The Diary of an Old Drunk

The Diary of an Old Drunk is a remarkable novel by George Bothamley.

It is an intriguing book. Part philosophical discourse, part novel, part fictional autobiography, part book of poetry.

It's an imaginary account of the life of an old drunk, a man who, due to a variety of circumstances,  becomes an elderly man who is a homeless alcoholic.

The book is written from the perspective of the old drunk and is designed by the author to help raise public awareness of the plight of many homeless people, especially the older homeless person.

The old drunk -we never do get to learn his name- is an engaging type of a fellow, has his life turned out differently he could have been a well known and popular wit and raconteur, perhaps appearing on our television sets every evening, but, as they say, there but for the grace of God go I.

We learn of the two great loves of his life, of course, even homeless people are capable of becoming emotionally entangled, how hard life on the streets can be for the homeless. Although the old drunk's attitude to some other homeless people is, perhaps, a little dismissive and somewhat superior?

He despises the fact that they keep grumbling about living on the streets. As the old drunk says: "But what do we expect? We're living on the streets, people - this ain't no hotel. This ain't no holiday spa."

It's published by Matador at £9.99 and will make a good Christmas present for the members of your family who like to think about stuff.

You can purchase it here: https://goo.gl/wdCFDG.

Two Jam Jars for the Manor

This is the latest novel from Dermod Judge.

It tells the story of young Johnny. Johnny has a passion for the movies. It is his dream to actually work in the movie industry.

However, the fact that he comes from one of the poorest, most poverty stricken areas of Dublin in the early 1950s, and that he was forced to leave school due to this poverty seems to work against him.

Johnny retreats into a safe world, the world of the movies, the movie plots. This serves to isolate and protect him from the harsh realities of life in the Dublin of those times.

Johnny could tell a good tale, so the family sent him to the cinema so that he could tell the other members of his family about the movie, the plot and what happened.

In a way, his descriptions are so powerful and so compelling that they help sooth the stresses of his family member. Almost acting like an ersatz form of therapy, but without the coach. Or the fee!

However, complications arise and Johnny appears to be forming an attachment with the gorgeous daughter of a rich army major.

However, against all the odds and circumstances that seem to be stacked against him, Johnny endeavours to keep on going, to (somehow) complete his schooling and to try to discover exactly how he can get into the movie making industry.

It's an interesting novel, witty, yet sensitive and is in the great tradition of Irish literature.

It's published by The Book Guild at £8.99 and will make a fine Christmas gift. You can purchase it here https://goo.gl/wdCFDG.

Africanism

Africanism is a story by author Patricia Bamurangirwa. It is the true story of how Patrica emigrated from Africa and how she was able to create a new life for herself in the UK.

Patrica's aim in authoring this book is a creditable and noble one: She wishes to help instill in the younger generation of people the confidence in themselves and their country.

It's target audience is a broad one. People who are from ethnic minority backgrounds and those who have not had to face the unique problems that can impinge on the lives of people who are from such backgrounds.

It also aims to bring to the attention of readers the current situation in Africa, of the problems faced by ordinary Africans, whilst their nations are ruined by violence and corruption.

It's an interesting book and will be of interest to not only the layman and laywoman but also to academics who study African and ethnic minority interests.

It's a well-written, important and inspirational book.

It's published by Matador at £10.99 and could be an interesting Christmas present and can be ordered here https://goo.gl/wdCFDG.

White Windows

White Windows is an enchanting debut novel from author David Wallis.

It's a tale of mystery and magic about a family which is having trouble coping with the high-paced, modern world.

Their house seems to be under constant threat with mysterious break-ins and a variety of strange and mysterious events, including the loss of several chickens from the garden.

What is going on? Rita believes that the family home is being targeted by an army of thieves and bandits. But the police who investigate can find no evidence of any crimes.

But members of the family are beginning to act strangely, too! What is Gary up to? Why would he attack Rita? Why is there a talking gnome? And what ancient secret does the house harbour?

And who were the Little Tree People? And what were they doing at White Windows?

It's an interesting story for children and I am sure this is not the last we shall hear of White Windows.

Great story for reading with children and it's got to be on the Christmas list for Christmas 2017!

It's published by Matador at £6.99 and can be bought here https://goo.gl/wdCFDG.

Steal Big: Vatican City

Steal Big: Vatican City is a new crime novel from crime writer Sean O'Driscoll.

The Mastermind. Remember him? After a year of living a blissful existence with the woman of his dreams (as they say) he is back, refreshed and with a newer and even more audacious scheme.

He doesn't have to steal, not any longer. Not if he doesn't want to. But, what if he does want to? What if he now just wants to steal because he can? What if he will now steal just for fun?

So, his next step is to plan the biggest, most daring robbery since Captain Blood attempted to steal the Crown Jewels of England. The Mastermind aims to go one better and rob the Vatican City itself.

He makes his meticulous plans and sets them to work, ensnaring people inot his schemes, willingly or not.

However, all is not to go as The Mastermind might have desired. For it is a little known fact that the Inquisition is still in operation and takes a dim view of The Mastermind and his plans.

Plus there is the fact that, following the stalling of his career when he previously failed to capture The Mastermind, FBI agent Ben Fox is after The Mastermind with revenge in his heart.

But what exactly is there to steal at The Vatican? And how come The Pope doesn't know about some of the treasures that are hidden there? What dirty secrets are there to be uncovered?

And when the world finds out exactly what The Mastermind has done, how will it react? With anger and outrage, yes. But who will the anger and outrage be aimed at? The Mastermind, or will it be directed somewhere else?

It's an exciting crime novel where there are criminals. But they might not be exactly who you think they are.

It's suggested this book is inspired by Dan Brown. If only Dan Brown could write as well as Sean O'Driscoll!

It's published by Matador at £8.99 and has to be on your Christmas present list! You can buy it here
https://goo.gl/wdCFDG.

Without Walls

Without Walls is an interesting memoir from a very interesting figure.

Meet Nilton Toubkin, the founder of the Southbank International School.

His life, was happy though in rather straitened circumstances, when he was born in South Africa.

His life is like that of many people, facing and surmounting a variety of trials and tribulations.

The break-up of his parent's marriage, his mother's suicide attempt and the tragic death of his own daughter at the early age of 19 are some examples.

However, Milton Toubkin is known in the educational world for his creation and operation of the Southbank International School with a number of fellow educationalists.

Even though the school began its life in less than auspicious circumstances (no funding, no financial backing, for example) the school, under his guidance, was able to thrive and prosper, growing in a relatively short period of time into an important place of learning with an International reputation and a unique educational programme.

Milton also tells the story of his marriage to Marj and the joys of becoming a parent and grandparent.

It's an interesting biography and is very well illustrated with a large number of high quality images.

It is published in hardback by Matador at £15.99 and will make an ideal Christmas gift for the biography junkie in your life!

You can buy it here https://goo.gl/wdCFDG.

Where Peacocks scream

Where Peacocks Scream is a fantastic adventure novel for young adults set on a magical isle not far from the Riverside public house.

The story is told from the point of view of Daniel Williams who lives at the pub with his family.

The pub is connected by a bridge to a path of wild land called The Island. Daniel likes to consider The Island as his own, special domain. He is friends with Josh and Chloe, the daughter of the boatman.

He is also very keen on the peacocks and peahens that live at The Riverside.

The opening of the story is tinged with sadness for Cora, who is Daniel's favourite peahens, has died and Daniel decides that he will bury her on The Island, in secret.

During the summertime, whilst he is on the riverside, fishing, Daniel notices that he is being watch by a mysterious man who habitually wears a white cap. He is photographing Daniel.

It transpires that the man is called Frank Jasper and he turns up The Riverside pub to stay as a guest. Whilst there he begins to make Daniel's life very uncomfortable and miserable indeed.

But why? What is Frank Jasper up to? He brought peacock feathers inot the pub one night. Why did he do that?

Does Frank Jasper have evil designs on The Riverside pub and The Island? If so, what are his plans? Why does he thirst for revenge? And does Frank Jasper know things about the past?

And more to the point, can Daniel thwart his plans for revenge?

Valerie Mendez has done it again with this excellent mystery novel which will be a hit with both young and old.

There are also some interesting subplots and not everyone close to Daniel might be entirely as they seem.

It's an ideal Christmas gift and at £8.99 from the Book Guild, it's worth every penny!

You can buy it here https://goo.gl/wdCFDG.