James Duffy (1) (1923–)

Interesting, though slightly limited, book which examines the history of (some of) Portugal's African colonies. In spite of the title, for the most part, only Angola and Mozambique are analyzed. Granted that these are the two most important of the five colonies, it still would have been interesting to compare Angola and Mozambique's experiences with the others. One of the underlying themes is how the slave trade twisted Angola for centuries, and harsh use of native labour would bedevil Portugal well into the 20th century, and ultimately led to the unrest described in the book, which had started to break out, though the colonies would not become independent until over a decade after this book came out. A lot stronger on the medieval/early modern history of the two colonies, not so much on anything after about 1910. The author must have had strength in the medieval era. Not particularly recommended.… (mais)

This book was given to me by a Year 7 student (2007) to read as she said it was her favorite book. It is about a young girl called Alison who has been sick for a very long time with an undisclosed illness (leukemia, glandular fever?) Her favorite rag doll Nettie and stuffed toy dog Boodles help her set up a doll's hospital in the spare room as she as acquired a lot of knowledge of medical procedures and practices due to her time in hospital. Her brother Chris helps out as the doll surgeon, and the running of the hospital plus a new treatment helps Alison to make progress in her own recovery. A lovely bookl to give a sick child - full of hope and reassurance.… (mais)

Kate has already “disappeared” twice before (once to her Grandmother’s house & once to her father’s) so when her sister alerts the police that she’s missing again, no-one believes her! Kate has been kidnapped by a guy who saw the news reports about the other disappearances and thinks she looks like his long-lost daughter Lucy. Kate’s sister enlists the help of an ex-policewoman who puts together a psychological profile of the man after believing the sister’s story.[The part where Mr Larwood turns a little nasty in the kitchen]… (mais)