Page 69 - Phonebox Magazine October 2009

Book Review
By Oxfam Bookshop, Olney
Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jody Picoult
Jody Picoult’s debut novel, ‘Songs of the Humpback Whale’ has only recently been published in Britain for the first time. In it, not only does she allow the story to be told by various narrators, but also the sequence of events is moved around, so that we are aware of a tragedy before we have learned of how it came about.
Like most of Jody Picoult’s novels, this book is about relationships, in this case those of Oliver, a marine biologist with a passion for whales; his wife, Jane, who has become disillusioned with taking second place; their daughter, Rebecca, now fourteen, who miraculously escaped from a plane crash when she was an infant; Jane’s brother, Joley on whose support she relies; his boss, Sam, who runs an apple orchard; and Hadley, Sam’s best friend. Throughout the novel their lives are interwoven, each of them taking a turn to tell the story, and the reader is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, having an understanding of how each character perceives their relationship with the others, and how tragically mistaken it was possible to be. And providing a backdrop there is a journey of several thousand miles across America, with changes in climate and in custom.
The skill with which the author depicts character and develops plot makes it difficult to believe that this is a first novel. It certainly holds its place with the rest of her books, and I would recommend to all those who enjoy a good read.
Review by Thelma Shacklady
Useful Idiots by Jan Mark
Review by Sandra Metcalf
Reviews brought to you by Oxfam Books & Music Stanley Court, Olney
Tel: 01234 714592
OPENING HOURS
Mon – Sat: 10am – 4.30pm
First Sunday of each month (Farmers’ Market): 10.30am – 1.30pm
In a not too distant future sea levels have risen, reclaiming land, and what is left of Great Britain is now simply the western edge of a Federated Europe. In this new world archaeology is considered a dangerous science which might revive damaging concepts of national culture and identity and 'archaeologist' is synonymous with
'troublemaker'.
When a North Sea storm uncovers part of a skeleton buried on a beach, Merrick, one of the archaeologists excavating it, becomes embroiled with the Inglish, the remnant of a national 'tribe' who are still pursuing a traditional way of life in the Fens but who are constantly threatened by the new world order. As Merrick's involvement becomes more personal, more physical and ever more dangerously illegal the sense of foreboding is matched by the atmosphere of the wet, muddy, haunted, emptiness of the Fens which seeps from the written page. 'Useful Idiots' are those who try to act for the best but discover, as Merrick does to his cost, that they are being unscrupulously manipulated to provide what is best for someone else.
Jan Mark's books for young people, although they deal with serious issues, usually do so with a light, wry touch. Her books written for an adult audience are a different proposition, darker, often bleak and uncomfortable, occasionally disturbing. This is one of those books - but it is also never less than highly original, absorbing, thought provoking and even at its most gothic, dreadfully plausible. Jan's early death means, sadly, that there will be no more books from her to surprise and provoke, so make the most of this one - even though it may haunt you.
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.
Museum Matters
The Friends of the Museum held
their final garden coffee morning
for 2009 on Thursday 3rd
September. Despite the blustery conditions, it was well attended and already the proceeds of this summer’s coffee mornings have gone towards the purchase of new chairs and tables for the courtyard, promising a more comfortable experience for visitors taking refreshments at the Museum, and for the Coffee in the Courtyard sessions planned by the Friends for next summer.
During October, as part of Black History Month, the Three Hares Gallery will be featuring “Advantage Africa” in conjunction with the Olney-Newton Link. Given the Museum’s associations with Rev. John Newton, eighteenth century slave trader turned abolitionist, this is an appropriate
setting for the exhibition and will be well worth visiting.
Meanwhile until December, the Museum itself
continues to feature the WWII theme with a “Make Do and Mend” display, whilst in the vegetable garden the emphasis is on “Dig for Victory”. The Museum is also participating in “The Big Draw” during the weekend of October 11th and 12th . During half term, on October 28th and 29th, family activities will focus on Hallowe’en and Fireworks. For
further details of opening times and activities please contact the Museum on 01234 711516.
TERRY LIGHTFOOT AND HIS BAND
Featuring Melinda Lightfoot (vocals)
From trio to seven piece
Ideal for corporate functions, concerts, parties, weddings, etc.
Jazz, Swing, Blues, Ballads & Boogie
01234 240033
07860 643120
email: terry@terrylightfoot.com
Phonebox Magazine 69