Scan barcode
bookstorian's reviews
563 reviews
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
3.5
Feeling myself falling into a reading slump I eagerly opted to pick up a Sally Hepworth. It didn't hit as much as it usually does but it has been just the book I needed to cleanse and reinvigorate my reading palette.
Here's what I liked about it:
+Love a book that shows a glimpse into the life of a librarian, I always find stories about twins fascinating too.
+Learnt more about neuro-diverse people, by reading the perspective of someone with sensory processing issues. I love reading to build my understanding of others in the world.
+Enjoyed the blend of POV through narrative (Fern) and diary entry (Rose). Made the book a quicker read.
+Relationship with Wally was a sweet, and unexpected addition.
Here's what I didn't like:
-It took me a little while longer than usual to get into the groove of this book, I find I'm usually instantly hooked by Sally Hepworth's books. I think it took me a good 30% before I was super interested
-Picked the major twist very early without much effort, so I think that spoils some of the fun
Similar to The Rosie Project and Elinor Oliphant is Completely fine.
Here's what I liked about it:
+Love a book that shows a glimpse into the life of a librarian, I always find stories about twins fascinating too.
+Learnt more about neuro-diverse people, by reading the perspective of someone with sensory processing issues. I love reading to build my understanding of others in the world.
+Enjoyed the blend of POV through narrative (Fern) and diary entry (Rose). Made the book a quicker read.
+Relationship with Wally was a sweet, and unexpected addition.
Here's what I didn't like:
-It took me a little while longer than usual to get into the groove of this book, I find I'm usually instantly hooked by Sally Hepworth's books. I think it took me a good 30% before I was super interested
-Picked the major twist very early without much effort, so I think that spoils some of the fun
Similar to The Rosie Project and Elinor Oliphant is Completely fine.
Servo by David Goodwin
2.5
I picked up and put this read down a few times. I was equal parts interested in the subject matter, tripping on the elaborate use of language and exhausted by the lack of humanity at times from the author.
This book certainly made me think about the transient nature of a servo, the inner battles people face and how Australians culturally treat others in retail. In addition, I pondered if I am the ideal servo customer.
I think as a whole this read wasn't for me, while I appreciate the sentiment behind the creation of the memoir I did skip chunks of it to get to the end. I've heard it said before that people's dreams and drug stories are really only fascinating to them and so many parts of the book reflect this.
Thank you to Hachette Australia for the gifted copy.
"I've discovered you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat a retail worker. I've found that, generally, if they bother to offer a greeting and actually engage their facial muscles in some fashion, then they're probably an okay person." pg281.
This book certainly made me think about the transient nature of a servo, the inner battles people face and how Australians culturally treat others in retail. In addition, I pondered if I am the ideal servo customer.
I think as a whole this read wasn't for me, while I appreciate the sentiment behind the creation of the memoir I did skip chunks of it to get to the end. I've heard it said before that people's dreams and drug stories are really only fascinating to them and so many parts of the book reflect this.
Thank you to Hachette Australia for the gifted copy.
"I've discovered you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat a retail worker. I've found that, generally, if they bother to offer a greeting and actually engage their facial muscles in some fashion, then they're probably an okay person." pg281.
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
4.0
I have seen this novel floating around on Bookstagram for a few days and so it was a serendipitous moment when I found it at my favourite Harry Hartog store.
+ I first fell in love with the premise of the story, the idea that new husbands kept appearing and the world continued to change each time. Felt a bit like The Midnight Library as the character got to live out her sliding doors moments.
+Found the world and the intricacies of it intriguing. The magical realism used was certainly fun!
+Some of the 'action' scenes were so well written! My palms were sweaty and I wanted to close my eyes and look away.
+The overall message of the story and the pitfalls of continually looking for something better, or "I'll be happy when.." mentality was powerful. The importance of our shared history with others was part of this too.
- There were A LOT of characters to keep track of, just as the front cover promises (203 husbands!) so it did get a bit confusing at times, especially when the character would reflect back. Felt like I needed a character list.
-I found at the half way point that I was waiting for something a bit more dramatic to happen, the plot did feel very repetitive towards the middle. Perhaps the book shouldn't have been so long?
I have mixed feelings about the ending too, the resolution didn't feel complete to me, there was something missing.
If you're looking for something fun to read and a little bit different, I highly recommend this read.
"She doesn't always like the new versions of herself, but they helpher understand the edges of who she might be" pg237
+ I first fell in love with the premise of the story, the idea that new husbands kept appearing and the world continued to change each time. Felt a bit like The Midnight Library as the character got to live out her sliding doors moments.
+Found the world and the intricacies of it intriguing. The magical realism used was certainly fun!
+Some of the 'action' scenes were so well written! My palms were sweaty and I wanted to close my eyes and look away.
+The overall message of the story and the pitfalls of continually looking for something better, or "I'll be happy when.." mentality was powerful. The importance of our shared history with others was part of this too.
- There were A LOT of characters to keep track of, just as the front cover promises (203 husbands!) so it did get a bit confusing at times, especially when the character would reflect back. Felt like I needed a character list.
-I found at the half way point that I was waiting for something a bit more dramatic to happen, the plot did feel very repetitive towards the middle. Perhaps the book shouldn't have been so long?
I have mixed feelings about the ending too, the resolution didn't feel complete to me, there was something missing.
If you're looking for something fun to read and a little bit different, I highly recommend this read.
"She doesn't always like the new versions of herself, but they helpher understand the edges of who she might be" pg237
The Work by Bri Lee
3.5
I'm not a huge non-fiction girlie and I must admit Bri Lee's non-fiction work hasn't peaked my interest enough to pick it up yet, however when one of Australia's most talked about young, female writer's released a fiction book about the art world I knew that this would be more to my speed.
+ I appreciated the breadth of themes explored in the novel, notably money, class, wealth and art (inclusive of who gets to make it and who gets to create it, the economic machine of it). I especially liked how this played out between the two main characters. There really was a lot going on though.
+ Lots of well written spicy scenes.
+Whilst the story was slow initially and it took me a little while to remember each of the characters and their surroundings the later half of the book was absolutely filled with tension.
+ I need a moment for the Author's Note right at the end - I've never read something quite like it and I admit it's left a lasting impression, maybe even more so than the story itself.
- I felt like we only got to know both characters themselves and their relationship on a very superfical level. I understood that they challenged one another and found joy in their commonality within the art world but the genuine affection and friendship between them felt very dry
- The inclusion of clunky 'non-fiction' type text amongst the fiction wasn't very organic to the overall story (eg sudden character revelations or observations)
- I felt that some plot points were left either unexplored or unresolved to the point where I felt dissatisfaction as a reader. Both happened at the end. (eg Rivera's death, Pat's father, Gallery Lally scandal and chronic illness). In particular the Gallery Lally Scandal was the biggest point of tension for the novel and when it happened I didn't want to put the book down, so I found the lack of resolution here frustrating.
Overall I am glad that I have read the book, although it doesn't live up to the hype for me, it raises a lot of questions. It would be a great book club read as there's a lot to talk about and dissect.
+ I appreciated the breadth of themes explored in the novel, notably money, class, wealth and art (inclusive of who gets to make it and who gets to create it, the economic machine of it). I especially liked how this played out between the two main characters. There really was a lot going on though.
+ Lots of well written spicy scenes.
+Whilst the story was slow initially and it took me a little while to remember each of the characters and their surroundings the later half of the book was absolutely filled with tension.
+ I need a moment for the Author's Note right at the end - I've never read something quite like it and I admit it's left a lasting impression, maybe even more so than the story itself.
- I felt like we only got to know both characters themselves and their relationship on a very superfical level. I understood that they challenged one another and found joy in their commonality within the art world but the genuine affection and friendship between them felt very dry
- The inclusion of clunky 'non-fiction' type text amongst the fiction wasn't very organic to the overall story (eg sudden character revelations or observations)
- I felt that some plot points were left either unexplored or unresolved to the point where I felt dissatisfaction as a reader. Both happened at the end. (eg Rivera's death, Pat's father, Gallery Lally scandal and chronic illness). In particular the Gallery Lally Scandal was the biggest point of tension for the novel and when it happened I didn't want to put the book down, so I found the lack of resolution here frustrating.
Overall I am glad that I have read the book, although it doesn't live up to the hype for me, it raises a lot of questions. It would be a great book club read as there's a lot to talk about and dissect.
The Italian Marriage by Jenna Lo Bianco
3.5
After the heaviness of Chain-Gang I was keen for something fun and sugary - The Italian Marriage was just the ticket! If you want a breezy holiday read, or a special treat to sail away within, I recommend this read.
➕️ Loved the premise. It was quirky and fun. Fake dating and one bed trope, ✔️✔️
➕️ Great setting, Australians in Italy - yes please! Nice to sink into the world of Florence and Umbria and reflect on my time in Florence.
➕️ Appreciated reading a romance between an older couple (late 30s) and the struggle Sarah had with Endometriosis and other aspects of her life. I felt this was very relevant to her age. Both POVs were included.
➕️ Everything wrapped up in a nice big sparkly bow to end. Would be a great Cheesy Netflix movie.
➖️There were certainly some cringey moments. Matteo was dreamy, yet very unrealistic.
➖️ The time line felt very squashed and jumpy. I know it needed to be to hot plot points but I think this was detrimental to the relationship between the main characters.
➖️ The ending was a bit intense and felt incredibly far fetched, it was a happy one nonetheless! Iykyk...
➕️ Loved the premise. It was quirky and fun. Fake dating and one bed trope, ✔️✔️
➕️ Great setting, Australians in Italy - yes please! Nice to sink into the world of Florence and Umbria and reflect on my time in Florence.
➕️ Appreciated reading a romance between an older couple (late 30s) and the struggle Sarah had with Endometriosis and other aspects of her life. I felt this was very relevant to her age. Both POVs were included.
➕️ Everything wrapped up in a nice big sparkly bow to end. Would be a great Cheesy Netflix movie.
➖️There were certainly some cringey moments. Matteo was dreamy, yet very unrealistic.
➖️ The time line felt very squashed and jumpy. I know it needed to be to hot plot points but I think this was detrimental to the relationship between the main characters.
➖️ The ending was a bit intense and felt incredibly far fetched, it was a happy one nonetheless! Iykyk...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility and Death
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
3.75
At first I was apprehensive about this read, the overall premise sounded heavy and I was worried it wouldn't be to my speed. I was very surprised though and if you're thinking of picking this read up I implore you to go in with an open heart, just as the author suggests.
➕️ Exploration of racism, incarceration, capital punishment and dehumanisation
➕️ Feels a bit Brechtian/Epic Theatrish with the footnotes of facts - that are indeed real 😳
➕️ LT and HS chapters. Enjoyed them the most and found myself reading for these chapters.
➕️ Has definitely left an impact on me and I keep thinking about moments of the story and the over message about incarceration and slavery.
➖️ Not sure how I feel overall about the switch in perspective
➖️ Felt like I missed things as there was so many moving parts. Recommend that you read this one quickly if you can.
✍️ "I thought of how the world can be anything and how sad that it's this" pg227
➕️ Exploration of racism, incarceration, capital punishment and dehumanisation
➕️ Feels a bit Brechtian/Epic Theatrish with the footnotes of facts - that are indeed real 😳
➕️ LT and HS chapters. Enjoyed them the most and found myself reading for these chapters.
➕️ Has definitely left an impact on me and I keep thinking about moments of the story and the over message about incarceration and slavery.
➖️ Not sure how I feel overall about the switch in perspective
➖️ Felt like I missed things as there was so many moving parts. Recommend that you read this one quickly if you can.
✍️ "I thought of how the world can be anything and how sad that it's this" pg227
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, Murder, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, Suicide, and Violence
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
4.0
📖 REVIEW 📖
The fact that I hadn't yet read this book made me ashamed to call myself a historical fiction girlie so when the mood struck to pick up a historical fiction read I knew I had to reach for The Nightingale. I had been so fatigued by WWII fiction and so this book has sat on my TBR, and my shelf for many years. Here's my thoughts.
➕️ Consumed, moved and addicted to reading this novel, especially the first 75%.
➕️How beautifully Kristin Hannah captures the fragility of life
➕️Engaging plot, love how the writer creates mystery in the contemporary time line
➕️The perspective of two French women who were impacted by the war on the home front
➖️Some incredibly graphic and harrowing scenes that were very uncomfortable to read. Recommend you check content warnings.
➖️ There was something lacking in Isabelle's love story. I wasn't overly invested because I couldn't grasp the chemistry between the two.
✍️ "I love you too," she said but the words that always seemed too big felt small now. What was love when put up against war?
🛍 I purchased my copy years ago from Mary Ryan's at New Farm
The fact that I hadn't yet read this book made me ashamed to call myself a historical fiction girlie so when the mood struck to pick up a historical fiction read I knew I had to reach for The Nightingale. I had been so fatigued by WWII fiction and so this book has sat on my TBR, and my shelf for many years. Here's my thoughts.
➕️ Consumed, moved and addicted to reading this novel, especially the first 75%.
➕️How beautifully Kristin Hannah captures the fragility of life
➕️Engaging plot, love how the writer creates mystery in the contemporary time line
➕️The perspective of two French women who were impacted by the war on the home front
➖️Some incredibly graphic and harrowing scenes that were very uncomfortable to read. Recommend you check content warnings.
➖️ There was something lacking in Isabelle's love story. I wasn't overly invested because I couldn't grasp the chemistry between the two.
✍️ "I love you too," she said but the words that always seemed too big felt small now. What was love when put up against war?
🛍 I purchased my copy years ago from Mary Ryan's at New Farm
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Torture, Child death, War, and Death of parent
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
3.5
➕️ Something about reading about writers that fascinates me. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Emily and Chess, it was intriguing.
➕️ I was gripped and shocked at times but not as consistently as I would have liked. Perhaps because the book wasn't really a thriller as I was expecting.
➕️Enjoyed some of the post reading activities surrounding the book such as listening to podcasts, reading some interesting theories about the ending and discovering that it was inspired by Mary Shelley (author of Frankenstein)
➖️Struggled between the timelines, amount of characters (two with the same name) and genres that were thrown in, some of these exerpts were unnecessary.
➖️The execution of the concept of how houses remember. It was an intriguing idea but I didn't really find the house to really remember.
➖️The genre seemed to be more adult fiction or mystery than thriller, mainly due to pacing. It also was trying to be gothic (place as character) but didn't achieve this in my opinion.
✍️ "... a legacy is both a gift and a curse". Pg192
🛍 I purchased my copy from The Nile Australia
➕️ I was gripped and shocked at times but not as consistently as I would have liked. Perhaps because the book wasn't really a thriller as I was expecting.
➕️Enjoyed some of the post reading activities surrounding the book such as listening to podcasts, reading some interesting theories about the ending and discovering that it was inspired by Mary Shelley (author of Frankenstein)
➖️Struggled between the timelines, amount of characters (two with the same name) and genres that were thrown in, some of these exerpts were unnecessary.
➖️The execution of the concept of how houses remember. It was an intriguing idea but I didn't really find the house to really remember.
➖️The genre seemed to be more adult fiction or mystery than thriller, mainly due to pacing. It also was trying to be gothic (place as character) but didn't achieve this in my opinion.
✍️ "... a legacy is both a gift and a curse". Pg192
🛍 I purchased my copy from The Nile Australia
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Suicide and Child death
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
4.5
After reading and adoring Good Material I thought it was high time I reread one of my favourite memoirs by one of my favourite authors. I read this as an audio book then squirreled back to my physical copy to highlight key passages.
➕️ Dolly's writing. It's immersive, relatable and aced with nostalgic.
➕️ Exploration of love, heartbreak, grief and growing up.
➕️ The overarching theme of female friendship and how much these friendship teach and envelope us in love.
➕️ Dolly's narration on the audio book is 👌
➖️Want to know more about Farley and what happened in her relationship. I got so hung up on this last time too!
➖️Satirical letters, emails, invites. Maybe they hit too close to home now?
✍️ "Love is quiet, reassuring, relaxing, pottering, pedantic, harmonious hum of a thing; something you can easily forget is there, even though it's palms are outstretched beneath you in case you fall." Pg319
🛍 I purchased my physical copy from my local QBD but enjoyed the audio via Spotify Premium
➕️ Dolly's writing. It's immersive, relatable and aced with nostalgic.
➕️ Exploration of love, heartbreak, grief and growing up.
➕️ The overarching theme of female friendship and how much these friendship teach and envelope us in love.
➕️ Dolly's narration on the audio book is 👌
➖️Want to know more about Farley and what happened in her relationship. I got so hung up on this last time too!
➖️Satirical letters, emails, invites. Maybe they hit too close to home now?
✍️ "Love is quiet, reassuring, relaxing, pottering, pedantic, harmonious hum of a thing; something you can easily forget is there, even though it's palms are outstretched beneath you in case you fall." Pg319
🛍 I purchased my physical copy from my local QBD but enjoyed the audio via Spotify Premium
Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang
3.5
Late last year I booked a ticket to see Rebecca F Kuang after loving Yellowface so I was determined to read another of her novels before seeing her talk (and hopefully sign my books) in person.
➕️ Loved the dark academia and historical tones to the novel.
➕️Exploration of huge topics such as colonialism, imperialism, slavery, racism and power. The way colonialism was packaged in particular was incredibly powerful, I've read nothing like it before.
➕️How much language and linguistics drove this novel. I learnt so much.
➕️Overall the writing (so well written. Considering it's so chunky it kept me engaged far longer than I expected to be) and character development was also notable.
➖️The ending, I knew where it was heading and it dragged a lot
➖️ The footnotes. So distracting when reading. I liked when it gave context but also struggled to spot the tiny symbols and then match the symbols to the foot not.
✍️ "That's just what translation is, I think. That's all speaking is. Listening to the other and trying to see past your own biases to glimpse what they're trying to say. Showing yourself to the world, and hoping someone else understands." Pg535
🛍 I was lucky enough to find my copy in a Street Library.
➕️ Loved the dark academia and historical tones to the novel.
➕️Exploration of huge topics such as colonialism, imperialism, slavery, racism and power. The way colonialism was packaged in particular was incredibly powerful, I've read nothing like it before.
➕️How much language and linguistics drove this novel. I learnt so much.
➕️Overall the writing (so well written. Considering it's so chunky it kept me engaged far longer than I expected to be) and character development was also notable.
➖️The ending, I knew where it was heading and it dragged a lot
➖️ The footnotes. So distracting when reading. I liked when it gave context but also struggled to spot the tiny symbols and then match the symbols to the foot not.
✍️ "That's just what translation is, I think. That's all speaking is. Listening to the other and trying to see past your own biases to glimpse what they're trying to say. Showing yourself to the world, and hoping someone else understands." Pg535
🛍 I was lucky enough to find my copy in a Street Library.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Racism