Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: Prince

  • Prince Philip’s Century 1921-2021: The Extraordinary Life of the Duke of Edinburgh

    Prince Philip’s Century 1921-2021: The Extraordinary Life of the Duke of Edinburgh

    Prince Phillip was a man who, despite great odds carved out a stellar career as the Consort to his wife Queen Elizabeth, earning the right to in his ’retirement’ years, to withdraw from the spotlight of Royal life, to step back a little, to enjoy life in a far more simplistic manner, all the while continuing to support his wife as he had done for the almost 70 years of their close and long married life.

    Robert Jobson has in his biographical look at Prince Philip, the man who did so much, gained notoriety for his public gaffs, his quick temper and immense public work, shown a very human face to a change maker and in doing so presented a delightful journey into the life of a much loved husband, father, grandfather and family mediator.

    Entertaining and surprisingly most enjoyable, the life of Duke of Edinburgh as told by Jobson becomes a very real experience as the years turn back to portray with respect, a man who did much with an unassuming manner, to give back to the wider community. His outstanding and almost legendary work establishing and overseeing the Duke of Edinburgh Awards is a legacy to be proud of and one that has changed and will continue to change so many young lives for the better.

    His fast paced schedule in his own right was phenomenal and although not always diplomatic in his approach to issues, was a man people could depend upon. That he was determined was understood, but never more so was the proof of this determination made public, than with his very careful planning of his funeral some years before the event.

    Famous for his military precision in his undertakings, he planned his final farewell in as informal and closely personal manner as is possible for man of his public standing and the modern times of COVID helped his final wishes be carried out according to his plan.

    Prince Phillip’s Century 1921 -2021 is a biography well worth taking the time to read, even if slowly, as it contains so much detail, much of it hidden in the annuals of history, about the long, productive and truly fascinating life and the times, which changed immensely, in the 100 years of the indomitable Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip.

  • The Bombay Prince

    The Bombay Prince

    Ahhhhhh! That wonderful feeling you have when a new book in a series, is released by a favourite author. After reading the first two novels by Sujata Massey I could not wait to sit down with The Bombay Prince and it didn’t disappoint. I was a little tentative with her first book, wondering if I would remember the names and pronunciations, but now they come easily. The descriptions and pictures painted by the author really place you in the heart of India. She writes with the understanding of a local, and the voice of her main character Perveen, is thoughtful and wise.

    The first three books are set in the 1920s in Bombay, India. What makes these stories so exceptional is that the author has the gift of weaving everyday life and challenges into a murder mystery. There are many aspects and rituals in Indian culture and it is fascinating to read how much they impinge on procedures and structures.

    Perveen is the only daughter in a loving family. Her father is a Chief Barrister in the courts. When Perveen left a disastrous marriage, her parents helped her to finish her studies by sending her to Oxford to complete a law degree. She has returned home and works with her father. She loves the work and has an analytical mind.

    Not many people trusted a woman Lawyer in those times but a student from the local College comes to see Perveen about a political issue. Two days later that student is murdered. We follow the Lawyer’s journey as she tries to unravel the motive and the culprit from the vague stories which are told to her. This is set in the time of a visit by Edward VII, which causes great disruption in the community.

    The History, Politics, and Culture of the times make an engaging and informative backdrop to a good story. A little bit of romance is also quite touching. The Bombay Prince is book in which to lose yourself.

  • Prince

    Prince

    Prince, a major name in the music world was a person who became famous as a singer/songwriter/musician but came from very humble beginnings in Minneapolis. His parents were Jazz musicians and he learned to sing and play an instrument, the piano, when he was very young. He learned to play more than 27 instruments over his lifetime. He was not born into royalty, even though his name was Prince.

    He wrote his first song when he was seven years old and was taken by his step-father to see James Brown on stage, where he joined the performers on the stage as he wanted to dance; he loved to dance and sing. Once he became a student at the Minneapolis Dance Theatre, a star was on its way to being born.

    At 19 he recorded his first album, but it was the second one titled Prince that saw him become a super star and from then on, he made and broke all the rules both musically and in his personal life. He performed with his band, acted in movies and the song from the movie of the same title Purple Rain became a people’s hymn.

    But like so many people who become famous, and then go on to break all the rules, he died in 2014 at the age of 57 from an accidental drug overdose. He left the legacy of 1000 songs of the funk, rock and pop genres, showing the world through his music and lifestyle, the world is not black and white, but rainbow; made up on many colours, shades and people- that the world can be free from limits. He is considered to be one of the greatest musicians of his time.

    Once again the wonderfully created Little People Big Dreams series captures his life in brief in flamboyant colour with the words designed to suit a wide range of ages and reading ability. That Prince was different, that he lived a rich and full life, leaving a tremendous legacy for the world to enjoy, is truly inspirational for children everywhere.