Book review: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [blog tour]

Today, I'm thrilled to take part in a blog tour that's a bit different. Rather than celebrating the launch of one book, this tour is for the The Wingate Literary Prize and its shortlist of nominees. Now in its 46th year, this annual prize is awarded to the best fiction or non-fiction book that translates Jewishness to the general reader. One of the titles on this year's shortlist is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. I've heard nothing but raving reviews about this book in recent months, so I was eager to find out if they were justified! 

Book review: The Company by J.M. Varese

They say not to judge a book by its cover but in the case of The Company by J.M. Varese I am so glad I did. I'm not normally one for novels described as a "gothic thriller" as my mind instantly goes to scary horror scenarios and that's not my cup of tea. But the stunningly intricate design on this cover gave me the vibes of a historical fiction with a magical realism twist, such as The Binding by Bridget Collins and The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale, which is way more up my street. And I do think that's a more accurate categorisation of this haunting story.  

Book review: The Green Gardening Handbook by Nancy Birtwhistle

Watching the Instagram stories from Great British Bake Off champion Nancy Birtwhistle for practical cleaning tips and easy recipes is one of the favourite parts of my day. Who knew you could clean oven racks with tough food stains by leaving them overnight in damp grass? Or that you can create your own laundry detergent with ivy cuttings from the garden? Her knowledge is incredible and we are so lucky that she is sharing all her wisdoms with us. Nancy's advice is simple to follow, cheap and, most of all, green. Meaning that it's much better for our planet. And after focusing her first few books on tips for a greener house – in her latest one she turns her hand to gardening.

Book review: The Last Tree: A Seed of Hope by Luke Adam Hawker [blog tour]

Last year I was so thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for Together by Luke Adam Hawker. A book about our times for our times. It was an highly emotional yet incredibly hopeful story about loneliness; showing that there is light in the darkness. The author's poignant images hit me with all the feels. And with his latest book, The Last Tree: A Seed of Hope, he has done it again. 

Theatre review: Under the Black Rock at the Arcola Theatre

“We all live under the black rock, and we will all be buried under it.”

A brand new play opened at the Arcola Theatre in London's Hackney this week: Under the Black Rock by debut playwright Tim Edge.