Category Archives: Literature

Book Reviews: Russian Themed Thrillers

Posted on August 11, 2022 by odeboyz

When Martin Cruz Smith’s Gorky Park (1981), was published it was an instant hit. The subsequent series had everything. A Russian version of a maverick Detective Inspector who was brilliant and opposed by the forces of institutional corruption. And they … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature, Review | Tagged | Leave a comment

 Book Review: Nigel Williams ~ R.I.P. (2015)

Posted on July 18, 2022 by odeboyz

Williams is the king of the suburban black comedy. He dives into the sheer nastiness of family life amongst the well-heeled with enthusiasm. This book is superb example of his genre.  George Pearmain is a bank manager with a 99 … Continue reading →

Posted in Humour, Literature, Review | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Lady Chatterley’s maid demands a raise

Posted on June 9, 2022 by odeboyz

Maid: “I’d like a raise.” Lady Chatterley: “Why do you deserve a raise? Maid: “Two reasons. I’m a better cook than you.” Lady Chatterley: “Who told you?” Maid: “Your husband. And I’m better in bed than you are as well.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Humour, Literature | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie

Posted on May 16, 2022 by odeboyz

People have told me that they’ve heard a song of mine and it’s changed their lives. Now I can only believe that or disbelieve it, but I know what it is to feel that, because I’ve felt that way myself … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography, Literature | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Book Review: David Baldacci ~ A Gambling Man (2021)

Posted on May 2, 2022 by odeboyz

I bought this solely because of a Facebook advert, which is the modern version of Waterstone’s seductive: ‘Buy one, get one half price’. It was 99p on Kindle and I wanted an undemanding read. What I got was a revelation. … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature, Review | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Book Review: Viet Thanh Nguyen ~ The Sympathizer (2015)

Posted on April 11, 2022 by odeboyz

This superb book won the USA’s Pulitzer Prize. Nguyen is brilliant and the real thing: a great author. Opening sentences are important, I am a spy, a sleeper, a spook, a man of two faces.1 The unnamed hero/anti-hero is a … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Literature, Politics, Review, War | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Woody Guthrie discovers Catholic hypocrisy

Posted on March 28, 2022 by odeboyz

“Son, I have been in this service [Roman Catholic priest] all my life. I have seen to it that thousands of men just like you got to work for a meal. But, right at this moment, there is no kind … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, History, Literature, Religion | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

TV Review: This is going to hurt ~ TV series (BBC1 catch-up) (Ben Whishaw)

Posted on March 14, 2022 by odeboyz

This is going to hurt’ is based on Adam Kay’s best-selling book.1 It’s autobiographical and Whishaw brilliantly portrays him. The series is a searing drama about the brutal realities of a maternity ward. It revolves round child birth meaning a … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography, Health, Literature | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Oscar Wilde On Heaven

Posted on March 7, 2022 by odeboyz

“I don’t want to go to heaven. None of my friends are there.”

Posted in Humour, Literature, quips, Religion | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Book Review: Zlatan Ibrahimovic ~ I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic (with David Lagercrantz) (Translator Ruth Urbom)

Posted on February 21, 2022 by odeboyz

This book is a superior sports autobiography. Zlatan’s ghost writer is an author in his own right, and translator is excellent. They capture the intensity of his life and the voice of an immigrant living in poverty. As a sports … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature, Review, Sport | Tagged , | Leave a comment