Reviews and Comments

Although I have read it all I will continue to dip into it, and keep enjoying it.

Randall's writing, and cartoons, are always entertaining, and I feel my mind has been expanded.

Quite a long and slow read, partly due to researching some of the historical characters. I may re-read it some time to see how it works now that I have the full picture.

Set during the Restoration, like Andrew Taylor's Marwood and Lovett series, which I enjoyed, and in Oxford, which I know, I still struggled to get into it at first. There are many references to real historical characters, but the Unreliable narrator technique made it hard like or identify with the main characters. It did come together in an interesting way at the end, and had broadened my knowledge of the period some of the notable people who appear in itl

Tim Marshall usually writes well on geopolitics, looking forward to this one

I liked Prisoners of Geography, and Barriers, and Shadowlands, so expect this to be good too

I think this will relate to The Future - Feudal or Federal and similar thoughts about this issue.

'Introduction: What's it all about' describes the Owen Patterson investigation by the Commons Select Committee on Standards (chaired by Bryant) which recommended he be suspended, and how a number of MPs manoeuvred to prevent this. He puts this into a context of a need to restore the reputation of parliament , pointing out that the majority of MPs of all parties aspire to do a good job, and are tainted by the actions of a few.

The need for public scrutiny of the politicians we entrust with running our country - Chris talks specifically about Britain, but the concepts apply to all democracies - has never been greater.

Interesting view of the American Revolution as, at least partly, a civil war. Families divided on the issue, for example Benjamin Franklin's son, William, was a staunch Loyalist.

I have enjoyed his books set in England at the time of the Restoration and Great Fire of London, looking forward to learning from this one something of New York in 1778, when the Loyalists are battling with the Rebels.

More stories from James Herriot's Yorkshire veterinary practice, and a trip with sheep on a boat to Klaipeda which was then very much a part of the USSR.

I enjoyed the many twists and the feisty pensioners living life to the full

Enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club, and looking forward to this one

This book draws interesting distinctions between setting objectives and the little steps needed to get there, looks as if it may prove an interesting read