Charles Mackerras - 80th Birthday Portrait

The perfect portrait

Advantages: Fascinating story, evocative details, beautiful writing
Disadvantages: I didn't want it to end

"A Portrait of a Turkish Family" is an autobiographical work that tells the story of one Ottoman family from the turn of the twentieth century through the First World War and the establishment of Turkey as a republic. Irfan Orga was the eldest of three children; his mother was born into the harem - as were most women of such standing - and married at the age of thirteen. When the book opens, Irfan and his parents and younger brother live with his paternal grandparents and a host of servants. Orga describes an often idyllic childhood with warmth and humour, depicting the childlike vigour of his mother, the haughtiness of his grandmother and the kindness of the servants. One memorable episode describes a trip to the hamam (Turkish baths) with his mother and grandmother that is like a trip to the beach with the servants instructed to ...

fizzytom 06.02.2008 · Read full review
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Review of Portrait of a Turkish Family - Irfan Orga

The Charles Bridge

Advantages: Free entrance, beutifully built, historic attraction
Disadvantages: Can get very busy

of the Charles Bridge, at a cost of about £2.50 each. We walked up the tower and inside we were shown a video about the construction and history of the bridge which was quite interesting. You can also get lovely views across the bridge from the top of the Tower although its very cramped up there and difficult to walk around. There is also no disabled access. As you walk across the bridge you will find that there is plenty to look at other than the stunning views from either side of the bridge. Set along the sides of the Charles Bridge are many different street-vendors, painters, puppeteers and musicians. Items sold on some of the stalls include things such as puppets, dolls, jewellery and paintings as well as a selection of other souvenirs. There were several stalls offering to draw your portrait or a caricature. In the 17th century, 30 ...

Jamie73 13.02.2008 · Read full review
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Review of Charles Bridge, Prague

Mr Birthday

Advantages: Fun reading
Disadvantages: Small writing

Mr Birthday is another character who starts in the new collection of Mr Men books with added sparkle. He is a square shape and blue in colour. He wears red shoes and a red and yellow stripy party hat. The front cover of the book has a picture of Mr Birthday with balloons around him and the title in shiny blue letters above. The back cover of the book has smaller pictures showing a few of the other books available in the new 'added sparkle' collection. THE STORY The story begins by telling us that the best thing Mr Birthday enjoys about birthdays is the parties that is why he always wears his party hat. It tells us that he likes to organise parties for everyone that he knows. The story goes on to tell us about some of the parties he has organised and who they were for. Mr Birthday gets reminded about a very special birthday ...

sewbizzie 16.03.2008 · Read full review
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Review of Mr Birthday - Roger Hargreaves