Lisa See: The Island of Sea Women: p/b, London, Scribner, 2019.  

Chinese/American highly successful author Lisa See has produced a masterpiece with The Island of Sea Women.  Whilst the characters of this account are fictional, this extremely well researched story gives an accurate account of the unique deep sea diving skills of a group of women from the island of Jeju in southern Korea.  In this small island it is the women who bring food to the inhabitants through their remarkable skills of deep sea diving which has brought food for the island’s survival over many centuries. Through early training these remarkable collective of women have developed skills of deep water swimming and capture of sea water creatures which have provided food for the survival of the inhabitants. While the men of the island do not much,  it is the women who rule the roost providing a significant amount of food for the inhabitants, alongside taking the main role in the upbringing of children and the provision of food.

Lisa See’s narrative provides an entertaining story of the ups and downs of the lives of these women against a gruelling background of the Japanese colonialism of the 1930s -1940s, World War 11, the Korean War and the modern era. The novel is engaging from the start and makes for some demanding reading which is not for soft hearts. Six pages of detailed notes provide proof of the accuracy of these amazing women over many generations. Lisa See also demonstrates the impact of C21st living which has made it harder and harder for the tiny island to find women willing to learn the demanding skill of such deep sea diving. 

This beautifully written story is a remarkable achievement in many ways. The impact of tragedy through warfare on a tiny island is heart breaking during a time that the Western world could not always be proud of the way their troops dealt with these amazing women and the other inhabitants of the island. This is genuinely a story a reader cannot put down with amazement, sorrow, horror and amazing skill  at every turn. 5/5 and rising.  

John Stott: The Last Word: Reflections on a Lifetime of Preaching, h/b, Milton Keynes,   Authentic, 2008.

The late John Stott was an extraordinary priest, teacher, writer, and world ambassador for Christ. This little book published not long before his death, focusses on John Stott the teacher. 

The book contains his 2007 Keswick Address, Becoming Like Christ; and his own Afterword. 

A comprehensive interview with Brian Draper, Director of the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity, which Stott himself set up.

“The Privileges of the Justified”, a chapter from the book John Stott at the Keswick Convention.

An essay by Mark Greene, Executive Director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, which was founded by John Stott.

Essays on the Langham Partnership International  and an essay on Keswick Ministries. John Stott was deeply involved in both these organisatons. 

Named in Time Magazine’s ‘One hundred most influential people’ in 2005 John Stott has influenced vast numbers of individuals to give serious thought to the Christian faith. He has travelled in many countries around the world as a highly regarded speaker. This little book provides a useful insight into his achievements and his effective ministry throughout the world.

Michael P. Jensen: Between Tick and Tock: What the Bible Says about how it all begins, how it ends, and everything in between. p/b, Morning Star Publishing, Australia  

Dr Michael Jensen is Rector of St Mark’s Anglican Church in Darling Point Sydney and has also worked for many years as a theological lecturer as well as publishing articles in the secular and theological press.

Between Tick and Tock is an easy to read and thought provoking book about Christianity in three   central ideas. Chapter 1 discusses the central ideas of the Christian faith and contrasts them with three popular opponents polytheism, pantheism, and naturalism. 

Chapter two focuses on the links between Israel’s hopes and creation, Jesus Christ in Creation and Incarnation, the significance and meaning atonement, the resurrection, the Trinity and revelation.

Chapter three focuses on living as a Christian in Australia today.  In addition to these chapters Jensen has three short and helpful appendices on frequently argued issues. These cover creation and modern science, the millennium and the notion of heaven and angels. 

This is a first rate book for young Christians thinking their way through faith. In addition the book would make a first class discussion series for parish members to brush up their theology and understanding of the Gospel.  5 stars.