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chaptersofmay's Reviews (319)
This ARC has been generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher!
The Minute I Saw You is the ultimate summer read. It has the sweet romance, the lovable characters, the strong narrative, and all the feels!
The story begins when Hannah meets Sonny. Hannah is a dispensing optician in Cambridge. One day, Sonny arrives in the shop as one of her customers. The connection between them is instant. Not just a surface level crush, but a heart-stopping connection. Their first moments feel deeper than a standard meet cute. But when Hannah sees Sonny for a second time, everything is different. He’s not charming or flirty, but distant and cold. Still, a friendship grows between the two, with their natural chemistry acting for them. Before you know it, you’re rooting for these characters.
I really like the protagonists in this novel. Both Hannah and Sonny are very authentic personalities. They have good days and bad, they struggle with the idea of not being ‘normal’ and their individual pasts weight them down. The secondary characters are also a huge support to the overall story, fleshing out the side plots and adventures. Even the smallest of roles felt relevant to the narrative. I always know a book is good when I feel like I miss the characters. And because you get to know each of these voices so well, it really is saddening when the story reaches its end.
The Minute I Saw You definitely has the characteristics of a slow burn. But like most books with this trope, it’s well worth the wait. The dynamic between Hannah and Sonny is established from the beginning and tensions only begin to build as the chapters go on.
This is an incredibly difficult book to review, because it has so many secrets. The backstories of the characters bring so much to this read. I was expecting a light, summery, novel. And this is great in that sense. But it also has so much weight and emotion, it became a pleasantly unanticipated complex read. Every single time I thought I knew where this story was going, it totally shocked me. However, every twist, even the emotional ones, contributed to the entertaining plot. I didn’t see the backstories of the characters coming at all, but they really layered the story.
This book feels like more than a romance. It’s a poignant love story. It’s humorous and moving, an ideal combination for a compelling summer read. It dives beyond the surface and explores loss, trauma and heartache. Paige Toon’s writing has always had a heart-warming quality and The Minute I Saw You is no different. In fact, it might be my favourite Toon book yet.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
The Minute I Saw You is the ultimate summer read. It has the sweet romance, the lovable characters, the strong narrative, and all the feels!
The story begins when Hannah meets Sonny. Hannah is a dispensing optician in Cambridge. One day, Sonny arrives in the shop as one of her customers. The connection between them is instant. Not just a surface level crush, but a heart-stopping connection. Their first moments feel deeper than a standard meet cute. But when Hannah sees Sonny for a second time, everything is different. He’s not charming or flirty, but distant and cold. Still, a friendship grows between the two, with their natural chemistry acting for them. Before you know it, you’re rooting for these characters.
I really like the protagonists in this novel. Both Hannah and Sonny are very authentic personalities. They have good days and bad, they struggle with the idea of not being ‘normal’ and their individual pasts weight them down. The secondary characters are also a huge support to the overall story, fleshing out the side plots and adventures. Even the smallest of roles felt relevant to the narrative. I always know a book is good when I feel like I miss the characters. And because you get to know each of these voices so well, it really is saddening when the story reaches its end.
The Minute I Saw You definitely has the characteristics of a slow burn. But like most books with this trope, it’s well worth the wait. The dynamic between Hannah and Sonny is established from the beginning and tensions only begin to build as the chapters go on.
This is an incredibly difficult book to review, because it has so many secrets. The backstories of the characters bring so much to this read. I was expecting a light, summery, novel. And this is great in that sense. But it also has so much weight and emotion, it became a pleasantly unanticipated complex read. Every single time I thought I knew where this story was going, it totally shocked me. However, every twist, even the emotional ones, contributed to the entertaining plot. I didn’t see the backstories of the characters coming at all, but they really layered the story.
This book feels like more than a romance. It’s a poignant love story. It’s humorous and moving, an ideal combination for a compelling summer read. It dives beyond the surface and explores loss, trauma and heartache. Paige Toon’s writing has always had a heart-warming quality and The Minute I Saw You is no different. In fact, it might be my favourite Toon book yet.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Party of Two is a wonderfully charming love story, and another brilliant addition to The Wedding Date series. I loved Olivia’s no-nonsense attitude from The Wedding Date, so I was eager to dive into her story in Party of Two.
Olivia is very career driven. She’s a tough cookie. And after opening her own law firm, her focus is work and then more work. Max is passionate about change. He wants to improve people’s lives, so became California’s junior senator. Though, it means his job is his entire life. Still, they both have blossoming careers, and are highly intelligent in their own right. Olivia and Max are basically the definition of a power couple.
I like how the book discusses white privilege and racism within the criminal justice system without straying too far from the narrative. Max is a white male, who grew up in Beverly Hills. He lived a charmed life, but he wants to use his abilities and privilege to help those who don’t have the same advantage. He may have been raised in a bubble, but when eyes were opened, he stepped up to make a difference. Olivia is not only a woman, but a black woman. So for her, every hurdle is twice the size.
There’s a strong sense of female unity and triumph in this book. Olivia and her business partner, Ellie, are starting their own law firm and despite their challenges, I found their success to be very empowering. The same goes for Jamila, Olivia’s new friend. She works at a local food bank and is a refreshing ball of ambition and insight. Rather than compete for something shallow (like the attention of men), the women lift each other up and act as a support system for one another.
My knowledge of law and the United States Senate doesn’t go much further than Legally Blonde, but I love how Guillory gives the reader a good look at the working lives of our characters. It’s not all smooth sailing, we see them face very real trials and disappointments as they try to reach success. Also, the protagonists are both in their late 30s, and have careers that actually keep them busy! It’s a subtle element but adds to the reality of the book.
A good chunk of the novel is happy fluff, and I welcome it. I absolutely adore the way Guillory builds a love story. Even from The Wedding Date, I have loved the gentle but emotional bond the builds between the two characters. It has a natural depth to it, the makes it really easy to invest in. The characters are the perfect mix of authentic and dreamy and there’s a steady balance of romance and drama to keep the plot moving.
However, this was not a 5-star read for me. The book’s synopsis suggests there’s a scandal that will turn the narrative sideways. But when the “rocky past” is eventually revealed, it doesn’t play that big of a part. I was expecting more, especially when it comes to a life in the “spotlight”. When I did reach the inevitable fallout, it didn’t feel significant enough to be entertaining. For me, it lacked the emotional grip that compels me to keep reading. Fortunately, I’m a fan of the author and the series so there’s no way I’d ever give up on this book.
Principally, Party of Two is a lovely read. The characters are likeable, relatable, and realistic. The romance is as swoon-worthy as always, and the plot is incredible easy to fly through.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Olivia is very career driven. She’s a tough cookie. And after opening her own law firm, her focus is work and then more work. Max is passionate about change. He wants to improve people’s lives, so became California’s junior senator. Though, it means his job is his entire life. Still, they both have blossoming careers, and are highly intelligent in their own right. Olivia and Max are basically the definition of a power couple.
I like how the book discusses white privilege and racism within the criminal justice system without straying too far from the narrative. Max is a white male, who grew up in Beverly Hills. He lived a charmed life, but he wants to use his abilities and privilege to help those who don’t have the same advantage. He may have been raised in a bubble, but when eyes were opened, he stepped up to make a difference. Olivia is not only a woman, but a black woman. So for her, every hurdle is twice the size.
“’I can’t do things like that; I’m a Black woman. I don’t ever get the benefit of the doubt in the way someone like you does. I can’t afford to make split-second decisions and assume they’ll work out. I have to plan, and think, and plan again, and strategize.’”
There’s a strong sense of female unity and triumph in this book. Olivia and her business partner, Ellie, are starting their own law firm and despite their challenges, I found their success to be very empowering. The same goes for Jamila, Olivia’s new friend. She works at a local food bank and is a refreshing ball of ambition and insight. Rather than compete for something shallow (like the attention of men), the women lift each other up and act as a support system for one another.
My knowledge of law and the United States Senate doesn’t go much further than Legally Blonde, but I love how Guillory gives the reader a good look at the working lives of our characters. It’s not all smooth sailing, we see them face very real trials and disappointments as they try to reach success. Also, the protagonists are both in their late 30s, and have careers that actually keep them busy! It’s a subtle element but adds to the reality of the book.
A good chunk of the novel is happy fluff, and I welcome it. I absolutely adore the way Guillory builds a love story. Even from The Wedding Date, I have loved the gentle but emotional bond the builds between the two characters. It has a natural depth to it, the makes it really easy to invest in. The characters are the perfect mix of authentic and dreamy and there’s a steady balance of romance and drama to keep the plot moving.
However, this was not a 5-star read for me. The book’s synopsis suggests there’s a scandal that will turn the narrative sideways. But when the “rocky past” is eventually revealed, it doesn’t play that big of a part. I was expecting more, especially when it comes to a life in the “spotlight”. When I did reach the inevitable fallout, it didn’t feel significant enough to be entertaining. For me, it lacked the emotional grip that compels me to keep reading. Fortunately, I’m a fan of the author and the series so there’s no way I’d ever give up on this book.
Principally, Party of Two is a lovely read. The characters are likeable, relatable, and realistic. The romance is as swoon-worthy as always, and the plot is incredible easy to fly through.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
I mistakenly believed this would be a light and fluffy rom-com. What I certainly didn't expect was to turn into an emotional mess by the end. Nevertheless, My Oxford Year is a brilliant debut.
Ella is on a Rhodes scholarship at Oxford University. She's intelligent, quick-witted, and determined. She’s also gained a role on her favourite Senator’s team back in the US. Oh, and she’s in love with her professor.
I absolutely adore the setting of My Oxford Year. The author perfectly captures Oxford and its university with her vivid and animated descriptions. Whelan's wordplay is graceful and elegant, while still managing to make me smile. I also really like how fascinated Ella is with British culture and colloquialisms. Along with her natural fierceness, this added a loveable layer to her personality.
However, some of the dialogue is very intense. It occasionally feels like thesaurus was used for every other word. The characters are incredibly intelligent, but there were way too many moments where I stopped reading to open up a dictionary. And while this was very entertaining at first, it became bothersome the further I read into the book.
The book description isn't joking when it says Jamie's life-changing secret deepens his relationship with Ella. It changes the entire direction of the book. Ella and Jamie have an adorable bond, even though they hate each other at first sight. The beginning of their love story reminds me of a more mature Wild Child (2008), with all the charm and hilarity. Their romance is very fast-paced, but heart-warming at the same time. Both characters are likeable which makes it incredible easy to root for them. The lack of cliché is refreshing and overall, I really enjoyed the way the author entertained the lives of the two.
The secondary characters make a great addition to the book. Charlie, Maggie, Tom, Cecilia, Antonia and William never take over the story line, but help move it along as their character develops. They add layers to the primary narrative, while complementing our protagonists. And can we talk about how much of an actual legend Hugh is? What a loveable grump! He's adorable.
My Oxford Year was way more serious that I was looking for. Do not expect this book to be a fluffy holiday read. And it's not your typical chick-lit, there's very little to swoon over. Rather, it's a thought-provoking, emotional, complex story. But this didn't take away from my reading experience, simply because this novel highlights the value of life, and appreciating true love.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Ella is on a Rhodes scholarship at Oxford University. She's intelligent, quick-witted, and determined. She’s also gained a role on her favourite Senator’s team back in the US. Oh, and she’s in love with her professor.
I absolutely adore the setting of My Oxford Year. The author perfectly captures Oxford and its university with her vivid and animated descriptions. Whelan's wordplay is graceful and elegant, while still managing to make me smile. I also really like how fascinated Ella is with British culture and colloquialisms. Along with her natural fierceness, this added a loveable layer to her personality.
However, some of the dialogue is very intense. It occasionally feels like thesaurus was used for every other word. The characters are incredibly intelligent, but there were way too many moments where I stopped reading to open up a dictionary. And while this was very entertaining at first, it became bothersome the further I read into the book.
The book description isn't joking when it says Jamie's life-changing secret deepens his relationship with Ella. It changes the entire direction of the book. Ella and Jamie have an adorable bond, even though they hate each other at first sight. The beginning of their love story reminds me of a more mature Wild Child (2008), with all the charm and hilarity. Their romance is very fast-paced, but heart-warming at the same time. Both characters are likeable which makes it incredible easy to root for them. The lack of cliché is refreshing and overall, I really enjoyed the way the author entertained the lives of the two.
The secondary characters make a great addition to the book. Charlie, Maggie, Tom, Cecilia, Antonia and William never take over the story line, but help move it along as their character develops. They add layers to the primary narrative, while complementing our protagonists. And can we talk about how much of an actual legend Hugh is? What a loveable grump! He's adorable.
My Oxford Year was way more serious that I was looking for. Do not expect this book to be a fluffy holiday read. And it's not your typical chick-lit, there's very little to swoon over. Rather, it's a thought-provoking, emotional, complex story. But this didn't take away from my reading experience, simply because this novel highlights the value of life, and appreciating true love.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Anxious People is “about a lot of things, but mostly about idiots." That’s the best way to describe this refreshingly hilarious but genuinely heartfelt read. Beartown is one of my favourite books, and so I had high hopes for Anxious People. Unsurprisingly, this character-driven novel delivered.
I’m amazed at how much this novel brings a smile to my face, even when it’s over. I connected to this book the moment I read the first line. And the characters are just as vibrant through to the last. It’s a story about a bank robbery turned hostage situation, with the worst hostages and the worst robber ever. But it’s also a story about love, family, honesty, fear, and the value of life. Basically, it’s a story that unveils madness of humanity.
The novel is written in the third person, but the variety of voices and personalities stop the story from feeling one-sided. That’s probably because the personalities are perfectly fabricated and brilliantly developed. Fredrik Backman has created an incredibly impressive web of characters in Anxious People. And like his many other works, they're so fun to explore. When so many voices are thrown into one novel, it's common for them to blend into one loud noise. But that's not the case with Anxious People. It's one of the things I loved most about Beartown too.
Anxious People is the kind of book that feels like it was expertly crafted to create an enthralling reading experience. Every chapter is a comforting escape. It’s poignant, whimsical, and heartbreakingly sincere. The characters, the pacing, and the overall mystery all contribute to a full and satisfying narrative. And by the last page, I was crying, laughing, crying, and then laughing again. If you’re thinking about picking up this book, stop thinking and just do it.
Read the full review here!
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
I’m amazed at how much this novel brings a smile to my face, even when it’s over. I connected to this book the moment I read the first line. And the characters are just as vibrant through to the last. It’s a story about a bank robbery turned hostage situation, with the worst hostages and the worst robber ever. But it’s also a story about love, family, honesty, fear, and the value of life. Basically, it’s a story that unveils madness of humanity.
The novel is written in the third person, but the variety of voices and personalities stop the story from feeling one-sided. That’s probably because the personalities are perfectly fabricated and brilliantly developed. Fredrik Backman has created an incredibly impressive web of characters in Anxious People. And like his many other works, they're so fun to explore. When so many voices are thrown into one novel, it's common for them to blend into one loud noise. But that's not the case with Anxious People. It's one of the things I loved most about Beartown too.
Anxious People is the kind of book that feels like it was expertly crafted to create an enthralling reading experience. Every chapter is a comforting escape. It’s poignant, whimsical, and heartbreakingly sincere. The characters, the pacing, and the overall mystery all contribute to a full and satisfying narrative. And by the last page, I was crying, laughing, crying, and then laughing again. If you’re thinking about picking up this book, stop thinking and just do it.
Read the full review here!
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Nina Dean is a successful food writer living in London. Through a dating app, she meets Max and has one of the best dates of her life. At the very end of the night, he candidly tells her he's going to marry her. But, Nina is constantly aware of time getting away. Her friends are settling down, her mum is on some sort of mid-life-makeover-extravaganza, and her dad is slowly declining away from dementia.
The best thing about Ghosts is Nina. She's a loveable protagonist. It's not just that she's relatable, there's something refreshing about her. She's a hard worker, ambitious and intelligent. Nina feels very much like the type of woman I'd want to be friends with, and that made Ghosts a really enjoyable read.
Interestingly, the ghosts in Nina's life are not just ex-boyfriends. The honest novel highlights how we can be ghosted by friends, family, and maybe even ourselves from time to time. The entire concept has a vulnerability to it that makes it easy to devour. The characters have depth, and are well-developed in a way that makes them easy to attach to.
I really love Dolly Alderton's whit. And this book made me laugh significantly more than Everything I Know About Love. Alderton has a brilliant way of bringing up memories I never realised I had. And it really brought a smile to my face. She constantly attaches tiny but significant details to the character’s thoughts that not only add to the story but also bring a heart-warming sense of nostalgia. Although it's an emotional read, Ghosts is very much a comfortable one.
I also like how this story explores the mindset of someone who feels left behind. It's a very real and common worry that I found relevant and comforting. Nina is in her 30s and dating while her friends are getting married or having children. And she started to feel like the only one left. The way the author expressed Nina's hopes and insecurities marvellously humanises her. The pressures gradually build, while her connections gradually fade.
One of the most heartbreaking parts of the book is Nina's experience with a parent living with dementia. She has to watch her father slowly lose himself in one way, while her mother loses herself in another way. I found the striking link to childhood and family to be surprisingly hearty and sincere. It grounds both the character and the overall narrative.
This book really hooked me. And I'm so happy about it. The poignant theme of holding on to one's identity as life curves and changes really touches the heart. Alderton's humour is perfectly displayed through Nina, and the contemporary exploration of a millennial in London makes for a truly enjoyable read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
The best thing about Ghosts is Nina. She's a loveable protagonist. It's not just that she's relatable, there's something refreshing about her. She's a hard worker, ambitious and intelligent. Nina feels very much like the type of woman I'd want to be friends with, and that made Ghosts a really enjoyable read.
Interestingly, the ghosts in Nina's life are not just ex-boyfriends. The honest novel highlights how we can be ghosted by friends, family, and maybe even ourselves from time to time. The entire concept has a vulnerability to it that makes it easy to devour. The characters have depth, and are well-developed in a way that makes them easy to attach to.
I really love Dolly Alderton's whit. And this book made me laugh significantly more than Everything I Know About Love. Alderton has a brilliant way of bringing up memories I never realised I had. And it really brought a smile to my face. She constantly attaches tiny but significant details to the character’s thoughts that not only add to the story but also bring a heart-warming sense of nostalgia. Although it's an emotional read, Ghosts is very much a comfortable one.
I also like how this story explores the mindset of someone who feels left behind. It's a very real and common worry that I found relevant and comforting. Nina is in her 30s and dating while her friends are getting married or having children. And she started to feel like the only one left. The way the author expressed Nina's hopes and insecurities marvellously humanises her. The pressures gradually build, while her connections gradually fade.
One of the most heartbreaking parts of the book is Nina's experience with a parent living with dementia. She has to watch her father slowly lose himself in one way, while her mother loses herself in another way. I found the striking link to childhood and family to be surprisingly hearty and sincere. It grounds both the character and the overall narrative.
This book really hooked me. And I'm so happy about it. The poignant theme of holding on to one's identity as life curves and changes really touches the heart. Alderton's humour is perfectly displayed through Nina, and the contemporary exploration of a millennial in London makes for a truly enjoyable read.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
I expected Escaping Dreamland to be an escape from reality. However, it didn't create the mysterious and nostalgic atmosphere I was hoping for. It wasn't nearly as exciting as I had hoped. Still, there are aspects of this book I enjoyed, making it a modest read.
Our protagonist, Robert, is a writer living in New York City. His relationship with his girlfriend begins falls apart after the success of his first novel. He then goes on a journey to explore the history of the books that shaped his childhood. At the same time, the reader goes on a journey to explore the beginnings of Robert's favourite authors: Thomas, Magda and Eugene.
I like the way the chapters bounce between Robert and the trio of authors, but it took a while for the story to get going. I found myself constantly waiting for something to happen which meant the original enthusiasm for this book died out. Additionally, the book felt unnecessarily long. There were a lot of details and even whole chapters that didn't move the narrative along. And the pace slowed dramatically in some places. The suspense dipped, especially when it came to the history of the authors. As a result, I was tempted to skip some moments.
The most endearing element of Escaping Dreamland is the literary adventure the story provides. Lovett splendidly builds a historical timelines that's quite fun to dive into. I like how the characters were developed, specifically the Tremendous Trio. The reader has the opportunity to discover multiple lives at once, which is an entertaining and interesting concept.
As it took a while for the connection between the characters to become clear, I wasn't as engaged when the book reached its peak. The only push to keep reader was the author's enjoyable style of writing, which is classically articulate with a chatty feel. Another frustration is the secret keeping. Robert's relationship is failing because he is distant and keeping secrets from Rebecca, his girlfriend. I imagined the secret to be something life-changing, but the drama was lacking in that respect.
Although I enjoy books about the magic of books, the protagonist was childish and irritating. He earned plenty of eye rolls and little sympathy. In my opinion, the best thing about the book are the tales of the Tremendous Trio. The premise of Escaping Dreamland is exciting and thrilling, but sadly, the overall story fell short.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Our protagonist, Robert, is a writer living in New York City. His relationship with his girlfriend begins falls apart after the success of his first novel. He then goes on a journey to explore the history of the books that shaped his childhood. At the same time, the reader goes on a journey to explore the beginnings of Robert's favourite authors: Thomas, Magda and Eugene.
I like the way the chapters bounce between Robert and the trio of authors, but it took a while for the story to get going. I found myself constantly waiting for something to happen which meant the original enthusiasm for this book died out. Additionally, the book felt unnecessarily long. There were a lot of details and even whole chapters that didn't move the narrative along. And the pace slowed dramatically in some places. The suspense dipped, especially when it came to the history of the authors. As a result, I was tempted to skip some moments.
The most endearing element of Escaping Dreamland is the literary adventure the story provides. Lovett splendidly builds a historical timelines that's quite fun to dive into. I like how the characters were developed, specifically the Tremendous Trio. The reader has the opportunity to discover multiple lives at once, which is an entertaining and interesting concept.
As it took a while for the connection between the characters to become clear, I wasn't as engaged when the book reached its peak. The only push to keep reader was the author's enjoyable style of writing, which is classically articulate with a chatty feel. Another frustration is the secret keeping. Robert's relationship is failing because he is distant and keeping secrets from Rebecca, his girlfriend. I imagined the secret to be something life-changing, but the drama was lacking in that respect.
Although I enjoy books about the magic of books, the protagonist was childish and irritating. He earned plenty of eye rolls and little sympathy. In my opinion, the best thing about the book are the tales of the Tremendous Trio. The premise of Escaping Dreamland is exciting and thrilling, but sadly, the overall story fell short.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
More Miracle Than Bird is an intriguing novel surrounding a secret society in during WWI. Georgie Hyde-Lees is only twenty-one years old when she meets W. B. Yeats, who introduces her to a whole underworld of mysteries.
The author has a brilliant writing style, that’s engaging and enjoyable. It’s evident a significant amount of research went into refining the book’s details. And I really appreciate how factual it feels, especially for a work of fiction. I really like the deep dive into Georgie’s history, which adds another atmospheric layer to the story. Learning more about her family and past would have been an even greater addition, as this element entertained me the most.
Sadly, my biggest struggle with More Miracle Than Bird is the characters. There wasn’t a single personality I liked, or wanted to like! They felt distant, making it difficult to connect or invest in their adventures. Georgie frustrated more than interested me, and I found W. B. Yeats to be exasperating. I think this talented poet’s personality could have been much more exciting.
I did find myself getting a little tangled with the book’s plot and overall message. It seemed to switch between historical fiction to a whimsical adventure to a mysterious romance. And while the pace didn’t suffer, my interest did. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook’s narrator, which brought life into a story I struggled to really get into.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
The author has a brilliant writing style, that’s engaging and enjoyable. It’s evident a significant amount of research went into refining the book’s details. And I really appreciate how factual it feels, especially for a work of fiction. I really like the deep dive into Georgie’s history, which adds another atmospheric layer to the story. Learning more about her family and past would have been an even greater addition, as this element entertained me the most.
Sadly, my biggest struggle with More Miracle Than Bird is the characters. There wasn’t a single personality I liked, or wanted to like! They felt distant, making it difficult to connect or invest in their adventures. Georgie frustrated more than interested me, and I found W. B. Yeats to be exasperating. I think this talented poet’s personality could have been much more exciting.
I did find myself getting a little tangled with the book’s plot and overall message. It seemed to switch between historical fiction to a whimsical adventure to a mysterious romance. And while the pace didn’t suffer, my interest did. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook’s narrator, which brought life into a story I struggled to really get into.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
The Deep Blue Between is a strikingly historic tale about love, loss, family, and hope. It tells the story of Hassana and Husseina, twins who are separated as children and grow up with an ocean between them. The only thing that connects them are their dreams, as they long to be united once again.
Ayesha Harruna Attah’s vivid and enchanting descriptions Brazil and the Gold Coast brilliantly establish the impassioned atmosphere for this book. Her writing style stirs up a courageous spirit that makes The Deep Blue Between a really comforting read. She highlights the complexities of sisterhood through well-rounded characters and their individual journeys of growth and self-discovery.
The book has a dual narrative, and although twins tell the story, the differences in their personalities are evident. They could very easily blend into one voice, but Attah subtly forms slight contrasts between the two, which only develops as they mature in different environments. Their voices complement each other flawlessly, which is the biggest highlight for me.
The Deep Blue Between really forces the reader to empathise with Hassana and Husseina. It becomes a window into a mindset built on conviction and loyalty, during times of slavery and colonialism. The impact of culture and society is also explored alongside the twins’ hardships. This beautiful story is rich in both culture and emotion. It takes place during a dark era of history but emphasises the importance of endurance and faith during the most difficult of journeys.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Ayesha Harruna Attah’s vivid and enchanting descriptions Brazil and the Gold Coast brilliantly establish the impassioned atmosphere for this book. Her writing style stirs up a courageous spirit that makes The Deep Blue Between a really comforting read. She highlights the complexities of sisterhood through well-rounded characters and their individual journeys of growth and self-discovery.
The book has a dual narrative, and although twins tell the story, the differences in their personalities are evident. They could very easily blend into one voice, but Attah subtly forms slight contrasts between the two, which only develops as they mature in different environments. Their voices complement each other flawlessly, which is the biggest highlight for me.
The Deep Blue Between really forces the reader to empathise with Hassana and Husseina. It becomes a window into a mindset built on conviction and loyalty, during times of slavery and colonialism. The impact of culture and society is also explored alongside the twins’ hardships. This beautiful story is rich in both culture and emotion. It takes place during a dark era of history but emphasises the importance of endurance and faith during the most difficult of journeys.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram