Making a Mark: Letter to a Grandson on the Story of European Painting by Marjorie Ann Watts

When it comes to art and the history of art I am ignorant and felt it would be appropriate for me to assess the content of Making a Mark from that aspect.

Having read Making a Mark I can now say I have a much greater appreciation of the evolution of art and how it was influenced by history, religion and governments. I believe it would also be of interest to both art and history students. The inclusion of short bios of famous artists and notes on terminology assists with the understanding of the subject.

Making a Mark covers the history and description of European art from ancient times to the 21^st Century. It came about when the author’s grandson, out of the blue, asked “What is cubism?”. The question was followed by the firing of more questions as each was answered and explained.

I found the book to be well researched and written in language someone lacking in subject knowledge like myself can understand.

It is a shame that the variations of eBooks and eBook readers make including pictures so difficult. At the end of each section the author does recommend some paintings to research and I did look up each of them on the Internet but I can imagine some readers would not bother with this exercise. I am sure the inclusion of photographs would make a magnificent printed book.

I have given Making a Mark 3* but this is due to the absence of photographs. The inclusion of appropriate graphics would certainly make it worthy of 4* if not 5. It deserves to be published in print format.

My rating 3*

I received a free copy of Making a Mark in return for an honest review.

This review is also posted on my website www.pam.id.au

Paw Prints: The True Story of a Three-Pawed Dog by Steven F Freeman

This delightful children’s story is narrated by Nicky, a three-pawed dog hoping to find a forever home. (Synopsis below)

I have heard criticism of animal stories told from the animal’s point of view but I totally disagree.  I believe children connect more to the message and relate to the animal’s experience.

This is definitely the case with Paw Prints. It is not only a wonderful children’s story but explains to the reader what an unwanted puppy might experience emotionally. The story is well balanced with happy and sad moments and there is nothing in the story that would distress a child.

Yes, there is a happy ending.

It also teaches, not only children, but any dog owner or potential dog owner the needs of dogs such as the need to have an opportunity to run free for toys or activities when home alone as well as the importance of routines and understanding dog body language. So much in a simple, short story.

The illustrations by Hatice Bayramoglu are charming and the text font and size appropriate for children reading skills.

I am looking forward to being able to purchase a print edition of Paw Prints for my future grandchild.

I unhesitatingly give Paw Prints a 5* rating.

Synopsis

Nicky the three-legged Maltese wants a forever home but can't seem to find one. Follow his adventures as he encounters rescue workers, foster families, and a collection of other dogs. Some of the humans he meets are nice, but will he ever find a loving home of his own?

Portrait of a Secret Agent who Knew Kim Philby by Tina Tamman

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because I love reading interesting, historical non-fiction and Portrait of a Secret Agent spans years of particular interest to me. While I have read extensively about WWI, it includes history I was not familiar with which made it more interesting.

It is basically a biographical story about a British spy and a delightful love story on an interesting historical background. The wonderful part about the biography is that it is a true story. The full synopsis is at the end of this review

Most book reviews are subjective; with this book, it is very much the case me.

I am currently researching my next book, a biography. In Portrait of a Secret Agent Tina Tamman demonstrates her easy writing style and comprehensive research skills; weaving together information from personal letters, diarie,s, and her own research. At times she found incomplete information but has skilfully intertwined her sources so we have a clear picture of the life of Brian Giffey.

I am also relying on both personal reminiscences and research.  Ms Tamman’s skills have been an inspiration for me.

Ms Tamman has demonstrated how to deal with incomplete research. I smiled when I read that Brian himself put down titles for biography chapters that were never written.  I have the same problem and it oh so frustrating.

Of additional personal interest was that Brian’s wife, Anni, was Estonian and the town in Australia where I live was a settlement for Estonian refugees. They contributed greatly to the region and many of their descendants still live here today

This is an extremely well researched and well-written book with a story that is somewhat different to what you might expect. I highly recommend it to history buffs.

My rating 4*

Synopsis

This is a book about belonging, loyalty and identity – a biography of a secret agent called Brian Giffey who wrongly believed that he was Welsh, but his mother was actually Canadian and his father German. Born illegitimate as Otto Chester Kurt Brian Petersen in London in 1887, he was brought up in Germany. On his return to Britain he obtained a degree from Oxford and, with the help of an unscrupulous lawyer, a military career became possible. Brian joined the Worcestershire Regiment in 1911. His intelligence career with MI6 started in 1928; he served in Tallinn, London and Baghdad. In 1944, however, he was mysteriously dismissed from the secret service, but in post-war years he represented Britain in Berlin on the denazification committee and, back in London, worked for the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain.

Brian was a specialist in Soviet affairs who knew the notorious Kim Philby. His biography helps us to understand how the Soviets used the information obtained for them by Philby. The book is also relevant today as Russia flexes its muscles. What happened in Crimea in 2014 is reminiscent of the annexation of Estonia in 1939-40 experienced first-hand by Brian.

The book is also an unusual and moving love story. How was it possible for this middle-aged womaniser to fall in love with an inexperienced and immature Estonian girl to whom he remained faithful for the rest of his life?

Minkie Monster and the Birthday Surprise by Ceri Clark

Minkie Monster and the Birthday Surprise is the second children’s’ activity book by Ceri Clark I have reviewed.

Designed for children aged between three and six years old, it is a fun-filled, brightly coloured, activity book that educates and entertains.

The activities are linked through the story of how Minkie, the blue monster is invited to a party but cannot remember who it if for. He is unable to find his best friend, Bob, who is always hiding.

While it will amuse children on their own, because the puzzles get progressively more difficult it is an ideal platform for parents to spend time with their child and encourage reading, reasoning and learning.

Both the story line and writing style are well suited to the target age groups.

From the author’s website (the link is in the book) parents can download a black and white PDF version so puzzles can be used over again and the pages coloured in by your child.

My rating 4*