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bogglekitten's reviews
56 reviews
Beginner's Guide to Blackwork by Lesley Wilkins
informative
medium-paced
3.5
Some interesting blackwork designs, which I think I will return to. I appreciate the instructions on mounting the work but would like more guidance on what stitch to use where in the designs.
Weaving with Little Handmade Looms: Make Your Own Mini Looms and Weave 25 Exquisite Projects by Harumi Kageyama
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
A great book about weaving small projects on tiny looms you can make yourself. Beautiful presented, with clear instructions. There's lots to inspire beginners and people who already weave. Techniques are clearly explained and the projects are useful and practical. I'll definitely be returning to this for inspiration.
The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory
challenging
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I would strongly recommend reading the first book in Gregory's "Cousins' War" series, "The White Queen" before you read this book.
Some of the most enjoyable scenes in "The Red Queen" for me were where the lives of the protagonists of both novels intersect, particularly the two occasions where Margaret travels by boat past the church where Elizabeth has sought sanctuary. Both novels describe the same scenes and characters from different perspectives, giving an insight into the different trajectories and personalities of the two women.
I've read several reviews that are critical of this novel because of Margaret's preoccupation with her Christian faith and her personality traits. Personally, I think Gregory does an excellent job of portraying a multi-layered complex person who is viewed as a "learned lady", "a mother-in-law from hell", "a woman who dared to claim the throne of England for her son" and the "old b*tch". In this novel, Margaret often comes across as a pious, grasping hypocrite but, hey, you don't have to like the protagonist to enjoy reading the book.
In the author's notes, Gregory says, "Some parts of this novel are history, some are speculation, and some are fiction.". It would have been good to have a little more information about the parts that are speculative or fictional. However, the book is written in an engaging style that encourages the reader to find out more about the events portrayed. To this end, Gregory provides a comprehensive bibliography for the reader to get stuck into if they wish.
Overall, an enjoyable read for me and I will definitely be reading more of this series, and of Gregory's work in general. If you enjoy immersive historical fiction written from female perspectives, you will enjoy it too.
Some of the most enjoyable scenes in "The Red Queen" for me were where the lives of the protagonists of both novels intersect, particularly the two occasions where Margaret travels by boat past the church where Elizabeth has sought sanctuary. Both novels describe the same scenes and characters from different perspectives, giving an insight into the different trajectories and personalities of the two women.
I've read several reviews that are critical of this novel because of Margaret's preoccupation with her Christian faith and her personality traits. Personally, I think Gregory does an excellent job of portraying a multi-layered complex person who is viewed as a "learned lady", "a mother-in-law from hell", "a woman who dared to claim the throne of England for her son" and the "old b*tch". In this novel, Margaret often comes across as a pious, grasping hypocrite but, hey, you don't have to like the protagonist to enjoy reading the book.
In the author's notes, Gregory says, "Some parts of this novel are history, some are speculation, and some are fiction.". It would have been good to have a little more information about the parts that are speculative or fictional. However, the book is written in an engaging style that encourages the reader to find out more about the events portrayed. To this end, Gregory provides a comprehensive bibliography for the reader to get stuck into if they wish.
Overall, an enjoyable read for me and I will definitely be reading more of this series, and of Gregory's work in general. If you enjoy immersive historical fiction written from female perspectives, you will enjoy it too.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Violence, Pregnancy, War
The King's Witches by Kate Foster
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is my favourite kind of historical fiction; rooted in real events and told from a female perspective. There are three female narrators, each with their own, interlinked, story to tell.
There are some twists and turns along the way - one of which I anticipated quite early on in the novel. I enjoyed Kate Foster's writing style and appreciated her historical notes placing the events she portrayed in context.
There are some twists and turns along the way - one of which I anticipated quite early on in the novel. I enjoyed Kate Foster's writing style and appreciated her historical notes placing the events she portrayed in context.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Death, Torture
Minor: Confinement, Rape, Pregnancy