Road To Olympia Greece, The - Michalis Terzis

Advantages: An Glimpse into Britain's Social history
Disadvantages: Not light reading!

...Review of 'The Road To Wigan Pier' by George Orwell. I am reviewing a paperback edition of the book, published by Penguin Classics; 272 pages, cover price £9.99. The book was first published in 1937 by Victor Gollancz. My copy was published in 2001. I picked up the The Road to Wigan Pier in a book exchange facility that I often use when travelling on my narrow boat. I had read Orwell's well known classics, 'Animal Farm' and 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' many years ago and seeing this book decided to re visit George Orwell's writing. The Book First off, how can I describe The Road To Wigan Pier? Well, it is not a novel, nor is it a work of non fiction in the way of a true life story. It is basically an account of the findings of George Orwell's tour of the industrial areas of Britain in the 1930s. I have to be honest... Read review

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Advantages: Looks fantastic, acting is great, interesting story
Disadvantages: Slightly predictable towards the end

...For such a famous director, Sam Mendes has made very few films. Only two in fact; the multi-Oscar winning American Beauty and this 2002 follow-up, Road To Perdition. Although follow-up isn't really the right term, as this is completely different. I was surprised to find that this did not win any major Oscars, although it was nominated for about six, because it really is a brilliant film. I was also surprised that for such a great film, it was not advertised very well; I didn't really know anything about this film before I saw it, and I bet lots of people don't know about it at all, which is a shame. The story tells of a hit man for the Irish mafia, Mike Sullivan (played by Tom Hanks). He and his two sons have a close relationship with the godfather John Rooney (played by Paul Newman). Sullivan keeps his job a secret from his... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Good Book
Disadvantages: Can't think of any worth mentioning

...Jason Burke gives a good account of the middle east, of Kurdish Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Algeria and the Muslim world of South East Asia. According to the Guardian: "From Algeria to Thailand, Burke, formerly The Observer's chief reporter in the region, moves through every quadrant of Islam, drawing out profound differences between the communities. This is no homogeneous surge of Muslims massing to rise as one against the West. His vivid contacts with Kurdish, Arab and Asian Muslims reveal complex issues, inter-communal and international, that far outstrip the 'war on terror's' capacity to provide analysis or answers." The book is well written, clear and easy to understand. Jason Burke is also the author of Al - Qaeda: The True Story of Radical Islam.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful