It then got a bit more serious. Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham is the story behind the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 in Ukraine, and the subsequent failed cover-up.
Then, Six Minutes in May by Nicholas Shakespeare - another in-depth look into the characters, the politics and timeline of events that led to Winston Churchill becoming Prime Minister in May 1940. I’d recommend both books if you like the ‘story behind the story’ kind of historical nonfiction writing. I also confess to starting Swedish crime writer Hakan Nesser’s novel The Mind’s Eye, but that failed my 100-page test. They don’t call this style of book Scandic or Nordic Noir for nothing. It was dreary. Up next is One Bright Moon by Andrew Kwong, about a teenager trying to escape from Mao’s China during the cultural revolution, then J.D.Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye. What have you been reading? Let us know of any books you recommend. What is your test for continuing or giving up on a book that you find a bit hard going? JD
Bernie Porter We regret to report the passing of Bernie Porter from Wagg Lane, who died suddenly on 21st April. Bernie and his wife Maggie have lived in Probus for 5 years and were early volunteers for last autumn’s daffodil bulb planting around the village. Bernie is pictured here in the centre of the photo wearing a bush hat. Bernie Porter 1937 - 2020. Sadly missed by family and friends. Rest in Peace. 13 39
