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berrycedar's reviews
110 reviews
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Ultra misogynystic, the female characters server no other purpose but to advance the plot for the male protagonists. But heck, the book hit me like a tight slap of sadness. Zafon plays with feelings of loss like a master. The ending is a tinge of many colours.
It also used the backdrop of the Spanish civil war to tell a tale about the harmfulness of stereotypes and rumours. It's characters are of many layers, and Zafon uses 'redemption arcs' if you will, to tell you to not judge a book by it's cover. To not believe in what you hear from other and not make presumptions about a person based on first impressions
It also used the backdrop of the Spanish civil war to tell a tale about the harmfulness of stereotypes and rumours. It's characters are of many layers, and Zafon uses 'redemption arcs' if you will, to tell you to not judge a book by it's cover. To not believe in what you hear from other and not make presumptions about a person based on first impressions
Feminisms: A Global History by Lucy Delap
5.0
A book on feminism that is not racist, colonial apologist, transphobic or anti socialist. Yes, highly recommend.
Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
4.0
Heart wrenching- beautifully. I deduct a star for the flawed transgender representation.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Initial thoughts: Read the first 15 pages. Writing style is not exactly unique. Minimal usage of punctuations and a high usage of he/she said through which Atwood tries to invoke a feeling like you're reading a play. Reminds me of someone, though I can't quite place who? Perhaps Orwell in some aspects. The main character has memories of a past in which she was freer: a similar trope to 1984, an important setting for dystopia of this kind- a past memory serving as a horror for the present experiences.
RENDANG by Will Harris
Gritty. Truly unique usage of irony and metaphors. His motifs flow well, almost in a rhythmic sense.
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
3.0
It's a really nice story. The symbolism is great. Writing style is noticeably peculiar. Short sentences with repeating motifs. The only thing I felt was the story with the Marlin felt a little dragged. but I guess it's not a big issue, considering that the Marlin is the one of the main characters.