Category: Books

Sorry – out sick

This weekend was a dud one. Not feeling too crash hot this weekend and as I am spending two days in London this week for work I really needed to have a quiet one. So besides visiting a friend for dinner and returning my library books that was about as exciting as it got. How tragic! Good news is that we are both feeling a bit better. Seriously, this country is going to kill us with all its bugs. Heaven help us if Avian Influenza decides to jump species!

I have recently finished a book though that might be of interest. Titled “Lift the Label” which is about arming yourself with the knowledge as to where your goods come from and taking this forward to make changes in your life. Knowing how they were produced, where, and by what means. From a Christian perspective it then outlines the charge to us from a biblical aspect as to how the bible points out to us that our duty is to protect those weaker and more vulnerable than us. To put into action the commandment “to love your neighbour as yourself” and taking control of your purchasing power to ensure it doesn’t harm others. Not stopping there it talks about how to be “wind changers” . A person who brings about change by talking to others. I would suggest this means not harping on at them and making them feel bad about their choices in comparison to yours (as many people do) but imparting knowledge and guidance so people know that there are choices and what those choices mean. Showing a committment to your choices and being a positive advocate in what you do and say. In saying all this though I am finding that there are many obvious choices I can make i.e. the very large range of Fairtrade products which I can substitute where possible, however the really hard task is clothing. I have a general idea what I am looking for i.e. if it is extremely cheap, someone paid the price for it, hence I look elsewhere. However, what clothes can I buy that are ethically traded (besides t-shirts!) or other shapeless, badly designed clothes. If anyone knows somewhere that does great, ethically traded clothes, please let me know.

Book review: World Without End

The sequel to The Pillars of the Earth (one of my favourite books) this was an epic read comparable to Pillars. Written by Ken Follett I have been waiting for years for this book to come out and it did not disappoint. My only regret is that I have finished it. Believe me, I put it down for a day as I was nearing the end, just to avoid having to complete it.

Just like Pillars it is not a book for the faint hearted. It is often gruesome in a most graphical sense as it describes life in the 14th century. I believe that if it had been written in lesser tones this would have diminished the harsh and brutal reality of life during this time. The lives of simple peasants, earls, tradesmen, religious orders and merchants are played out in the town of Kingsbridge 200 years on from Prior Phillip, Tom, Jack, Aliena etc however family ties link new characters to the old. As the cathedral was built 200 years ago this book looks at further building projects undertaken within the town and with it yet again the struggles for power, control and love. The characters this time are also faced with the Black Death sweeping through Europe which brings another layer to the epic journey.

I continue to be fascinated with lifestyles of those in the middle ages and again this book brings this particular section of years to life. At 1111 pages it is a rollercoaster ride that you just don’t want to end. I will be re-reading this again and again just as I have done with Pillars over the years. 10 out of 10!