Page 63 - Phonebox Magazine April 2008

Book Review
By Oxfam Bookshop, Olney
The Piano Shop on the Left Bank by T E Carhart
Angels and Men by Catherine Fox
Anyone fancy a book dealing with the near his home, his developing friendship with Luc who runs it, and
history of pianos? No? Me neither. I picked this book up because it was set in Paris, and I do love to read travel books. And it is a fascinating picture of an American living on the Left Bank, the atmosphere, the characters and the eccentric business methods of the quarter including the delivery man who carries a baby grand on his back up to Carhart's first floor apartment.
But the book is centred on Carhart's fascination with the piano repair shop
the re-awakens of his love of music and of the piano as an instrument.
Charting his search for the right piano and the right teacher, the book also explores the development of the piano as an instrument, its strengths and weaknesses, fashions and failures.
Describing in words the sound of instruments and the difficulties of producing music is not an easy task but he does succeed in making you feel and hear his experiences; and the descriptions and histories of the seemingly limitless variety of instruments which come into Luc's atelier for repair and re-construction are fascinating.
So, THIS book dealing with the history of pianos? Yes, please. K
Review by Sandra Metcalf
Reviews brought to you by Oxfam Books & Music Stanley Court, Olney
Tel: 01234 714592
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‘Angels and Men’ is Catherine Fox’s first novel, and is a veritable after experiencing hurt and rejection in
the outside world.
The characters are skilfully drawn with wit, humour and candour, the inner turmoil of Mara’s life well described as she is forced to face the grief which almost destroys her; also to cope with a complexity of emotions and her rather turbulent relationships with those who have befriended her.
This novel has been described as ‘a
rattling good story told with intelligence
and depth’, and I would certainly agree
with that description. Once I started to
read, it was difficult to put the book down, and I relished every moment, reaching its conclusion with regret. I can heartily recommend it to all who enjoy a well-crafted novel with insightful characterization. K
tour de force. It is set in a large Northern University, which, with references to the cathedral, river and attached theological college, bears more than a passing similarity to Durham. We learn from the brief biography of the author that she read English at Durham University, and it is clear that she drew upon her own experiences of University life in this debut novel.
Her main character, Mara – interestingly a biblical name, meaning ‘bitter’ – is a post-graduate student who is seeking refuge in private study after painful experiences associated with an obscure religious sect and the loss of her twin sister. Initially she avoids contact with fellow students, but is unable to resist the persistent overtures of friendship from Maddy and May, and is drawn into their circle, meeting Johnny and Rupert, both theological students from the college next door. Her own next door neighbour she names ‘the polecat’, because of his supercilious attitude to all and sundry, but gradually they come to understand each other better – a mutual bitterness, perhaps, a recognition of each other’s retreat into solitude
Review by Thelma Shacklady
The books reviewed above are from Oxfam Books and Music, Olney, which sells donated books, records, CDs, tapes and music to raise money for Oxfam’s work in combating poverty around the world.
Phonebox Magazine 61
Olney & District Historical Society
olneyhistory.org.uk
The Historical Society’s April meeting is a talk by Roger Drage on a Hanslope Tragedy. You will have to come along to the meeting to hear what the tragedy is.
Our website continues to be used well by people from all over the world. If you haven’t seen it recently, it is worth a look. The Oliver Radcliff’s 1907 Olney Almanac gives a glimpse of life in Olney a hundred years ago and it is worth a read. Two parts are already on line and the rest will soon be available.
Wednesday, 16th April – A Hanslope Tragedy
Roger Drage - Local Historian
Wednesday, 21st May – Bradwell Abbey
Sabrina Crouch - Education Officer at MK City Discovery Centre
Wednesday, 18th June – The Village and its Manors
Christine Tilley - Blue Badge Guide