Review: Absolutely Brilliant Writing
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 11, 2014
I was going to title this review "Bloody Good Writing", but then I thought about it.  I'm not British; I'm American.  Yes, I can speak passable English, and am reasonably fluent when reading the stuff, but it's probably illegal by force of UN treaty or something for me to even say "bloody".  Besides, I don't want to anger, or at least seriously miff, the British and somehow start the War of 2014.  Last time us Americans fought those guys, it didn't work out too well.Anyway, about this book.  Ever imagine yourself starring in a movie as yourself about your life as you were living it?  No?  Me neither.  But if I did, it would be exactly like this book, except that I'm not a woman, I don't live in England, I'm not involved with the Navy or, really, any branch of the military, and I'm not young, attractive, intelligent, or talented.  But, other than that, exactly the same.I guess it's the diary format, something I've never seen executed so well as in this book.  The diary approach lends a certain authenticity to it, as well as providing an excellent vehicle for the author's wonderful sense of humor.  Erm, I mean humour.The main character, Beverley Wilkins, works at Britannia Royal Naval College.  There she attempts to teach English to Middle East officer cadets (so that they may subsequently enter Royal Navy’s Officer training), while pursuing her primary goal of becoming an officer's wife.  She and her dog Nelson have many amusing (and occasionally humiliating) adventures along the way.This book is lighthearted, nicely paced, and thoroughly enjoyable.  And this is the author's first book!  Think about that: if this is her first book, just imagine how great the next one will be!  "It must be a sign ..."