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booksonawednesday's reviews
382 reviews
Ashes To Admin: Tales from the Caseload of a Council Funeral Officer by Evie King
informative
lighthearted
4.0
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was original, quirky and yet highly relatable.
Our nameless protagonist lives a privileged life: she’s young, blonde, thin and living comfortably off her parent’s inheritance. Yet her main aspiration is sleep. She wants to spend the majority of her time sleeping to wake up in a renewed and refreshed life.
Our main character is fundamentally unlikeable, but her existential experiences make her very relatable for someone who is also in her 20s (and questioning life too). Her best friend, Reva, is painfully desperate and her psychiatrist can only be described as deranged; they both made interesting recurring characters.
If you’re in the mood for a slow-paced book with dark humour and a slightly unhinged, drug-hazed tone, this is the one for you.
Our nameless protagonist lives a privileged life: she’s young, blonde, thin and living comfortably off her parent’s inheritance. Yet her main aspiration is sleep. She wants to spend the majority of her time sleeping to wake up in a renewed and refreshed life.
Our main character is fundamentally unlikeable, but her existential experiences make her very relatable for someone who is also in her 20s (and questioning life too). Her best friend, Reva, is painfully desperate and her psychiatrist can only be described as deranged; they both made interesting recurring characters.
If you’re in the mood for a slow-paced book with dark humour and a slightly unhinged, drug-hazed tone, this is the one for you.
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A stunning gothic romance and reimagining of Dracula’s bride. I’d heard great things about this book for a while, but I’d been putting it off as I wasn’t sure if sexy, polyamorous vampires were up my street. Turns out, they are!
The writing was just beautiful and I really liked the second person narrative throughout most of the book. Not a lot happens, but the characters are well-written and addictive. It’s a short book, and I could hardly put it down.
The perfect Halloween read! I will definitely be reading more of S T Gibson’s books.
The writing was just beautiful and I really liked the second person narrative throughout most of the book. Not a lot happens, but the characters are well-written and addictive. It’s a short book, and I could hardly put it down.
The perfect Halloween read! I will definitely be reading more of S T Gibson’s books.
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
emotional
sad
medium-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
I’m not sure how I can put into words the impact that this book has. While there is a slow start and build up, it set the scene for the evermore devastating events that took place. I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t know much about the Syrian war, but the devastation to the country and its people was made clear.
The writing was simplistic yet beautiful, and it made me cry. Several times. The characters were relatable and well-written.
Despite the awful nature of the war and the difficult scenes, I was left with a feeling of hope and inspiration. Salama and Kenan show us that love will always find a way in dark times.
The writing was simplistic yet beautiful, and it made me cry. Several times. The characters were relatable and well-written.
Despite the awful nature of the war and the difficult scenes, I was left with a feeling of hope and inspiration. Salama and Kenan show us that love will always find a way in dark times.
The Folly by Gemma Amor
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A haunting, gothic thriller set on the rugged Cornish coast.
Morgan’s father, Owen, is released from prison having been acquitted for murdering Morgan’s mother. Morgan has always known that he was innocent, and so to escape the ghosts of the past, the two of them decide to leave their family home to become caretakers of an empty property in Cornwall.
Soon after they arrive, they are visited by a mysterious bald-headed man, who is eerily similar to Morgan’s mother.
I thought this novella was well written and chillingly addictive. I read it in one sitting. There were themes of family, mental illness, and regret. I also really enjoy stories where you’re not quite sure if there is an unreliable narrator.
If you’re after a quick read during spooky season, this is for you!
Morgan’s father, Owen, is released from prison having been acquitted for murdering Morgan’s mother. Morgan has always known that he was innocent, and so to escape the ghosts of the past, the two of them decide to leave their family home to become caretakers of an empty property in Cornwall.
Soon after they arrive, they are visited by a mysterious bald-headed man, who is eerily similar to Morgan’s mother.
I thought this novella was well written and chillingly addictive. I read it in one sitting. There were themes of family, mental illness, and regret. I also really enjoy stories where you’re not quite sure if there is an unreliable narrator.
If you’re after a quick read during spooky season, this is for you!
Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures by Stephen Fry
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
After reading (well, listening to) Mythos recently, I knew I needed to read (well, listen to) Stephen Fry’s other books on Greek mythology.
Rather than focusing on the Gods, Fry now looks at the heroes: both demigods and mortals. I already knew most of the stories, but in every character, Fry highlighted something I hadn’t considered or heard before.
Having read a lot of Greek mythology books, one thing I didn’t appreciate was the lack of female perspective. Yes: most of the heroes are male. But there are so many interesting stories with women, and they were mostly glazed over.
I will certainly be reading (well, listening to - Stephen Fry’s narration is fantastic, aside from the odd, randomly chosen Irish accent) the rest of the series.
Rather than focusing on the Gods, Fry now looks at the heroes: both demigods and mortals. I already knew most of the stories, but in every character, Fry highlighted something I hadn’t considered or heard before.
Having read a lot of Greek mythology books, one thing I didn’t appreciate was the lack of female perspective. Yes: most of the heroes are male. But there are so many interesting stories with women, and they were mostly glazed over.
I will certainly be reading (well, listening to - Stephen Fry’s narration is fantastic, aside from the odd, randomly chosen Irish accent) the rest of the series.
The Married Man by K.L Slater
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Liv’s husband, Richard, disappeared under strange circumstances eleven years ago, leaving her with their young son. Yet Liv knows his ‘disappearance’ was part of their plan, and she’s expecting to hear from him very soon.
Liv’s plan starts to fall apart from the seams as her now-teenage son, Maddox, gets into the wrong crowd and she learns that her husband may have started a new life with another woman.
I was really gripped by the first half of the book, and I really enjoyed the setting and the characters. The different POVs and the timelines became a bit much in the latter half, and I lost track.
(As a side note, I’m not sure if there were mistakes in my proof copy, as names were seemingly mixed up throughout the book, i.e. Richard instead of Daniel, Olivia instead of Alicia.)
I didn’t see the twists coming, and I found myself thinking of different theories in between reading sessions (the sign of a good thriller). I enjoyed going back to the perspectives of the police too.
I would have liked to see more character development for Kait and Liv, and a bit more background for Kait as well.
I will be looking out for K. L. Slater’s other books!
Thank you to Bookourture for sending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Liv’s plan starts to fall apart from the seams as her now-teenage son, Maddox, gets into the wrong crowd and she learns that her husband may have started a new life with another woman.
I was really gripped by the first half of the book, and I really enjoyed the setting and the characters. The different POVs and the timelines became a bit much in the latter half, and I lost track.
(As a side note, I’m not sure if there were mistakes in my proof copy, as names were seemingly mixed up throughout the book, i.e. Richard instead of Daniel, Olivia instead of Alicia.)
I didn’t see the twists coming, and I found myself thinking of different theories in between reading sessions (the sign of a good thriller). I enjoyed going back to the perspectives of the police too.
I would have liked to see more character development for Kait and Liv, and a bit more background for Kait as well.
I will be looking out for K. L. Slater’s other books!
Thank you to Bookourture for sending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Women of Troy by Pat Barker
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After I read Silence of the Girls earlier this year, I knew that I had to follow it up with the sequel.
The Greek (or rather, Trojan) retelling continues to follow Briseis, the former Trojan princess turned Greek slave turned Greek wife. Now pregnant with Achilles’s child, she is the wife of the soldier Alcimus and tries her best to help the Trojan women (slave or not) in the camp.
I just love Pat Barker’s writing: the language is modernised and yet still beautiful and relatable. Briseis’s perspective is insightful and painful, as she toes the line between staying faithful to her past and protecting her future.
The only thing I found lacking was the plot itself. Greek mythology is never devoid of drama, but ultimately not a lot happened within this book. However, I enjoyed the odd chapter focused on Pyrrhus (Achilles’s sociopathic son) and Calchas (disgraced soothsayer).
I’m certain that I will read on with the series.
The Greek (or rather, Trojan) retelling continues to follow Briseis, the former Trojan princess turned Greek slave turned Greek wife. Now pregnant with Achilles’s child, she is the wife of the soldier Alcimus and tries her best to help the Trojan women (slave or not) in the camp.
I just love Pat Barker’s writing: the language is modernised and yet still beautiful and relatable. Briseis’s perspective is insightful and painful, as she toes the line between staying faithful to her past and protecting her future.
The only thing I found lacking was the plot itself. Greek mythology is never devoid of drama, but ultimately not a lot happened within this book. However, I enjoyed the odd chapter focused on Pyrrhus (Achilles’s sociopathic son) and Calchas (disgraced soothsayer).
I’m certain that I will read on with the series.
Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.5
For anyone who loved Jacqueline Wilson books growing up, this one is for you. It is stylised as her first adult novel, and while there are adult themes and the main character, Ellie, has just turned 40, it’s written in a similar way to her children’s and young adult books. That’s not to say that it’s written badly, it just doesn’t feel as mature as perhaps was intended or desired by some readers.
Following the Girls in Love series, starring schoolgirls Ellie, Nadine and Magda, we now follow Ellie’s life as she turns 40. She has a daughter, Lottie, who is grown up herself, and is fumbling through her dating life and career. She’s still best friends with Nadine and Magda, but they aren’t a central part of the book.
The plot was predictable but in a comforting and nostalgic kind of way, and the characters weren’t as developed as I would have liked.
Mr Windsor, Ellie’s school teacher crush, makes an appearance and I was a little annoyed that the creepiness of his behaviour towards 13 (?!) year old schoolchildren was still glossed over.
I’ve seen some reviews about Ellie’s character being immature and still acting like a child. Personally, I felt that she was quite relatable - most people are affected by what happened to them when they were at school!
I was entertained while reading, but I have to admit, there were some problems with Jacqueline Wilson’s first adult novel. The nostalgia made it worth it, and I can’t say that I was expecting (or desiring) a literary masterpiece anyway!
Following the Girls in Love series, starring schoolgirls Ellie, Nadine and Magda, we now follow Ellie’s life as she turns 40. She has a daughter, Lottie, who is grown up herself, and is fumbling through her dating life and career. She’s still best friends with Nadine and Magda, but they aren’t a central part of the book.
The plot was predictable but in a comforting and nostalgic kind of way, and the characters weren’t as developed as I would have liked.
Mr Windsor, Ellie’s school teacher crush, makes an appearance and I was a little annoyed that the creepiness of his behaviour towards 13 (?!) year old schoolchildren was still glossed over.
I’ve seen some reviews about Ellie’s character being immature and still acting like a child. Personally, I felt that she was quite relatable - most people are affected by what happened to them when they were at school!
I was entertained while reading, but I have to admit, there were some problems with Jacqueline Wilson’s first adult novel. The nostalgia made it worth it, and I can’t say that I was expecting (or desiring) a literary masterpiece anyway!
The Future by Naomi Alderman
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
If you want to read a book that makes you think about the world we live in, wealth disparity, religion, climate change, big tech billionaires and above all, the Future, then I think you’ll like this.
The novel is centred on these themes more than plot or even the characters.
Much of the book is focused on three big tech billionaires who hold unimaginable power over the rules of society. We also meet several characters who are closely connected to them - a secretary, a wife, a child and an outcast former boss. A survivalist becomes entangled in their world, beside the backdrop of an apocalyptic world.
I really enjoyed the themes and the messages that the author conveyed. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time.
However, the writing style and the editing left me confused more than I felt necessary. The timeline and POVs were also quite hard to follow.
The novel is centred on these themes more than plot or even the characters.
Much of the book is focused on three big tech billionaires who hold unimaginable power over the rules of society. We also meet several characters who are closely connected to them - a secretary, a wife, a child and an outcast former boss. A survivalist becomes entangled in their world, beside the backdrop of an apocalyptic world.
I really enjoyed the themes and the messages that the author conveyed. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time.
However, the writing style and the editing left me confused more than I felt necessary. The timeline and POVs were also quite hard to follow.