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And, perhaps more ominously, a blueprint. Wittstock is a long time journalist and presents as daily dispatches the astonishingly fast and violent destruction of the German cultural scene and democracy in the first month after Hitler comes to power. Will there be a sequel: February 2025?

The author’s investigation of her grandfather expands into an exploration of the Holocaust and ultimately the uses and abuses of the intersections of memory, history, politics and law.

The book is centered on Orwell but with diversions into gardening and the history and politics of his time and ours. Not all sections are completely successful but still an interesting and worthwhile look at Orwell and his world.

A story of change and loss centered on a house in the woods of western MA. The voice and style change with the residents over 250 years. Occasionally the author gets too fond of his cleverness and could have benefited from more forceful editing. He is clever however and much is beautifully written. Recommended.

The story of the author’s coming of age in Albania during the chaotic transition from the failed promises of communism to the failed promise of the ‘free market’. Engagingly written.

A little disappointed in this one. Interesting concept but felt like it was rushed out by publisher and author to capitalize on her other recent notable books. Not horrible but should have been better.

Inevitably there is a sense of loss and sadness here ( how can there not be in nature writing today) but Macdonald retains her sense of wonder as well. I enjoyed these essays.

A sometimes funny and often sad adventure through a dark, strange and all too plausible near future.

A quick read but packs a punch.

An entertaining look at the history of and passion for going uphill on a bicycle.

Stumbling into fascism, led by idiots, grifters and demagogues. And the CEOs put up nary a fight. Hmmm.

Explores the corrosive effects of fascism on human relationships. A quick and worthwhile read.