Book Review
By Oxfam Bookshop, Olney
Songs of the Humpback Whale
by Jody Picoult
J
ody 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.
Reviews brought to you by
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Stanley Court, Olney
Tel: 01234 714592
OPENING HOURS
Mon Sat: 10am 4.30pm
First Sunday of each month
(Farmers' Market): 10.30am 1.30pm
Review by
Thelma Shacklady
Useful Idiots
by Jan Mark
I
n 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.
Review by
Sandra Metcalf
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.
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.
Museum Matters
Featuring Melinda Lightfoot
(vocals)
From trio to seven piece
I
deal for corporate functions, concerts,
parties, weddings, etc.
Jazz, Swing, Blues, Ballads & Boogie
01234 240033
07860 643120
email: terry@terrylightfoot.com
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Phonebox Magazine 69