Finest Shirley Bassy Collection, The - Shirley Bassey

Advantages: Insights into the true characters of Emily and Anne Bronte
Disadvantages: Not an easy read

..."Shirley" by Charlotte Bronte. Penguin Classics. ISBN 0-14-043095-4 This is a gem of a book, written just after Jane Eyre and set in the time of the Napoleonic Wars, it is one of Charlotte Bronte's best. It follows the fortunes of two women Caroline Helstone and Shirley Keeldar and their involvement with the Moore brothers. These relationships are set against the politics of England and the Continent at the time of the Luddite uprisings and Napoleonic wars respectively. In that respect Shirley has a farther reach as a novel than some of Charlotte Bronte's other more personal novels such as Jane Eyre. It is particularly interesting as a literary piece because there is some evidence that the two principle female characters are based on Charlotte's two sisters Anne and Emily and as such give the reader some insight into what... Read review

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Advantages: Nice Story With Detailed Illustrations.
Disadvantages: None

...About The Author Shirley Hughes published her first book Lucy and Tom's Day in 1960. Since then she has illustrated over two hundred children's books and is known as a champion of children's literature. Shirley Hughes has been awarded the Kate Greenaway medal, the prestigious Eleanor Farjeon Award and in 1999 she was honoured with an OBE for her distinguished services to Children's literature. The Story Alfie is very excited, he has been invited to his best friends birthday party and he has never been to a party before. Mum tells him all about parties how you take a present, games he would play and all about the delicious party food. Alfie was a little nervous about the party especially when he realised Mum and Annie Rose (his baby Sister) would not be there. He decided to take his blanket and held... Read review

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Advantages: Involving, moving and very deep characters
Disadvantages: None

...This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. The characters of Caroline and Shirley, are minutely drawn and by the end of the novel you feel like you know them. The text is by no means dated and it's a very easy to read book, the plot flows and it never drags. Charlotte Bronte gives an excellent mix of tragedy, suspense, romance and comedy- of quite a light satirical kind. I was left guessing at the plot until right at the end and was close to tears in sympathy with Caroline at some points. I would highly reccomend this book, even for people who tend not to like the classics because- unlike some authors- Charlotte Bronte's writing has stood the test of time, in terms of readablilty. Shirley is an excellent example of her work.... Read review

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