for three weeks - leading to much speculation in the press about what had happened to her (the story was on the TV a few months back). Later found in a small hotel, she told police that she had lost her memory. She later remarried, to Max Mallowan, an archaeologist, whom she met during a visit to Mesopotamia. Christie was well-travellled, and many of her books, including this one, are based abroad.
The plot
The story begins in London, with a young girl called Victoria Jones. Victoria, who yearns for adventure, is rather elastic with the truth and because of this she loses her job. Sitting in a park eating her lunch, she meets Edward, a young man about to go out to Baghdad to work for an organisation called the Olive Branch, which aims to increase literary cooperation between the UK and Iraq. Being instantly attracted to Edward, Victoria ...
Advantages: Fantastic artwork, good allegory of the situation in Iraq at the time. Disadvantages: Some pacing issues, shallow characters, allegory is rather obvious.
Pride of Baghdad is a Vertigo graphic novel written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Niko Henrichon. Based on the true story of four lions who escaped from Baghdad zoo during a 2003 bombing raid, Vaughan explores the reaction of the Iraqi people to the end of Saddam?s regime through the lions bid for survival. The anthropomorphised beasts voice human, perhaps universal concerns throughout the course of the novel. While the character?s animal natures are never betrayed (although they are compromised), they present a unique perspective of the upheaval caused by the war with America, while their adventure is an engrossing tale on its own. As far as allegories go, it?s not one worthy of Aesop, Orwell or C.S Lewis, but its a brave take on a sensitive issue.
Obviously, the illustration throughout the novel doesn?t quite match ...
Advantages: Always one close by, quick turn out, children are welcome and catered for. Disadvantages: Toilets can be quite disturbing, not all dishes taste as good they are described.
Harvester RestaurantsRestaurant Reviewed: Stag and Hounds
Winchester Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
(next to Comet and Home Base)
The Harvester chain of Restaurants have over 2000 outlets across the United Kingdom and owned and operated by Mitchells and Butlers, who claim to be the UK's leading operator of managed pubs, bars and restaurants. Harvester claim to offer healthy eating, drinking and entertainment in one reasonably priced outlet.
**** Parking and Getting a Table *****
As with most of the Harvester's I have visited, there is usually ample free parking at the rear of the establishment. However on Saturday evenings and Sunday lunch times these places are heaving with customers, so avoid the crowds, go early and if possible ring and reserve a table. The Stag and Hounds is no exception but fortunately ...
