DON’TS FOR HUSBANDS and DON’TS FOR WIVES by Blanche Ebbutt (R55 each Jonathan Ball)
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Jane Vorster
Marriage can be a minefield but these humorous his-and-hers volumes aim to foster understanding between the sexes. They were originally published in 1913 as a marriage guide for dummies and some entries will have you in stitches. This little gem for wives: “Don’t forget to feed the brute well. Much depends on the state of his digestion.” And for him: “Don’t drop cigarette ash on the drawing room carpet or sharpen pencils all over the house as you walk about.”
But generally Blanche’s advice is spot-on. For example: “Don’t say ‘I told you so’ to your husband, however much you are tempted to. It does no good and he will be grateful to you for not saying it.” And for husbands: “Don’t forget to be your wife’s best friend as well as her husband. True friendship in marriage does away with lots of trouble.” Wise words.
WIN!
We’re giving away 10 sets of Don’ts for Husbands and Don’ts for Wives. SMS HUSBANDS & WIVES followed by your name, surname and postal address to 34923 before 5 pm on 25 December. Each SMS costs R2.
THE BROKEN WINDOW by Jeffrey Deaver (R209,95 Hodder & Stoughton)
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Natalie Cavernelis
Jeffrey Deaver’s new thriller is a scary read, not because of the body count or gore but because he shows how easily identity theft occurs.
Quadriplegic forensic expert Lincoln Rhyme has to help his estranged cousin, Arthur, who has been jailed for murder. The evidence against him is overwhelming. Turns out Lincoln is up against a psychotic mastermind who finds his victims by researching them, even going through their garbage for information. Before he kills them he uses the same technique to pick a fall guy for the murder and plants evidence. The investigation leads to a company that mines data on consumers and sells it on.
This novel is an invaluable reminder to shred those statements and bills before tossing them in the trash. The story is fast-paced and compelling and fans of this series will appreciate the details on Lincoln’s younger years.
