@susanelkinjourn.bsky.social
Today on Susan's Bookshelves. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Susan's Bookshelves: The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa - Susan Elkin
It was my eldest granddaughter’s partner (they’re to become parents next month) who recommended this interesting novel to me. He is a bookish chap and has gradually become one of the many people with ...
susanelkin.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Today on Susan's Bookshelves. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Currently on Susan's Bookshelves. Next up (Weds) will be The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Susan's Bookshelves: The Map that Changed the World by Simon Winchester - Susan Elkin
Chatting to me about books the other day, my nephew – a scientific type – mentioned this one which had intrigued and fascinated him. And I’m so glad he did because it’s the most enthralling non-fictio...
susanelkin.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Currently on Susan's Bookshelves. Next up (Weds) will be The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
My review of last night's show. www.thereviewshub.com/orphans-jerm...
Orphans – Jermyn Street Theatre, London - The Reviews Hub
Writer: Lyle Kessler Director: Al Miller Two adult brothers, Treat and Phillip, live together in a house in North Philadelphia. Their carefully managed Pennsylvanian accents, voice-coached by Rebecca ...
www.thereviewshub.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:17 AM
My review of last night's show. www.thereviewshub.com/orphans-jerm...
Very weird when people access your books via Kindle Unlimited. As author you can watch "pages read" clocking up - in fervent hopes that reader(s) is/are enjoying it!
January 7, 2026 at 10:09 AM
Very weird when people access your books via Kindle Unlimited. As author you can watch "pages read" clocking up - in fervent hopes that reader(s) is/are enjoying it!
Need a book for these cold evenings? "Marvellous book: an imaginative and very readable account of the back stories of some of literature’s greatest characters from novels we all still love. Super creative non-fiction!" (Aleks Sierz)
January 7, 2026 at 10:04 AM
Need a book for these cold evenings? "Marvellous book: an imaginative and very readable account of the back stories of some of literature’s greatest characters from novels we all still love. Super creative non-fiction!" (Aleks Sierz)
New today on Susan's Bookshelves. And the FIFTH ANNIVERSARY (blimey!) of this blog. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Susan's Bookshelves: The Map that Changed the World by Simon Winchester - Susan Elkin
Chatting to me about books the other day, my nephew – a scientific type – mentioned this one which had intrigued and fascinated him. And I’m so glad he did because it’s the most enthralling non-fictio...
susanelkin.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 9:31 AM
New today on Susan's Bookshelves. And the FIFTH ANNIVERSARY (blimey!) of this blog. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
My review of last night's show. Not, sadly, the best of starts to my theatrical new year. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/god...
God. the Devil and Me (Susan Elkin reviews) - Susan Elkin
God, the Devil and Me Fionnuala Donnelly, who also directs Lion and Unicorn Theatre Star rating: 1 It’s a good idea for a play: psychotic teenage boy subjected to two conflicting voices/figures in...
susanelkin.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 9:23 AM
My review of last night's show. Not, sadly, the best of starts to my theatrical new year. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/god...
Back to work tonight. God, the Devil and Me and Lion and Unicorn. Then diary is completely full for most of January. I repeat: If you want me to review your show give me as much notice as you can - preferably several months. Invite me for next week or the week after and it'll be a "no".
January 6, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Back to work tonight. God, the Devil and Me and Lion and Unicorn. Then diary is completely full for most of January. I repeat: If you want me to review your show give me as much notice as you can - preferably several months. Invite me for next week or the week after and it'll be a "no".
Currently on Susan's Bookshelves. Next up (Weds and the fifth anniversary of this blog) The Map that Changed the World by Simon Winchester. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Susan's Bookshelves: The Godfather by Mario Puzo - Susan Elkin
I saw the film in August 1974 – at ABC cinema in Catford – and have never seen it again despite the iconic status it has acquired since. I remember only three things about it: a horse’s head in a bed ...
susanelkin.co.uk
January 4, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Currently on Susan's Bookshelves. Next up (Weds and the fifth anniversary of this blog) The Map that Changed the World by Simon Winchester. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Took younger son and his family to Ballet Shoes @NationalTheatre this pm for GD4's birthday. Very successful trip, enjoyed by all 5 of us. I had forgotten just how good Katy Rudd's take on Kendall Feaver's adaptation is.
January 3, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Took younger son and his family to Ballet Shoes @NationalTheatre this pm for GD4's birthday. Very successful trip, enjoyed by all 5 of us. I had forgotten just how good Katy Rudd's take on Kendall Feaver's adaptation is.
This from a reader in Australia: This book creates a wonderful pathway into the classics. It is a beguiling invitation to the young reader and it adds fascinating layers to treasured memories from the past. Iayers to treasured memories from the past. Pleasure to read. Brilliant.
January 3, 2026 at 10:03 AM
This from a reader in Australia: This book creates a wonderful pathway into the classics. It is a beguiling invitation to the young reader and it adds fascinating layers to treasured memories from the past. Iayers to treasured memories from the past. Pleasure to read. Brilliant.
New up today on Susan's Bookshelves. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Susan's Bookshelves: The Godfather by Mario Puzo - Susan Elkin
I saw the film in August 1974 – at ABC cinema in Catford – and have never seen it again despite the iconic status it has acquired since. I remember only three things about it: a horse’s head in a bed ...
susanelkin.co.uk
December 31, 2025 at 9:29 AM
New up today on Susan's Bookshelves. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Goodbye June is worth watching. I wasn't convinced by the plausiblity of the marriage between Mirren's character and Spall's but enjoyed, and was moved by, it nonetheless. Winslett has interesting directorial ideas too.
December 29, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Goodbye June is worth watching. I wasn't convinced by the plausiblity of the marriage between Mirren's character and Spall's but enjoyed, and was moved by, it nonetheless. Winslett has interesting directorial ideas too.
Currently on Susan's Bookshelves. Sorry, Christmas brain got to me and I forgot to flag it earlier. Next up (Weds) The Godfather by Mario Puzo. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Susan's Bookshelves: The Librarian by Sally Vickers - Susan Elkin
Well if, at this late stage, you’re still looking for a rich, warm, affirmative book to climb into during the next few days, this could be it. I have read Sally Vickers before – the delightful Miss Ga...
susanelkin.co.uk
December 28, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Currently on Susan's Bookshelves. Sorry, Christmas brain got to me and I forgot to flag it earlier. Next up (Weds) The Godfather by Mario Puzo. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Funny thing when you read mostly on Kindle: no real concept of book length until you've been reading for 45 mins & only reached 1%. Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth is huge. So was Jilly Cooper's Rivals. Normally read at least 120 a year (10 pm on av). Slightly fewer this time.
December 22, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Funny thing when you read mostly on Kindle: no real concept of book length until you've been reading for 45 mins & only reached 1%. Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth is huge. So was Jilly Cooper's Rivals. Normally read at least 120 a year (10 pm on av). Slightly fewer this time.
My review of yesterday's The Magic Flute - my last for 2025 (phew!). @proteindance www.thereviewshub.com/the-magic-fl...
The Magic Flute – The Place, London - The Reviews Hub
Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Frank Moon Director: Luca Silvestrini The Magic Flute has one of the most complicated plots in the entire operatic repertoire. To get it down to 70 minutes and pla...
www.thereviewshub.com
December 21, 2025 at 10:46 AM
My review of yesterday's The Magic Flute - my last for 2025 (phew!). @proteindance www.thereviewshub.com/the-magic-fl...
Currently on Susan's Bookshelves susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Susan's Bookshelves: Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood - Susan Elkin
Margaret Atwood is sparklingly good company. She’s witty, affable, down to earth and personable. I’ve always sensed this from her novels, short stories and poetry but never more so than in this deligh...
susanelkin.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Currently on Susan's Bookshelves susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
My review of Pinocchio @The_Globe. Very good indeed. musicaltheatrereview.com/pinocchio-sh...
Pinocchio – Shakespeare’s Globe | Musical Theatre Review
musicaltheatrereview.com
December 20, 2025 at 10:29 AM
My review of Pinocchio @The_Globe. Very good indeed. musicaltheatrereview.com/pinocchio-sh...
My review of Gaslight @QuestorsTheatre. Sorry some reviews have been delayed this week. Not only have I ben dashing about all over but I've had a website issue (now resolved). susanelkin.co.uk/articles/gas...
Gaslight (Susan Elkin reviews) - Susan Elkin
Gaslight Patrick Hamilton Directed by Simon Rudkin The Questors Theatre Star rating 3.5 This is an interesting and brave account of Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play – now famous for lexicographical re...
susanelkin.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 10:25 AM
My review of Gaslight @QuestorsTheatre. Sorry some reviews have been delayed this week. Not only have I ben dashing about all over but I've had a website issue (now resolved). susanelkin.co.uk/articles/gas...
My review of A Christmas Carol. Half Cut Theatre at Capitol, Horsham. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/a-c...
A Christmas Carol (Susan Elkin reviews) - Susan Elkin
A Christmas Carol Adapted from Charles Dickens by George Bradshaw & Alex Wilson who also direct Half Cut Theatre Capitol, Horsham Star rating: 5 Half Cut Theatre has continuously punched well abov...
susanelkin.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 10:03 AM
My review of A Christmas Carol. Half Cut Theatre at Capitol, Horsham. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/a-c...
My review of The Christmas Bunny. Half Cut Theatre at Capitol, Horsham. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/the...
The Christmas Bunny (Susan Elkin reviews) - Susan Elkin
The Christmas Bunny George Readshaw & Alex Wilson Music by Eden Treadwell Half Cut Theatre Capitol Theatre Horsham Star rating: 4 This miniature show for the youngest children exudes charm and gentle ...
susanelkin.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 9:51 AM
My review of The Christmas Bunny. Half Cut Theatre at Capitol, Horsham. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/the...
My review of A Boy Called Christmas at Chichester Festival Theatre. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/a-b...
A Boy Called Christmas (Susan Elkin reviews) - Susan Elkin
A Boy Called Christmas Matt Haig, adapted by Philip Wilson Music by Tom Brady Directed by Dale Rooks Chichester Festival Theatre Star rating: 4.5 Every year since 2003 Chichester Festival Theatre has ...
susanelkin.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 9:37 AM
My review of A Boy Called Christmas at Chichester Festival Theatre. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/a-b...
Dear friends, family, colleagues and comrades. I am not, for many reasons, sending Christmas cards this year other than to a handful of folk with whom I have no other contact. Nonetheless I wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. Love, Susan x
December 18, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Dear friends, family, colleagues and comrades. I am not, for many reasons, sending Christmas cards this year other than to a handful of folk with whom I have no other contact. Nonetheless I wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. Love, Susan x
My review of tonight's show. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/bea...
Beauty and the Beast (Susan Elkin reviews) - Susan Elkin
Beauty and the Beast Luke Adamson Directed by Matthew Parker Bridge House Theatre, Penge Star rating: 3.5 This bijou, four hander panto comes with a lot of charm and sits nicely in the Bridge Hous...
susanelkin.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 10:03 PM
My review of tonight's show. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/bea...
Next up (tomorrow) Book of Lives by Margaret Atwood. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...
Susan's Bookshelves: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Beth Moran - Susan Elkin
I usually try to feature at least one seasonal book each December. Having now run though all the obvious stories known to me, I did a bit of trawling for something new and this title jumped out at me....
susanelkin.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Next up (tomorrow) Book of Lives by Margaret Atwood. susanelkin.co.uk/articles/sus...