Brenna @ the Service Center Archive.

We Two: Victoria and Albert: Rulers, Partners, Rivals by Gillian Gill

Fairy-tale collides with reality in this insightful biography about Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Gill doesn't pull any punches, exploring the gritty details behind their fairy-tale love. She looks at each spouse's childhood in turn, examining how their familial relationships and upbringing might have influenced their marriage and their reign. She goes on to explore their years together and the power struggle that never quite ended, even after Albert's death. Victoria quickly emerges as a strong, ambitious woman, determined to rule in a misogynistic society. Deprived and suppressed throughout her girlhood, she quickly embraces her independence and power. Albert, also deprived and suppressed, has ambitions of his own. Raised with the knowledge that marriage is his only career path, he still longs to achieve greatness on his own. Together they reform British and European society, but theirs was hardly a marriage of true minds. Albert wanted a large family, Victoria didn't. Victoria was a Whig, Albert was a Tory. Both thought they should be in charge, COMPLETELY in charge. After Albert's death, Victoria (and later biographers) took great pains to make her husband a paragon and their marriage an example of perfect marital bliss. Gill presents a far more compelling story, one where each spouse struggles to define their role and find some autonomy in a very co-dependent relationship.

Pair this with the Young Victoria movie for a clearer look at the Queen and her consort or read it with Charles and Emma for a contrast with another fascinating Victorian couple.

Duty to the Dead: A Bess Crawford Mystery by Charles Todd

As World War I wears on, Bess Crawford does her bit as a nurse. The daughter of an Army colonel who spent much of his career in India, Bess is well versed in the ways of the military. She works on the hospital ship, Britannic, a sister-ship to the Titanic that was drafted into service. It's on that ship that she meets Arthur Graham, a young lieutenant who is not quite a lover, but more than a friend. When he dies, she is haunted by the death-bed promise she made to him, a promise to take one last message to his brother in Kent. She is also haunted by the "what-if"s that she can't quite shut out. She's not willing to admit that she loved him, but not ready to let him go either. Her promise takes on more meaning when she almost dies herself. The Britannic encounters a German mine and sinks, leaving Bess with a broken arm and a new sense of mortality. She returns to Britain, determined to deliver his message.

This leads her to Owlhurst, the Grahams' manor house. She delivers Arthur's last message to his brother, Jonathan, another soldier home on leave. Unfortunately, the message, ("Tell Jonathan I lied. I did it for Mother's sake. But it has to be set right.") means nothing to her and seemingly, nothing to Jonathan. But all is not as it should be with the Grahams. Mrs. Graham seems nervous. Jonathan exudes suppressed violence and Timothy, the youngest brother whose club foot has excluded him from military service, seems sly and resentful. Bess senses that something is wrong, but she can't even begin to guess at the meaning of Arthur's message until the last brother, Peregrine, is brought home with pneumonia. Peregrine lives at the local mental asylum, accused of killing a servant years ago. Bess begins to suspect that this fourteen-year-old murder and Arthur's message are connected.

Bess is an intrepid heroine, much along the lines of Maisie Dobbs or Mary Russell. Her family background and experiences in India color her perceptions of English society and her opinions about the war. She feels the plight of veterans keenly and is a convincingly passionate nurse. The historical setting offers rich opportunities for intriguing background characters and social observations. Diverse elements are at play in the plot, which is part traditional 'cozy' and part psychological mystery. The reader can easily figure out that something fishy is going on, and even accurately guess what motivations are at play, but the final denouement is still satisfying since Todd plants plenty of red herrings to keep the reader (and Bess) from knowing for certain which villain is the real villain. Charles Todd, a mother-son writing team, also writes the WWI era Inspector Rutledge series. Hopefully, we will see more of Bess!

Restoree by Anne McCaffrey

Although best known for her Dragonriders of Pern books, Anne McCaffrey wrote a multitude of other stories. Most are science fiction, but she even wrote a few gothic romance novels early in her career. One of her early books remains a favorite of mine. In Restoree, Sara is kidnapped from Earth and wakes up in a psychiatric hospital on an alien world. Despite her own hazy memories and problems understanding those around her, she is not a patient. She is a caretaker, responsible for a man who seems to be dumb and mute, but whom she soon realizes is drugged. She also realizes that everyone else thinks she is mindless too. After eavesdropping on his visitors, she discovers that her patient has political enemies who want him to remain incapacitated. Determined to escape this asylum and find her way home, she weans her charge off the drugs. When he's coherent again, they plan their escape, but even though Harlan proves a capable ally, Sara isn't sure she can trust him with her story. Will he believe that she's an alien and help her get home?

Restoree is a fun blend of science fiction and romance. The culture on Lothar, evolved to survive frequent culling from a murderous alien race, the Mil, is unique and well-developed. Sara is a suitably plucky and smart heroine. Harlan is a traditional romantic hero in the Rochester tradition (i.e., he's more charming than handsome and that charm is of the alpha sort). Their romance is predictable but enjoyable. Their escape plays out like the chase scene in an old romantic suspense movie. Light and adventuresome, this is a forerunner to recent hybrid fiction trends. Despite a dated cover and a few technology references, at it's core Restoree remains surprisingly fresh.

The Drowning City by Amanda Downum

The Assari Empire has turned covetous eyes toward Selafai, a kingdom with no intention of becoming another client state of the mighty empire. So Kiril, the spy-master of Selafai, sends his best agent to Symir, the Drowning City, to stir up trouble. Isyllt Iskaldur doesn't want this job. It's all too likely to end with a high body count. She's supposed to make contact with the local guerrilla fighters and offer them money and arms for their cause. If she succeeds, Symir will be plunged into a civil war, but the empire will be too distracted to attempt conquering Selafai.

Isyllt isn't just a spy; she's also a necromancer, a mage with the power to calm restless or evil spirits. These spirits are all too common in Symir, where generations of freedom fighters and slave laborers have died without proper burial rites. Her magical talents give her the perfect excuse to linger in Symir, where there is a mage school of some renown. Its amongst those mages that she finds the contact she seeks, a young apprentice whose lover leads the local guerrillas. She also finds Asheris, a mage whose friendship she quickly comes to value. As she immerses herself in local politics, Isyllt struggles with her mission. If she is successful, these new friends will be targets for the empire's ire. If she fails, her own kingdom may be in similar straits.

Debut-author Downum creates a dark and complex fantasy world. Rather than relying on the normal European tropes, her settings have more diverse templates, drawing more from Southeast Asia or India. Admittedly, she sometimes makes things a bit too complex. Names and places blur together and are easy to confuse. Still, overall, the world is interesting and refreshing.The story starts slow, but as the plot progresses the action escalates to fierce levels. Readers who like politics in their plots will enjoy the twists and turns as more and more factions are introduced. Isyllt is a strong main character. She has a touch of noir about her and her necromantic powers sometimes double as forensic investigation skills, lending a nice mystery touch to what is otherwise a straightforward fantasy tale. If you want a break from urban fantasy heroines killing zombies, demons and vampires galore, here's a more traditional fantasy with a heroine just as dark and mysterious. A sequel is already in the works.

Mission Control, This is Apollo: the story of the first voyages to the Moon
by Andrew Chaikin and Alan Bean

Chaikin, an NPR Morning Edition commentator and the author of A Man on the Moon, profiles each of the Apollo Missions, including the legendary Apollo 11 Mission which celebrated its 40th Anniversary this year. Each chapter briefly outlines the mission (dates, commanders, pilots, objectives, mission patches, etc), but also includes stories about the people involved. Armstrong, for instance, didn't spend a lot of time pondering his historic words; he was too busy avoiding craters! Of course, not all missions were so successful, as discussed in the chapter on the infamous Apollo Thirteen. Vintage photos show the jury-rigged filter that helped save the astronauts lives and another grainy photo shows the crippled module. Brief sections explore the finer points of space travel, from the rather discomforting physical side-effects as described in "The Dark Side of Zero-G" and "When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go" to technical details like those in "The Moon Rocket" and "Clothes Make the Moonwalker". The brief introduction outlines the preceding Mercury and Gemini programs.

In addition to the wonderful photographs, Alan Bean contributes his amazing paintings to the book. Bean, who landed on the moon with Apollo Twelve and knows what he paints, brings a unique perspective to the book. An entrancing mix of color, light and texture, these paintings bring the lunar landscapes alive. A chapter at the end of the book explains how Bean paints, a process that includes small models astronauts, replica moon-boots and even fragments of capsule heat shields and foil insulation. Informational, but also celebratory, Mission Control, This is Apollo, is a treat for history and space buffs of any age.

Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart

Linda Martin longs to return to France, where she lived until her parents died. She's spent the last few years in an English orphanage, first as one of the orphans and then as a teacher. When she is introduced to Heloise de Valmy, who is looking for a governess for her nine-year-old nephew, the Comte de Valmy, she leaps at the job. She's so eager, in fact, that she lies a bit about her skills. Madame de Valmy seems to want an English governess who speaks little French. Linda speaks fluent French, but she hides her ability, thinking it a small sin. Little lies can sometimes lead to big adventures.

The Valmy estate is a brooding place, ruled over by the crippled, autocratic Leon de Valmy. Her charge, little Philippe, is a serious, skittish child. As she bonds with Philippe, she begins to wonder why he is the victim of so many strange accidents. Snippets of overheard conversations make her curious about Leon de Valmy too. He is Philippe's guardian and the caretaker of the estate, but he seems obsessed with the land and dismissive of the boy. Even the other servants are secretive and strange. When Raoul de Valmy, Leon's rakish son, arrives for a visit, Linda is drawn even further into the family and their mysteries. Then things take a deadly turn and Linda must  decide where her loyalties truly lie, despite what her heart might want.

Romantic suspense doesn't get any better than Mary Stewart. She's not as steamy as her modern successors, but, with just implied steam, she keeps the tension taunt. Linda is a self-acknowledged Jane Eyre, caught up in a Gothic mystery with a sinister, brooding hero. Philippe is suitably charming, as is Raoul (in completely different ways of course!). Other memorable characters include a Parisian fashion designer and and the ubiquitous English housekeeper. Descriptions are lush, as expected in a Mary Stewart novel. Readers looking for a classic romance or a classic suspense tale will enjoy Nine Coaches Waiting. Reading along with Jane Eyre can be fun too!

Shakespeare's Wife by Germaine Greer

Little is known about Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway, but that doesn't stop scholars from trying to figure her out. Many have decided that she must have been the worst of wives, a shrewish, ugly woman who drove her husband off to London. She was, after all, eight years older than Shakespeare and he only left her his second-best bed in his will (they ignore the fact that she would automatically receive 1/3 of his estate). But Germaine Greer looks at Anne Hathaway from a decidedly feminist perspective. She analyzes the documents of the era, especially those pertaining to life in Stratford. This examination brings Elizabethan England to life, revealing a culture vastly different from our own.

Greer presents the possibility of an Anne Shakespeare who was a partner to her husband and a success in her own right. Anne, she points out, was a good catch. Her family ran a successful farm and she had a dowry. Elizabethans married in their mid to late twenties, so at twenty-six, she was no spinster. Will, on the other hand, was underage and from a family in debt up to their ears. He had no occupation that we know of until he went to London. In short, Will got a deal. Women like Anne often ran businesses and farms, usually with their husbands, but sometimes independently. Cottage industry products, like knitted hose and lace, were usually produced by women, as were foodstuffs like beer and cheese. Many men of Shakespeare's class traveled to London on business and stayed away for long periods at a time. They didn't take their families. London wasn't a healthy place for a wife or children. Their lives in the city didn't necessarily reflect on the families they left behind either; what happens in London stays in London and all that. Greer's portrayal of an industrious Anne who supports the family while Will pursues his career is convincing and inspiring. This Anne is no shrew or sad, deserted wife. She is an active, intelligent woman, capable of winning the Bard's love and worthy of keeping it.

While a bit academic, readers interested in history, women's roles or Shakespeare will find plenty of tidbits in this book to keep them reading. And it will give you a whole new perspective on "women's work".

Archangel by Sharon Shinn

Angels rule the world of Sameria and chief amongst them is the Archangel. Raphael, the current leader, is old and his successor, Gabriel, is eager to assume his duties. There's just one catch; Gabriel needs a wife. The upcoming festival of songs, the Gloria, which must be sung to their god Jovah, requires that his wife sing at his side. If the Gloria isn't performed, Jovah will rain disasters down upon Sameria. Gabriel dutifully visits the oracle Josiah, learns his predestined wife's name, and goes in search of her. Unfortunately, Rachel's village has been destroyed and he can find no trace of her. When he does track her down, he finds out that she is the slave of a powerful noble. Angels generally keep themselves apart from the rest of humanity and don't pay much attention to class or ethnic struggles, so he's surprised when Rachel turns out to be an adamant defender of her oppressed Edori people. He's even more alarmed by the fact that Rachel doesn't want to be his wife. With Raphael proving corrupt and Rachel proving difficult, Gabriel must somehow sort everyone out before its too late.

Sharon Shinn's Sameria series is a fun blend of science fiction, fantasy, and romance. The odd bits of technology in this biblical society hint at the origins of the world and the true identity of Jovah. Shinn writes her characters well, making their conflicted loyalties the center of the story. This is for readers who like Anne McCaffrey.

Goong by SoHee Park

Imagine a modern Korea where the traditional monarchy still rules. This is the basis of SoHee Park's manwha (Korean graphic novel), Goong, The Royal Palace. This royal family (like so many others), has seen its share of turmoil. In fact, the current king only ascended the throne because his elder brother died prematurely. His father died not long after. This small fact will change the life of Che-Kyung, a commoner girl who has no idea what's in store for her. Che-Kyung's grandfather knew the current king's father. Their friendship was so strong that, unbeknownst to Che-Kyung, a promise was made. She was betrothed to the Crown Prince. Now, Che-Kyung actually knows the Crown Prince. They go to the same school. But she's never really interacted with him. He's completely out of her sphere, rude, arrogant and maybe even cruel. An illness in the Royal family changes that. Suddenly, the betrothal is revealed and Che-Kyung is expected to marry Prince Shin. She's going to refuse, of course! There's just one tiny problem; her parents are broke, the debt collectors are at the door and she could save them. She just has to marry Shin and become the Crown Princess of Korea.

This series is great fun. Che-Kyung and Shin start out hating each other, but its easy to see that there is some attraction between them. Shin needs a goofy girl like Che-Kyung to lighten him up and she needs someone more serious to straighten her own. Classic romance, right? More like the perfect set-up for the classic love triangle (which I usually hate, but this one works). Before Shin and Che-Kyung even have a chance to see what's between them, Shin's long lost cousin, Prince Yul (who would have been Crown Prince and Che-Kyung's fiancee if his father hadn't died) comes on the scene and messes everything up. To make matters worse, Shin has an old girlfriend who's just not ready to let him go (although she doesn't want to marry him and commit to being Crown Princess).

Yes, this is a soap opera to beat all soap operas. But its entertaining, gorgeously drawn, and full of intriguing politics and history. Their families are a big part of the story too. Shin's grandmother is a highlight of the series. Its still ongoing in Korea and currently only the first 5 volumes are available in the US. More volumes are due this fall, but you can also check out the equally charming live-action TV show, Palace. No guarantees that that the endings will be the same!

Dreams of Trespass by Fatima Mernissi

"Women dreamed of trespass all the time." This isn't the first line in Moroccan sociologist Fatima Mernissi's memoir of her childhood growing up in Fez in the 1940s, but it is the line that has stuck with me. Words hold power for Mernissi and she often explores their meaning and function. She likens herself to Scheherazade, the storyteller of the Arabian Nights who wields words to survive. Its a good analogy; Scheherazade is a cultural touchstone who crosses many divides. Like Scheherazade, Mernissi isn't just the teller of her own tale. She writes about the lives of her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her mother, a central figure in her story, is vibrant and opinionated, bucking the system at every turn and yet confined securely within it. A farm girl whose family harem was more of a mental than physical space, she struggles with the communal living of her urban in-laws. She nags her husband to set up an independent dwelling and urges her daughter to reach for happiness through education and modernity. Her loving husband does his best to walk the fine line between his wife's desires and his family's traditions. Mernissi observes it all from the sidelines, but she brings each parent, auntie and cousin in to clear and vivid focus.

Mernissi's book is one I often turn back to, a book that conquers frontiers and boundaries simply by discussing them frankly and sincerely. She begins her memoir with a grainy picture of a closed door and the chapter "My Harem Frontiers". I find her use of the word frontier interesting. In America, it conjures the unknown, discoveries yet to be made, hardships yet to be faced. But Mernissi's door is closed and for her the word has an entirely different meaning. She writes of hudud, the sacred frontier, a boundary between worlds. It divides men and women, but also cultures and religions. It also separates the powerful and the powerless. With Dreams of Trespass, Mernissi draws back this veil to reveal the common humanity in all of these diverse worlds.