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We all admire the wisdom of people who come to us for advice.


A quick meeting is usually a good meeting. St Johns Park, New Town, April 2011.

A trip away does not stop the run of books. Mixed fortunes in my selections this week.

The first, Double Indemnity is considered a genre – crime – classic by James M. Cain. The film is probably better known than the book, but both are excellent. A brief but complex novel captures beautifully the tale of ordinary-guy-gone-wrong-at-the-hands-of-a-woman.

It’s a gripping read, and (if you’re lucky enough to have the luxury), the kind of novel that you could pick up and finish in one sitting. Highly recommended.

Decidedly not recommended is James Buchan’s Heart's Journey in Winter. Another genre novel (spies, Cold War and whatnot), it’s a dull read, poorly told. I can’t summon up the effort to say any more about it…
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ratatouille's archives said…
Hi! Kris...
Thanks, for the recommendations...
Oh! yes, Cain's "Double Indemnity" a classic book and a film that fit neatly into the "film noir" style.

I wonder if author James Buchan, is related to author John Buchan, he Of "The 39 Steps" fame?
Nice photograph and amusing quote too!
Thanks, for sharing!
DeeDee ;-D
29 April 2011 at 09:46
Kris McCracken said…
DeeDee, if he is related, sadly he did not inherit the literary genes!
29 April 2011 at 09:55
smudgeon said…
That door looks like it would lead to the kind of meeting room you would be taken to in Soviet Russia if you had an uncle who defected...
29 April 2011 at 10:27
Kris McCracken said…
Except that in Soviet Russia, they would allow you one last smoke before stepping through that door!

Have you read Darkness at Noon? Absolutely the best novel of ever read that explores the minutiae of the Stalinist purges of the late-30s from the perspective of the traitor/victim. This door would not be out of place…
29 April 2011 at 11:38
Roddy said…
Looks like a football clubroom.
You will just have to attend the more upmarket meetings.
29 April 2011 at 19:38
Sue said…
I would hope they'd have cake!
30 April 2011 at 15:03
Roddy said…
Yeah Kris and Sue, cake is mandatory.
30 April 2011 at 19:42
Kris McCracken said…
Roddy, it is a Playgroup building!

Sue, cake is out of the question in times of fiscal austerity.
2 May 2011 at 08:50
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