The first of this month’s reviews is of AJ Finn’s “The Woman in the Window” which was recently made into a film.  It tells the story of a recluse who spends her time drinking, watching old films, recalling happier times and spying on her neighbours.  I thought it a good thriller with a well crafted plot and imagine that it might have appealed to Hitchcock.

“Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline was a different kettle of fish.  I don’t often read sci-fi novels so it made a change and to my surprise I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The book is set in a dystopian future in 2045 and the main character is on a treasure hunt  for a fortune and the ability to control the virtual universe in a worldwide virtual reality game.  Full of references to culture and music from the 1980’s (probably why it appealed so much to me), and worth a try.  Made into a Spielberg directed film in 2018.

“Thunder on the Right” written in the late 1950’s  by Mary Stewart is a page-turner dressed up as a romantic suspense novel.  Set in the French Pyrenees a young English woman goes to visit her cousin who is planning to enter a convent.  She is told at the convent that the cousin was injured in a car crash and has died but the heroine starts to suspect that all is not as it seems…Enjoyable enough.

All three books are available to borrow from the church.  If you would like to purchase any book please leave a donation in the offertory box which is underneath the visitors book.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone in the village who donated items for the FoodBank last year – unfortunately, the need for support continues.  Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to an unexpected bill on a low income.  Please continue to give generously.  Please place donations in the two plastic boxes in the church porch. Collections will only be once a month.

The collection date for January is – Wednesday, 26th

Urgently needed items include – tinned fruit; tinned potatoes or smash; tinned meat pies; long life sponge puddings; UHT milk, blue or green; plain rice, particularly the microwaveable sachets; loo rolls; shower gel; shaving foam or gel; deodorants and non-bio washing pods.

Thank you.
Debra Thatcher

We hope that you will join us at the village Carol Service being held this Sunday evening at 6:00 pm.

Due to the COVID pandemic please:

• Do not attend if you are exhibiting any COVID symptoms;
• Take a lateral flow test (kits available at the back of the church) and only attend if you have a negative result;
• Wear a mask unless leading the service, giving a reading, or performing;
• Use the hand sanitiser on arrival;
• Sit in family/household “bubbles”;
• Wear warm clothes because although the heating will be on, the door will be open.

Thank You
Debra Thatcher

Probably best known for his book “Atonement” Ian McEwen won the Booker Prize in 1998 for “Amsterdam” – a fast paced novel, well planned and executed, although I found the ending predictable.  He also wrote “The Innocent”, a mid Cold War espionage drama.  Some scenes/chapters will not be to everyone’s liking – graphic detail of sex and violence.

Also, this month, “The Black Violin”, a translation of Maxence Fermine’s second novel, dealing with the trials and tribulations of finding inspiration for music – the perfect opera.  Critics are divided over the book – some decry its simplicity, but I enjoyed it although found the occasional typo took the shine off my enjoyment.

Books are available to borrow from the back of the church.  If you would like to buy any, please make a donation to church funds.

Many thanks,
Debra Thatcher.