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aforestofbooks's reviews
500 reviews
Enter the Body by Joy McCullough
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First 5-star read of 2023!!
I will read absolutely anything Joy McCullough writes! Every book I've read by her has left me in awe, not just at her way with words and telling a story, but the messages that come across as well. Though I will say, I was a bit hesitant about Enter the Body, mostly because I have read four of Shakespeare's plays and only really remember Romeo and Juliet, so I was a bit worried I was going to be lost this entire book, but it's written in such a way that you can go in knowing very little and leave knowing pretty much everything you'd need to know without having to read the actual plays. Which...if you're not a fan of Shakespeare to begin with, is kind of nice.
This book follows four of Shakespeare's female characters: Lavinia, Juliet, Ophelia, and Cordelia. I was only familiar with Juliet and despite having read Hamlet, I barely remembered Ophelia being a character in that play. Which honestly goes to show how Shakespeare uses female characters to further the plot for his male characters. But this book is all about taking back the narrative, on speaking out against family members who would rather use their wives and daughters for their own uses, and the injustices and abuse women have faced throughout the years in silence.
Each of the girls gets to share their story in verse (as we know it), and then gets the opportunity to take back the narrative and give themselves an ending they are proud of. Lavinia, with her missing hands and tongue, is unable to share in this storytelling, but we're told how not all stories have to be shared because they're difficult stories not just for the person sharing, but for others to hear. And that there are many ways to share a story if you can't speak or write the words. I think this was beautifully done, and the ending was a perfect closing act to this book.
I really hope one day this can be required reading in English classes everywhere. Sure, we can still read Shakespeare, but I think books like this one show these plays in a new light and highlight some of the problematic aspects that need to be discussed more.
Please please please add this one to your tbrs!
Also, some of my favourite quotes:
"They're hurt themselves. / Hurt things lash out. / It didn't make sense. / I could have joined them, made a trio. / We could have been hurt together. / I stopped running to Grace / not because her logic didn't help / but because I realized / my sisters would never change."
"It's painful to give up on family. / Our hearts fight back, / and with good reason. / If there's a chance to mend things, / you shouldn't close a door. / I should forgive them? / Oh, forgiveness. / So powerful, a blade / that can slice away rot / so a wound doesn't fester. / But take care that instrument / isn't weaponized, twisted / into the wound, leaving only you / with the pain."
"My heart thunders in my chest. / I watch his lips move and still / have no desire to press my own to his / but I am starting to think I would / defend this man / with my life / and maybe that's enough."
I will read absolutely anything Joy McCullough writes! Every book I've read by her has left me in awe, not just at her way with words and telling a story, but the messages that come across as well. Though I will say, I was a bit hesitant about Enter the Body, mostly because I have read four of Shakespeare's plays and only really remember Romeo and Juliet, so I was a bit worried I was going to be lost this entire book, but it's written in such a way that you can go in knowing very little and leave knowing pretty much everything you'd need to know without having to read the actual plays. Which...if you're not a fan of Shakespeare to begin with, is kind of nice.
This book follows four of Shakespeare's female characters: Lavinia, Juliet, Ophelia, and Cordelia. I was only familiar with Juliet and despite having read Hamlet, I barely remembered Ophelia being a character in that play. Which honestly goes to show how Shakespeare uses female characters to further the plot for his male characters. But this book is all about taking back the narrative, on speaking out against family members who would rather use their wives and daughters for their own uses, and the injustices and abuse women have faced throughout the years in silence.
Each of the girls gets to share their story in verse (as we know it), and then gets the opportunity to take back the narrative and give themselves an ending they are proud of. Lavinia, with her missing hands and tongue, is unable to share in this storytelling, but we're told how not all stories have to be shared because they're difficult stories not just for the person sharing, but for others to hear. And that there are many ways to share a story if you can't speak or write the words. I think this was beautifully done, and the ending was a perfect closing act to this book.
I really hope one day this can be required reading in English classes everywhere. Sure, we can still read Shakespeare, but I think books like this one show these plays in a new light and highlight some of the problematic aspects that need to be discussed more.
Please please please add this one to your tbrs!
Also, some of my favourite quotes:
The Tears of a Dragon by Intisar Khanani
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was adorable!! And now I badly want a story about Bean going on her own adventure with a dragon 🥺
Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Yes, I pretty much almost cried reading this book. I wasn’t expecting to relate to this book as much as I did, but the whole “not knowing who you really are and trying to get good grades and do things for people to get the validation you need to feel like you matter” was a huge stab in the heart. Also, having friends but not being totally open with them because you don’t know how much to share and whether they’ll accept you…also a huge mood.
I wanted to end off the year on a good book, and this book stabbed me, drained me of all my blood, gave me a blood transfusion, and cpr-ed me back to life. Am I a mess cause it’s the last day of 2022. Yes. But what better way to end off the year than by learning more about yourself and the decisions you’ve made growing up. I’m gonna go cry now before I head off to work 🥹✌🏼
I wanted to end off the year on a good book, and this book stabbed me, drained me of all my blood, gave me a blood transfusion, and cpr-ed me back to life. Am I a mess cause it’s the last day of 2022. Yes. But what better way to end off the year than by learning more about yourself and the decisions you’ve made growing up. I’m gonna go cry now before I head off to work 🥹✌🏼
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Oh this book...
Where do I even start?
I knew reading this book would bring back memories of visiting Syria back in 2004. How much has changed since then. I vividly remember the days I spent in Damascus, including the street right in front of our hotel and how it ran all the way down to the shrine of Bibi Zaynab. I remember seeing pictures of this same street after the shrine was bombed.
This book is a work of art, just like Layla's painting. The writing drew me in immediately. It was haunting, heartbreaking, yet hopeful. The glimpses of Salama's life before the war were probably my favourite because it's not what you see in the media at all. People assume the Middle East has been war torn for decades, and as a result they aren't shocked at all when there is a bombing or an attack anywhere, because it's something that's considered "normal". Seeing what life was like before and the moments of happiness that still exist despite the threats of bombs and sniper attacks was beautifully done. It reminded me of my trip to Syria. While very different from Canada, there was a sense of peace there that I have yet to experience in Canada.
Salama working at the hospital and seeing the things she goes through during a regular shift were horrifying. Especially as a nurse now, with the paediatric surge we're seeing in hospitals, I kept being reminded of how lucky we are despite everything. We might have a nursing shortage sure, but it's nothing like the conditions Salama was working in. We have running water and electricity, life-saving equipment like oxygen and anesthetics, medications, etc. We don't go to work expecting victims of a chemical attack to come through our doors, or children with missing limbs. The PTSD from working just an hour at Salama's hospital would not be something I could handle. And yet every day she was back, doing the best she could with the materials she had.
I think I now have a new favourite halal romance 🥺
This book ahhhhh
This was the Muslim representation I needed. Kenan and Salama were too adorable. The romance was done so well especially considering how fast it happens. The little glances, the "tell me something good" parts, the sunset, the stories...It was so cute and perfect in every way. I was rooting for them from the beginning. Kenan was such a refreshing character to read about too. We need more soft Muslim boys 😩
I had heard about the "plot twist" from a lot of people, and I guessed it before it actually happened, which honestly saved me a few tears, because that scene was heart wrenching to read. This book really tugs on your soul, and I wanted to sob out loud so many times. The trauma that all these characters have experienced is not something that can be put into words. It's awful. And seeing the way they've learned to cope with loss and pain in order to survive...
This book was an incredible read and I hope it'll be a book that is read in schools one day. I think we really need to step away from just focusing on the same old European wars and instead study contemporary history and issues that have been occurring during our lifetime. I hope more authors, like Katouh, can share their stories with the world.
Where do I even start?
I knew reading this book would bring back memories of visiting Syria back in 2004. How much has changed since then. I vividly remember the days I spent in Damascus, including the street right in front of our hotel and how it ran all the way down to the shrine of Bibi Zaynab. I remember seeing pictures of this same street after the shrine was bombed.
This book is a work of art, just like Layla's painting. The writing drew me in immediately. It was haunting, heartbreaking, yet hopeful. The glimpses of Salama's life before the war were probably my favourite because it's not what you see in the media at all. People assume the Middle East has been war torn for decades, and as a result they aren't shocked at all when there is a bombing or an attack anywhere, because it's something that's considered "normal". Seeing what life was like before and the moments of happiness that still exist despite the threats of bombs and sniper attacks was beautifully done. It reminded me of my trip to Syria. While very different from Canada, there was a sense of peace there that I have yet to experience in Canada.
Salama working at the hospital and seeing the things she goes through during a regular shift were horrifying. Especially as a nurse now, with the paediatric surge we're seeing in hospitals, I kept being reminded of how lucky we are despite everything. We might have a nursing shortage sure, but it's nothing like the conditions Salama was working in. We have running water and electricity, life-saving equipment like oxygen and anesthetics, medications, etc. We don't go to work expecting victims of a chemical attack to come through our doors, or children with missing limbs. The PTSD from working just an hour at Salama's hospital would not be something I could handle. And yet every day she was back, doing the best she could with the materials she had.
I think I now have a new favourite halal romance 🥺
This book ahhhhh
This was the Muslim representation I needed. Kenan and Salama were too adorable. The romance was done so well especially considering how fast it happens. The little glances, the "tell me something good" parts, the sunset, the stories...It was so cute and perfect in every way. I was rooting for them from the beginning. Kenan was such a refreshing character to read about too. We need more soft Muslim boys 😩
I had heard about the "plot twist" from a lot of people, and I guessed it before it actually happened, which honestly saved me a few tears, because that scene was heart wrenching to read. This book really tugs on your soul, and I wanted to sob out loud so many times. The trauma that all these characters have experienced is not something that can be put into words. It's awful. And seeing the way they've learned to cope with loss and pain in order to survive...
This book was an incredible read and I hope it'll be a book that is read in schools one day. I think we really need to step away from just focusing on the same old European wars and instead study contemporary history and issues that have been occurring during our lifetime. I hope more authors, like Katouh, can share their stories with the world.
A Psalm of Storms and Silence by Roseanne A. Brown
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ahhhh this book. I could not wait to get my hands on this book after finishing ASOWAR. My reread took a while because work, and even this book took a bit for me to get through (also because of work), but overall I flew through it. It's fast-paced, intense, and a lot darker than I was expecting, but just SO GOOD.
I don't think I can write as lovely as a review this time around like I did for ASOWAR, but this book lived up to my expectations and then some. The one thing I want to talk about though is Malik. My precious anxious boi, is still anxious and traumatized and this is handled incredibly.
Farid. I hate him. He can choke, but boy did this guy scare the hell out of me. He is so manipulative and good at what he does, it's actually very creepy to read from an outside perspective. But Malik's reactions, his behaviours, his thought-process made complete sense for someone who has been abused for most of his life, has severe anxiety, and lack of confidence. I saw so much of myself in Malik that it hurt. I understood why he did what he did, and the justifications he used to convince himself why everything was okay and he was only doing what was best for everyone. The torture scenes were so difficult to read though, and watching Malik justify that he deserved all of that and Farid was just teaching him a lesson because he failed made me even angrier at Farid. Also seeing how Malik hurts Nadia and Leila though was the hardest part, and I really wish we got to see that resolution in more detail.
Malik's relationship with Idir though was actually kind of nice. It progressed well from them hating and fighting each other, to a more disgruntled alliance, to them finally working together. It was interesting to get to learn more about Bahia Alahari and Khenu and what actually happened versus what was passed down through generations.
I love the lore and history of this world so much, and we got to see even more as Karina and her companions travel through Sonande. It sort of reminded me of Percy Jackson, especially that one scene with Maame Small Claws.
If Malik and his anxiety and trauma were attacking me from one side, Karina and her need to push people away was not far behind. It's just so sad seeing how the tiniest of things can affect someone and all the decisions they make. Karina had some of the best lines in this book, especially against Farid. She felt like a Queen this entire book, and I loved seeing her come into her own and take on the role willingly.
The one complaint I do have is something that didn't make sense to me and felt like a plot hole? The entire time Malik knows Farid used the Rite of Resurrection to bring back Hanane. He also knew the ritual required the heart of a king. He saw Tunde's body with the missing heart. And yet not until the end of the book does he figure out (by Karina telling him) that Farid had killed Tunde all along. It just didn't make sense to me how he had all of these clues right in his face and yet he still couldn't put two and two together. I don't know if this can be explained using Farid's manipulation and gaslighting tactics, or if Malik's brain was refusing to connect the dots or what, but it just didn't make much sense to me.
Other than that, I literally did a double take when Karina forgot to take her contraception drink thing at the end there because lol of course sdjfhskdfh
Overall, I really did enjoy the conclusion to this series. 4/5 stars!
I don't think I can write as lovely as a review this time around like I did for ASOWAR, but this book lived up to my expectations and then some. The one thing I want to talk about though is Malik. My precious anxious boi, is still anxious and traumatized and this is handled incredibly.
Farid. I hate him. He can choke, but boy did this guy scare the hell out of me. He is so manipulative and good at what he does, it's actually very creepy to read from an outside perspective. But Malik's reactions, his behaviours, his thought-process made complete sense for someone who has been abused for most of his life, has severe anxiety, and lack of confidence. I saw so much of myself in Malik that it hurt. I understood why he did what he did, and the justifications he used to convince himself why everything was okay and he was only doing what was best for everyone. The torture scenes were so difficult to read though, and watching Malik justify that he deserved all of that and Farid was just teaching him a lesson because he failed made me even angrier at Farid. Also seeing how Malik hurts Nadia and Leila though was the hardest part, and I really wish we got to see that resolution in more detail.
Malik's relationship with Idir though was actually kind of nice. It progressed well from them hating and fighting each other, to a more disgruntled alliance, to them finally working together. It was interesting to get to learn more about Bahia Alahari and Khenu and what actually happened versus what was passed down through generations.
I love the lore and history of this world so much, and we got to see even more as Karina and her companions travel through Sonande. It sort of reminded me of Percy Jackson, especially that one scene with Maame Small Claws.
If Malik and his anxiety and trauma were attacking me from one side, Karina and her need to push people away was not far behind. It's just so sad seeing how the tiniest of things can affect someone and all the decisions they make. Karina had some of the best lines in this book, especially against Farid. She felt like a Queen this entire book, and I loved seeing her come into her own and take on the role willingly.
The one complaint I do have is something that didn't make sense to me and felt like a plot hole? The entire time Malik knows Farid used the Rite of Resurrection to bring back Hanane. He also knew the ritual required the heart of a king. He saw Tunde's body with the missing heart. And yet not until the end of the book does he figure out (by Karina telling him) that Farid had killed Tunde all along. It just didn't make sense to me how he had all of these clues right in his face and yet he still couldn't put two and two together. I don't know if this can be explained using Farid's manipulation and gaslighting tactics, or if Malik's brain was refusing to connect the dots or what, but it just didn't make much sense to me.
Other than that, I literally did a double take when Karina forgot to take her contraception drink thing at the end there because lol of course sdjfhskdfh
Overall, I really did enjoy the conclusion to this series. 4/5 stars!
Hungry Ghost by Victoria Ying
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a sad, but a somewhat relatable read. The comments we hear Valerie's mom say over and over again, are things I've heard a lot growing up. It's just built into our cultures and communities and such a normal part of our lives we don't really think about it. Watching Valerie struggle with being "obedient" and "good" while also trying to love herself was a huge mood. I think the message we get at the end was a nice balance between "yeah her mom is loving her the best way she knows how", which is a common immigrant experience, yet "she probably won't change or see reason" so the most important thing to do is love yourself the way you wish the people around you would love you. It's also kind of sad and depressing when you think about it because your parents should love you without you having to change anything about yourself, but it's a reality many of us face. I liked seeing Valerie moving out and starting to take care of herself and her healing journey. It reminded me of myself in many ways too.
Also, I absolutely loved the illustrations and colour scheme for this book! It was really beautifully done.
Also, I absolutely loved the illustrations and colour scheme for this book! It was really beautifully done.
Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was incredible. I honestly had no idea what to expect going in. And much like Roma and Juliette, I was just thinking about the monsters. But there is so much more going on underneath everything. You all know how much I love politics. We only get to see a little glimpse of it in TVD. But this book really takes a different approach and centres around the tensions between the Nationalists and the Communists. We see the Scarlets and White Flowers breaking down, losing power and control, not just among their members, but amongst the people of Shanghai. And we see the ways people in power will do whatever it takes to keep a place in the hierarchy.
This book was really well written. Every word had me gripping the pages of the book. I didn't want to put it down. But what really sold me was the relationships. Enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers done so well I could cry. It was believable. The tension was palpable. The pain... It was perfect. I loved seeing more of Marshall and Benedict especially. But I think my favourite character was Kathleen. We get to see so much more of her, and I'm really excited to see what she does next, especially after that ending.
I think this was a perfect Romeo and Juliet retelling. The setting, the characters, the political tensions and backdrop. We got some of the iconic scenes from the play, but with a little twist. The ending to me was well done. It's bittersweet in a way, but also hopeful. And it's a perfect ode to the actual play.
Overall 4.5/5 stars.
This book was really well written. Every word had me gripping the pages of the book. I didn't want to put it down. But what really sold me was the relationships. Enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers done so well I could cry. It was believable. The tension was palpable. The pain... It was perfect. I loved seeing more of Marshall and Benedict especially. But I think my favourite character was Kathleen. We get to see so much more of her, and I'm really excited to see what she does next, especially after that ending.
I think this was a perfect Romeo and Juliet retelling. The setting, the characters, the political tensions and backdrop. We got some of the iconic scenes from the play, but with a little twist. The ending to me was well done. It's bittersweet in a way, but also hopeful. And it's a perfect ode to the actual play.
Overall 4.5/5 stars.
Garlic & the Witch by Bree Paulsen
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
THIS IS THE CUTEST MOST ADORABLE BOOK EVER. THE ART, LEETLE GARLIC WANTING TO HUG HER VAMPIRE FRIEND JUST SDFJKSJFSKDFJSFSDK SO GOOD
The Virgins of Venice by Gina Buonaguro
Before I start this review, I would just like to say that I understand the author was trying to make this as historically accurate as possible, and 13-year-olds getting married back in 1509 Venice is not unheard of, but this review is just my unfiltered reactions to this book, which honestly to me is like if the Kardashians had existed in the early 16th century.
There will be spoilers. I'm pretty much summarizing this whole book because it's really something.
The title of this book almost feels like a joke. <i>The Virgins of Venice</i>...more like Everyone is Pregnant in Venice.
The book starts off with our MC Justina, who is in love with her brother's best friend, Luca. Luca loves her too and has proposed to her and they're just waiting for Luca's father to ask Justina's father, when Justina's father decides he has other plans. Justina's family is kind of broke. Her dad is bad at business and her brother is pretty useless as well. He starts off all nice, supporting Justina and Luca, but he's pretty much a womanizer and spends most of his time with his new fraternity, planning festas and mummaries, while also flirting with their Turkish slave Madelena. At this point in Venice I guess, if you have more than one daughter, you can only really afford the dowry for one, so the rest end up as nuns at a convent... SO
The plan is now for Justina to go to a convent and take vows to become a nun since she's more into reading and writing and would make a bad wife (*insert openeyecrylaugh emote* because apparently all of bookstagram should be sent off to a convent). Meanwhile, her 13 year-old-sister, who is a Child, should marry a man who sounds like twice her age because she's beautiful and blonde and would make a better wife?? No one can argue with Justina's father, including her mother, and we spend the first few chapters in horror watching Rosa, Justina's sister, panic about having to get married. Which honestly is a huge mood.
To make matters worse, Rosa is in love with the family's Black gondolier. Now, you would think this is just a little crush. Because Rosa is only 13, there is no way it could be anything more than that. Well you thought wrong.
Anyway, for some stupid reason, and apparently there is an actual source to back this up. The Zanes (who Rosa is marrying into) have agreed to consummate the marriage before the actual wedding. Why? I have no clue, but I'm gonna say its for the Drama. But it's actually more horrifying than anything, watching Justina and her family pretty much abandon this actual child, who is screaming and crying, in the Zane's house for her fiancé to do as he pleases.
I've never watched Game of Thrones, but I'm assuming this is what the show is like.
Rosa is miserable and barely speaks after that, which makes complete sense. I cannot imagine what she went through and then continues to go through after she gets married. After Rosa is off and married, Justina takes her vows and becomes a nun and is also rather miserable because she was the one who was supposed to get married and she misses Luca and wants to be with him.
Rosa married into a very messed up family. They don't let her see her mom or sister, or let anyone visit unless Lord Zane (her husband) or his mother-in-law is there to supervise. It's blatant abuse. Rosa's husband "visits" her every night, sometimes multiple times, because all he cares about his having an heir, and he thinks because she's so young, she has plenty of time to give him a son. It's disgusting.
Lord Zane's sister Zanetta is a nun at the convent and is actual pure evil. The convent had a recent election, and Zanetta's friend didn't end up winning, so she's bitter and walks around like she's the haram police (but make it Catholic) getting into everyone's business and trying to get them into trouble.
A good middle portion of the book is kind of boring tbh. This book felt soooo long. I kept thinking I was further along than I was, only to find out I was barely 40% of the way through the book.
Anyway, fast forward to literally everyone and their mother is pregnant.
Rosa is pregnant and can finally sleep at night because her midwife has told her husband to be "gentle" with her *literally throws up*
Luca had to get married super quickly cause the pope is going to attack Venice and excommunicate it from the Church, so he marries some random girl who apparently is boring and not as great as Justina, and she eventually gets pregnant.
Justina's brother, Paolo, who Justina warned should be careful with Madelena because she is a slave and if she gets pregnant, their dad can do whatever he wants with her and throw her out onto the street, gets her pregnant of course.
And then we have this whole drama with a courtesan who Justina's brother and dad have both frequented and did not pay her the 100 ducats she is owed. As a result, this courtesan has been sending letters asking for her money, which Justina finds, and in this letter, the courtesan gives her dad an ultimatum: give me my 100 ducats or I give me your eldest daughter and I will sell her virginity off to the highest bidder even though she's kind of ugly. Just perfect.
To top all of this off...Luca who is a womanizer and cannot just stick to one woman, went with a bunch of other guys and spent the night at another convent and got arrested. Bail is also 100 ducats. So Justina is freaking out because she knows her dad will chose her brother over her because he's the heir is trying to raise the money.
Meanwhile, the family finds out about Madelena being pregnant, and Justina's dad decides to sell her to the courtesan instead who wants to make use of her after she's finished being pregnant. Yes, I know this book is really something. But the courtesan agrees to let Madelena live at the convent as Justina's maid until she has the baby. Paolo gets out of jail cause men never get punished for anything, and Luca pays off the courtesan because he and Justina have been secretly in touch through letters.
Inside the convent, nothing is as it seems. Justina's aunt is also a nun and in a relationship with another nun, which Justina walks in on lol. Justina's next door cellmate is in a relationship with a carpenter. And yes, she also gets pregnant. Apparently its very normal for nuns to not really be nuns and have sex and then get pregnant and the Abbess apparently is chill with their babies being raised as orphans at the convent. She's kind of a cool Abbess. Zanetta and her posse wander around sneering at everyone and trying to listen in on your conversations.
Justina's aunt pretty much tells Justina you gotta enjoy life and experience love and then ask for forgiveness from God. So Justina and Luca plan a whole outing together on her birthday. (Luca has been visiting the convent to give her updates on her family when her brother was in prison). Nothing actually happens because Luca is an honourable man, but to no one's surprise, this makes it much harder for either of them to stay apart.
Justina also starts writing about life in the convent and everything she sees and hears around her, including what is happening with the Pope wanting to attack Venice, the secrets the nuns hide from the rest of the world and other heretical and sacrilegious things. She sends her writing to Luca, who thinks she's incredible and super intelligent (and I guess for her time period she would be, and the author does say her character is inspired by another nun who did publish her works), and he even helps her to find a publisher to publish her manuscript. I honestly felt like this version of Justina didn't fit well with the rest of her story. Justina, the writer is insightful and daring, arguing about the role of women in Venetian society. But irl she is completely different, mostly staying silent when Zanetta is bullying her and barely able to stand up for herself. At the same time, I feel like I’m also a completely different person in my writing than I am irl so I don’t know if I can judge.
Anyway, to summarize the pregnant people in this book so far:
>Rosa, Justina’s sister
>Luca’s wife
>Justina’s next-door cellmate
>Madelena who is pregnant with Paolo’s child
Justina’s next-door cellmate decides to run off with her carpenter now that she’s pregnant and sneaks off in the middle of the night. Before anyone can find out about this, an aqua alta occurs in Venice (pretty much a flood from high tides). And it just so happens Rosa is visiting at this time and her water breaks.
Honestly, this was my favourite part of the book and that’s entirely because I’m an obgyn nurse. Justina rushes her off to the infirmary and tries to send a pregnant Madelena out to get their midwife, but the water is too high. So instead, Justina goes next door where Luca lives (yes, I know, very convenient), and it just so happens that Luca’s wife has gotten a new midwife who was just visiting. Luca calls Justina by her first name, which is Scandal and Luca’s wife notices. And then he offers to escort Justina and the midwife back.
The midwife turns out to be Jewish (a lot of Jews escape Padua when it was attacked by the Pope and came to Venice), but they welcome her into the convent anyway cause they’re desperate. And then we get to the good stuff. The baby is in the wrong position, so the midwife performs an external cephalic version (which I was quite impressed with) and turned the baby head down. The baby eventually comes out and the midwife hands her over to the nun who runs the infirmary. There is no sound of a cry and instead the focus is returned to Rosa and trying to save her life. From the description it looks like she possibly had a postpartum hemorrhage because this involved a lot of fundal massages and whatnot, but Rosa does live (though the midwife informs her she will not be able to have more kids so I cannot imagine the damage this child did to this poor 13-year old kid), except the baby dies.
I should add btw…Rosa’s mother-in-law came with her to the convent and is waiting to hear about this kid. Justina picks up the bundle, pulls back the cloth. And turns out…the baby is Black. I literally just sat there shook for a moment because it did not cross my mind that a 13 year old would willingly have sex because that is a child and I thought at most she had a huge crush on Teodor (the gondolier), but nope, apparently she wanted to feel what true love was before she was forced to marry Lord Zane and had sex with him.
So now the panicking starts because Rosa’s mother-in-law will want to see her and the baby, even if the baby is dead. So they decide to tell her that the baby’s face is deformed because they had to pull the baby out quickly to save Rosa’s life, so that’s why the face is covered, and most likely no one will pull back the cover to see the baby’s skin colour. Rosa also wants them to bring Teodor to the convent so he can see his child he didn’t know existed.
Rosa’s mother-in-law arrives, holds the bundle, informs Rosa that Lord Zane will like to see the baby too and they will bury her in their family graveyard. So everyone starts panicking again because surely they’ll see what the baby looks like at the funeral, so after Rosa’s mother-in-law leaves and Teodor comes to see the baby, they bury the baby in the convent graveyard with the excuse that Rosa is now seeking shelter at the convent from her husband (fair) and she wants the baby buried close to her since she refuses to go back to her husband.
We get a scene later on with Lord Zane furious and at the convent demanding his wife be returned to him (he doesn’t care if she needs to heal and can’t even walk). But I love this Abbess and she stands him down and tells him to go ahead and call his lawyers, except she runs this convent and he can’t do anything. Justina and Rosa’s parents come, and her dad tries to convince her to go back to her husband, but Rosa decides to stay.
We eventually get a scene where Paolo comes to tell Justina the news that he’s going to the battle front to do mostly admin work and he wants to bring Madelena with him for enjoyment purposes. Madelena is amazing and refuses. The courtesan has offered to buy her freedom, and she realizes she can do more with her freedom than she can as a slave mistress for a nobleman. She makes Paolo promise that if she has a boy he will find him an apprenticeship and if it’s a girl, she’ll get to stay at the convent with Justina. Paolo is upset for one second and then asks Justina where her next-door cellmate is because she’s really pretty. Anyway, I hate him a lot. All he cares about is pleasure and sex and he takes no consideration into how it affects the women around him. When Rosa was freaking out about her marriage, he just told her that she needs to get over it and adjust and it’ll be fine. And when she refuses to go back to Lord Zane after her delivery, he acts like he can’t understand why his 13-year old sister would feel uncomfortable around a man twice her age who is only interested in bedding her until he gets a son. He’s gross and I hate him.
Luckily for us, he dies at the front like two pages later. And this is when things get spicy!
Luca comes to deliver the news. Justina is upset for one second, and then she’s like “Screw it! I’m gonna have sex with Luca” and she tells Luca this, and Luca is like “omg yes let’s do this instead of crying over your brother/my best friend dying”. So they make plans for him to climb the wall and meet her in the courtyard at night.
Now Justina thinks about telling Rosa and her aunt about her brother’s death, but realizes if she tells them, they’ll want to spend the night together praying and crying and that’ll ruin her sex plans of course. SO…she decides, whatever, she’ll tell them tomorrow morning and pretend she spent the night too upset to leave her room like 💀 I am all for hating Paolo, but seriously??
Anyway, Luca sneaks over, they have sex like three times. Justina has a hard time staying quiet. Apparently, Luca’s wife doesn’t enjoy sex with him. I really cared about that.
And then just when he’s about to leave, they open the door and there is Zanetta.
I was waiting for a showdown between Zanetta and Justina, and this was the most disappointing thing in the entire world. She threatens to expose them. Venice has new laws that will result in Luca being exiled and he’s just gotten a great position in the Council and has a baby on the way (in case anyone forgot). And what happens to Justina is up to the Abbess, but pretty sure Zanetta would make her life hell. Zanetta also points out that she knows Justina’s aunt was in a relationship with her best nun friend, and that she has plans to become the next abbess. She also knows about Justina’s sacrilegious writing because she snoops around Justina’s room. And she knows about Justina sneaking off to meet Luca that one other time. And she’s starting to get suspicious about Rosa burying her baby in the garden…
So instead of pushing her down the stairs or something, Justina ruins the lives of everyone around her. She promises to make her aunt not run for Abbess. She promises Zanetta that she will convince Rosa to go back to Lord Zane (Zanetta’s brother). She also promises to never see Luca again and to confess and repent. And finally, she promises to burn her manuscript.
It was the stupidest thing I’ve ever read. And all we get after this is that Justina realizes Zanetta was in love with Luca all along and she’s bitter she never got to be with him and everyone around her was doing whatever they wanted with no consequences, so she is bitter and making everyone else’s lives miserable.
So after throwing everyone under the bus, Luca leaves, Justina burns her manuscript, she confesses and then life moves on. She tells Rosa what happened, and Rosa is like “oh I was getting bored here and was thinking of going back anyway” like ???? girl you literally hate it there and were miserable?? At least you have ten times more freedom at the convent?? Justina’s aunt is like “okay fine, I won’t become abbess because after my girlfriend died I think everyone is suspicious we were together so I probably won’t win the election”. And that’s it.
A few years pass. Rosa has a boy. How she gets pregnant and safely delivers a baby after the midwife said she couldn’t, I have no idea. But apparently now she really can’t get pregnant again, and she tells her mom that Lord Zane doesn’t visit her anymore and she’s been finally able to get some sleep 🥴 Her mom seems shocked that Rosa would be happy about this, which is such a mom thing. Madelena had a girl, and Justina’s mom is kind of warming up to Madelena because her daughter looks like Paolo a bit. Justina is writing again, but this time it’s less inflammatory and more about day-to-day life in the convent and she doesn’t plan to publish it anymore. Luca apparently took some of her manuscript before it was burned and has had it printed anonymously…something about educating your daughters and it’s causing quite a stir. Justina has forgiven her father for some reason, though technically it’s all his fault. She’s still in love with Luca, but nothing will happen with that and The End.
It was a weird conclusion. This whole book was weird. And it was waaay too long. I honestly felt like I was watching a reality tv show set in early 1500s Venice. I wish we got more about the politics of the time. The Pope fighting and attacking cities and excommunicating them was definitely more interesting.
Overall, 2 stars. I hope this review is a good enough summary for those of you who don’t want to go through the trouble of reading this book.
Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was 🥺🥺🥺