A Short History of the Middle East: From Ancient Empires to Islamic State by Gordon Kerr

"It had all been so simple before the outbreak of the First World War."

I was attracted to this little book in an effort to perhaps round out the huge gaps in my historical knowledge of the region and also by the fact that it  (the book) was on sale. Having studied ancient history at high school so many moons ago, it was interesting to contemplate the many periods and rules that weren't covered in my studies. Those outside of the Egyptians and the Greeks, Romans and the Persians ( up to about the Persian war era). So much has changed and occurred since those days and this book gives a nice cheat sheet, which I found intriguing.

Even just a touch of historical context brings a better understanding of some of the conflicts that continue today. If we don't understand the past we are always doomed to repeat it and I believe the study of history is imperative. So, this is far from a comprehensive study, and yet its an interesting refresher of the snapshot variety.

4 out of 5, because I'd like to learn more.

The Hall of the Singing Caryatids by Victor Pelevin

"Lena blushed but went on singing as she raised her left leg, keeping it bent at the knee."

At a mere 96 pages, this is a rather short story and yet it is rather intriguing, despite being sold ( or perhaps because of) in a plastic wrap. Seriously there's nothing too shocking here ( or perhaps I'm hard to shock?). In any case this novella translated from its native Russian is a tale of a strange drug based upon the praying mantis. This could easily be an episode of Black Mirror  or The Twilight Zone  and also reminiscent of the adult, short stories of Roald Dahl.

Auditioning for the role of a singing geisha for privileged oligarchs, Lena can have no idea what she is really getting herself into. Services will be more than sexual and aided by a strange substance that will have unexpected side effects. Well, actually, I kind of guessed what the side effects would be, having long admired the praying mantis, not that I'd condone their violent behaviour.

However there is something satisfying about a tale where women are commodified as purely sexual objects and then are able to enact a bloody comeuppance.

4 out of 5, strike a pose. 

The Satyricon by Petronius

"We threw ourselves on our beds, and spent the rest of the night without apprehension."

This is the ancient world's Hangover. Well perhaps that is an oversimplification and yet it is certainly filed squarely under erotica on the Gutenberg website. It starts off with some nightly carousing and walking in the wrong door, queue some disturbing underage coupling and then it just gets stranger and stranger. No wonder Fellini's film of the source novel was a source of controversy - not that I've seen it... well... not yet. I'm fairly certain its on the 1001 films list and as such, I shall have to take a peek.

This edition has some missing sections which don't assist in making sense of the narrative. Needless to say there is quite a smorgasbord of debauchery on offer, proving there is nothing new under the sun.

4 out of 5, pour another glass and let's see what happens.

Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett

"It was wizard magic, showy and dangerous. Witches would prefer to cut enemies dead with a  look. There was no sense in killing your enemy. How would you know you'd won?"

Christmas time seemed like the perfect time to indulge in a little Pratchett magic. Thanks to the almost never ending lending library that exists between my adorable friend Nicki and I, this treat was easy to enjoy. This particular novel sees the return of Tiffany Aching, continuing her training as a witch, and inadvertently becoming the object of affection of the Wintersmith ( ahem... of the title for the observant). He's kind of a God and the personification of winter. Being fancied by a deity is never an easy set of circumstances and much mayhem ensues.

Some familiar faces make an appearance, including the Nac Mac Feegles and Granny Weatherwax. Front and centre are the usual chuckles that are always part of the Discworld tapestry, along with a cracking tale. What is not to love here?

5 out of 5 magic adventures are always enchanting.

Excellent Women by Barbara Pym

"I took another piece of cake and there was a short lull in the conversation, during which I considered Julian's suggestion that I might have fallen in love with Rockingham Napier."

You know the feeling when you buy delicious box of chocolates, full of different choices and each morsel is a delight? This book had somewhat of a similar effect on me. I was swept up into Mildred Lansbury's world because she reminded me so much of myself. Perpetually single, either making up the numbers or being the odd one out and cursed with poor taste in the opposite sex.People just expect that you will act as the social glue, ironing out life's problems, taking over their issues, because somehow, a single woman of a certain age can only act in a helpful capacity. No wonder I love to travel. In any case, the novel is adorable and definitely worth exploring.

5 out of 5 ...it must be time for tea.

Roadside Picnic by Arkady Strugatsky and Boris Strugatsky

"The last time I went into the Zone at night was three months ago, the swag is mostly gone, and the money is mostly spent."

Maybe its because of too much Christmas cheer? My recollection of this novel is miniscule. Something about a zone that's hard to get into and a roadside picnic describing alien visits. It went into my head and straight out again.

3 out of 5 - yes this is possibly the least informative review I've ever written - I blame wine.

Maurice by E.M.Forster

"By pleasuring the body Maurice had confirmed - that very word was used in the final verdict - he had confirmed his spirit in its perversion, and cut himself off from the congregation of normal man"

I'm currently reviewing a tormented gay love story while watching a George Michael documentary - both made me teary ( the book not the review). Maurice  is a slow burner and yet it captures inner conflict in a visceral way. The sense of the eponymous hero being somewhat removed and different to his classmates and friends is really supported by the writing, which is excellent. It is very British and restrained emotionally in terms of the prose, so that when passion bubbles to the surface it is really palpable despite its restraint. Forster doesn't go into detail about the **spoiler*** finally eventful coupling with the hot groundskeeper ( who in my imagination is the spitting image of Jamie from Outlander) and I think that places this firmly in the romantic category. What I was particularly taken with was the vulnerability and concern that blackmail rather than romance could be someone's modus operandi. Love is scary, putting yourself out there is scary. Wearing your heart on your sleeve when enacting those feelings is a criminal offence, as it was at the time, takes this to another level.

If you are wondering why this didn't get a five out of five from me, it was more about the languidness of the majority of the book. I get that the protagonist is fearful and confused and unsure, I guess as a reader I'm impatient for resolution and I wanted more pace in the middle. Also, Clive is really annoying, but then don't we all chase men who aren't interested sometimes?

4 out of 5 readers can you believe I've not seen the movie with Hugh Grant? Seriously, a young, handsome Hugh Grant - get me the dvd  stat.