Showing 1 - 10 of 15
A master storyteller, heir to the greats and entirely sui generis
Life, Published on 20/07/2018
» In a famous Hindu parable, three blind men encounter an elephant for the first time and try to describe it, each touching a different part. "An elephant is like a snake," says one, grasping the trunk. "Nonsense; an elephant is a fan," says another, who holds an ear. "A tree trunk," insists a third, feeling his way around a leg.
Big city, small town
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 11/05/2018
» People are natural actors. Observe how they tell stories to their friends, passing on telephone conversations or what they saw or heard. They mimic and flap their arms for emphasis. Hoping for smiles or groans. Novelists aim to do the same with more words. Alas, only the better ones succeed. All too many try and fail.
The Shakespeare brothers
Life, Published on 06/04/2018
» Unlike many historical fiction writers, Brit Bernard Cornwell doesn't specialise in a particular period. Rather, his interests encompass virtually the lot. And when he chooses a popular age, it's because he finds something in his research that his colleagues have missed.
Ace hitchhiker
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 02/03/2018
» British expatriate Lee Child has become perhaps the most respected thriller novelist in the US. His blurbs for colleagues' books send sales soaring. Jack Reacher, his literary creation, is a household name. Tom Cruise has played him in two successful movies.
Renaissance history
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 14/07/2017
» I am so conditioned when I pick up a new book about Italy that I expect it to be a historical novel about Ancient Rome. That period seems to fascinate historians and historical novelists. This reviewer finds it no more than somewhat interesting.
A larger-than-life Aussie lit up Thailand
B Magazine, Andrew Biggs, Published on 07/05/2017
» The annual Australian TV awards called The Logies were on last week. Having been away from Australia for nearly three decades I can't get too excited about them, primarily because most of the winners were born after I left. Watching excerpts of the shows up for awards does remind me that one cannot confine a discussion about bad TV to Thailand only.
The Chinese spy
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 10/02/2017
» If the majority of cloak and dagger scriveners are to be believed, look no further than the CIA for enemy spies (or MI6 as the case may be). In their espionage thrillers, both top secret intelligence agencies are infested with foreign moles and domestic traitors, often in high positions.
The war went on
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 18/07/2016
» One of the annoying things about wars is that they don't all end when they are supposed to. After Yorktown, the American Revolution dragged on for two years. The Battle of New Orleans in 1815 was fought after the War of 1812 was officially over.
Way too much
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 11/01/2016
» Born and bred in the Big Apple, I was raised believing -- it was in my mother's milk -- that New York is the centre of the universe. It has Times Square and Central Park, Broadway and Wall Street, the United Nations and the Empire State Building, Coney Island and two rivers, Greenwich Village and Nathan's hot dogs.
Horrendous 'fun'
Life, Published on 07/12/2015
» Perhaps the most misused term in any language is "fun". Frequently employed, its meaning is difficult to define. Going to the circus is fun, yet not funny, which can be pinned down. Drinking is called fun, but is it? Riding the roller-coaster? Depends on how sick you get. Fishing? Watching or playing games?