A Mirror of Things to Come – Review

Short Review: RSPB Birdfeeder Handbook by Robert Burton (Hardback) The RSPB Birdfeeder Handbook by Robert Burton is a practical and engaging guide for anyone interested in attracting and caring for garden birds. Designed with beginners in mind but still useful for more experienced birdwatchers, the book covers everything from choosing the right feeders and food to identifying common species that visit your garden. One of its strongest features is its clear, accessible layout. The advice is easy to follow, supported by helpful illustrations and tips that make setting up and maintaining a bird-friendly space straightforward. It also offers useful insights into bird behaviour, helping readers better understand the habits of the species they attract. As a hardback, it feels durable…

Short Review of Japanese Prisoners of War in India 1942–46 by T.R. Sareen Japanese Prisoners of War in India 1942–46: Bushido and Barbed Wire is a deeply researched and thought-provoking study that sheds light on a largely overlooked aspect of the Second World War. Drawing on archival material and firsthand accounts, Sareen examines the experiences of over 2,500 Japanese POWs held in India after being captured on the Burma front. (Hatchards) The book’s strength lies in its detail and originality. It explores not only the conditions and organisation of POW camps but also the cultural and psychological factors – particularly the influence of Bushido – that shaped Japanese attitudes toward capture, surrender, and survival. This adds an extra layer of…

Short Review Candle Burning Rituals by Marie Bruce is a beginner-friendly introduction to candle magic, presenting it as a practical tool for self-improvement rather than something mystical or obscure. The book explains how simple rituals and symbolism—such as colours, intention, and timing—can be used to pursue goals like love, protection, or prosperity. Its strength lies in its accessible tone and focus on empowerment, making it appealing to newcomers interested in modern spiritual practices. However, some readers may find that it spends too much time on general concepts before getting into detailed candle work, and it lacks depth in more advanced techniques. (This review was generated by AI.)

Colchester in Old Photographs, compiled by Andrew Phillips, is a fascinating visual record of one of England’s oldest towns. Drawing on a wide range of black-and-white images, the book captures everyday life, changing streets, and local character across different periods, offering a strong sense of how Colchester has evolved over time. (OBNB) Rather than a narrative history, it works best as a pictorial archive, with brief captions accompanying each photograph. This straightforward approach allows the images to speak for themselves, making it particularly appealing to local historians, collectors, and anyone with an interest in the town’s heritage. While those looking for in-depth analysis may find it limited, it remains an engaging and nostalgic glimpse into Colchester’s past. (This review was…

It Happened in Brewood is a locally focused book that explores life, stories, and events connected to the village of Brewood in Staffordshire, England. Rather than following a single continuous storyline, it presents a collection of real-life recollections, historical snippets, and community-based anecdotes. The emphasis is on capturing the character of the village – its people, everyday happenings, and memorable incidents that have shaped local identity over time. The book’s main focus is on preserving and sharing local history in an accessible, narrative style. It highlights ordinary lives and small but meaningful events, giving readers a sense of how the community has evolved and what life in Brewood has been like across different periods. Overall, it’s best understood as a…

Holy Daring: The Fearless Trust of St Thérèse of Lisieux by John Udris is a thoughtful but narrowly focused exploration of the spirituality of Thérèse of Lisieux. Centred on the idea of “fearless trust” in prayer, the book presents Thérèse as a model of bold, childlike confidence in God, drawing heavily on her writings and Catholic teaching. (Eden) Udris writes with clarity and evident devotion, and his strength lies in distilling complex theological ideas – particularly the concept of parrhesia (spiritual boldness) – into accessible reflections. The book is concise and readable, making it approachable for those new to Thérèse’s “Little Way,” and many readers have found it helpful in deepening their appreciation of her spirituality. (catholicfreeshipping.com) However, its limitations…