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Book reviews, poems, general musings and more!

April is a moment of joy for those who have survived the winter.
Samuel Johnson
There has of course long been an immigration route from China over the Pacific to the West coast of America. In the 19th century people were attracted by the Gold Rush and then in a huge area that was asset rich and labour poor, Chinese immigrants were vital in building the miles and miles of […]
I have known Lionel Shriver for years as a journalist writing in a variety of journals, magazines and newspapers. Lionel is female and was born Margaret Ann. At age 15 and already a fledgling writer she changed her name as she felt this would bring her more respect. I find this a little dispiriting as […]
I feel I must have written about this before but it appears not. I like French folds, they add gravitas and style to what would otherwise be an ordinary paperback. A French fold is a continuation of the book cover that folds inwards and thus can be used as a bookmark. It also allows artwork […]
I grew up in freezing cold Kent in the 1950s and early 60s. The airing cupboard was the one place to curl up comfortably and read. The cat sometimes chose to join me. He too knew where it was warm …
Susan Brice