Lighthouse, The - Da Silva, Ana

To the Lighthouse

Advantages: ~
Disadvantages: ~

Lighthouse. A little context is probably needed at this point, at least for those who have never heard of Southwold. Nestling on what is almost an island on the north Suffolk coast, bounded by the river Blyth, the sea and Buss Creek, with only one road in and one road out Southwold is one of those towns that has managed to retain its charm without becoming "twee". Several devastating fires throughout its history have resulted in its most recent rebuilding - oh three or so hundred years ago - being based on a plan to provide natural fire-breaks. Wide streets. Open greens. The place wears its age with the comfort of wealth. Many of the houses are grand. Even the old surviving fisher cottages have clearly moved up-market, yet somehow without the pretentiousness that is evident elsewhere. The 'Sailors Reading Room' which so entranced W G ...

hiker 21.04.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Blue Lighthouse

Shines like 'Silva'

Advantages: Is personal, and the girl's voice is good!
Disadvantages: Not really, although one or two songs may be growers

I have heard all the comparisons. Delta Goodrem, Christina Aguilera, Leanne Rimes, and they may even go on. But despite this, Lucie Silvas seems to shine with her own sound and her own style. Throughout the 13 track album her beautiful voice flows effortlessly over sometimes quiet and enchanting songs but perfectly compliments faster up tempo tunes. Without you ever having to read up on her background, the songs seem to be bravely displaying some very personal experiences and aspects of this young girls life. Her frist single 'What You're Made Of' is a song I like to play loudly for the sheer excuse that it's just so damn good! It was an excellent choice for her debut into the music scene, and instantly catupulted her into the spotlight. I first saw Lucie on a music channel after a night out, and sat down to listen because I ...

Majiggy 08.02.2005 · Read full review
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Review of Breathe In - Lucie Silvas

Mrs D'Silva - a source of inspiration

Advantages: Evocative of place and time, entertainng and inforamtive
Disadvantages: Not as much culinary info as expected

in neighbouring China, revolutionary communist parties began to gain strength and many of their members were persuaded to favour violence as a means to further their cause. The insight into political situation is just one of the fascinating elements that plant this story firmly in 1960s India. Nicely woven in references to the music and fashions of the time help to give a sense of time but Glen Peters real success is in the overall evocation of time and place that only comes with personal experience. The murder mystery element is rather average but it is elevated by the rich descriptions of Calcutta life and the wonderful characters encountered there. I had prepared myself for a Ladies Number One Detective Agency style novel and had Joan D'Silva down as the Indian version of Precious Ramotswe but McCall Smith's now almost legendary ...

fizzytom 25.11.2009 · Read full review
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Review of Mrs D'Silva's Detective Instincts and the Shaitan of Calcutta - Glen Peters