The Constant Gardener

I picked up The Constant Gardener by Jon Le Carre' after several friends had recommended the movie to me (which I still haven't seen). The story revolves around Justin Qualye, an English diplomat in Kenya, after the gruesome death of his charismatic and politically-active wife, Tessa. Justin, who has always played by the rules of English society and whom many would describe as a bore, sets off on a personal odyssey to uncover the mystery surrounding Tessa's death. He, of course, becomes a prime suspect in the murder, and then as he draws closer to discovering the truth, becomes a target as well.

John Le Carre' is a prolific British author, with such notable titles in his collection as The Spy Who Came in From the Cold and The Russia House. Drawing from his own personal experience in the British Foreign Service, Le Carre' is known for his spy novels that are filled with intrigue, suspense and espionage, and in the case of The Constant Gardener, the dark sides of political conflict and capitalism.

Le Carre' is a gifted storyteller. This book is captivating, compelling and complex (any other "c" words I could use in that alliteration?). The greatest trouble I had in this reading was capturing the details of British government and offices. These aspects were not vital for the story line, though, so I became accustomed to ignoring the specifics. It is not a feel good story, if that is what you desire; the ending is frustrating, but exactly what needed to happen (hope that doesn't give too much).

Rating: ****

Curious George

A little change of direction in my reviews today. For Valentine's Day our family took in the new movie, Curious George! The look of this film is very true to the illustration and stories in the books by H.A. Rey. Will Ferrell gives voice to the man in the yellow hat ("it's the new khaki!"), with Drew Barrymore as the voice of his love interest. George is an adorable little guy who, of course, gets into lots of innocent trouble. This George acts a lot like an 18-month-old toddler -- cooing and playing peek-a-boo. My kids were fixated the entire hour-and-a-half. Overall, it is a cute movie, just about perfect for my three- and five-year-olds. And the Jack Johnson soundtrack is a great bonus for the parents!

Three Junes

Three Junes by Julia Glass is a three-part novel following a Scottish family during the summers of 1989, 1995 & 1999 (hence the title). Part one introduces us to Paul McLeod, the father of the family, soon after the death of his wife. He has escaped to Greece, to journey anonymously with an eclectic party of travelors. Six years later, Paul's death reunites his three sons and their families at Tealing, the family home. Fenno, the oldest and the focus of part two, is a slightly repressed gay man who owns a book shop in New York city. Fenno is never quite comfortable in any of his relationships -- with his good friend who is dying of AIDS, with the photographer who breaks his heart, or especially, with his family. Part three brings the story full circle with a friendship that develops between Fenno and Fern, a young girl who intrigued Paul years before in Greece. Pregnant with a son, Fern, like Fenno and Paul, must make peace with her past in order to enjoy her future.

It's ten-thirty now: almost but not quite dark, the generosity of the late June sun in Scotland something I always forget till I feel it directly again on my smog-soaked hide. The sun seems to pause, languorously, not hustle down as it does most everywhere I've been in the States and farther south. At this hour in this season, it seems to imply that we northerners deserve its presence more, that our company is the most enjoyable on earth.

I picked this book up for a quarter at a bazaar put on at a local Christian college. It is definitely not one I would normally choose to spend time with, yet as I got started, I felt drawn to continue. I have to admit, I am very hesitant to even review it here, as the subject matter would obviously be offensive to some. So, that is where I begin my review -- this book might offend, based on the gay relationships depicted. This book is beautifully written. The author expresses the joy and pain of relationships of all kinds. Her characters are well-developed, becoming well-known friends to the reader.

Rating: ****

The Brethren

Three men entered the room from the kitchen. Two of them wore shoes. One was eating a saltine. The one with no shoes was also bare-legged up to his knees, so that below his robe his spindly legs could be seen. They were smooth and hairless and very brown from the sun. A large tattoo had been applied to his left calf. He was from California.
All three wore old church robes from the same choir, pale green with gold trim. They came from the same store as T. Karl's wig, and had been presented by him as gifts at Christmas. That was how he kept his job as the court's official clerk.

I am amazed at how many books John Grisham can write, basically using the same characters and storylines in each (A Painted House being an exception). He has found a niche that works for him and, apparently, for the audience as well. The Brethren is right in line with his others - corrupt judges and weak lawyers set in a Southern backdrop. As a Grisham book, this one is good like the others. Not as great as the early works of The Pelican Brief and The Firm, but pretty good nonetheless. I think I'm just bored with his consistency. Let's see what else you can do, John!

To sum up: three disgraced former judges are doing time in a minimum security prison where they have set up a complicated extortion scam, using one lawyer on the outside as their runner. Mix in the President and the FBI and...there you have it. The Brethren had no "good guy" to root for - other than the FBI, I suppose, leaving the only characters to know as the twisted judges and lawyer. I think that left me feeling empty, wanting someone good to counter the ugliness. I recommend The Brethren if there is nothing else to read on your shelves.

Rating: ***

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency

The No. 1 Detective Agency, a series of books by Alexander McCall Smith, has been on bookstore shelves for several years. Anyone who has browsed the book tables at Costco has undoubtedly seen one, as it seems to be a regular staple for their buyers. I have not been interested in reading it, though. I'm not really sure why. Maybe it's the hokey name. But this Christmas Santa thought it was something I should take a look at - and who is a better judge of good fare than the man in red!

I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised! The inagural book in the No. 1 series is a charming account of Precious Ramotswe, a clever, single lady who opens the first detective agency run by a woman in the country of Botswana. Throughout her many escapades - tracking down a lost husband, uncovering a con man, following a troublesome daughter - we are given the back story that brought Precious to her position as owner & operator of this successful little business.

Having personally traveled in both east and west Africa, it was apparent that this writer knew his subject matter well. Smith was born in Botswana (now known as Zimbabwe) and taught law school there. His intimate knowledge of the people, culture & customs makes this a rich read, especially for those who love those very aspects of that continent. The only detail I kept wishing he would expand on was what people were wearing. Having not been to that particular country, I could not decide how to dress the characters in my imagination.

No. 1 is a very easy read, but colorful and detailed enough to not bore the reader. I want to follow up with another in the series to see if my attention continues to be held. Smith also has a series, The Sunday Philosophy Club, set in Edinburgh, Scotland, which looks interesting.

Rating: ****