Author Archives: Stuart Smith

About Stuart Smith

Live on the East Coast of Scotland with views of the Isle of May and Bass Rock out my window. Retired and giving up political activity gradually as no-one locally is interested.

Celebration for my father

Posted on 2 September 2022 by Stuart Smith

My father died back in May 2022. Not from Covid. He spent his last few days in a care home next to my mother. He did not want a funeral so we did not have a “wake” or anything like … Continue reading →

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The Khan – a book

Posted on 31 August 2022 by Stuart Smith

The Khan by Saima Mir My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is a well-told thriller with compelling characters, strong writing and a great sense of place and atmosphere. But, it runs out of steam a bit towards the end. … Continue reading →

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Aether Chronicles – Book 3

Posted on 18 August 2022 by Stuart Smith

Speed by Abi Barden My rating: 4 of 5 stars This appears to be a mid-series book: established characters, plot development, new questions and a great cliffhanger. I’m thoroughly invested in the adventure. It is full of questions and uncertainty. … Continue reading →

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Spinning Silver – a book

Posted on 5 August 2022 by Stuart Smith

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik My rating: 2 of 5 stars Novik introduces three female protagonists in this book without much preamble and keeps moving between them in a confusing way. I was never quite sure which of the three … Continue reading →

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Messiness #6

Posted on 8 July 2022 by Stuart Smith

When is a resignation speech not a resignation? When it’s given by Boris Johnson. All the media yesterday were going on about his resignation but, he did not use the word resignation in his statement. Nor did he use the … Continue reading →

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