Thursday, 30 April 2026

Woden's Vengeance by Donovan Cook

 

Chez Maximka, historical fiction set in Britannia


"He had been told by someone much wiser than him that the past was not important, but Octa used the memory of that fear and his cowardice to drive him forward. To be a warrior worthy of the Saxon people and the gods. They called him Octa the Coward to disgrace him, but Octa took that byname and used it to motivate himself".

"And you are playing with powers you do not understand. Once the fires start, there will be nothing any of us can do".


Woden's Vengeance by Donovan Cook is a fascinating blend of historical novel and action, with the elements of supernatural, set against the backdrop of Britannia.

I vaguely remembered the story of Hengist and Horsa from Geoffrey of Monmouth's account, which I've read many years ago. It was time to revisit the early history of Britain and get re-acquianted with the warlords who changed history. 


Blurb:

Woden's Vengeance

450AD Britannia

The war has begun - a war feared by both men and gods. But will the old give way to the new?

Prince Vortimer has imprisoned his father, King Vortigern - The High King of Britain. With Woden's spear, he believes God has chosen him to lead an army south to banish the Jutes once and for all from Britain's shores. Triumphant after the first battle, Prince Vortimer lays siege to the Jutes, but the war is far from over.

In a desperate fight for survival, Octa and the Jutish warlods, Hengist and Horsa, are trapped on Thanet, their island home, as Prince Vortimer's army surrounds them. With dwindling numbers, their only hope is to send for reinforcements, but winter is upon them, and the journey will be perilous.

In a race against time and his own wishes, Octa leads the expedition to recruit Saxon and Jutish warriors. But will they follow Octa the Coward? To prove himself, Octa must confront his past and seek vengeance on those who wronged his family, all while being mindful of Woden's wrath.

Can Octa stand strong as the fires of war rage around him?

And will warriors pledge their allegiance to a man known as Octa the Coward?


Woden's Vengeance is the third book in The First Kingdom series. It can be read as a standalone (I haven't read the previous books), though I imagine you will understand the dynamics of the storyline and the relationships between the main characters better if you're already familiar with the earlier books.

From the very first page you're plunged deep into action, as the horns sound and men roar on the Thanet Island in the late summer of AD450. Prince Vortimer has launched yet another attack on Hengist and Horsa's Jutes and trapped them on the small island.

Octa the Coward, a Saxon fighting for the Jutes, is holding Gungnir in his right hand. "Gungnir looked like every other spear apart from the two ravens etched into the spearhead, neither looking alike, and the spear's name engraved onto its shaft in runes". This is the legendary Woden's spear.

Prince Vortimer has imprisoned his own father, King Vortigern. Vortimer believes he is the chosen one who has Woden's sacred spear, and is convinced of its divine purpose. His early victories are swift and brutal, and have encouraged him to march south to drive the Jutes from Britain forever.

The Jutes' army led by Hengist and Horsa, is nearly cut off at the sea-lashed stronghold of Thanet. With a fast approaching winter and resources diminishing fast (both human and food), they have to think of their next step, or perish. Their only chance sounds like a desperate gamble. They must summon reinforcements, no matter the cost.

The task falls to Octa, and he is more than just reluctant.

Being mocked as Octa the Coward, he must cross the treacherous sea to rally Saxon and Jutish warriors to come to Britannia with him. But men don't follow those who they perceive to be weak. Octa must earn their respect and loyalty, and to do that he needs to confront his own past and avenge the wrongs done to his family. He has to prove himself worthy not just in the eyes of men, but of gods as well.

And Woden is waiting for him.

As the expanding war consumes the land, the old beliefs are tested in fire, could a coward become a leader?

 

We follow Octa on his journey of redemption and also self-discovery. He is attuned to the voices of the gods and can communicate with them, when they choose to approach him and deliver a message. 

Woden's spear is the serious bone of contention. Even gods cannot agree between themselves, whether Octa should have it, albeit temporarily.

Octa "felt the power of the gods of Asgard flow through it. Gungnir had chased away his fear and had replaced it with a calmness he had never felt before. But there was also a darkness in the spear. Something he sensed every time he killed with it, and he often worried what that darkness would do to him".

Octa struggles to make sense of everything, and especially of the destiny his mother wants for him. What does he need to do to redeem himself, and how far is he prepared to go to restore his name and honour?


Donovan Cook is a splendid storyteller. As much as I am indifferent to the military side of historical fiction, his battle scenes cannot but engage you, literally grab and drag you in the middle of the action and leave you breathless. The sights, and sounds, and even smells are so vividly described, you feel like you're present there as an invisible witness (or perhaps one of the gods who watch from aside).

Epic in scope, vivid and meticulously-researched, Woden's Vengeance is a fast-paced story, which moves effortlessly from one location to another. Enter an early medieval world at your peril!


This review is part of the blog tour for Woden's Vengeance.

Many thanks to Donovan Cook, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my e-copy of the book!


Chez Maximka, historical fiction set in early medieval Britain



Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/WodensVengeance


Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology.  He was born in South Africa and currently lives in Lancashire, UK.

 

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @DonovanCookAuthor

Twitter: @DonovanCook20

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DonovanCookNews

Bookbub profile: @cookdonovanbooks


Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology.  He was born in South Africa and currently lives in Lancashire, UK.

 

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @DonovanCookAuthor

Twitter: @DonovanCook20

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DonovanCookNews


historical fiction set in Britannia



Chez Maximka, historical fiction set in Britannia

Monday, 27 April 2026

Photo diary: Project 365, weeks 15 and 16

Two weeks' lot from me today...

Not sleeping well recently, suffering with insomnia, checking the clock on the side table, oh, it's 2 o'clock, three, four, and I'm still tossing and turning. I've already cut down on the caffeine, only have a cup of coffee in the morning, and just herbal or decaf teas in the afternoon, and it doesn't seem to make any difference. 


It was a quick hail, hitting the garden ruthlessly. I was worried about my lovely tulips, and they did look a bit bedraggled afterwards.


Chez Maximka

I follow Sacla on Instagram, and saw that they've launched a new product - a lemon pesto. It's available in Waitrose, and I couldn't resist buying a jar. The colour is very pale, so it's hardly visible in the photo, but it's definitely there. Lovely lemony flavour, not too overwhelming. We enjoyed it, and it's something different from the classic pesto. 


Chez Maximka

A new cafe has opened in town, called Opera. I popped in to check if it'd possibly appeal to Sasha. The menu has some lovely things, sadly the seating looks very uncomfortable, with tables placed too close to each other and a few bar stools by the window. Knowing how Sasha likes to sit in comfy leather chairs, and not jammed between the other people, this will be a No-No from him. 

I did buy four cannoli with pistachio cream. By the time I grabbed my phone to take a photo at home, one of them has "mysteriously" disappeared. Holy cannoli!


Chez Maximka, Italian dessert


I've been watching The Other Bennet Sister on BBC iplayer. Bought the book a few years ago, and still haven't had a chance to read it. Ella Bruccolleri's performance is nuanced and flawless. 

I liked that Mr Collins was portrayed sympathetically. I mean, he is an idiot, but a harmless one, and certainly not a villain. You actually feel sorry for him.



Lilac tree is in full bloom... I found a five-petal flower and ate it for good luck. 


Chez Maximka

Passing by the butcher's shop in the centre, I saw this board and chuckled at the ScorpiAn.



To paint young Merlin to illustrate a poem, I asked Eddie to pose for me with a towel wrapped round his head like a hood, and took a few photos while he patiently obliged me.


Chez Maximka, Galina Varese art


Accompanied my guys to the cafe, and laughed when I saw the design on the cappuccino. I mean, what the heck is that supposed to be? A candle?


Chez Maximka

Another day, another cafe, with a sad looking pup, wearing a backpack.


Chez Maximka

Our local yarn group has changed the postbox top again, this time it shows Care bears and a rainbow.


Chez Maximka


On Saturday Eddie and I went to Oxford, looking for a prom suit. We bought a suit all right, even if it costs an arm and a leg. As it's a slim fit, fingers crossed, he doesn't have a growth spurt until July.

We had a quick bite at Itsu, stopped at Uniqlo and TK Maxx. There is going to be a new Lego store open in May at West Gate centre, and I can't wait.

While at the centre, we visited a small art gallery with artwork by Bob Dylan. There are some striking prints, reminiscent of Hopper.
If I win a lottery, I would buy one of his prints.


Chez Maximka


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Sunday, 12 April 2026

Photo diary: Project 365, week 14 2026

Easter holidays have come to an end, it's back to school and early mornings from tomorrow.

We had a very quiet celebration, just the four of us. I cooked salmon with blood oranges among other dishes (Canadian lobster was pre-cooked and not particularly good). 

For dessert we had an Italian cake Colomba from M&S (top marks) and, of course, chocolate eggs.

 

Chez Maximka


All the weekend I was listening to Classic FM Hall of Fame, an annual tradition of mine. I forgot to cast my votes this year, doh. They kept remiding regularly on the show, and I thought I still had time, until there wasn't, well, that will teach me to be more organised. There was a bit of a reshuffle among the top three.

My husband left early in the morning to fly to Italy to give a talk and see his parents.

Sasha went out with his PAs, and I had a quick run to the bakery to buy some fresh bread. On the way, I saw some lovely clouds and patterns in the sky.

These squiggles made me think of the music notes.


Chez Maximka

And this one made me think of a Phoenix or a fire bird, with a long beak and the wings spread widely.


Chez Maximka


The only photo I snapped on Tuesday was of a Dexter collection at the local Oxfam shop. I actually was looking for any Dick Francis books that I haven't read yet. Eddie read a couple of Dexter books last year, and I sent him this photo, asking if he wanted any of those.


Chez Maximka


We had a few warm days, and I tried to weed as much as I could in the garden. The blasted ground elder is out again, it is totally indestructible, and a bain of my life. It's a yearly battle which I am always losing.

I've been also clearing the ivy and climbing plants from the stone walls. Last year we hired someone to clear the lot, and it's back. 


Chez Maximka


I didn't do any sketches the week before, and decided to join in with the Penandinkchallenge this week. This is my illustration of the nursery rhyme to the Moon prompt.


Chez Maximka, Galina Varese art

The latest My Waitrose Little Treat is a voucher for a Gü dessert. I fancied trying a new pistachio cheesecake. It is just OK, nothing special, pistachio tastes rather artificial, and I wouldn't be buying it again. I should have got a Gü Zillionaire cheesecake instead, which Eddie likes a lot.



I'm a big fan of Sophie Anderson's books, ever since her first book came out in 2018. I was lucky to meet her in person at one of the book events in Oxford in the pre-Covid days. 

Sophie is a talented author, a wise woman, and a very very lovely person. We keep in touch online. 

I was thrilled to find out that there was a new book going to be published in April. I read the proofs, downloaded from NetGalley, and absolutely loved The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away. It is such a beautiful book. The tale explores themes of death and profound grief, and also acceptance of one's foibles and forgiveness of one's mistakes.

If you enjoy middle grade books, and also stories based on folk tales, I believe you will love it. It's now in the book shops.


Chez Maximka


Yesterday night Eddie and I had dinner with our friends, while my husband looked after Sasha at home. 

It was a Mexican-themed dinner, with a tortilla made of blue corn, and lots of spices. It was the first time I tried a blue corn product, and hominy too.

A bit too hot for my unsophisticated palate. It was tasty, but oh boy, I needed plenty of sour cream and water. And some Rennies, when I came home. 


Chez Maximka


What else did I do? I read Proof by Dick Francis. This is the sixth book by Francis that I've read this year, and it's probably one of the two that I enjoyed the most. An original start, albeit on the gruesome side, a great plot and an excellent protagonist. 

I also started reading one of the historical fiction books for reviewing, and I'm slightly regretting it. The book is great, if you enjoy a lot of historical battles, and testosterone-filled atmosphere. It's just I am struggling with it. 


There were too many sweet treats in the last couple of weeks, and I feel I need to go on a diet. 

How was your week?

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Sunday, 5 April 2026

Photo diary: Project 365, week 13

 Happy Easter! I'm feeling quite stuffed after a big meal, and a good chunk of a chocolate egg. Hope you're having a relaxed day.

I mentioned in the last week's post about venturing into the craft fair in town and buying a vintage Scottish brooch/pin shaped like a hunting horn, with a little thistle on it. I put it on my coat the next day.

And by now quite a few people commented on it.


Chez Maximka



A bit of an upheaval during the start of the Easter holidays week. Sasha's PAs arrived on Monday to take him out, one was a totally new guy who has never worked with Sasha before, the other also only accompanied him once before. They were clueless about what they were supposed to do. So I had to give a quick update before they all left. I was anxious that Sasha might get upset. Thankfully, it went OK. 

We have such a fluctuation of PAs, and are never informed in advance who is coming, which is not helpful. I mean, the new person didn't even know that Sasha is non verbal. Not his fault, as he should have been informed earlier what kind of patient he is working with.

From the original team of PAs who started with us two years ago, there is only one left, and even he is not a regular any longer. It would have been better for our boy to have a continuity of care, so that he gets familiar with his team. They are nice guys, very polite and friendly. Not much older that Sasha. 

One of them keeps calling me Mma, which makes me smile. I feel like my favourite character, Mma Ramotswe from the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series. 

In fact, right now I am reading In the Time of Five Pumpkins - book no.26 - and enjoying it. By book 26, you know all the characters like your own family. 






Dyed my hair. It had to be done. I'm too lazy to do it more often than once a month. Talked to my Mum, and the first thing she said was, Did you wash your hair? Thanks, Mum, does my hair usually look so bad? 

Ran into town to buy more Easter eggs for Sasha's PAs. I have the chocolate eggs squirreled for my guys, and we've already polished off two boxes of Divine mini eggs (soooo good). 

Treated myself to a Co-Op Neapolitan egg for £3 (it's £7 for non-members, £4.50 for members, plus I had a £1.50 off).


Chez Maximka



An "exciting" day, as our new recycling wheelie bin was delivered finally on Wednesday. I'm clearly turning into a certain age demographic if the arrival of a wheelie bin makes my day. :)

The previous one was broken by the rubbish collection team four weeks earlier. There must have been something wrong with their equipment, as I noticed a few bins in the neighbourhood with the lids torn off. 

I applied for a replacement, and was told to keep the broken bin outside the front door. Of course, then all the neighbourhood jerks were throing their rubbish in while passing by, including the dog poo bags. How do these people justify putting their dog's mess into someone's recycling bin?! Just want to add, that I love dogs, it's the entitled dog owners that get my goat.

Yesterday I bought a bag of Forest Feast pistachio milk chocolate dates. My darling Sash found it, nibbled all the chocolate and put the dates back in the bag, which made me laugh. I would so love to know what he thinks, "I'll just eat the chocolate, put the dates back, and nobody would notice the difference".

My husband was travelling back from France and asked what to bring for our guys. I told him, anything sweet. And that's the pack of madeleines and macaroons that he brought with him.


Chez Maximka


When Sasha was out on Thursday with his PAs, we had a quick visit to Huffkins cafe. Eddie's been doing quite a bit of revision during holidays, and we thought he needed a break. 

Our kitchen is built as an extension, and there is a glass dome over the ceiling. I've been looking at the roof and the dome from the bathroom window, thinking it really needs cleaning. One third of the roof was covered with the clematis growing from the neighbour's side, and there was moss too.

I climbed out and did a good clearing, cutting down the branches and sweeping the surface. Good timing, as there was rain in the night. I wouldn't want to walk over the wet roof.

At the moment we have lots and lots of muscari in the garden, as well as some tulips.


Chez Maximka, spring flowers


Chez Maximka


Taking Sasha out on Friday. His hair is so long now, but he hates having it cut. I need to find courage and do it. It's going to be stressful for both of us. It's a total sensory overload for him, and quite distressing. He just about allows me to trim his facial hair, so at the moment my big boy looks like Jesus.







What else did I do?

I finished listening to Hart's Ridge by Kay Bratt (free on Audible), which I enjoyed more than I thought I would, and even got the second book in the series, currently on offer.

It's a small town mystery series, with a likable main character, Taylor Gray, who happens to work as a deputy in the local police department. Growing up in poverty, with an alcoholic father, she and her sisters were in and out of foster care. Taylor reaches her dream of working in law enforcement. An only female in the male environment, she is overlooked and jeered at. 

As an older sister, she's been looking after her sisters, and even now feels responsible to care for her dysfunctional family, especially Dad and junkie sister Lucy.

Aside from her personal life story, there is a mystery around a little girl Molly who's been found wandering on her own, and her mother is missing. Taylor is called to investigate where she could come from and how she happened to be left alone.

The narrator Mare Trewathen is pretty good overall, except when she tries to speak for men's characters. I rolled my eyes every time she tried to make her voice sound gruff.





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Wednesday, 1 April 2026

March Box Degustabox: Hello, Spring and Easter

 Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in March Box: Hello, Spring and Easter Degustabox?


Chez Maximka, food subscription box



Bisto Signature Chicken Ready to Use Gravy (£3.50) is Product of the Month. Made with natural ingredients, it's slowly simmered with succulent meat juices for maximum flavour.

Heat up on the hob, or in the microwave, and serve with the roast chicken.

If you have any leftover gravy, add it to your homemade pies or casseroles.

Nutritional values: 32kcal and 0.73g of salt per 83ml portion (one package = six servings).

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box



Urban Noodle Soba Noodle/or Ramen Noodle/ or Udon Noodle (£1.50) are designed for rich broths and hearty bowls.

These Japanese style noodles offer an authentic taste and texture. Ready in just 3-5 minutes.

Crafted with quality ingerdients and free from artificiail flavours, these noodles will make a quick and easy meal.

You will receive 1 item out of three. We got Soba Noodle, made from a mix of wheat and buckwheat flour, perfect for any stir fry meal, with chicken and vegetables, tuna or tofu.

Typical values: 346kcal and 1g of sugat per 100g.


Chez Maximka


Paxo Quick Cook Sage & Red Onion stuffing mix (£2.65) will come handy for our Easter meal.

One pack makes 12 stuffing balls, crispy outside and fluffy inside. Thanks to a blend of tasty herbs and rich flavours, the stuffing will enhance any roast meal.

Nutritional values: 45kcal and 0.26g of salt per 22g portion (stuffing ball); vegan; no artificial colours or preservatives.

Available in Sainsbury's, Morrisons and ASDA.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Kanzen Meal Japanese Curry (£3.50) is a quick and easy meal, which provides optimal nutritional balance at any time.

Each meal contains more than 20g of protein, 26 types of vitamins and minerals, and controls the amount of fat, sugar, saturated fatty acids and salt that are of concern. Kanzen means complete or perfect in Japanese.

Nutritional information: 129kcal and 0.57g of salt per 100g as prepared.

Available online.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

I used this pot of rice as an ingredient for stuffed sweet peppers, as I have been trying to use odds and ends in the pantry before grocery shopping. I'm not quite sure what the meat-like pieces are supposed to be. I added less than a half of the curry seasoning.

It was tasty enough (but I do prefer meals with a simpler ingredients' list).


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box


Sweet Freedom Fizz Pineapple & Coconut/ Lime & Mint/ Raspberry & Cranberry/ Mango & Mandarin sparkling water (£1.50) is a range of low calorie drinks.

There are four light flavours available, and you should receive one of four. We got Pineapple & Coconut. It was light and refreshing.

Nutritional values: 14kcal per can and 2.4g of sugar, no artificial sweeteners; made of all natural ingredients (pineapple and cocount, and also surprisingly, dandelion leaf and baobab, naturally sweetened with upcycled cocoa juice).

Available on www.sweetfreedom.co.uk and Amazon.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

And finally, Nescafe Iced Classic Unsweetened Espresso Concentrated (£4.99) is the ultimate coffee hack.

If you enjoy iced coffee on hot days, this is a cost-effective concentrated coffee. 

A big bonus is that it is unsweetened. As much as I love iced coffee, most of the bottles/tins made by the major coffee brands are way too sweet, you can barely taste anything for the amount of sugar, so thumbs up for the unsweetened variety. 

To make a glass, just add milk of your choice and ice. One bottle makes 16 servings.

Nutritional values: 43kcal and 4.1g of sugar per 100ml prepared.

We had the same Espresso bottle last summer, which had the right weather for iced drinks. So far spring has been quite blustery and still chilly. If not iced drinks, what would you make with this coffee concentrate? Have you tried making a tiramisu with it? Please let me know.

Available in the major supermarket chains.


Chez Maximka, Degustabox food box

What's your favourite product from the latest box?

Monday, 30 March 2026

Photo diary: Project 365, weeks 11 and 12

 I keep telling myself, that I should do a short daily write up of what we've done, as then I forget, but it just never happens. Then when it's time to write the post, I stare at the photos, and try to remember, what was special about that day. The thing is every day is pretty much the same, apart from a few occasions.

And most days I am on an auto-pilot, looking after the family, cooking, doing the chores, reading, painting, chatting to my Mum online.

It's very pretty in town, with all the spring blossom.


Chez Maximka


Our darling Sasha turned 24, and I was very emotional, remembering the day he was born. It was such a tough day, and when I held him in my arms, I naively believed that the worst, most difficult, part was over, and everything would be fine from then all. In a way, it's a blessing, that most of us don't have a gift of seeing into one's future.

Sasha fancied a chocolate cake, as he kept showing me the picture of one in the Ocado food magazine. I bought a chocolate cake for him in M&S. Alas, it wasn't a big success. I think we'd go back to the Neapolitan three-layer cake I usually buy for my guys' birthdays.


Chez Maximka, birthday cake


I ordered a gift for Sasha's birthday at Next, which didn't arrive in time for his birthday (he had other presents too). When I went to collect it, I snapped a photo of a Hokusai hoodie, in case Eddie might fancy it, since he has a big poster of Hokusai's wave in his room. He wasn't interested.


Chez Maximka


I started reading Citizens by Simon Schama in early January, it was my big non-fiction project of the year. I read about 10-12 pages per day, and then escaped down the rabbit hole of Wikipedia, looking for more information and visuals. It took me over two and a half months to finish the book (there are about 800 pages). It's a great sense of achievement, I tell you that.

The book is a fountain of data. To start with, I wasn't overly keen on the style of writing, as Schama loves using obscure words, like picayune (he really likes this word, as he used it at least three times).
If you're not familiar with the topic, perhaps don't start with this book. It expects you to know about the main protagonists and events already. Saying that, the book gives a sense of drama and makes you think.

I was often left fuming over the unnecessary cruelty and pure savagery of the events. And it also shows that we really don't learn from the past.

Inspired by the book, I painted Marie Antoinette looking in the mirror, to see a vision of horror, her older self just before she is taken to the guillotine.


Chez Maximka, Galina Varese art



More of bloom in town. I love this magnolia hanging over the river.


Chez Maximka, spring bloom


Needed to go to the bank, when Sasha was out with his PAs, and my husband has enticed me into Huffkins cafe for a quick treat. He had a milkshake, and I had a cup of chai. We also shared a chocolate eclair.
Thankfully, the bank business didn't take long.




Looking at the bunches of spring flowers and pussy willow stems in Waitrose. Didn't buy any, but might treat myself for Easter. 




My older niece sent me a photo of my old Mama, reading to her great grandson. If only I could reach out and hug them both, my darlings.


Chez Maximka


Another non-fiction book I've been reading is Chronicles, volume one, by Bob Dylan. It truly is one of the best books I have been reading recently, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

It's not an auto-biography in a chronological sense. It is more of a story of who and what influenced his way of thinking and creating.

As a book lover myself, I enjoyed all the literature references and observations. Dylan's strength is his poetic descriptions of people and places. A couple of lines, and a person comes to life.
The book was published in 2004, and so far there is no volume two. I wonder if it's ever going to be written.

While reading, I dipped in and out of YouTube, listening to the songs he mentions. I enjoyed the back story fo the song Man in the long black coat, and wanted to paint young Bob.

I found it very tricky to capture his likeness.


Chez Maximka, Galina Varese art




Our local yarn bombing group keep changing their colourful displays to go with the seasons and occasions. For the coming Easter they knitted a vibrant scene, based on Beatrix Potter's tales.


Chez Maximka


We had a crafts fair in town on Saturday. I forgot all about it, until I accompanied Sasha and my husband to the cafe, left them there to enjoy their drinks and pastries and had a good rummage through the stalls.

I bought three jars of The Cherry Tree jam, a lovely homemade candle, and a vintage Scottish brooch/pin for my coat.

The Marriott's Walk, where the fair took place, is decorated with the colourful umbrellas.


Chez Maximka




What else did we do? We watched Dead Poets' Society with Robin Williams and very young Ethan Hawke, and The Martian with Matt Damon. Different genres and pace, and both brilliant.

Eddie went to see Project Hail Mary with his mates, and said it was even better than The Martian. I'll have to wait until it comes to one of the streaming channels, now that he has seen it, and I certainly don't fancy going on my own. 


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