Marilyn's Reviews
CATHERINE THE GREAT, by Robert Massie
Robert Massie taught me everything I know about Russian Tsarist history in Nicholas and Alexandra. I love a fascinating history that reads like fiction. He does the same for Catherine the Great, the little German princess who is chosen to marry a little German prince, heir to the Russian throne. Catherine, incredibly smart and focused, embraces all things Russian. Her husband, Peter, remains a boy, who loves to drill his soldiers, both real and toy. As usual, Massie's research is thorough—an educational and enjoyable read. Order here
LET'S TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME, by Gail Caldwell
If you have ever experienced a kind of friendship where you never run out of things to say, and merely thinking about the emotional bond brings tears to your eyes, you will love this memoir. Gail Caldwell and Carolyn Knapp, both successful writers, discover that extraordinary bond through a mutual interest in training and caring for their beloved dogs. Both are also recovering alcoholics, and they share the dichotomy of being very private, yet through their writing, very public beings. Carolyn Knapp died of cancer at age 42. Caldwell is just a beautiful writer; Her heartfelt tribute to friendship is truly amazing. Order here
THIS BEAUTIFUL LIFE, by Helen Schulman
The Bergamots seem to have it all--an apartment over looking Central Park, an executive position for Dad at a NY University, two children accepted at a highly compeitive private school, and Mom able to devote herself to the children. It's all a far cry from their more normal existence in Ithaca. After all, how many kindergarteners get invited to a sleepover at the Plaza? Fifteen-year-old Jake goes (uninvited) to a party one night and, although drunk, rightly spurns the advances of the 8th-grade host. She emails him a lewd video of herself, which Jake forwards to his friend. The speed at which the Bergamot's lovely life evaporates is frightening. This is a great read. Order here
MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND, by Helen Simonsen
Major Pettigrew is a gem: well-written, droll, heartwarming, and, best of all, not depressing. I've recommended this book countless times; everyone loves the widowed Major, your quintessential British country gentleman, comfortable with small-village life and old-world values. Although he is lonely, the Major resigns himself to a staid retirement of reading, golfing and lunching at his club, and small-town gossip. However, when he falls in love with a Pakistani shopkeeper, also widowed, who understands him far better than his lifelong friends and his ambitious, striving, only son, life becomes complicated.
Dealing with Mrs. Ali's family issues (her status as a Pakistani woman who has never set foot in Pakistan) and biases, both his own and the village residents, makes his Last Stand instructive and very funny. Order here
