More of wot I have read…

Rotherweird by Andrew Caldecott

This was an unusual book that had an interesting premise, but I was not captured by the execution of it.

‘The town of Rotherweird stands alone – there are no guidebooks, despite the fascinating and diverse architectural styles cramming the narrow streets, the avant garde science and offbeat customs. Cast adrift from the rest of England by Elizabeth I, Rotherweird's independence is subject to one disturbing condition: nobody, but nobody, studies the town or its history.

For beneath the enchanting surface lurks a secret so dark that it must never be rediscovered, still less reused.

But secrets have a way of leaking out.

Two inquisitive outsiders have arrived: Jonah Oblong, to teach modern history at Rotherweird School (nothing local and nothing before 1800), and the sinister billionaire Sir Veronal Slickstone, who has somehow got permission to renovate the town's long-derelict Manor House.

Slickstone and Oblong, though driven by conflicting motives, both strive to connect past and present, until they and their allies are drawn into a race against time – and each other. The consequences will be lethal and apocalyptic.

Welcome to Rotherweird!’

Ballad of Halo Jones volume 1 - by Alan Moore and Ian Gibson

First in the trilogy of re-released 2000AD comic story about an unlikely heroine and her adventures through a far future dystopian universe. I great nostalgic read.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its in-depth, touching tale of a world I knew nothing about. The epic story stretches across generations of the same family as they dragged through challenging experiences each trying to cope as best they can. It is quite an eye opener to read about the terrible treatment Koreans had under Japanese rule, and for how long.

‘Pachinko follows one Korean family through the generations, beginning in early 1900s Korea with Sunja, the prized daughter of a poor yet proud family, whose unplanned pregnancy threatens to shame them all. Deserted by her lover, Sunja is saved when a young tubercular minister offers to marry and bring her to Japan.

So begins a sweeping saga of an exceptional family in exile from its homeland and caught in the indifferent arc of history. Through desperate struggles and hard-won triumphs, its members are bound together by deep roots as they face enduring questions of faith, family, and identity.’

Autonomous by Annalee Newitz

This is an entertaining if somewhat silly romp through a near future of collapse in society and advances in technical/bioengineering/genetics has stratified the haves and have-nots. Essentially it is a story about rights (rights if individual verses corporations, robots verses humans, and individual freedoms).  

‘Autonomous features a rakish female pharmaceutical pirate named Jack who traverses the world in her own submarine. A notorious anti-patent scientist who has styled herself as a Robin Hood heroine fighting to bring cheap drugs to the poor, Jack’s latest drug is leaving a trail of lethal overdoses across what used to be North America—a drug that compels people to become addicted to their work.

On Jack’s trail are an unlikely pair: an emotionally shut-down military agent and his partner, Paladin, a young military robot, who fall in love against all expectations. Autonomous alternates between the activities of Jack and her co-conspirators, and Elias and Paladin, as they all race to stop a bizarre drug epidemic that is tearing apart lives, causing trains to crash, and flooding New York City.’

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arunshati Roy

Another novel about a world I didn’t know anything about – India and its many fractured and conflicting peoples. An often rambling (occasionally seemingly randomly so) collection of connected (often unlikely so) tales of various individuals who through them we see a part of the mindbogglingly (self) destructive environment that pervades this continent. A fascinating read.

‘By slowly becoming everything.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness takes us on a journey of many years – the story spooling outwards from the cramped neighbourhoods of Old Delhi into the burgeoning new metropolis and beyond, to the Valley of Kashmir and the forests of Central India, where war is peace and peace is war, and where, from time to time, ‘normalcy’ is declared.

Anjum, who used to be Aftab, unrolls a threadbare carpet in a city graveyard that she calls home. A baby appears quite suddenly on a pavement, a little after midnight, in a crib of litter. The enigmatic S. Tilottama is as much of a presence as she is an absence in the lives of the three men who love her.

The Ministry of Utmost Happiness is at once an aching love story and a decisive remonstration. It is told in a whisper, in a shout, through tears and sometimes with a laugh. Its heroes are people who have been broken by the world they live in and then rescued, mended by love – and by hope. For this reason, they are as steely as they are fragile, and they never surrender. This ravishing, magnificent book reinvents what a novel can do and can be. And it demonstrates on every page the miracle of Arundhati Roy’s storytelling gifts.’

Seasonal Lunch Treat…

It has started to become a tradition to sample the seasonal menu at our friend Paul’s restaurant, Kingham’s in Shere. We went with Deb and Howard and his friend Kevin. As to be expected it was a lovely meal, and we had some good banter with Paul joining in too when he could get away from the stove.

Weekend Adventure…

Firstly, we went with Jamie and Gia to a wet and windy Dungeness with a brief stop at the Red Lion at Snargate (built around 1540 and not decorated since 1890 this unique pub has an antique marble bar top, original gas fittings and outside loos, and feels like stepping back in time. There is an old piano and bar games such as ‘Toad-in-the-hole’ and ‘nine-men’s-morris’ on show). And then to have lunch at The Pilot Inn (built partly with timbers from a ship lured onto the beach by wreckers).

While the other two travelled back to London (slowly due to rail problems), Sue and I booked into the Chilston Park Hotel (a slightly tired old manor house of faded grandeur) and enjoyed cocktails and a light dinner in the bar, before retiring to our feature suite Victoria (rooms have names or pictures instead of numbers) for the evening.

The next day we travelled to the coast and stopped at Whitstable where we had a seafood lunch at The Crab and Winkle and later ice-cream on the pier when we got to Herne Bay. A very pleasant and indulgent weekend was had.

Birthdays…

We had a couple of celebrations for people’s birthdays; one for Auntie V; and a combined party for Chris and Lucy (who will be 21 this year). It was great to catch up with friends and family.

Salute 2018…

Salute is a one day convention focused mainly on table-top miniatures from clubs and companies brought together by the organisers, The South London Warlords club.

I went with Marc (Marc stopped over with us for a couple of nights) and Richard, ending with a couple of pints (in pewter tankards, naturally) at the Mug House hole-in-the-wall style of pub at London Bridge.

Game Day…

Played several co-op games and a couple not:

• 5-Minute Dungeon
• Azul
• Pandemic
• Thunderbirds
• Dice Throne
• Forbidden Desert

More of wot I have read…

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

This is a very accomplished debut novel with a good balance of humour, sadness, darkness and light. There are not too many surprises in the story, but the author does a good job making you believe you found out what was happening on your own before it is revealed to you. Nominated for awards and already optioned for a film.

‘Eleanor Oliphant leads a simple life.

She wears the same clothes to work every day, eats the same meal deal for lunch every day and buys the same two bottles of vodka to drink every weekend.

Eleanor Oliphant is happy.

Nothing is missing from her carefully timetabled existence. Except, sometimes, everything…’

The Power by Naomi Alderman

An interesting exploration into gender and power and how a change in the balance could change everything (or nothing).

‘All over the world women are discovering they have the power.

With a flick of the fingers they can inflict terrible pain – even death.

Suddenly every man on this planet finds they have lost control.

The day of the girls has arrived – but where will it end?’

Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood

A quick read of this fine interpretation of a classic tale of revenge and forgiveness.

‘Treacherously toppled from his post as director of the Makeshiweg Festival on the eve of his production of The Tempest, Felix retreats to a backwoods hovel to lick his wounds and mourn his lost daughter. And to also plot his revenge.

After twelve years, his chance appears in the shape of a theatre course at a nearby prison, Here, Felix and his inmate actors will stage his Tempest at last, and snare the traitors who destroyed him. But will it remake Felix as his enemies fall?’

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

A fabulous read. Slow and sophisticated it gently explores the changes in Russia from the Bolshevik uprising to the Cold War, as viewed through the cultured eyes of a non-person trapped in a former gilded cage.

‘On 21 June 1922 Count Alexander Rostov – recipient of the Order of Saint Andrew, member of the Jockey Club, Master of the Hunt – is escorted out of the Kremlin, across Red Square and through the elegant revolving doors of the Hotel Metropol.

But instead of being taken to his usual suite, he is led to an attic room with a window the size of a chessboard. Deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, the Count has been sentenced to house arrest indefinitely.

While Russia undergoes decades of tumultuous upheaval, the Count, stripped of the trappings that defined his life, is forced to question what makes us who we are. And with the assistance of a glamorous actress, a cantankerous chef and a very serious child, Rostov unexpectedly discovers a new understanding of both pleasure and purpose.’

Virginia Water…

One Sunday recently we met Terry and Gill and went for a walk in Windsor Great Park by Virginia Water and joined the many families out and about with their kids and dogs to perambulate along the lake side. We walked tow the fabulous cascades and then back to the pub where we enjoyed a lovely lunch. It was cold out but bright and full of promise. 

The Birthplace of British Motorsport & Aviation…

We had a great day out at the Brooklands Museum where there was a display of British Marques cars along with the permanent display such as the Concord, Vickers Vimy, London Transport Bus Museum, the Barnes Wallis Stratosphere Chamber, Grand Prix exhibition, and various historic cars, bikes (bicycles and motor cycles), planes, all in the historic site with its club house, hangers and the famous banked track. 

The White Stuff…

We have had some late winter snow here in the UK and it has been worse in some parts of the country than others. For us it was just a few inches of the white stuff, but it hampered travel and so as I have the technology I worked from home for a few days on my computer with only Netflix for company and occasionally venturing out for supplies to the local shop or to clear the ice blocking the condenser pipe from the boiler. Called the 'Beast from East' on the news it did cause many problems in Scotland and the north of the country especially with large drifts blocking access to rural communities. In Finland, we understand they called it ‘just another day’. 

More of wot I have heard…

Nat ‘King’ Cole & Me by Gregory Porter

In Winter by Katie Melua

Edge of the Sun by Calexico

Bob Harris Country Sessions by various artists

Turning Tides by Wildwood Kin

More of wot I have read…

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Pulitzer prize winning post-apocalyptic novel that was turned into a riveting film is a dark and haunting read about hope trying desperately to overcome seemingly overwhelming odds.

‘A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don’t know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food—and each other.

The Road is the profoundly moving story of a journey. It boldly imagines a future in which no hope remains, but in which the father and his son, “each the other’s world entire,” are sustained by love. Awesome in the totality of its vision, it is an unflinching meditation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alive in the face of total devastation.’

Ship of Rome by John Stack

An interesting story for the historical elements, though somewhat lacking in narrative or character development.

‘Against a backdrop of the clash of the Roman and Carthaginian empires, the battle for sovereignty takes place on the high seas Atticus, captain of one of the ships of Rome's small, coastal fleet, is from a Greek fishing family. Septimus, legionary commander, reluctantly ordered aboard ship, is from Rome, born into a traditionally army family. It could never be an easy alliance. But the arrival of a hostile fleet, larger, far more skilful and more powerful than any Atticus has encountered before, forces them to act together. So Atticus, one of Rome's few experienced sailors, finds himself propelled into the middle of a political struggle that is completely foreign to him. Rome need to build a navy fast but the obstacles are many; political animosities, legions adamant that they will only use their traditional methods; Roman prejudice even from friends, that all those not born in Rome are inferior citizens. The enemy are first class, experienced and determined to control the seas. Can Atticus, and the fledgling Roman navy, staffed with inexperienced sailors and unwilling legionaries, out-wit and out-fight his opponents?’

The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss

The Wise Man's Fear, also called The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day Two, follows The Name of the Wind in a similar style with a detailed portrait of the world and its inhabitants that our hero wanders through and encounters in an almost random manner. The supremely capable and rather arrogant main character develops a different set of skills now as slowly he continues to reveal snippets of information that may lead him towards his goal.

‘In The Wise Man's Fear, Kvothe searches for answers, attempting to uncover the truth about the mysterious Amyr, the Chandrian, and the death of his parents. Along the way, Kvothe is put on trial by the legendary Adem mercenaries, forced to reclaim the honor of his family, and travels into the Fae realm. There he meets Felurian, the faerie woman no man can resist, and who no man has ever survived...until Kvothe.

Now, Kvothe takes his first steps on the path of the hero and learns how difficult life can be when a man becomes a legend in his own time.’

Old Man’s War by John Scalzi

This idea of a new second life after a full one seems intriguing, but I found I was more interested in why the Earth got in the situation it did, why it was so isolated, and why only Americans joined the Army? The aliens, bizarre mixture of high and not so high technology, and state of constant war was less enthralling.

‘At seventy-five years old, John Perry is after a fresh start - so, naturally, he joins the army. Earth's military machine can transform elderly recruits, restoring their lost youth. But in return, its Colonial Defence Force demands two years of hazardous service in space. This is how Perry finds himself in a new body, crafted from his original DNA. A genetically enhanced and upgraded new body, ready for battle.

But upgrades alone won't keep Perry safe. He'll be fighting for his life on the front line as he defends humanity's colonies from hostile aliens. He'll pay the price for his choices, and he'll discover the universe is even more dangerous than he imagined.’

  

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin

After the author passed away recently I thought I ought to read one of her books to see what it was all about and started with this one. I don’t think I will be trying the others any time soon. I did not have any sympathy for the main character and was not engaged in the narrative either.

‘The first book of "Earthsea" is a tale of wizards, dragons and terrifying shadows. The island of Gont is a land famous for wizards. Of these, some say the greatest - and surely the greatest voyager - is the man called Sparrowhawk. As a reckless, awkward boy, he discovered the great power that was in him - with terrifying consequences. Tempted by pride to try spells beyond his means, Sparrowhawk lets loose an evil shadow-beast in his land. Only he can destroy it, and the quest leads him to the farthest corner of Earthsea.’

Diggers by Terry Pratchett

Aimed at a much younger reader this book is light and humorous with just a few hints of darkness and deeper subtext.

‘'And Grimma said, We have two choices.

We can run, or we hide.

And they said, Which shall we do?

She said, We shall Fight.'

A Bright New Dawn is just around the corner for thousands of tiny nomes when they move into the ruined buildings of an abandoned quarry. Or is it?

Soon strange things start to happen. Like the tops of puddles growing hard and cold, and the water coming down from the sky in frozen bits. Then humans appear and they really mess everything up. The quarry is to be re-opened, and the nomes must fight to defend their new home. But how long will they be able to keep the humans at bay - even with the help of the monster Jekub?

Diggers is the second title in a hugely inventive and hilarious fantasy trilogy about the nomes, a race of little people in a world of humans.’

Family Fun...

Jamie and Gia visited us recently and gave me a lovely National Geographic coffee table book. We caught up and played a couple of games until Barbara and Deb joined us for a Chinese inspired dinner that included our steamed buns. We also managed to get them all to play Sushi Go Party before Barbara took Deb home again. The next day the rest of us had a leisurely start and a pleasant walk to the train station where we said our goodbyes.

Birthday Treats...

For my birthday this year, Sue spoilt me rotten. On the Saturday we visit Two Temple Place where there was a Jazz exhibition called Rhythm & Reaction in a fabulous building that is not normally open to the public, then we went on to the National Gallery before going to the matinee of Young Frankenstein, and finishing up with a few drinks at the Savoy American Bar. On Sunday we had the godsons and their parents over and we played a couple of games I had bought them at Christmas – Charly and Virulence– both were hits with the group.

Uncle Tony...

Sue’s Uncle Tony lost his battle with cancer in January and we attended his funeral which was packed out with friends, family, and business colleagues all coming to pay their respects. It was a very moving day. 

Whilst the cat's away...

Sue, Deb, Carole and Blonde Deb visit Marrakech for Blondie’s 50^th birthday where they stayed at the Eden Andalou Hotel. Whilst they ventured out into the town and the markets, and took a drive up into the Atlas Mountains, I had the boys around and we played a variety of games (whilst the cat’s away…).

Old Wood...

Marc had another visit with us in January and we played a few games, with Sue stuffing us at Ticket to Ride. We also took a drive out into the countryside and ended up visiting a 4000-year-old Yew Tree at Crowhurst. 

Fun with Friends...

Marc & Heather & Elise came over from Sweden and stayed with us for a few days over the Christmas/New Year period whilst they visited friends and family. We kept them busy but managed to get out to play in the park and to feed carrots to the donkeys. Another semi-regular event is a walk and talk with friends and colleagues old and new. This time we were at Dinton Pastures Country Park near Reading where we walked around the ponds together (Marc played with Elise in the fabulous play area) and later we went on to have a meal at a pub called the Jolly Farmers in Hurst.

 New Year’s Eve was spent at home with Whittenburys and Harrison-Dinniss clans. We had a convivial time eating a lovely meal, chatting and consuming a few drinks that culminated in watching Jools Holland’s Hootenanny.

On New Year’s Day, we went for a walk in Banstead Woods where they have a new Narnia Trail (a wood carving artist has created large sculptures out of dead trees, and other wood products, that represent things from the children’s books). We went on over the muddy and slippery paths (unfortunately Marc had a couple of tumbles) until we got to the Ramblers Rest where we recovered.

Christmas by the sea...

Christmas and Boxing Day was spent at Seaford at Chris & Lynne’s home that had been decorated in style and where the provided a fabulous spread. We were joined by Barbara and Debs and had a merry old time. On Boxing Day, we had a brisk walk along the cliffs until a squall forced us into a pub seeking shelter. 

Furlong Road Residents and Supporters...

We have a semi-regular gathering of Furlong Road Residents and Supporters, and before Christmas this was in Dorking (our local curry house having shut down), at the Mirch Mahal where we have lovely food and enjoyed the company. 

Period Festivities...

To get some fresh air we went and visited Polesden Lacey where they decorate the house up in a Christmas style in keeping with the period of the building. There is much festivities and even a ‘reindeer’ drawn carriage ride for the kids (horses wearing antlers and red noses).

Festive Tunes...

A regular event that heralds the festive season is the carol singing arranged by my Uncle Terry in a neighbour’s house at Tring. It is always well attended by talented musical friends and enthusiastic amateurs all in good voice and humour.  

Celebrations...

Some time back now we visited Jamie and Gia in London when her mum was over. We went with Barbara and Deb and had a pleasant time together.

For Debbie’s latest birthday we went to the Railway Tavern near where she lives, and where many of her friends meet. There was a DJ set up in one corner playing Northern Soul classics and the place was heaving with people enjoying themselves. 

Relocation, relocation, relocation...

Late last year I relocated to an office in Horsham as our management has been insisting on us office workers being physically in the office every day, even if we have previously agreed to work from home a couple days a week. Considering we are a global company technology company, all have laptops and mobile skype communications, have bosses and colleagues in various locations across the globe, it seems to be an issue of trust, or the lack thereof. So, I have arranged to work from one of our group company offices closer to home even though it has no direct relationship to the work or business I do. The journey now is half the time and distance and avoids motorways and the town is quite pleasant (there is even a board game shop there). 

More of wot I have read…

Death’s End by Cixin Liu

This is the final part of an ongoing series about humans and aliens and the possibilities around their interaction. Over this series, the author has endeavoured to put forward several grand ideas and has postulated how our civilisation may evolve and the dangers we may encounter because of humanities reach into the unknown. The final book goes even further than the others, all the way to Death’s End to explore a possible conclusion (or is it?) to the story he has woven so skilfully.

‘Half a century after the Doomsday Battle, the uneasy balance of Dark Forest Deterrence keeps the Trisolaran invaders at bay.

Earth enjoys unprecedented prosperity due to the infusion of Trisolaran knowledge and, with human science advancing and the Trisolarans adopting Earth culture, it seems that the two civilizations can co-exist peacefully as equals without the terrible threat of mutually assured annihilation. But peace has made humanity complacent.

Cheng Xin, an aerospace engineer from the 21st century, awakens from hibernation in this new age. She brings knowledge of a long-forgotten program dating from the start of the Trisolar Crisis, and her presence may upset the delicate balance between two worlds. Will humanity reach for the stars or die in its cradle?’

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

This was a book given to me by a friend, which is the first in the Kingkiller Chronicle. As the first book in a planned trilogy, the author spends a lot of time developing the main character, explaining his origins and motivations that will guide his actions in the future. This could be a slow and drawn out process but he is a skilled writer who paints a detailed and intriguing world without giving away all its secrets, leaving you wanting more.

‘My name is Kvothe, pronounced nearly the same as "quothe." Names are important as they tell you a great deal about a person. I've had more names than anyone has a right to. The Adem call me Maedre. Which, depending on how it's spoken, can mean The Flame, The Thunder, or The Broken Tree.

"The Flame" is obvious if you've ever seen me. I have red hair, bright. If I had been born a couple of hundred years ago I would probably have been burned as a demon. I keep it short but it's unruly. When left to its own devices, it sticks up and makes me look as if I have been set afire.

"The Thunder" I attribute to a strong baritone and a great deal of stage training at an early age.

I've never thought of "The Broken Tree" as very significant. Although in retrospect, I suppose it could be considered at least partially prophetic.

My first mentor called me E'lir because I was clever and I knew it. My first real lover called me Dulator because she liked the sound of it. I have been called Shadicar, Lightfinger, and Six-String. I have been called Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe Kingkiller. I have earned those names. Bought and paid for them.

But I was brought up as Kvothe. My father once told me it meant "to know."

I have, of course, been called many other things. Most of them uncouth, although very few were unearned.

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

So begins the tale of Kvothe—from his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, to years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-riddled city, to his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a difficult and dangerous school of magic. In these pages you will come to know Kvothe as a notorious magician, an accomplished thief, a masterful musician, and an infamous assassin. But The Name of the Wind is so much more—for the story it tells reveals the truth behind Kvothe's legend.’

Quality Time…

As part of uncle Terry’s birthday we met in London and visited the Science Museum, and in particular the Clockmakers of London exhibition (displayed in a non-ironic chronological order). Here we saw some very interesting pieces and got to appreciate the impact changing society had on timepieces and vice versa (such as global navigation and Joseph Harrisons marine clocks). We also saw a few of the many other interesting items on display while we were there (Babbage’s Difference Engine, Stephenson’s Rocket and a small part of the Wellcome Collection). We then walked through the Christmassy Covent Garden down to Rules restaurant where we had a most enjoyable luncheon. 

Countryside Crafts…

We supported our friend, Paul’s, new Hedges & Hurdles venture by participating in his two-day hedge-laying training course. A hands-on practical experience where you learn basic tool use and what types of wood to use for what purpose. The course starts with a day of preparation where you coppice raw materials, split wood and get used to the equipment. The second day you tackle the unruly hedge, cutting, shaping and laying the living plants and securing them in place with the stakes and binders made the day before. A very rewarding and informative course run by a champion hedge-layer and enthusiastic woodsman. 

Serious Fun…

A full day of table top gaming with friends where we played mostly space themed games including Pulsar 2849, Alien Artefacts, and Terraforming Mars among others. I didn’t win many but had a great time trying.

Gaming Nirvana…

Essen Spiel is where you can go to lose yourself completely in the world of (analogue) games, be they all things table-top (miniatures, card, dice, or abstract), Role Play Games (pen and paper, and Live Action Role Play) and for all levels (children games, casual players, party games and serious gamers).

As seems to be the general trend these conventions are growing in size and popularity and the games are becoming broader in appeal, attracting a wide variety of people. Essen has its fair share of sun deprived social outcasts but it does also attract a more ‘normal’ and family crowd as the Euro tradition of gaming seems to be wider spread.

Unlike the UK Games Expo and GenCon there is less emphasis on playing at the convention, it being more of a huge series of trade halls. And this means many people gather at hotels after the show day to play into the wee small hours.

We have used a small family hotel called Handelshof some distance away from the convention centre for many years now and have a friendly group of people to play with who have become good friends over time. This year several palls came in from far and wide (New Zealand, Sweden, Belgium and South Africa) and as well as gaming we managed to socialise at dinner and over drinks. One dining highlight was at the Mousetrap restaurant for pig knuckle followed by apple strudel. 

Family Gastronomy…

Uncle Tony gathered many of the family together for a tasting menu dinner at the newly opened Sorrel (by award winning chef Steve Drake) in Dorking. The food was quite sublime, though the exoticness of some of the dishes did not appeal to everyone. Also, as it was newly opened and extremely popular, we felt at times the service struggled to match the quality of the food. Something I am sure they will fix as they get up to speed. 

Autumnal Pleasures…

England in the autumn is a jolly fine place indeed. We have managed to get out and experience a bit of it at RHS Wisley where we witnessed woodland skills being performed and the spectacular colours of the trees. We also enjoyed a good harvest in the garden of fruits and vegetable (potatoes, pumpkin and squashes, raspberries and grapes). Mild temperatures have allowed us to go for few walks in our nearby countryside as well. I final flourish before we head into the long dark winter.

A Milestone Birthday…

We recently celebrated Barbara’s 80^th birthday (Sue’s Mum) with two events; a little party for the younger members of the family who were around; and a sit-down dinner for her children and their partners. She seemed to be happy to be in the middle of all this family hubbub. 

More of wot I have read…

A bit of a catch up on what I have been reading over the last few months.

The Long Cosmos by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter

This is the final book in the Long Earth series and in it we find the combined inhabitants of Long Earth come to realise that there is a more advanced civilisation out in the Long Cosmos that has focused its attention on them. It aims to pull together several of the threads introduced in earlier books, giving more background to several storylines and offering up an interesting conclusion.

‘2070-71. Nearly six decades after Step Day and in the Long Earth the new Next post-human society continues to evolve.

Joshua Valiente, now in his late sixties, wants to make one last, solo journey into the High Meggers. Only it’s an adventure that turns into a disaster. Alone and facing death, his only hope lies with a group of trolls.

As Joshua confronts his mortality, the Long Earth receives a signal from the stars. A signal picked up by radio astronomers but also in more abstract ways, by the trolls and by the Great Traversers. Its impact will be felt by all who inhabit the Long Earths.

The message is simple but its implications are enormous: JOIN US.’

The Dark Forest by Cixin Liu

This is part of an ongoing series about humans and aliens and the possibilities around their interaction. It has a different view point being from a Chinese author and this along with the complexity of some of the ‘science’ being proposed, can make it a challenging read, however the characters and overarching story are compelling and thought provoking.

‘Imagine the universe as a forest, patrolled by numberless and nameless predators. In this forest, stealth is survival – any civilisation the reveals its location is prey.

Earth has. Now the predators are coming.

Crossing light years, they will reach Earth in four centuries’ time. But the sophons, their extra-dimensional agents and saboteurs, are already here. Only the individual human mind remains immune to their influence.

This is the motivation for the Wallfacer Project, a last-ditch defence that grants four individuals almost absolute power to design secret strategies, hidden through deceit and misdirection from human and alien alike. Three of the Wallfacers are influential statesmen and scientists, but the fourth is a total unknown.

Lou Ji, an ambitious Chinese astronomer, is baffled by his new status. All he knows is that he’s the one Wallfacer the aliens want dead.’

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

Sue picked this book up for me when we visited Hemingway’s house in Key West. I found it a difficult read; partly I think for the ‘voice’ used to tell the reader when Spanish was being spoken; secondly, I think the slow pace of the book is a side effect of the period it was written in (we now prefer faster paced action stories in our rapid pace information age) - also I think I found the characters unsympathetic (our ideas of morality and what is acceptable also changed over time). I am not sure it stands the test of time as an enjoyable read, but has merit for the subject and for a glimpse into another time.

‘High in the pine forests of the Spanish Sierra, a guerrilla band prepares to blow up a vital bridge. Robert Jordan, a young American volunteer, has been sent to handle the dynamiting. There, in the mountains, he finds the dangers and the intense comradeship of war. And there he discovers Maria, a young woman who has escaped from Franco’s rebels.’

The Whispering Swarm by Michael Moorcock

Well this was an odd book! I am not sure if I got the joke. Was this really an autobiographical story or some sort of vehicle to explain the author’s influences? I found it a little self-indulgent and I lacked empathy with the ‘mail character’. Being unfamiliar with his other works I do not know if it is a typical Moorcock book or not. I am not sure I am tempted to find out.

‘London is just recovering from the Blitz and years of austerity. For a young man named Michael Moorcock, the future is rife with possibilities. From his time as the youngest editor in Fleet Street to the first inklings of his future career as a writer, as he picks his way through the hidden backstreets and private worlds most Londoners don’t know about, he believes hi is safe.

Until he meets a strange Carmelite monk, goes through a locked gate, and discovers a different London hidden in plain sight. A city filled with fantastical people and unbelievable stories. A society full of dangers, magic and love. A place which calls to him with a whisper only he can hear!’

The New World by Chris Adrian & EliHorowitz

This was an interesting concept but it was too strung out and esoteric for a full novel and would have been better as a short story.

‘What does love feel like beyond death?

Jane’s husband Jim has just died – or not quite. For Jim, a mild-mannered chaplin at the hospital where Jane works as a surgeon, has left his body to Polaris, a shadowy cryonics organisation that promises to do away with mortality forever. Stranded in the realm of the Living, reeling from the loss of her husband, Jane sets out to confront Polaris and to discover just where, exactly, his body is now. Meanwhile, awake in a strange new world, an afterlife of sorts, his body gone but his consciousness intact, Jim learns that the cost of eternal life is higher than he could ever have imagined.’

Son of the Morning by Mark Alder

I enjoyed the idea of this a lot even if it is not overly original. The span of the story was rather grand but it was helped with interesting characters and finely crafted nods to historical references. I enjoyed this book very much.

‘Edward the Third stands in the burned ruin of a church. Another French raid on the south coast of England. The king is beset on all sides and terribly in debt. He needs a victory against the French to rescue his Kingship. But this is a war he cannot win.

By his divine right as king, Philip of Valois can summon seven angels to fight for him. A French army that marches beneath his banner never loses.

Edward should be able to call his own angles, but they have not spoken since his father was king. Is God truly on the side of the French?

But a banker makes Edward an offer. The help of a young boy. A Luciferist who carries one of the keys to Hell. For a price, Edward could open the gates to Hell and take an unholy war to France.’

  

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

This was a book that inspired my reading at an early age and revisiting it I think I noticed more of the cleverly crafted ideas than I would have as a boy. I would recommend this to any young person first starting to explore books, words, numbers and the often-absurd English language.

‘When Milo receives a mysterious and intriguing package through the post, all his previous feelings of boredom are banished. Having nothing better to do, he points his pedal car towards the strange land beyond the Tollbooth, and quicker than a flash he’s entered the Kingdom of Wisdom, where everything is unexpected.’

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

This was another book bought for me by Sue, and as a short story it is a much more accessible and enjoyable read than Fore Whom the Bell Tolls. I would recommend it for its excellent use of language to conjure up a scene and to evoke an emotional response.

‘Set in the Gulf Stream off the coast of Havana, Hemingway’s magnificent fable is the story of an old man, a young boy and a giant fish. In a perfectly crafted story, which won for Hemingway the Nobel Prize for Literature, is a unique and timeless vision of the beauty and grief of a man’s challenge to the elements in which he lives’.

S.N.U.F.F. by Victor Pelevin

Perhaps a little too clever for itself. There are some interesting ideas and a very political message that the author is trying to get a cross, but it drags at times and feels quite self-indulgent at others.

‘Damilola Karpov is a pilot. Living in Byzantion, he makes his living as a drone pilot – capable of being a cameraman who records the events unfolding in Urkaine or, with weapons aboard his drone, of making a newsworthy event happen for his employers: CINEWS, INC.

His recordings are known as S.N.U.F.F.: Special Newsreel/Universal Feature Film – an esoteric sacrament in Movism, the post-antichristian religion of Byzantion and Urkaine.’

Lock In by John Scalzi

Another interesting idea though it feels a little forced and reads a bit like a screen play rather than a novel, but nevertheless it is a fun and entertaining read.

‘Fifteen years from now, a new virus sweeps the globe. Most of those afflicted experience nothing worse than a fever and headaches. A few suffer acute meningitis, creating the largest medical crisis in history. And 1 percent find themselves ‘locked in’ – fully awake and aware, but unable to move or respond to stimulus.

It may not seem like a lot. But in the US alone that’s 1.7 million people ‘locked in’… including the President’s wife and daughter.

Spurred on by grief and the sheer magnitude of the suffering. America undertakes a massive scientific initiative. Nothing can fully restore the locked in, but two new technologies emerge to help. One is a virtual-reality environment, ‘The Agora’, where the locked in can interact with other humans. The second is the discovery that a few rare individuals have minds that are receptive to being controlled by others, allowing the locked in to occasionally use their bodies as if they were their own.

This skill is quickly regulated, licensed, bonded, and controlled. Nothing can go wrong. Certainly, nobody would be tempted to misuse it, for murder, for political power, or worse.’

The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers

I enjoyed this story, though the setup is vague and contrived, the main story line is involving and engaging even if the conclusion is a trifle unsatisfying.

‘Brendan Doyle, a specialist in the work of the early-nineteenth-century poet William Ashbless, reluctantly accepts an invitation from a millionaire to act as a guide to time-travelling tourists. But, while attending a lecture given by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1810, he becomes marooned in Regency London, where dark and dangerous forces know about the gates in time. Caught up in the intrigues between rival bands of beggars, pursued by Egyptian sorcerers, befriended by Coleridge, Doyle somehow survives. And learns more about the mysterious Ashbless than he could ever have imagined possible.’

Open House…

There is an Open House scheme that has been running since 1992 that is billed as London’s largest annual festival if architecture and design with access to over 800 buildings across the weekend. Some places have limited access (such as Number 10 Downing Street and New Scotland Yard), but others are just on a first come basis.

We limited our selection to just a few each day starting on Saturday with a visit to Burlington House where we managed to get in to see the Linnean Society (where Darwin gave a talk about his theory of evolution), the royal Academy of Art, and the Chemistry and Geology Societies.

After that we went to see the Salter’sHall (one of the Livery Companies) that we had interest in as my uncle was part of the company responsible for its design in 1976.

Then we saw the old Huguenot house where the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings resides and to the Village Underground (several redundant Tube carriages relocated to the top of a building and reused as office space).

We spent the evening near Spittlefields Market with a few drinks in a nearby pub and a tasty Indian meal at the small and intimate Gunpowder restaurant.

Sunday saw us venture out towards Blackfriars where were blown away by the Apothecaries Hall (the oldest of the Livery Companies Halls surviving after it was rebuilt after the Great Fire). It was also very interesting to talk to some of the Freemen including the current Master and the Senior Warden.

After that we went to Lincoln Inn Fields where we visited the Garden Courts Chambers based in the first building (and only surviving of that period) to be built around the fields. It also boasted on of only three Soanes elliptical staircases left in the country.

Our final Open House visit was to the Freemason’s Hall – a grand and imposing edifice with an imposing sense of importance that was only slightly disturbed by the presence of a fashion exhibition and wildly clad fashionistas and blaring music (quite an amusing contrast).

The culmination of our weekend was a visit to Rules, the oldest restaurant in London and one where you don’t need to be upper class to enter as it is rustic posh and comfortable (though we did see Patricia Hodge on a nearby table). They specialise in good British food, wholesome and hearty and the establishment has only had three owners on the more than 200 years it has been open.  

A Boys Gathering…

Some of my oldest friends from work past and present assembled for a get together at a caravan owned by one of them. We had a BBQ and a few liquid refreshments enjoying each other’s company setting the world to rights. The next day we strolled down to the nearby Cooden beach and some of us went and visited Alfriston village where the Clergy House (the first National Trust property) can be found. 

Wings & Wheels…

Sue and I went to the Wings & Wheels at Dunsfold Aerodrome (home to Top Gear). It was a glorious sunny day and we watch some fascinating air displays (Apache attack complete with pyrotechnics, Typhoon Eurofighter’s ear-splitting flypast, the Red Arrows, a lazy rumbling B17 run, a couple of Vampire jets, and a mock dog fight between a Spitfire and an ME109), there were static displays of cars and several runs up and down the airstrip by others, the military displays both current and historic with tank rides over the fields, and a couple of large planes on display including one modified 747 based at Dunsfold that is used for films. 

Geek Nirvana…

This year I went to the GenCon 50 in Indianapolis with a couple of pals (Kevin and Martin). We flew in and out of Chicago via Iceland and drove to/from Indianapolis (it was a long first day). GenCon is spread across several venues in downtown Indianapolis – the Convention Centre, the Lucas Oil indoor football stadium and in several nearby hotels. It also had a wide range of interests covered with a large trade hall, venues for table top miniature and card/board game events and competitions, many rooms set aside for role-play-games, parades for Cosplay, and talks, demos and films and music. We had booked in to a few RGP events and Kevin was running a couple more, so Martin and I did a thorough sweep of the trade hall. Again, the days were long (but fun) and included some time playing purchases back at the hotel.

On our return leg, we stopped a night in Chicago and had a wonder into town visiting Navy Pier, Grant Park – Buckingham Fountain, the Agora and Cloud Gate (chrome jelly bean) sculptures, and listened to some classical music at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The next day we had hoped to visit the nearby football stadium but it was packed with people assembling to watch the partial eclipse, so we gave that a miss and travelled to a nearby park and watched it there before getting an ice-cream by the lake and heading to the airport for our flight back.

Bright Lights…

We sat outside for a while and watched the Perseid meteor shower. We did not see as many as we liked but that was undoubtedly due to us being in the village and exposed to a certain amount of light pollution.

Pub Lunch…

We had a lovely lunch with mum at the Skimmington Castle near Reigate. There is a wonderful example of the Ring the Bull game in the pub too. 

Family Day…

We recently had a family day (Mum and cousins and families) out at Polesden Lacey, where during the summer they have a jazz band playing on the weekend and visitors can gather and relax on their lawn.  

More Garden Madness…

Day out with mum at the eclectic and inspiring garden at Great Dixter and then on for stroll around and dinner at Rye. 

On Your Bike…

The Prudential Ride London cycle race runs through the village several times on its way from/to London, and therefore the roads are shut for the day. So, we took advantage of the ‘lock in’ and viewed it from the local pubs a drink in hand as we marvelled and the energy and fitness of the riders. 

Soul Music...

We saw the energetic Mica Paris perform at the Hideaway in a vibrant and entertaining evening of chat and song as she took us through her history in the industry.

Mum’s Birthday Outing…

For Mum’s birthday, we took a trip into London and visited the interesting and informative Chelsea Physic Garden, the inspiring Design Museum (where we had a lovely lunch in the restaurant), and the serene Kyoto Gardens. 

Another Fine Garden…

We had a day out with mum at RHS Wisley (there is a garden theme to her holiday) and there we saw the talented FB Pocket Orchestra playing jazz. The glasshouse had some impressive blooms in it and it was a lovely day.

Milestone Birthday…

We joined in the 70^th Birthday celebrations for Rob Wilkinson and caught up with a few of our old GPE friends from way back when, and made some new acquaintances getting down to some rock and roll tunes on the dance floor.

Out & About…

We had a lovely evening out in London town with Jamie and Gia, meeting first at the quirky Lord Nelson, then going on to Bala Baya for a very tasty Israeli meal.