Thank you for dropping in! The purpose of our virtual group is for individuals to come and share their reading and/or viewing experiences with others, as a way of enhancing your relaxation/mindfulness experience. On the site you will be aware of Two options; Book Discussions and Film Discussions. Visitors to the group can click on the tab, select either option and leave a review on either a book or Film they have read or viewed. The reviews don’t have to be in-depth accounts and should be a maximum of 150 words. What should I include in the review? As our virtual reading group is not a conventional book club, we don’t have a list of discussion points for reading and viewing selections. However, it is important that we do have common discussion points for the reviews. Here are a few important aspects which should be covered: Author/Director Style Theme/Setting Narrative/Plot or Character Driven Genre; (Thriller/Romance/Historical/Science Fiction/Non-Fiction etc.) Ve...
Book Review: The Human Factor /Graham Greene 1978
ReplyDeleteI found "The Human Factor" a captivating novel. Set in the late 1970s , it offers an accurate snapshot of the geopolitical landscape from a British perspective. The character driven narrative follows a British Intelligence officer and his personal and professional ties. Greene, takes us (the reader) on a journey, illustrating character's backgrounds their roles and human frailties.
Whilst the plot follows the mechanisms of the intelligence networks and the investigation of an intelligence leak,
"The Human Factor" provides an evocative portrait of London and neighbouring counties and the British character.
I would also suggest this is an honest depiction of the intelligence services in a similar way to the novels of John Le Carre and Len Deighton.
This Thing of Darkness by Harry Thompson
ReplyDeleteThis is a fictionalized story based on real events. It follows the life of Robert FitzRoy, the captain of the HMS Beagle during its voyage with Charles Darwin in the 1830s. FitzRoy’s adventures with Darwin and their intense and troubled later relationship form the centre of the book.
The book succeeds on many different levels. As a historical adventure story, a comedy and a tragedy.
A central theme is the contest between science and religion. The evidence Darwin saw leads him to shed his faith in religion; whereas FitzRoy, both man of faith and science, refuses to yield and is appalled by Darwin’s conversion.
Thompson enriches the story with an understanding of what is now called bipolar disorder. FitzRoy was a naval prodigy. He was an intellectual, capable of working without rest for days. Then, the thing of darkness would strike, and he’d shut himself away in his cabin, refusing to speak, putting his command and his career in jeopardy. The 19th century had no treatment for the condition, and in the end he took his own life.
The book also documents an earlier expedition to Patagonia, where the Beagle encountered Fuegian natives and brought several back to England before returning them as Christian missionaries. But, the consequences are tragic.
This book ticks many boxes for a great novel. Lots of science, learning, history, comedy, tragedy, all expressed through well written dialogue and description.
Brilliant review! Thank you, really captivating.. The book sounds really interesting. It's on my list! T
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