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Cast of well-drawn characters

29/1/2020

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​Chronicles of The Scraeling: Chronicle Three: The Varanger
by MJ Burr


The history of the Byzantine Empire in the second half of the eleventh century is one of remarkable complexity, with military threats from outside, intrigues from inside, religious schism, and a succession of often incompetent rulers.
     In this novel the author traces some of those events as seen through the eyes of the two major protagonists, Ranulf de Lannion (‘The Scraeling’) and his younger kinsman, Osmund Pendasson. Both are part-Breton in ancestry, but they are closely linked in other ways as well, particularly through association with Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. While these two characters are fictional, most of the other characters in the novel are historical.

     The wider view (elaborated in the two earlier books in the series) takes in the Viking incursions into southern and eastern Europe, and in this book particularly, the ways in which the Varangers (Vikings) from the state of Kievan Rus (ruled by the Vikings and their descendants since 882) influenced events in Constantinople.  The Varangian Guard, the personal bodyguards of the Emperor, are especially significant here.
     The action in the book takes place during the reign of the young Byzantine emperor, Michael VII, who is well-meaning but is much more of a scholar than a natural ruler. The major villain of the piece is Michael’s first minister, the devious and clever eunuch Nikephorites, who schemes to put his nephew on the Imperial throne. These characters, and other historical figures such as the honourable though arrogant Alexios Comnenos, Eudokia, mother of Michael VII, and Zoe, Michael’s sister, are imaginatively and convincingly drawn. 
     Battles (against the Seljuk Turks and the Wallachians, amongst others) are vividly described, using both the colourful language of the soldiers and summaries in the form of the Scraeling’s ‘chronicles’. Against this background two love stories, involving Ranulf and Eudokia and Osmund and Zoe, add another and interesting dimension to the story, particularly as both women are portrayed as strong characters in their own right, with their own ambitions and secrets. 
     A particular feature of the plot is the way the author plays out the different intentions of the commanders and men in the field fighting to save the empire, and some of the key figures who engage in treacherous plots behind the walls of the city. In the second half of the book the focus switches dramatically from one scene of action to the other then back again. It becomes very involving indeed and the suspense is built up with great skill.
     This is a very entertaining book, not least because the reader is given an insight into the kind of forces that were vastly influential in shaping the politics and culture of today’s eastern Europe and Asia Minor. It is also, along with the other two books in the series, a reminder of the remarkably widespread influence of the Scandinavians (and, the author suggests, possibly also Anglo Saxons after the Norman invasion of Britain) who ranged south and east from their homes in the north, particularly between 800 and 1100 CE.
     More importantly still, it is entertaining because it has a cast of well-drawn characters and a clever plot that hustles the story along with ever-increasing tension.

Review by Tony Chapelle
Title: Chronicles of The Scraeling: Chronicle Three: The Varanger
Author: MJ Burr
Publisher: Cliowrite Ltd
ISBN: 9780473484002
RRP: Amazon paperback $US14.99; Kindle $US4.71; Direct from publisher $NZ25.00 p&p inc.
Available: Amazon print and Kindle formats; or from Cliowrite Ltd, 36 Wairau Road; Oakura; Taranaki; NZ 4314
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Leisure reading

20/1/2020

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Short & Sharp 2019
by Writers of Picton


Writers groups have long been popular throughout this country with members coming and going as they try out and develop their talent for writing.
    With lamentably few opportunities to see their work in print, though there are now more modern equivalents, the publication of a collection of members’ works is an exercise often undertaken by such groups.
     It’s the counterpart of the end-of-the-year recital for music or dance students. Not only does it reward those who have worked to increase their skill, but it’s a showcase for the group itself. On a personal level it’s something tangible to be held, kept, and shown to friends. In the longer term it endures to provide a record of artistic achievement in a local area.
     Short & Sharp 2019 is a good example of such a work, being a modest 38 page collection, of selected articles, stories and poems written by members of Writers of Picton. Sixteen authors – Joyce Elwood-Smith, Rosemary Francis, Brian Henstock, Marie Higgs, Mary Hopwood, Mary Howan, Julie Kennedy, Susan Kerr, Lyn Johnstone, Ann Scott Holt, Trish Little, Gloria Mitchell, Annette Rattray, Dot Scott, Irene Thomas, Peter Thomas – have contributed the 29 items, which are each just a page or two long.
     There’s fiction and non-fiction in a variety of genres – nostalgic memories, whimsy, humour, thoughtful reflection, with an emphasis on the lighter side, which is a good choice for such a publication. 
     As is usual in such cases, the writing varies in quality, though not a lot as all are very competent and effective – they’ve been well selected.
     And the booklet shows the care that’s gone into the production – it’s nicely laid out, with clear print, well proofed, and with a few relevant photos included.
     Look at the cover and you’ll get the idea that it could be just the thing to slip into your bag for leisure reading. Or posted as a gift – just the thing for an older person particularly.

Review by Bronwyn Elsmore
Title: Short & Sharp 2019
Author: Writers of Picton
Publisher: Good Hope Publishing House
ISBN: 9780994118868
RRP: $7.00 plus $3.00 post and packing within New Zealand
Available: from Peter Thomas, Good Hope Publishing House, PO Box 596, Picton 7250
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A work of art itself

11/1/2020

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Out There: SCAPE Public Art 1998-2018 
by Warren Feeney


Though I am aware of and take note of art installed in public places I visit, as a North Islander I admit to have been underinformed as to the extent of the work of SCAPE which, over the past 20 years, has provided Ōtautahi Christchurch with a record of art events enviable in the rest of the country.
    This lack has been remedied by this very welcome book that gives the history of the city’s Public Art Trust in a suitably high-quality and artistic volume.
    In my defence, if asked prior to reading it to vote on the most striking artwork in a public space, it would have been hard to go past the spectacular “Chalice” [Neil Dawson, 2000] in Cathedral Square – a work I’ve admired on visits to the city. A permanent installation, it remains, fortunately, and when I look through the pages at photos of others erected in subsequent biennial years I’m sorry I didn’t get to see those too when they were on display.
    Art, being so subjective to the viewer, frequently gives rise to controversy, and this history tells not only of those that made it to installation but also a few that didn’t for one reason or another.
    The intention for temporary works designed for exhibitions or seasons is that they be dismantled when the event is over and the place of the installation returned to its original state. It is for this reason too that this record is valuable and appreciated, so they can have an extended life through its pages.
    Some of the artworks displayed in the SCAPE seasons have been modest in size, others massive. They have been constructed from almost every imaginable resource, including human artists and performers. Some have been thought-provoking, others intended for fun.
    A few were commissioned to be permanent fixtures, and looking at the pictures of others it’s a shame more have not remained. We’d all have different choices of course. However, whether permanent or temporary, the hundreds of artworks have collectively contributed a lasting artistic legacy to Canterbury. 
    For those of us in different parts of the country who didn’t get to see the artworks when they were on display, we now have this excellent record – 180 pages of explanation, information on artists, and colour photos of the artworks themselves.
    The book is replete with details of the organization and those involved. The text acknowledges the efforts of those whose inspiration and industry have made SCAPE the success it has earned, as well as the talents of the artists involved, those who have come up with the necessary sponsorship, and the goodwill and expertise of local firms in this coming together of art and industry.
    One can choose to read it for this explanation and record or concentrate on the art itself. Whichever, it is a splendid work, a work of art itself.

Review by Bronwyn Elsmore
Title:OUT THERE: SCAPE Public Art 1998 – 2018
Author: Warren Feeney
Publisher: SCAPE Public Art Trust
ISBN: 978-0-473-45708-2
RRP: $79.95
Available: bookshops; www.scapepublicart.org.nz/support-shop/pre-order

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Interesting insights in who-dun-it

4/1/2020

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Frozen Summer
by Ian Austin

 
Book 3 in the Dan Calder series – a cold case revisited.
    Intriguingly,Frozen Summer begins at chapter 14. This and the seemingly contradictory words in the title and the gaunt, loosely defined figures on the cover are a promising indication that Frozen Summer ​is no ordinary who-dun-it. 
    Several years back, while working for the British police, undercover agent Dan Calder lost consciousness while on surveillance in a drug den. When he came to, he and a young female drug user were alone in the house. The teenager, Zoe Summers, had been murdered and, unable to account for how she had died, Dan decided to cover up his presence at the house. Now resident in New Zealand, Dan has returned to Britain to try to find out who killed Zoe: this means facing up to the possibility that has troubled him all this time: that he may have killed Zoe before he blacked out.
    In Britain Dan quickly forms a team with other former police colleagues and their contacts in the force. Added to the mix are Dan’s partner, Tara, along with his friends’ wives and families. 
    Austin has drawn on his own knowledge of the British police system to assist Dan Calder in his quest and this gives the readers an interesting insight into investigative procedure in a cold case, even if Calder’s revisiting of the circumstances surrounding Zoe’s death is strictly off-the-record. The use of the Winthrop search technique is described in careful detail and I found this aspect of the investigation particularly engaging. The drug scene setting is very convincing and relevant. 
    Although Frozen Summer lacks the suspense, twists and red herrings of many who-dun-its, Dan’s team’s absolute dedication to uncovering how Zoe died highlights once again how much work is involved in re-examining in minute detail the many facets of a cold case. 
     Frozen Summer is the third book in Austin’s Dan Calder series. While occasional mention is made of previous cases that Dan has worked on, this book stands alone.
    Discerning readers may be disturbed by some of the hiccoughs that more thorough proofreading would have picked up. In particular, to quote www.dictionary.com, “… it is not all right to use alright in standard English”. This and a number of other glitches detract from an otherwise very readable story and will hopefully be ironed out in future editions of Austin’s work.
     Frozen Summer’s startling ending suggests there may be more Dan Calder still to come.

Review by Carolyn McKenzie
Title: Frozen Summer
Author: Ian Austin
Publisher: IA Books
ISBN: 9780473484392
RRP: $23.99
Available: https://www.ianaustin.org/books
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