The title is of course from Act 5, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost, in which Armando says "The sweet war-man is dead and rotten; sweet chucks, beat not the bones of the buried: when he breathed, he was a man." In this case, the buried is David Warwick, an anthropologist in Papua New Guinea, circa 1950, who is nominally in charge of native welfare and protection of indigenous customs. When he dies, apparently by suicide, his young wife comes from Australia to uncover the truth about the husband she barely knew.

Jay (actually a pseudonym of Geraldine Halls) packs plenty of Conradian themes into this brooding slim tale. When Stella arrives from the mainland, she finds that every white person is either lying to her or on the verge of a mental breakdown. Gone from the protective cocoon that has shielded her for her entire life, she finds herself wholly capable and unafraid to journey to the heart of darkness, to the village that holds the secret of her husband's death. It's a very dark examination of the human psyche, with plenty to say about colonialism, racism and sexism. One would be hard-pressed to tell it was written fifty years ago.

This is such a rich mystery, one that loops back on itself. Although one reading satisfies all the criteria for a great mystery, a second reading reveals how sly the author is in conveying what is a very dark vision of human motivations. I won't give any more away. Suffice to say, the atmosphere, the plotting, the insight into the psychological motivations and motives of the characters, and the knowing presentation of the British operations in the Territories gives this an all-too credible feel. On first reading, the horrible secret may seem dated, but on the second reading, with all the plot and character machinations truly revealed, the secret becomes all too appaling. This book was very hard to find in the stores, by the way. Enjoy!

This book is part mystery, part cultural clash, part un-romanticized love story and part sociological thriller all rolled into a lovely, haunting read set in Papua, New Guinea. Although written in the early '50s, it's rather complex and has a very contemporary feel. After reading this book I wanted to find anything else Ms. Jay has written but alas, her other books seem to be unavailable in the U.S. Someone should make a movie out of this great little novel

In 1977 in the mountainous backwoods of Northern California, logger Jake Colby is struggling to feed his wife and three children as he is out of work especially since a mining company has bought the rights to the area. Independent, Jake rejects any government assistance. Instead he is willing to poach though it is against the law, but his wife Dale, a devout Jehovah Witness, feels he will be breaking more than just man's law.

However, starvation of her children leads to Dale encouraging Jake to shoot a deer. Meanwhile their youngest child seven-year-old Justy fears her family is falling apart. Reared in faith, she takes a vow of silence until her dad can obtain permanent work rather than the occasional grave digging odd jobs he performs. As transplanted urban hippies rally against the mining interests, the Colbys worry more about their next meal than stripping the environment.

BY WAY OF WATER is an insightful look at the late seventies in a remote area of the country. Through the Colbys and other residents, readers observe a world where the environmental and industrial interests fostered by governmental self-promotion lose sight of a tree in their dispute over the forest while long time locals just struggle to obtain sustenance. The characters make the story line work with their slowly simmering dreams of a better world though Justy at times seems like the most adult person in the novel. Though no Steinbeck, the great author must be proudly looking down at Charlotte Gullick for providing a strong character study that brings the area vividly alive to the audience.

Harriet Klausner

This author's voice reverberates my upbringing in Northern California. I too have witnessed a drastic shift in the ways families make ends meet. For anyone who wants to know what it is like to grow up in rural northern California, where logging was once the major source of income, this is the book. The emotional journey is so intense I couldn't put it down.

To try and do this book justice...Gullick's writing on difficult issues such as violence, poverty, and how children process these things in their lives goes beyond comprehensive. She creates vivid pictures for the reader with her eloquent words and descriptions. There are scenes in this book that will never leave you. I read this book cover to cover, unable to tear myself away from the gripping story of Justy and her family. The depth of characters allows the reader to fully appreciate the challenges and emotions that are so strong throughout the book. Watch out Steinbeck!

George March, Lord Ashworth, married Emily Ellison, Charlotte Pitt's sister. While the Ashworths are visiting his extended family, he dies from poison in his morning coffee. As he was the only one in the family who drank coffee, it obviously wasn't an accidental death. The Marches are ready to close ranks against Emily, who had been seething at George over his gratuitous attention toward a cousin's wife at the opera the night before. As far as they're concerned, she's just a woman scorned, and an outsider--so better she hang than one of them. But do you think Charlotte will stand for that for one minute? Not a chance. . . The Marches are what 100 years later we refer to as a dysfunctional family. Some things never change. . .have fun reading

The customer "reviews" of this book are plot summaries which will spoil a potential reader's enjoyment. This is the best Anne Perry I've read so far (I've read about ten.) As usual, it exposes Victorian crimes against the poor and rebellion against one's own class by a few of the wealthy. But, in addition, Perry this time crafts several middle of the night, suspenseful horror scenes.

I'm often let down by Perry's endings. Not enough analysis/explanation is provided, and only the principals are allowed to react to the denouement.

I would like to see a chronological listing of her books. If you read them out of order, too much about earlier happenings is revealed. I knew, for example, that ____ could not have been the murderer in this book because he is alive and well in a LATER book which I had already read. Also, another character's death (from an earlier book) is referred to repeatedly.

I still love the Victorian settings and a glimpse into the rigid lifestyle and the grinding poverty of that time.

In the first mystery in the Pitt series, the Ellison family lost a daughter to the Cater Street Hangman. Since that time friends have suffered unspeakable tragedies, and now Emily Ellison March, Lady Ashworth, is suspected of murdering her husband George by putting belladonna in his morning coffee. Families with this kind of luck need to have someone married to a police detective!

If you are reading the stories chronologically, you will have followed the relationship of George and Emily through several novels. While I was initially sad to think his good-natured presence would be missing from future stories, I have to confess that there was little spark between the two. Maybe a change of pace is what Emily (and Perry's loyal readers?) need.

Charlotte (Emily's sister) and Thomas Pitt continue to develop as characters and sleuths in this story. Charlotte is even beginning to learn a bit of judicious caution and investigative skills! While the solution to the mystery was not entirely surprising, the twists and turns of the plot take the reader into some interesting and unforgettable aspects of late Victorian England. I highly recommend this book, and even if this is the first one you read you will enjoy getting to know the characters.

WWII is raging through Europe, impacting the lives of young and old in major and minor ways. Four women in a small English village are chosen by the author to give modern readers a sketch of that time.

As the men march off to war, plans are made and broken. Women are forced into unexpected roles that they are reluctant to give up to become quiet, demure little things again when the war ends. Husbands and lovers go away, some never to return. Hearts are broken, rations are tight, and sometimes, the enemy has un unexpectedly human face. Yet through it all, the chestnut tree planted by the local tomboy endures and thrives. Sometimes it is the one thing that means life and hope amidst the chaos.

*** American readers, particularly the younger set, will undoubtedly find this a difficult, sometimes bland read. It focuses on the ordinary things of life greatly. Even the extraordinary times will be hard to hold the interest of a younger American woman. However, the author does do an extremely good job of painting a highly realistic portrait of people and times. ***

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore

In 1939, much of Europe prepares for the "little war" while politicians on both sides claim it will be over before the year is out. All over England, civilian residents rehearse how to behave in the case of invasion or air assaults. In the fishing village of Bexham facing France, the locals understand that a Nazi invasion could come through here or some of the nearby other Sussex ports and most males join the military. Even vets from the "Great War" sign on to serve in the Senior Corps.

Their wives, mothers, and daughters adapt to a world where France quickly falls as the Bexham villagers, mostly female relatives of the soldiers, are determined to help defeat Hitler. The younger generation whose lovers will die on the continent or become MIA defend their country joined by their mothers in ways no one could have fathomed in 1939. In this little village, nothing but the sacred Chestnut Tree will ever be the same even when their men come home victorious and expect the pre war status quo to return.

THE CHESTNUT TREE is an intriguing character study cozy exploring the metamorphosis of English women during World War II. These courageous females become the mothers and older sisters of the 1960s women's movement. Readers will cherish these feisty characters who do what they must to help their country win except revert back to their subservient prewar role once victory occurs.

Harriet Klausner

"The Chestnut Tree" by Charlotte Bingham is a great book! Ms. Bingham tells a great tale for the coming of World War 2 forever changes the lives of four young women in English town. What many people may not realize that the War forever change England and the world. Suddenly women found themselves leaving the home and helping to defend their countries. Truly a great book.

This series is one of my favorites because our heroine, Nanette is believeable. She lives her unconventional life playing saxaphone on street corners in NYC. This book has the best opening I've ever read in any mystery. Nanette, on a drunken binge is thrown out of a party by her date! But wait, it gets better from there. What I like most about this series is that the author has crafted a believeable heroine with flaws and frailties that I can relate to. Who'd have thought you could weave rap music and voodoo into such a good story! While the plot isn't the tightest, the characters more than make up for it.

If you enjoy character driven mysteries, you'll love Drumsticks. However, the plot was a bit confusing and unbelievable. I gave it 4 stars because despite it's flaws it's always fun to hang out with Nanette Hayes for 200 or so pages!

Nanette is at it again, I love this series. I laughed and laughed. Charlotte Carter is the one of the best and her Nanette will keep you interested. I can't wait to see what will happen with Andre....

Thank you Charlotte for the entertainment.

This book will not teach you all the rules, cases, or declensions in German. But it will clearly explain what they are, what they correspond to in English, how the German and English practices differ, and what the role of each concept is in German. If your formal grammar is a bit shaky then this is a splendid place to start.

If your interest is English grammar in and of its (twisted) self then the book for you is The Deluxe Transitive Vampire, by K Gordon.

As you learn German you find more information about the mysteries of English. When I went to collage they said I had a pretty good grasp of English and would be wasting my time English 101 and dangling participles. Then it came time to acquire German. This Book opened up a whole new world as I learned the fundamentals of German I also found the parallel principle s of English. This book by placing the differences and similarities side by side helped me to better understand both languages. I am not sure I will get it down pat, but without this book, I would be dead in the water.

Some sample contents:

What is a Noun?

What are Indefinite and Definite Articles?

What is meant by gender?

What is a Participle?

Appendix A - Noun Gender Reference List

This is indispensable knowledge of "English Grammar for Students of German"

English Grammar for Students is a fascinating book. It compares and contrasts English and German grammar, point by point, making it easier to understand the grammar of each language.

Reading this book, you'll end with a deeper knowledge of such things as nouns, gender, number, articles, case, verbs, subjects and objects. You'll also learn more about predicate nouns, promouns, personal pronouns, parts of verbs, infinitives, verb conjugation, tenses and much, much more.

The structure of both languages will pop out at you.

We think this book is great for all children, but especially for boys. We think this book is great for all parents, but especially for parents of boys. We know that all kids need someone to love!

This is an excellent book!! If only more people could see things from William's grandmother's perspective, the world would be a better place! This book is about accepting and trying to understand differences. William is a boy who really wants a doll, and his father and brother ridicule him. Read this book and see how his grandmother has a positive impact!

This was helpful for me when I was a little boy who liked to play with dolls and got teased for it. My mom bought it and read it to me and it was just the thing. Now I'm pleased to be able to read it to my 3 yr old daughter.

I was expecting more from this book, which I bought for my three-year old ring bearer. The main character is semi-annoying, and the book isn't very interesting. It does give the basics of what goes on at and before a wedding, but I didn't think it explained very much very well, and I didn't think the writing was particularly good, either. And, the main character's name is "Bobby," which seemed annoyingly "typical-kid's-book-character-name."

This book takes the mystery out of the "big day" for young kids, many of whom may have not been to a wedding before. It explains everything from tuxedos and rented shoes to limousines. Illustrations are really beautiful, too. The ring bearer in the story was a bit older than mine, but still relatable. I definitely recommend.

We bought this book as a gift for the ring bearer in our wedding. It helped him out when it came time for the big day. Sending it ahead of time, especially for younger children, give the ring bearer the chance to get over any fears.

This book reads like a bad psych textbook from the 60's & 70's; because thats basically what it is. There are some masculine universal truths but you really have to search for them. The case studies & occupations are dated & irrelivent to baby boomers in the 21st century and not very helpful IMHO. Still there are a few pearls and saving graces but you really have to work hard to read this one.

When I was looking for books along this line, I saw the review titled "This book provides insights that could save your life" and thought that this book might be the one to read. It was. This book can be a life-saver, literally. It certainly made a huge impact for me.

The book may be a bit too much for a person to read unless they like psychology. No, it is not hard reading, it just may be too much material unless you were looking for specific advice. Although you may be tempted to jump to your immediately applicable section, I would suggest reading chapter 2 (on men's different eras) before doing that.

The author has a friendly, mature, informed approach. It is analytical, yet comforting. Certainly a book to recommend for men in your life that are going through changes.

Great book, great read for everyone. Author discusses the primary phases of adulthood in great detail, and very thought provoking way. Book discusses the life cycle as several distinct phases that we all go through one way or another. Having going through a transition myself, reading "Seasons" is an eye opener. If anything the more you know about your own transition, the better you can deal with it. Also, the phases help in understanding others too. Season's work will no doubt last for many generations to come.

did Jeff Starkman really help you?

This book contains an amazing number of handwriting samples and examples which it uses to illustrate its key concepts and ideas. Not only is it valuable as a standalone handwriting reference tool, but it also addresses over 40 negative personality/character traits that can be corrected via conscious changes in one's handwriting. Enlightening!

Charlotte Leibel has been studying the meaning of our handwriting for all of the nearly fifty years I have known her and doubtlessly long before that. She is one of the Wise Old Women of the tribe. There is no art or science that is infallible, but long experience with almost any technique can create a skill that can be highly reliable. What Charlotte Leibel says about handwriting analysis can be taken as highly reliable. What she says about those whose writing she analyzes deserves our consideration.