed to be a background character, well I did at first anyway, but as you went further into the book, she became an integral part of the story. Her hunch over Peter leads her on the case of the missing ‘Family Dunne’ and their disappearance. But it is a dangerous mission as someone tries to stop her in her tracks. Can she solve the case? You’ll have to read the book and see for yourself.

A Real Page Turner: The Plot

The book takes a genuine holiday scenario and tips it on its head. It has all the drama and emotion of a holiday gone wrong, with a mixture of mystery and crime thrown in as well. The story starts with getting to know the Dunne family and the possible ‘bad feeling’ about going on the sailing trip. Quickly the storyline unravels as right from the beginning there are problems on the boat, emotions rising and tensions between the family members. The bounce between scenes on the ‘Family Dunne’, mainland America, and the Bahamas allow the book to remain alive. Without this I believe the book would have been stuck in a rut.

While for some part of the book it is just the Dunne family stuck with nowhere to go, marooned really, there are bits within those scenes that make you want to turn the page. I honestly couldn’t put the book down sometimes. The introduction to Ellen, the DEA agent, and Peter’s supposed girlfriend, makes the book even more gripping as it brings another dimension to the storyline. A large part of the book revolves around the search and rescue mission, however as we know from the back cover not everyone looking is wanting to find them alive. A shocking revelation when you find who. With twists at every corner and each chapter better than the last, I guarantee that you will be paralysed from sailing through the troubled waters of this brilliant book.

A Thriller of Chills: Style and Genre

At first, the style is like any other book you have read; however, the size and number of chapters is surprising. The majority of chapters are around three pages long and there is over a hundred chapters. To me this is quite unusual and while the large number may sound daunting, their small size makes it much more bearable. The use of flash backs and descriptive language enables the reader to move with the story and fully immerse themselves within it. The way Patterson and Roughan have written the book not only takes you on a journey, but delivers a mystery and detective nature to it as well.

For genre, ‘Sail’ is a mixture of crime, mystery and thriller. While it is mostly categorised as a thriller, there are tantalising clues within the book to suggest that mystery and crime are a feature too. Although I felt on the edge it didn’t keep me awake at night – which is probably a good thing, right? – However, the combination of genres gives the book a dynamic feel to it and unique in a way.

Not Recommending It is a Crime Itself

Would I recommend this book? Well that’s a rhetorical question to be honest with you. This book is so good, so thrilling, that anyone who loves crime or a thriller, or even James Patterson for that matter should read this wonderful book. It will have you gripped and transferred into a world of despair, deceit, and romance; you will want to find hope and peace for the Dunne family and to figure out who and why they wanted them to disappear. It is a book that is beautifully written and brilliantly executed, a wonder for everyone.

Happy Reading Guys!!

A Christmas Poem

Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:14:03 GMT

Tis the season to be jolly

Everyone’s putting up their holly.

The sleigh bells are ringing,

The children are carol singing,

While the decorations are going up

And everyone’s drinking from a festive cup.

Santa and his red nose reindeer are coming tonight

The lights, baubles, and tinsel are a fantastic sight.

For Christmas is here,

So give out a big cheer

And don’t shed a tear

‘Cause soon it will be a new year.

A Touch of Myopia - Part 4

Sun, 19 Nov 2017 15:32:26 GMT

Monday, 21st September, 2015

I start my 3 year university course today. I know that it is a big step but a step that I wanted to take. I decided to commute as it is would be cheaper than living on campus. That’s another challenge to overcome; with mobility training and knowing that I can succeed in anything that I do. University will be just another stepping stone towards my main goals.

Going to university is like going back to RNC for me. Once again I am able to be independent, again I am increasing my employability skills and again I feel that I am included in society. But it is not quite the same is it? I don’t get the same amount of support that I used to get; and I have to pay for everything. A student loan isn’t quite the same as authority funding.

As far as I can tell, I am the only visually impaired person here at the university. Not that I mind that but it would be nice know that I am not the only odd one out. With mobility training and general support I have managed to navigate my way around the campus complex. My cane gliding, banging and clonking along corridors, stairways and pavements as I make my way to lectures. It’s a great feeling to be as independent as I am right now.

Now that I am older, I can understand the difficulty in having a disability. Whether it’s physically or mentally I know the challenges and obstacles that are constantly in our way. Yet society doesn’t seem to be on the same wavelength as us. Today I am constantly battling against people who don’t understand what it’s like to be me; and what my rights are. There will always be obstacles in the way, but obstacles that challenge me as a person. Being visually impaired isn’t bad, nor is it good, it just makes you unique.

And the motto that I have come up with is “There is no dis in disability only ability” which makes me look on the positive things in life, instead of the negative.

[Comment added 9th December 2016] Nearly time to break up for Christmas. I’ve been struggling with assignments these past few months, nothing has changed there then, and I know that it is going to get a lot harder as I go through my university course. But it is a good thing. By taking on this challenge I am embracing my visual impairment; showing everyone that I can succeed in life and I will successful in what I do. If you can achieve it, then you can believe it.

A Touch of Myopia - Part 3

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 15:10:31 GMT

Sunday, 12th January, 2014

I have just started my second term at RNC, which is a specialist college in Hereford, and what a term it is going to be. I’ve settled into my accommodation, made friends and being independent for the first time. Oh yes! Assignments are going well, although I’m having too much fun with D. O. during class. And in the student bar. The good thing about RNC is that everyone is in the same boat, you either have no sight or some sight, which makes the place friendlier.

I think I have been enjoying my independence a bit too much. Although that isn’t a bad thing, is it? The fact that I can cook for myself, do my own laundry and many other things that people think that a disabled person like me cannot do is a good thing. People sometimes say “how can you cook if you cannot see what you are cooking” and I reply back “you don’t need sight to cook, as long as it smells and tastes nice then it’s probably done”. You might not understand that but it’s actually true.

Being visually impaired can be a challenge, but fun, at times. The frightening night walks where you cannot see a thing and the busy days where people just get in your way. Hereford is a nice place, and the only place that has a road sign for blind people, but do I really want to move up here. We will see.

Every day I wake up to the sound of guide canes scraping across the stone courtyard, making their way to the centre building. I also get dogs barking, asking their owners to let them go for a free run. It must be difficult being a guide dog. Some people think that they can read bus numbers, really, ignore that because stupid and only an idiot would say that. And trust me there are plenty of idiots around.

I better finish there for now as I have lessons in the morning, urgh too much work and not enough time as I keep on saying.

[Comment added 23rd May 2014] I won’t be moving up here after all, which is a good thing as I think it is too far away from family and friends. I would not say that I would completely forget about the idea as it is a nice area, but would I really move that far up the country? I don’t know?

A Touch of Myopia - Part 2

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 14:52:43 GMT

Saturday, 07 March, 2010

Dear diary,

I can say that you are probably, and the only, friend that I have right now. I’m sure that I have people who could be classed as ‘friends’ but they just don’t have the patience or knowledge about how difficult my life is. How challenging it is for me to do the simplest thing. Another week, another day, has gone by and still no one cares; I just look out of the window and wish that everything was ok. But it isn’t. Exams are coming round fast and I know what’s going to happen. Papers aren’t going to be in the right size font, the computer is going to drive me mad and I won’t get enough time to even complete the exam. But what can you do.

Getting around is still difficult despite that I do have some vision, and yet people think that there is nothing wrong with me. Which makes me wonder whether society really knows what having a ‘visual impairment’ means. And government doesn’t help, it’s down to us individuals and charities to spread awareness around. I can’t really complain ‘cause what do I know. I may be ranting on again but that is what happens when you are stuck indoors; seeing the exact four walls all day long. I’m surprised that it hasn’t driven me insane yet.

More to the point, I feel that I cannot go outside or socialise with friends because of my sight. Especially at night. You would think that daytime would be fine. But no. People everywhere; bright sunlight and those annoying buses which go past you if you do not put your hand out in time. For me this really irritates me cause I can only see the number once it’s close to the bus stop. Night-time is even worse as I can’t see a thing, until it’s almost near me, and I know how embarrassing it is when you walk into somebody and say “sorry I didn’t see you there, I’m blind”. You may laugh but trust me it is no laughing matter. Great mums calling me, bye for now.

[Comment added 27th November 2011] I got my cane two days ago, and what a wonderful feeling I have right now. All that time I’ve been without one and yet life is probably going to be much easier with this thing. No more staying indoors, no more looking at walls and no more feeling embarrassed when going outside. Roll on the mobility training sessions.

A Touch of Myopia - Part 1

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 14:36:45 GMT

Friday, 21 September, 2007

Life is difficult when you’re young, especially when you have a visual problem, but life has to go on. It’s like ‘you can’t do this’ and ‘you can’t do that’ but who is judge what I can or cannot do. And nobody wants to listen to a thirteen-year-old schoolboy. Or at least they just ignore me. It’s always difficult when you are part of a society that no one cares, just another obstacle in the way. I have my own ideas; opinions and a sense of the world around me, but nobody will listen. Nobody listens! Only paper can be a source of comfort to me as ‘paper’ cannot judge nor can it argue back; it’s like a friend who just understands who I am.

I’m not a difficult child, yet again other people might think I am. I’m just another child that has been pushed to the side. And why? Just because I’m different. School is always a challenge; I have to sit at the front so that I can see the board but I’m always challenged. Yes I wear glasses; but these do not eradicate the problem. Or even make things easier. And it annoys me when people don’t understand how difficult my life is. How I have to rely on other senses to get around and do daily tasks; if other people had no sight then maybe they might understand what it’s like to be visually impaired.

[Comment added: 4th January, 2008] Am I sounding too harsh? Maybe? Maybe not? I just don’t know. If I explained it better then maybe, just maybe, people will understand.

Russia 2017 - Day 12

Sun, 01 Oct 2017 12:58:57 GMT

(Saturday 16, September)

Our last morning on board Nikoly Chernyshevsky, and again breakfast was the same as usual; cold meats; cheese and omelets. We had to be out of our cabins by 9, so it was a quick dash back after breakfast to brush our teeth and make sure that we had everything packed. Once our cases were outside the cabins we took our keys to reception so that we could get our passports back, we need those to get out of the country, and then it was time to find somewhere to sit as we had a long time before heading to the airport.

In the end we found a table in the small bar and played a few games of cards to pass the time. There was no 4 course lunch so we had to make do with chocolate to stop our tummies from rumbling. At 12:30 we gathered in the parking lot to wait for our coach, it was a sad time as I didn’t really want to leave but my visa told me I had to go. On the coach our representatives Anastasia (Анастасия) and Kirill (Кирилл) gave a goodbye speech and gave us chocolate, they also gave us their contact details in case we wanted to come back to Russia. And I definitely will.

We then reached the airport and got our cases out, it was time to say goodbye to our representatives and to get ready for passport control and the numerous amount of security checks. And believe me there were quite a few. Once through passport control and security it was time to find our flight, we had a lot of time to spend before boarding the plane so we decided to look around and find something to eat. I had a double beef burger from Burger King which was very nice, once our bellies were full it was time to find the gate in which to board our plane; it was a long wait as there were a few delayed flights before ours.

As soon as our flight was announced we got in line to board the plane; once the gates were opened we got on board ready to fly back to Heathrow. The flight was quite short, although there was no entertainment, but at least we had a good time eating and drinking again. Once back at Heathrow it was time to go through security and find our luggage, which was fun, and then it was time to find our taxi man and head back home after what was an incredible holiday. I think it is now time for bed, Доброй Ночи (Good Night).

Russia 2017 - Day 11

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 12:44:36 GMT

(Friday 15, September)

Friday was our last day in St Petersburg, so we decided to head out into the city on our own. Breakfast was early, but not as early as it had been for most of the time. After breakfast we took the shuttle bus from the boat to the Metro station; and before taking the train we decided to have a look around one of the supermarkets. It was quite small but had everything you needed, especially alcohol which we were told we couldn’t buy until after eleven o'clock.

It was then time to take a train to the main square, Nevsky Province (Невская область), there we then headed up the main street and looked in all the windows of the expensive shops. It felt like we were on Oxford Street but Russian style. As soon as we came to the end of the street we turned the corner to see the Hermitage, where we took lots of photos, and then we headed back up the Nevsky Province to look at more shops. There was a big shopping mall which was again filled with expensive shops like designer clothes and jewelry; the mall was quite empty and I am not surprised if the normal Russian doesn’t earn that much.

By midday it was time to find a cafe for a drink, we eventually found one that best summed up Russia for us. After a little communication we got an English menu and tried to decide on what we wanted, and to be honest it was quite difficult, in the end I decided to go for a Tea Latte just because it said ‘tea with milk’ underneath. But I weren’t too sure what I was getting really. When my ‘tea latte’ came out it was in a large glass with a straw, and yes it was hot!, now I don’t usually drink lattes but my first impression was that it was hot milk with a slight hint of tea and lots of ginger on the top. Surprisingly it was very nice, yet weird that I was drinking tea with a straw.

After refueled we headed back to the Metro to make our way back for the shuttle bus; before heading for the bus stop we went back to the supermarket to stock up on sweets and alcohol. Once stocked up we caught the bus back to the boat for the evening, and as it was our last evening on board we decided to go out with a bang. As soon as we got back we packed our cases before going for lunch; it was then time to relax before eating again and then heading for the Neva bar for drinks. You can tell that the day is nothing but eating and drinking. After dancing, having fun and taking lots of selfies it was time to call it a night as we had to get up early in the morning so night for now.

Russia 2017 - Day 10

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 12:33:40 GMT

(Thursday 14, September)

Our second day in St Petersburg started with the usual breakfast of cold meats, cheese and bread rolls; our excursion to Peterhof (Петергоф, Petergof in Russian) at 8:00 and was of the low garden of Catherine's Palace. The garden was beautiful, and I am no good at gardening but it is amazing in what you can do. The main feature were the fountains, all made in different styles and sizes; you can never realise how beautiful water can be until you see it displayed by a fountain.

It was also amazing to be so close to the Black Sea, Finland was very close by and the scenery was quite peaceful. In one part of the garden there was a bench with a fountain in front and when you tried to sit on the bench the fountain would be switched on. It was Peter the Great who used the gardens to entertain his guests, and he was know to be a prankster. After the tour we were able to look around ourselves both the lower and upper garden, even the upper garden looked amazing, we were also able to spend some money in the market just outside the gardens which is a great way in buying lots of things you didn’t need. Anyway, after spending some free time at Peterhof it was time to get back on the bus and head for the boat for lunch.

In the afternoon we took a ride on the Metro, the world’s deepest Metro to be more precise, their system is much better than ours as you only need to buy a token and you can ride on the Metro as long as you like. Except for when you come out onto the street where you have to buy another token. We visited the Faberge museum, which was small, and saw the beautiful but expensive objects such as eggs; watches and drinking cups. Afterwards it was back on the boat for the evening; and of course go up to the Neva bar for a few drinks.

Russia 2017 - Day 9

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 12:08:07 GMT

(Wednesday 13, September)

Wednesday was an early start as our excursion to the city tour of Saint Petersburg started at 8:00, we saw the highlights of St Petersburg and stopped off to take photos a couple of times. We then went to Peter and Paul Fortress which housed the relics of those who found and build St Petersburg. There was also a memorial to the last Tsar and his family. Next we made our way to Hotel Moscow for lunch which was interesting as we had to push and fight over the food as it was a do it yourself buffet, which was very nice in fact.

After lunch we headed for the Hermitage museum, the building itself was far more spectacular than the artifacts that were there. The tour was very interesting and would of liked to have stayed a little bit longer in the Egyptian gallery but we had a lot more to see. From the Hermitage we headed to the boat for an early dinner. That night we went to see a folk show, it was really good and was very colorful; we did not expect the show to be so amazing and spectacular, but it was better than traveling around the city by coach all night. After the folk show it was time to go back to our cabins for bed as we had to be up and early for our second day in St Petersburg.

Russia 2017 - Day 8

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 18:28:16 GMT

(Tuesday 12, September)

Again we were able to have a nice lay in before breakfast, and were able to see the beautiful scenery as we sailed along the river. At 11:00am we arrived in Mandrogui (Мандрогуи) and were given time to explore the island on our own. We went and saw the animals, some were big while others were cute and cuddly, and took lots of photos. The squirrel wasn't in a good shape as he was running around like crazy, he probably couldn't remember where he had hidden his nuts, while the goat had a proper goaty beard going on.

After the animals we explored some interesting buildings that were made out of wood. We saw traditional weaving and musical instruments; we also had a Shesh Kebab for lunch which was very nice. We then explored the other part of the island before getting back on board ready to depart for St Petersburg. Later in the afternoon we had our final Russian language lesson, we all passed the final test and gained a certificate to show that we had completed the course.

Dinner was served at the usual time of half seven and was another three course meal, it was then up to the conference room for the talent show which everyone was involved in and was very good indeed. Our group sung two traditional folk songs, and of course in Russian, which sounded quite nice even though we didn’t rehearse that much. Afterwards it was time to head to the bar to have a few drinks and play some games before going to bed.

Russia 2017 - Day 7

Mon, 25 Sep 2017 18:18:07 GMT

(Monday 11, September)

Day seven we had a nice lay in before breakfast, then it was time to stretch our legs by walking around the decks before doing a bit of singing, and then we had a meeting on our program in Kizhi (Кижи) and what we are going to see on our way to St Petersburg. It was then time to meet the Captain, and the cats, on the Captain's bridge; the cats looked rather grumpy, that's probably because we were there. After asking the Captain some questions and taking photos of grumpy cats it was time to play Uno up in the conference hall before lunch.

Afterwards it was time to rest and let our food go down before we docked into Kizhi Island. At 5pm we arrived in Kizhi and had our tour. Kizhi is a small island village with buildings made entirely out of wood, the south side is open to visitors while the north side is inhabited by locals. Only six to be exact. We visited the small church and the inside of one of the houses; we then walked to another small church and listened to the man in the bell tower play a tune with the bells. Afterwards we had time to explore on our own before getting back onto the boat.

In the evening it was time for the pirate night, dressing up was essential, dinner was served in the Volga restaurant and there was entertainment to greet us as we went in. Cakes were presented to those who had a birthday on board, there were quite a few, and everyone had to sing happy birthday. After dinner it was time for the pirate disco; or also known as Alexander and his playlist of the same songs every night. After the disco it was bed as we were all tired after all the dancing we had done.

Russia 2017 - Day 6

Sat, 23 Sep 2017 18:07:00 GMT

(Sunday 10, September)

The day started early, as usual, with breakfast at 7:45 in the Volga Restaurant. Afterwards there was a briefing on the program for the days that we are in St Petersburg. Then there was time to discuss and think about what we wanted to do as there weren't many excursions to choose from. We docked into Goritsy (Горицы) at midday where we got off for our tour of the Kirillo-Belozersky (Кирилло-Белозерский) Monastery.

A small part of the monastery is still active while other parts are used as a small museum; fortress walls were constructed during the polish invasion but couldn't capture the region. Ivan the Terrible sent two of his wives to the monastery as it was also used as a prison. In Soviet times the place was closed down but now it is used as an active monastery, only a few monks live there now. Once our tour of the monastery was finished we had some free time before returning to the boat.

At 3:00 we left Goritsy for Kizhi, lunch was served in the Volga restaurant and was again a 4 course meal. I don't think I have eaten so much food in my life. At 4:30 we had our second Russian language lesson, this time we learnt food and drink as well as some more phrases. We also refreshed our memories from the last lesson, and to be honest we did alright, while having a go at writing in Russian. After that there was some more free time before dinner and then it was off to the bar for a couple of drinks and games before bed.

Russia 2017 - Day 5

Fri, 22 Sep 2017 16:14:50 GMT

(Saturday 9, September)

Доброе Утро/Добрый день (Good Morning/Good Afternoon),

Day five started really early in the morning, breakfast was at seven and then off the boat at eight for our tour of Yaroslavl. Our tour guide, Anatoly, showed us the highlights of Yaroslavl before being able to spend some money in the market. One of the parks had fountains and a peacock made out of flowers which was interesting. Back on the boat we had time to walk around the upper deck before lunch. At 2:30 it was time for our first Russian lesson, we learnt the alphabet; numbers and some useful phrases that may help us in conversations.

After our Russian language lesson we went back to our cabins for a bit before finding somewhere to play Uno, and of course learn our Russian numbers. Dinner was at 7:30 in the Volga (Волга) restaurant and it was a selection of traditional food that we chose a few nights before. There was music; singing and people dressed in traditional outfits. A very enjoyable evening. After dinner we had a rest before going up to the Neva Bar for a drink before going to bed.

Russia 2017 - Day 4

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 16:01:48 GMT

(Friday 8, September)

While asleep we went through Seven locks and was able to have a lie in for a change. Although you still got the early morning wake up call from the radio. Breakfast consisted of cold meats, cheese and vegetables; it sounds weird but nice. We had a lot of free time as we were not docking at Uglich (Углич) until 4:30. We walked around the top deck and then had a few games of Uno, at half twelve there was a safety trill to make sure that we knew how to put on our life jackets and find our life boat. Lunch was not long after, and then there was time to rest before getting ready for our tour around Uglich.

Our tour guide Vladimir showed us the highlights of Uglich, mainly churches/cathedrals, but it was all linked in with the uprising which then started the time of troubles. This was when several wars between Russia and other countries such as Poland happened. After the tour we were able to visit the market, which meant spending some money. Shot glasses and a Russian hat was essential on my list. Once back on the boat we set sail for Yaroslavl (Ярославль); dinner was not long after we set sail and it was time to listen to the folk concert before having a beer or two in one of the bars. And then it was back to our cabins for bed.

Russia 2017 - Day 3

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 21:13:16 GMT

(Thursday 7, September)

Day three was also an early start, breakfast was at half seven before getting on the bus to the Museum of Cosmonautics. Our tour guide showed us each step that the Russians made during the Soviet period and explained what Sputnik meant. Which was friend. We were able to see where the international space station was on the map as it orbited the earth. From there we saw how the Cosmonauts lived in space and how they trained for the tough conditions of space. It was then back on the boat for lunch before spending some free time on board.

At 5:30, local time, we set sail towards our next destination which was Uglich. After setting sail we got to meet the captain and our fellow travellers while drinking champagne, dinner wasn’t long after and then there was free time before hitting the sack. The cabins were on the small side but it had everything you needed, a bed; shower and wardrobes. The shower room was quite interesting but again enough for a two week holiday.

Russia 2017 - Day 2

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 21:13:16 GMT

(Wednesday 6, September)

Доброе Утро/Добрый день (Good Morning/Good Afternoon)

Day two started with a wake up call at seven fifteen in the morning, breakfast and then down to reception ready to take the bus into Moscow city center for the city tour and the Kremlin. Svetlana (Севтлана), our guide showed us and explained all the important and interesting buildings that lined the streets of Moscow. We saw the government building (The White House) and several statues of patriotic people who devoted their life to Russia.

Our first stop of the day was Red Square, this is the main square in Moscow and is celebrating its 870th anniversary this year. The square is a place to gather and celebrate, it is also used to show off power with military parades. Especially during the Soviet Era. After spending some time in Red Square we then went for lunch, a four course meal obviously, before making our way to the Kremlin.

The Kremlin (Кремль) means town surrounded by a wall. The Kremlin has three cathedrals that dedicate to various aspects of Christianity in Russia; patriotic people such as Peter the Great and Ivan the Great (Terrible) are buried there. After the Kremlin we made our way back to a few parks before heading back to the boat for dinner. With our bellies stuffed with tasty Russian food we boarded the bus for our tour of Moscow by night.

The tour started off with the Metro system which was first commissioned in 1935 and only had thirteen stations. It now has over 200 stations. Each of the stations are decorated in different styles are made to look grand. After spending time on the Metro we walked out onto Red Square, the buildings were all lit up with one looking very festival. Some of the domes had little stars which were all lit up as well. From Red Square we ventured on to a few parks and saw some interesting statues before heading back to the boat for the night as it was quite late.

Russia 2017 - Day 1

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 21:13:16 GMT

(Tuesday 5, September)

Всем Привет (Hello All)

Russia may not be everyone’s choice of holiday; but you sometimes need something different, exotic, and adventurous. The morning started early as we had a long drive up to Heathrow airport; the traffic wasn’t that bad and everyone was excited as our little adventure to Russia began. Once through passport control and customs we set about finding food. Isn’t that the whole idea? We found a lovely restaurant (Giraffe) where we had breakfast before finding our bay for our flight to Moscow.

After waiting at the bay for a while we then boarded our flight which was a small aircraft. The Pilot, Ben, kept us informed as there was a problem with the air conditioning and they were trying to sort that out. After waiting in what seemed like thirty degrees we headed for the runway and prepared for takeoff. The flight was approximately three hours and thirty minutes, so not too bad, and ran smoothly. After a pleasant flight we landed in Domodedovo (домодедово) airport in Moscow; and again once we were through passport control and customs we waited for our bus, in the rain, which took us to our boat Nikoly Chernyshevsky (Николай Чернышевский). It was then a quick look around our cabins before going to dinner and then bed ready for an early start again the next day.