Being a Canadian I must admit being slightly biased in my assessment of this impressive, modest and charming book written by one of Canada’s much loved hero and one of the world`s most famous and recognized Astronauts.
In his modest mémoir Mr. Hadfield recounts for most part a life working diligently toward the ultimate goal: becoming an astronaut and going into space. It wasn`t always easy for him and the book relives the most important moments of his climb to success. In fact, a feat he accomplished three times before retiring.
Drawn from his personal experiences, the book is structured and written in a straight narrative as a kind of self-motivation book in life lessons highlighting the importance of setting goals, working hard and staying humble and most importantly being a strong team player, never being a drag on anyone and being prepare for anything. His accounts are not only interesting they are riveting and fun to read. He easily communicates his space experiences and discusses at length the questions we all have in mind (how do you manage this and that?). This book is infused with the same integrity and honesty that his personal and professional life reflects: a nice guy in every sense, a man who made space exploration sexy again.
Running throughout his mémoir it is clear that Mr. Hadfield was profoundly moved by his travels and often expresses his appreciation to taxpayers. He shows great humanity, humour and wisdom in his words. He doesn't talk much about his personal life but does praise his family for putting up with him and helping him to reach his dream.
This book is definitely worth reading and I recommend it without reservation.
This novel is the fictional account of the disastrous attempt by Sir John Franklin and his crew to discover the mythic Northwest Passage. In 1845 they embarked on the Terror and the Erebus for a three year voyage only to be lost for ever in the unforgiving Tundra. What happened is the meat of this stunning story.
This story partly inspired by genuine events and based on real persons is an inventive and elegantly narrated weaving treads in a seamless tapestry of diary entries, scientific diagrams, letters, poems maps and musical sheet. This book reads beautifully as a series of superbly crafted vignettes.
Francis Crozier, Sir Franklin right hand man, provides the principal source for the Arctic narrative. Through his eyes he slowly dismantles Franklin image revealing him as he sees him and how he led his crew on a suicide mission. Through his diary, we see how the crew struggled in the savage wilderness till the very end.
In stark contrast, while Franklin’s crew are starving, Lady Jane Franklin and her niece Sophia both are feasting at elaborate tea parties and indulging in the refined world of balls. The author has a real eye for beauty and due to the richness and complexity of her language the Victorian drawing rooms and the high drama of the freezing Arctic come vividly alive. Throughout the novel continues contrasting the two separate worlds and reflecting life in both setting. This juxtaposition is well done although the setting that started beautifully soon lapsed into monotony.
Not everyone will like this style I for one had difficulty adjusting to the narrative and I prefer to see lots of action in historical fiction, this one is more dialogue driven than anything else. Although the story is familiar the spin given by Ms. Fortier is nonetheless quite original.
Book 1, in the Flavia de Luce series
This is a delightful old fashioned mystery set in the English countryside in 1950. It features Flavia de Luce, an 11-year-old amateur sleuth who pulls herself away from her beloved chemistry lab in order to clear her father in a murder investigation. This debut novel was written in 2009 and was well received by critics, 5 more books were written for adults and have since been published.
Flavia de Luce is a brilliant, bold, adorable and a gem of a character. She comes alive on the page and her voice is so distinctive, a precocious young heroine with extraordinary vocabulary (she certainly has a doozy one) it is hard not to be engaged by this compelling lead detective. Although I was totally absorbed by this tale I do question to whom this book was meant to appeal? When an 11 year old girl is the protagonist you would think a younger audience is the target but when a language has such a deep level and details paint realistic experiences it makes for a tedious read and may be a bit much for the younger minds. Oh! Yes I remember this series is for adults…. Hum…ok.
Flavia is far too mature for her age, putting this aside was my best bet to enjoy this mystery at its fullest. In fact I now say this story is rather captivating, one that moves quickly giving us bits and pieces until we have the final picture. There are a lots of clues covertly hidden waiting for us to discover and this is a fun pleasure. Added to all this mix is a touch of humour. This is an uplifting adventure that was slow to grab me but it finally did as I further read along.
Next “The Weed That Strings the Hangman’s Bag” is on my TBR list….I give Mr. Bradley thumbs up for picked such original titles.
