Book Description
"The Edgar-winning author tells her story in spare prose, befitting the bleakness of the political and physical landscape. . . . The richness of historical detail and the loving but uneasy relationship between Tejada and Elena offer their own rewards to the reader."-Denver Post
"The hostilities are never over in the mournful mysteries that Rebecca Pawel sets in the devastated cities of Spain in the aftermath of the civil war. . . . Pawel frames the complex ethical issues she raises in the divided loyalties of her series hero . . . and his wife, Elena, whose sympathies are entirely with the Republican cause. Until the family wounds are healed, Pawel argues, the war will never end."-The New York Times Book Review
"Equal parts history lesson and crime novel, displaying both offhand cruelty and welcome depth."-Kirkus Reviews
Spain, 1940. Potes, a remote northern mountain village, is Carlos Tejada's first independent Guardia Civil command. He soon discovers that this "promotion" is a mixed blessing. The villagers are unwelcoming. He and his pregnant wife, Elena, have no place to live but the jail, and his own men seem strangely hostile. Is it just their suspicion of his wife's Republican sympathies? Or is there more going on in the beautiful but bleak area, recently devastated by the civil war? Tejada discovers that there may, indeed, be a new outbreak of that war with Potes as its epicenter. And he must find a way to reconcile his love for his wife with his duty.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent, character-driven story.......2007-03-11
The Civil War is over and Lieutenant Carlos Tejada has received his first independent command so he, and his very pregnant bride, Elena Fernandez, move to the small mountain village of Potes. It quickly becomes clear this was not the idyllic posting they'd hoped. Arriving in a snowstorm, there is no one to meet them. There are no quarters suitable for a couple so they rent an apartment in a less than friendly tavern. The officers of the small Guardia Civil post are anything but welcoming to Tejada, especially as the Sergeant broadly hints of his knowledge regarding Elena's Republican sympathies. But are events leading to a new outbreak of the War? Guerilla activities are increasing, dynamite has disappears, a cache of weapons is found and attacks soon become very personal to Tejada.
I so enjoyed this book. Although written in the third person, we are allowed to listen in on Tejada's and Elena's thoughts showing us their very human insecurities, fears and frustrations. The relationship of Tejada and Elena wonderfully exemplifies a newly married couple, with different personalities, still getting to know each other. The inequality of women during this period in Spain, particularly in a small village, adds interest to the plot. Although the situation of civil unrest is the mystery in the story, it's the characters who kept me involved.
Third in an excellent series.......2006-12-22
Pawel has caught the feel of rural post-Civil and WWII Spain with great skill in "The Watcher in the Pine." The trials of the newly married Tejadas are many and serious, but never boring as documented in this novel. But best of all is the evocation of the small town of Potes where Guardia Civil Tejada and wife have been sent to work and live. The plot is well spun, but it's the author's description of the place and time that make this book worth reading. Well worth a look.
A Review for Married Men.......2006-07-25
If I sound sexist I apologise in advance. This is the third Tejada novel in the series but the second one I've read.
I found this to be an excellent historical mystery, with great atmosphere and narrative. However: Did you enjoy "The Constant Gardener"? If you found that book/movie a little irritating you are going to get a little frustrated with his wife Elena.
She nags and nags!!!! I mean gimme a break! We're talking about the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War and Tejada is a Guardia officer! Cut the guy some slack. Plus Tejada seems to have gone a little soft. Nothing like the tough man of his times as in "Death of a Nationalist". I found that a little disappointing.
That said I'll stick with this series.
A Rich Historical Mystery Set In Franco's Spain.......2005-07-03
"The Watcher in the Pine" is Rebecca Pawel's third novel featuring Carlos Tejada Alonso y Léon, and each book is more intriguing than the previous. Set in post Civil War Spain, the author accurately paints a grim portrait of a country settling into the "normality" of an uneasy peace. Atrocities have devastated both sides of the conflict. The populace's "us" versus "them" attitude will continue for many years, and even in 1941, battle scars are still fresh, as are memories of dead loved ones, and festering political wounds. Many areas of Spain are in ruins, and food shortages leave much of the population hungry - some are literally starving The descriptions of the humiliation, defeat and isolation of those who did not support Franco's cause is made palpable throughout Ms. Pawel's intelligent narrative. However, while Spain strives toward peace, law and order, the rest of the world is in the throes of WWII.
Carlos Tejada is one of the most well developed characters that I have met in recent popular fiction, as is his new wife Elena. They are both extremely bright, well educated, decent people, and polar opposites politically. He is the second son of a wealthy landowner, a conservative, and a staunch Nationalist. He backed Franco from the beginning. Now, as a lieutenant in the Guardia Civil, Tejada's Falangist views have been moderated somewhat through maturity, experience, and the influence of his spouse - the former Elena Fernandez, Socialist daughter of a distinguished Classics professor at the University of Salamanca. Carlos studied law at this university before joining the Guardia during the war. The couple met in Madrid, where she worked as a schoolteacher, while Tejada was investigating a murder. When Elena was dismissed from her position because of her leftist politics, she returned to her family's home in Salamanca, where Tejada had been transferred and promoted to the position of lieutenant. The two eventually marry here, after weathering some major adventures and solving a few mysteries.
Lt. Tejada is extremely pleased to accept a promotion and his first command with yet another transfer, this time to the Cantabrian village of Potes, a remote outpost in the Picos de Europa Mountains of northern Spain. He sees this relocation as an opportunity to lead his own men, and to get away from his difficult former commander. Tension had also developed between himself and some of his fellow officers when they realized he was marrying into a "red" family. Elena is now pregnant and not as content with the new post as her husband. After all, the area is extremely isolated and this is her first pregnancy.
The Tejadas arrive in the middle of a blizzard and there is no one to meet them. The officers at the small post are not exactly welcoming, nor were they expecting a woman - certainly not a pregnant woman with leftist leanings, (all documented in her file). Since there are no adequate quarters for a married couple, the two find lodgings at a local fonda. Tejada takes command of the small force, which appears to be sorely lacking in discipline. He also discovers that the former Guardia commander was killed by the maquis, the Republican guerillas, who still operate in the pine forests and periodically shoot at the patrols. Although the war has been over for almost two years, the small town is a center of smuggling and guerrilla activities. Sergeant Márquez, Tejada's immediate subordinate, is a man of questionable judgement, and the other officers, although good at following orders, are limited.
Within days of the Tejada's arrival, it is discovered that two shipments of dynamite have been stolen from Devastated Regions, a government agency responsible for rebuilding what the war destroyed. In the Devra Valley almost everything was destroyed. Carlos is beside himself. If the maquis have taken the dynamite, then every bridge and building in the area are in danger. Events really seem out of control when the corpse of a local man is found by the river. Unfortunately, Elena discovers the body.
Elena has become caught up in the problems of the town's inhabitants, who shun the Guardia...and her. She is obviously lonely, and her politics and friendly nature make her extremely sympathetic to the locals and their various plights. She discusses opening a school with the area's priest and, perhaps, teaching there.
This rich historical novel is much more than a mystery, although the sleuth-work and suspense are riveting. The characters themselves are the story - and a most compelling one. Obviously Carlos and Elena go through an adjustment period, as do all newlyweds. However, it is rare that a Falangist Guardia Civil officer and a Socialist, university educated woman, choose to make their lives together - at least not in the early 1940s in Franco's Spain. Their commitment to each other, however, to form a good life together, in spite of their differences, seems to me to symbolize the future hope of Spain. The supporting cast and sub-plots are also extremely compelling. Ms. Pawel spent more than a month in Potes, researching her novel. Highly recommended!
JANA
A gripping and powerfully told novel of hard choices.......2005-05-14
Edgar Award-winning author Rebecca Pawel presents The Watcher In The Pine, the third book of a critically lauded post-civil war Spanish saga. Set in 1940 in a remote Spanish mountain village, a commander and his pregnant wife discover that the inhabitants of his new post are sympathetic to the Republicans, engaging in smuggling and guerilla activities; the officer he was sent to replace was recently murdered, with the killer at large; and they must confront the realities of either living in the jail or becoming boarders with a woman whose son was executed by the Nationalist government. A gripping and powerfully told novel of hard choices, divided loyalties, and the deadly toll of civil war.
Book Description
The Pine Ridge Portraits series opens as two soldiers discover a desperate woman hidden in a cellar, then take her back with them to their U.S. Army post at Fort Robinson. The painful secrets surrounding Laina Gray and her seeming indiffernce toward those who try to help her will touch readers deeply as her journey to faith unfolds. Every effort is made to reach out to this strange, silent woman, but after living through her worst nightmare, she isn't soon ready to trust anyone with her secrets.not God, and definitely not the handsome soldier who tries to befriend her.
Customer Reviews:
Bood review.......2007-01-12
This book is more suited for young adults. It does not have too much depth to the story. I felt the book could be appreciated more if I had read the whole series. It does not stand alone very well.
It failed to grab me.........2006-10-15
I enjoyed the first novel in this series but had trouble with the second one. I admit, I'm a bit tired of victimized female heroines and after reading about poor Laina in the first novel, reading about Charlotte's trauma at the hands of the Colonel did not excite me. I like heroines who are a bit less traumatized.
There is also a certain PC'ness which I found aggravating. The characters seem to have very modern values, particuarly in their consideration for minority characters, servants etc. While I concede that some people might have shared these values, I find it unrealistic for the times described.
There is a large focus on CJ (Laina's duaghter), and on Will, (Charlotte's son), and no romance at least in the first half that I read. I admit by the time Will goes to the ranch for the cattle roundup I became bored and went looking for something with a bit more oomph.
1 star. Not enough action for me, and the major players didn't interest me enough to make me want to finish this book.
Watchers on the Hill.......2006-05-12
I read this whole series.. I suggest you start with the first book and go to the last. It follows on with the people. I love this and would recomend this for any one. I think Stephanie Grace Whitson is a really good author.
Charlotte and Will's book.......2004-10-01
Charlotte, the formerly snooty daughter of the town doctor has been away, married a high army office, had a son and is now widowed. She feels trapped in the home of his obnoxious parents, far from the love of her little town and loving family and friends.
She finds a way home, but 10 yr. old Will is incorrigible. Expected to perform as an officer's son, he rebels and ends up in the common school at which place he meets his best friend, 10 yr. old CJ, daughter of Laina whom we met in the previous book.
Laina is expecting Caleb's first child and they have moved to a ranch, talking with them several of the old friends from book one. An unexpected tragedy threatens their marriage and their sanity.
Will is the central focus, as is the change in Charlotte, his mother. This is another excellent portrayal of historical and spiritual significance, thanks Stephanie Whitson.
Product Description
Stephanie Grace Whitson is an ECPA best-selling author and two-time Christy Award finalist. Watchers on the Hill is the sequel to the immensely popular historical novel Secrets on the Wind (K1088). Charlotte Valentine Bishop has buried her husband. Now she and her son Will are embarking on a trip back to Fort Robinson, Nebraska to make a new home for themselves with Charlottes father. Unfortunately, the transition doesnt go as smoothly as Charlotte hopes. Will is young, but out of control with mischief. Their old friend Lt. Nathan Boone is a good role model for himbut what role will the handsome lieutenant play in Charlottes life?
Unabridged Cassette
8 Cassettes / 10.75 Hours
Product Description
Stephanie Grace Whitson is an ECPA best-selling author and two-time Christy Award finalist. Watchers on the Hill is the sequel to the immensely popular historical novel Secrets on the Wind (K1088). Charlotte Valentine Bishop has buried her husband. Now she and her son Will are embarking on a trip back to Fort Robinson, Nebraska to make a new home for themselves with Charlottes father. Unfortunately, the transition doesnt go as smoothly as Charlotte hopes. Will is young, but out of control with mischief. Their old friend Lt. Nathan Boone is a good role model for himbut what role will the handsome lieutenant play in Charlottes life?
Book Description
Fourteen classic time travel stories, selected by award-winning author Barry N. Malzberg. Features "The Battle of Long Island" by Nancy Kress, "The Man Who Came Early" by Poul Anderson, "A Little Something for Us Tempunauts" by Philip K. Dick, "3 RMS GD VIEW" by Karen Haber, "Hawksbill Station" by Robert Silverberg, and "Time-Tipping" by Jack M. Dann.
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-08-04
Best of All Time? I guess that is relative to who is picking. Is this a very good collection of stories? Yes, definitely, as the stories here average 3.80.
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : The Battle of Long Island - Nancy Kress
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : The Man Who Cme Early - Poul Anderson
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : Forever to a Hudson Bay Blanket - James Tiptree Jr.
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : Anachron - Damon Knight
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : On the Nature of Time - Bill Pronzini and Barry N. Malzberg
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : A Little Something for Us Tempunauts - Philip K. Dick
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : Ripples in the Dirac Sea - Geoffrey A. Landis
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : Hall of Mirrors - Fredric Brown
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : 3 RMS Good View - Karen Haber
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : Time Trap - Charles L. Harness
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : Brooklyn Project - William Tenn
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : Timetipping - Jack M. Dann
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : The Chronology Protection Case - Paul Levinson
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : Hawksbill Station - Robert Silverberg
Best Time Travel Stories of All Time : Time Travelers Never Die - Jack McDevitt
Nursing multiple realities.
4 out of 5
American is a Viking misfit.
4 out of 5
Youthful elderly mortal indiscretion.
4 out of 5
Time vault trouble.
3.5 out of 5
Paradox a tad Oedipal.
3 out of 5
Time to avoid own deaths.
4 out of 5
Don't let the past catch up to you.
4 out of 5
Time immortality revelation decision.
4 out of 5
Burnt by past real estate deal.
4 out of 5
Particle regeneration consumption recycling.
4 out of 5
Past alterations pseudopocryphal.
4 out of 5
Chronal spousal variation.
2.5 out of 5
Extreme quantum censorship publication falsification.
5 out of 5
The authorities have come up with an unconventional but effective way of controlling dissidents. Send them back a billion or so years into the past. A bit hard to escape from there, really.
When a new prisoner is sent back, the current top dog, an aging main with a recent serious injury has to try and hang onto his life, and work out what is up with the new guy.
3 out of 5
Paradox pyre problems.
4 out of 5
Better than "Up the Line".......2005-03-01
I might have gone for three and a half stars - or four - if the editor had not written little self-love introductions to each story. At one point Malzberg claims that Silverberg's "Up The Line" might be the best time-travel story ever written, so I picked it up used from Amazon. What a trite piece of trash it was.
Buy this book if you're hooked on time-travel and don't need much new to keep you going, or if you need any excuse to keep from vacuuming your abode.
I persisted to the bitter end!.......2003-08-22
I found the premises of most of the stories intriguing. The stories were very well written. I particularly liked "Hawksbill Station." However, I found that most of the stories, including the latter, had unsatisfying endings. This collection did not live up to its title.
...
A misleading title.......2003-06-27
Only a third of these stories are worthy to be in a collection of the best of all time travel stories, many of the others being only competent re-tellings of other authors original ideas.
Although I liked many of the stories I was disappointed that it wasn't a collection of all top notch original time travel stories as it's title advertises, and I was especially irritated by reading an introduction to one story that referred to Robert Heinlein's "By his bootstraps" - which isn't in this anthology claiming to collect the best time travel stories!
As a whole it's a worthwhile book, though don't buy it for the comic version of "A sound of thunder". The comic is printed on good quality paper in full colour process - but as a few small pages printed in paperback format it's not a good way to see Richard Corbens art.
But it is NOT a collection of The Best. More a collection of "Some of the Best Time Travel stories, and some other ones".
Book Description
Based on the ancient healing tradition from India that dates back thousands of years,
The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies offers natural alternatives to conventional medicines and treatments with practical advice and easy-to-follow instructions. A leading authority in this field, Dr. Vasant Lad first explains the principles behind the science of Ayurveda, exploring the physical and psychological characteristics of each of the three doshas, or mind-body types--vata, pitta, and kapha. Once you have determined which type or combination of types you are, Dr. Lad helps you to begin your journey to the ultimate "state of balance" and well-being.
The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies is an invaluable guide to treating common ailments and chronic problems with strategies tailored to your personal needs based on your dosha. Dr. Lad explains why certain imbalances often result in illness and shows you how to restore your body to natural order. You'll learn which traditional Ayurvedic remedies--herbal teas and formulas, essential oils, meditation, yoga--offer relief from a variety of conditions, such as cold and flu symptoms, headaches, toothaches, sore throats, high cholesterol, vision problems, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Lad also shows you how to use diet and specific Ayurvedic techniques to prevent future illness and to promote body consciousness and healthy living.
The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies enables us all to experience the benefits of Ayurveda's healing properties that have been refined over thousands of years. All of the herbs, foods, and oils Dr. Lad recommends can be found in local health food stores or through mail-order catalogs. Complete with an extensive glossary and resource list, this is the definitive guide to natural, safe, and effective remedies, everyday keys to a lifetime of vitality and well-being.
Customer Reviews:
One of the best on Ayruveda.......2007-09-03
Being relatively new to Ayruveda lifestyle, I am reading as much as I can. This book is a wealth of information and easy to understand. Vasant Lad is very well known in the field. If you are interested in how Ayruvedic can heal, this is the one to read. Highly Recommended.
An Excellent Referece.......2007-08-08
I heard about this book through my relative and had a cursory look at a copy he already had and was immediately impressed with the book. Dr.Lad has detailed all the ailments that we get and simple home remedies for all of them. The book not only speaks about ayurvedic home remedies but also on how leading a clean life with good habits and maintaining a good discipline can help us lead a happy and a healthy life.
Informative Ayurvedic Info.......2007-03-09
A very informative read! Recommend for anyone with an interest in ancient medicine and health. Also recommend for anyone interested in yoga. A great companion for yoga and a healthy lifestyle.
Useful book to have handy.......2007-02-17
I really like this book! I like that it not only has information on Ayurveda in general, but also an "encyclopedia" of remedies. We've used many of the remedies with success and refer to it before other sources when there is a problem.
The only drawback to this book are the recommendations for herbs that are common in India but not so easy to get elsewhere. I can't locate many much less pronounce them. Hopefully I will find a resource for purchasing them so I can try out their effectiveness.
Definitely a book worth purchasing and keeping close at-hand.
Home relief.......2007-01-03
Useful book to learn how to heal oneself with spices and food stuff from the kitchen's shelves .
Off course it doesn't replace medical advice ,but helps for everyday troubles such as cold ,tiredness and so .
Book Description
Here are the dishes your mother used to make, from the cookbook your grandmother brought over from the old country. Crown's Classic Cookbook series features a collection of the world's best-loved foreign cookbooks, specially adapted for use in American kitchens. Authentic and comprehensive, these reasonably priced books are a welcome addition to the culinary library of any cook.
Jewish Cookery by Leah H. Leonard
The classic book on Jewish cuisine, featuring traditional recipes for gefulte fish, kreplach, knishes, challah, and kugel, as well as guidelines for keeping a kosher kitchen and menus for holiday meals.
The Finnish Cookbook by Beatrice A. Ojakangas
The first cookbook devoted to introducing Finland's fascinating but little known cuisine to America. Including recipes for Sour Rye Bread, Fish in a Crust, Finnish Smorgasbord, and Bishop's Pepper Cookies.
German Cookery by Elizabeth Schuler
Germany's best-selling cookbook adapted for American kitchens. Containing recipes for all the German favorites such as Wiener Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Spatzle, and Apple Strudel.
The Greek Cookbook is a translation and adaptation of Greece's best-selling cookbook, containing 500 of its choicest recipes. Yet all of these -- many of them exotic by American standards -- use American measurements and can be easily prepared from ingredients readily available to the American cook.
Phyllo, that versatile pastry used as the basis for many Greek entrees and appetizers as well as desserts, appears here in many delectable forms. Try the baklava with honey syrup, or Copenhagen (the pastry named for the Greek king who was originally a Danish prince).
You'll find excellent recipes too for the famed Greek dolmathes (rolled grape leaves) and yemista (stuffed vegetable preparations such as stuffed artichokes ). You might prefer to sample a baked specialty like moussaka or one of the au gratins made with lamb, eggplant, or squash.
Having visitors? Welcome them as the Greeks do, with a choice of glykos or spoon sweets -- perhaps eggplant, or rose petal, or apricot. For a cocktail party, serve any of the marvelous canapes or hot hors d'oeuvres like taramosalata (pureed roe salad) and piroski (dumplings). And formal entertaining takes on a new exotic twist when you serve lamb on a spit or an octopus main course.
The Greek Cookbook also includes a glossary explaining all Greek culinary terms as well as examples of typical Greek menus. For the experienced cook who wants to prepare an authentic Greek banquet or the novice who wants to spice up an ordinary meal with a Greek specialty, The Greek Cookbook is indispensable.
Customer Reviews:
I suppose it's good, but not sure I'll try many........2007-03-29
The description of this book talks about authentic recipes, etc. To me, many of the recipies are WAY too full of oil to ever try making. One of them calls for something like 2c of olive oil to cook green beans in!!
If I would have known there were so many fried food recipes (it falls just short of deep-frying butter), I wouldn't have gotten it. At the many Greek restaurants I've been to, I've always considered Greek food to be healthy - mostly roasted and grilled.
I'm sure there are some good recipes in there, but nothing has really jumped out at me yet. Maybe someone else has had better luck finding something healthy in the book.
The best Greek cookbook!.......2007-02-15
I am a first generation Greek American. As a small child I remember my mother using a cookbook by Sophia Skoura which was written entirely in Greek. When I found this book translated into English I was thrilled!!! I've owned it for 13 years and have used it so much that it's worn out. I'm purchasing another today and buying an extra copy for my daughter to have when she grows up. I can't say enough good things about this book. It's has very traditional recipes that are easy to follow. You won't be disappointed!
This cookbook is great!.......2006-08-10
I have had this cookbook for years and made many recipes out of it. They all turned out great! I highly recommend this book if you want to make Greek food.
Culinary Nervana!.......2006-07-13
I am an avid cook of international foods and love to have a theme for all my dinner parties and gatherings with family and friends.
I was stuck on the greek theme for several months...All the receipes were...Delectable Culinary Nervana!
Greek cooking made easy.......2000-04-11
Sophia Skoura's Greek Cook Book contains many of the staples of Greek cuisine in an easy, simple to follow format. The recipes are authentic and those I have prepared from the book are delicious, especially the eggplants imam baldi (eggplants stuffed with tomato, onion and garlic and slowly roasted while slatered in olive oil). A drawback for non-Greeks is the lack of recipes for tzatziki (yogurt-garlic sauce) and a typical Greek marinade for grilled fish and meats. However, no cookbook I own in Greek contains them either. I suppose most Greeks know how to prepare these things just from watching their mothers, and Skoura's book was originally written in Greek for use in Greek households. But since this book is an adaptation, even the very basics might have made a welcome addition. Overall, it is an excellent reference guide on the how-tos of Greek cooking, with a straightforward presentation and chock-full of delicious recipes.
Books:
- Thieves Dozen (Dortmunder Novels)
- Tropic of Night
- Tularosa
- Unexplained Mysteries of the 20th Century
- Vineyard Deceit: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery (Martha's Vineyard Mysteries (Avon Books))
- Vineyard Fear : A Martha's Vineyard Mystery
- White Shell Woman
- Wife of Moon (Berkley Prime Crime Mysteries)
- Wilkie Collins's The Dead Alive: The Novel, the Case, and Wrongful Convictions
- You've Got Murder (A Turing Hopper Mystery)
Books Index
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General
| Mystery
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
| Books
Law Of Return
The Summer Snow (Soho Crime)
Death of a Nationalist (Soho Crime)
Rounding the Mark
The Patience of the Spider (Inspector Montalbano Mysteries)
