Reviewed by: Beth Adams, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
The Tale of Miss Berta London, by Jihan Latimer is a book about hope, redemption, and learning what really matters in life.
Miss Berta is a fashion editor for a magazine called E-Fashion Magazine. She is a hard working, obsessive-compulsive perfectionist. She is self-absorbed and doesn’t have any friends or family. Miss Berta London’s only real life is based on her work performance which was soon to be in complete disarray when she put on a fashion show in New York. All of the top fashion designers were there in anticipation, however, the show was a complete failure; leaving her top designers such as Chanel, Dior and Calvin Klein dropping their endorsements from E-Fashion Magazine. This would create a complete upheaval in Miss Berta’s life, forcing her to officially close the business and find a suitable job; which was an uphill battle. Finally, after six months of tedious work trying to find employment, Miss Berta noticed an ad in the newspaper for a nanny job paying $1,500 a week taking care of three children. Miss Berta didn’t like kids, however she needed the money, and couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
The new job began her transition of having to take care of someone other than herself. Fundamentally, the children were good kids; just spoiled and constantly crying out for attention. Miss Berta was able to provide the discipline and proper guidance to these children in order for them to grow and mature into thriving young adults. In fact, even the parents were able to learn from Miss Berta. This was a transformation process that didn’t happen overnight, but it changed Miss Berta into a better person. It made her a vessel for helping other people, not just herself. In doing such, she started a new magazine titled, “Miss Berta and the Family,” which gave her the opportunity to help other children who also may have been facing challenging problems.
“The Tale of Miss Berta London,” is an inspirational, fun story with a lesson to be learned; that is to ask yourself many fundamental questions about our sense of purpose in this increasingly complex world. The gentle messages of love, compassion and giving are found throughout this book. It reads as a heartwarming story that addresses the most basic elements of humanity– with all of its strengths and vulnerabilities.
When you read this book, you find yourself pausing to remember holy pieces of yourself and a human relationship with divinity. I found the book delightfully rich which encourages us to seek the deeper meaning that makes up a human life. It is a powerful book that radiates compassion and a willingness to take the risk out of uncovering one’s humanness.
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
The Tale of Miss Berta London: Recollections of Accomplishments by Jihan Latimer is an engaging story in which Miss Berta London is seen handling problems and difficulties at home and anywhere else with great skill. The series of complicated situations she goes through and how she handles them are uplifting and will inspire readers to handle life and solve their problems better. The story also shows the different stages in the life of Miss Berta London, and how she evolves as a person through the various experiences she undergoes. Her character then becomes someone who is appreciated by all, and readers see her transformation as a mentor as the book progresses.
I found the book entertaining, with insightful and profound messages and tips to readers which will encourage them to look at life in a positive way, regardless of the situation. Miss Berta London’s story and experiences in life will motivate readers to handle their lives in a better way and give them the confidence that anything is achievable if they put their minds to it. All the characters woven around Miss Berta London complement her character well and project her strength and determination as a person. Readers look up to her as a mentor. The ups and downs in her life and the way she learns her lessons to change are remarkable. It is a book worth reading as it gives one the courage and strength to look at problems in life with a different perspective.
Reviewed by John Staughton
In The Tale of Miss Berta London: “Recollections of Accomplishments,” readers experience the turmoils of the eponymous character as she overcomes adversity with shocking resolve, and demonstrates an ability to roll expertly with life’s many punches in her role as a fashion editor for the international E-Fashion Magazine and then onto becoming a nanny for the Williamson children.
As a character, Berta is compelling and interesting to read, but she is theatrically so , and the book is written in a journalistic style. The writing is also highly declarative, as Berta reminisces on her working life in a diary fashion.
The descriptions are lush and unexpectedly poetic at times, and the story itself is uplifting and fluid. The pacing is consistent and the introduction of new characters is always done with a purpose. In the middle of the book, the author seems to hit her stride, and takes a bit more time reflecting on the events, rather than simply dictating them.
It is important to not only tell a story, but also lead readers to certain conclusions – the message you are attempting to convey with your writing. Jihan Latimer has a gentle touch that as a writer achieves this, along with a passion for international flavor and the ability to deliver a strong, memorable leading lady. The Tale of Miss Berta London is a peculiar book, but that is intentional – and overall, it is done with some skill.
