Just So Stories

Random Reviews and Ramblings from Redcliffe

  • Normal Women Making History for 900 years – Philippa Gregory

    Illustrations by Alexis Snell Red Shed March 2025ISBN: 9780008725075 I am quite familiar with Philippa Gregory’s writing. Those books I have read are marvellous examples of historical fiction with such elegant blending of fact and fiction. But the title of this intrigued me as soon as I saw it. I had, in fact, no idea…

  • A Different Kind of Power: a memoir – Jacinda Ardern

    Penguin Australia June 2025 ISBN: 9781776951277 Imprint: Penguin RRP: $55.00 First up, I’m going to say a big thank you to Penguin, especially the indefatigable Dot Tonkin, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this. As someone who admired this young woman as a trailblazer, it has been interesting to see her in close-up, so to…

  • Picture Book Month Bonus #5: Secret Sparrow – Jackie French

    November 2023 ISBN: 9781460760468 ISBN 10: 1460760468 Imprint: HarperCollins AU RRP: $17.99 Yet again, Jackie brings her extraordinary talent for both unearthing hidden history, and weaving it into gripping narrative to readers. It seems that shedding light on the long-lost life stories of women in action of all kinds, is a particular passion. I have been waiting for…