Official Review: Survival Of The Fittest by Robin Hawdon

Post by **bookowlie** » 16 Jun 2015, 19:45

LivreAmour217 wrote:Great review! This sounds like a really good book, and I'm one of those weird folks who would probably enjoy the asides. I love historical fiction!

I also did not know that the Darwins were first cousins! Kind of ironic, really.

That's funny that you mentioned that it was ironic that they were first cousins. After I read the book, I looked up some info about the Darwins online. I found an article that talks about this very issue. It said that it was funny that with all of his theories, his marriage to a first cousin may have resulted in children that were less "fit". The writer speculates that this may have caused a lower immunity to disease; in fact, one child died a few weeks after birth, a 2nd child died of scarlet fever, and a 3rd child died possibly of tuberculosis. In addition, three of the surviving children never had kids themselves, even though they each had long marriages. Food for thought.

Jesska6029 · Post by **Jesska6029** » 22 Jun 2015, 17:09

I like historical fiction and mysteries. I think I'll put this one on my list. Great review!

Post by **bookowlie** » 22 Jun 2015, 23:16

Thanks. The main plot is interesting. It's also a nice touch that these English characters are always drinking tea, putting a pot on the kettle, preparing the tea. With the English, the tea is like an extra character in every story!

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 22 Jun 2015, 23:19

How cozy! Kissing cousins and a warm tea kettle.

Jesska6029 · Post by **Jesska6029** » 23 Jun 2015, 10:55

bookowlie wrote:Thanks. The main plot is interesting. It's also a nice touch that these English characters are always drinking tea, putting a pot on the kettle, preparing the tea. With the English, the tea is like an extra character in every story!

So true! I had the opportunity to study in the U.K. when I was in college, and tea drinking is a really important part of everyday life.

Post by **bookowlie** » 23 Jun 2015, 11:23

They really take their tea seriously across the pond! I visited London several years ago and it's amazing how businessmen engage in high tea at swanky restaurants. The country does like its rituals.

amybo82 · Post by **amybo82** » 05 Jul 2015, 19:34

Books that alternate points of view are always interesting to me, but I do find them to be difficult to read sometimes when it's not clear who is speaking at any given time. From your review, it sounds like the changes in viewpoint are pretty clear. It sounds like it'd be great for someone who's into historical fiction!

Post by **bookowlie** » 05 Jul 2015, 20:35

The historical sections were interesting, but they really bogged down the main plot

Levi · Post by **Levi** » 19 Jul 2015, 17:00

As usual, an amazing review from bookowlie! I never really thought of him as having a family either, and it is interesting to hear what historical figures were actually like in real life. And secret books, oh my, what could be more intriguing, right?! I will add this to my ever growing list, Owlie, right after I block your reviews from my phone!

You are blowing up my to-read list, evil Owlie!!

Post by **bookowlie** » 19 Jul 2015, 23:20

Thanks Escape-y for the kind words. I really appreciate it, particularly since I found this review difficult to write. It's hard to summarize 3 complex storylines within one review and then discuss my opinions. The Fuchs spy subplot was really hard to explain. So....your compliment means a lot to me.

I didn't love the book, but I liked it a lot. The author's wonderful writing style made the parts I didn't like easier to bear.

Cee-Jay Aurinko · Post by **Cee-Jay Aurinko** » 20 Jul 2015, 02:58

@bookowlie

As far as summing up three whole storylines in one review go, you did an excellent job. I especially like your first line--"tour de france". Sounds like this Donald Easterly is a character with some hidden agenda. So, even though I'm a caffeine addict, it will be amazing to see how this novel pans out.

Post by **bookowlie** » 20 Jul 2015, 07:58

Leon Durham wrote:@bookowlie

As far as summing up three whole storylines in one review go, you did an excellent job. I especially like your first line--"tour de france". Sounds like this Donald Easterly is a character with some hidden agenda. So, even though I'm a caffeine addict, it will be amazing to see how this novel pans out.

There is a subtle tension in the scenes involving Donald Easterly. I don't want to give spoilers.

I am also more of a coffee lover....I need my coffee in the morning!! Still, I like my tea, too!

Cee-Jay Aurinko · Post by **Cee-Jay Aurinko** » 20 Jul 2015, 08:39

@bookowlie

Naw, I don't really like it. Only drink it when the coffee's out. Coffee goes with everything. Man do I crave cookies right now.

Post by **bookowlie** » 20 Jul 2015, 08:43

You are too funny! Reading a book set in England with all the tea rituals as a normal backdrop....well, it just makes you want to run out and buy an old teapot. I found out recently that tea is a big ritual in Ireland, too. Frankly, I always thought they were more interested in alcohol - ha ha ha.

Cee-Jay Aurinko · Post by **Cee-Jay Aurinko** » 20 Jul 2015, 10:12

@bookowlie

Guess everyone has their rituals. In South Africa, our ritual is braaing. Don't know if guys know what braaing is, but the short answer: you take meat, chicken, and sausages, and grill them over a heap of hot coals. If you ask a South African what a braai is, and he/she doesn't know, then they can't possibly be from SA. And oh yeah, with braaing, we drink. Those of us that do anyway.