Scan barcode
daphnefrancis's reviews
32 reviews
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
5.0
Storygraph user @akimakami said 'it was a privilege to be able to read this book, to exist at the same time as Ocean Vuong', and I would like to echo these sentiments. Vuong is a magician. His dissections of generational trauma, class, race, and sexuality echoed throughout this narrative are both alarming and essential. Vuong's use of language is masterful.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
5.0
Normal people is ARTISTIC PERFECTION. I must emphasise that this is so much more than a story of romance. This is a beautifully raw account of the conflicts and troubles found within the relationships of 'normal people'... ;)
Marianne and Connell's relationship is intense and painful, leaving me ready to scream at each of them at times. I was also full of empathy for them both. I became attached to their story. This is a testament to Rooney's talent.
Rooney's ability to dissect the human condition is breathtaking and addictive, and has left me feeling nostalgic for experiences I am yet to have. Jack Edwards summed up my sentiments perfectly when he said he would read Rooney's shopping list. My copy of Normal People has a well-deserved place on my favourites shelf.
Marianne and Connell's relationship is intense and painful, leaving me ready to scream at each of them at times. I was also full of empathy for them both. I became attached to their story. This is a testament to Rooney's talent.
Rooney's ability to dissect the human condition is breathtaking and addictive, and has left me feeling nostalgic for experiences I am yet to have. Jack Edwards summed up my sentiments perfectly when he said he would read Rooney's shopping list. My copy of Normal People has a well-deserved place on my favourites shelf.
Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski
5.0
Swimming in the Dark is a masterfully crafted spell brimming with anticipation, internal conflict, and tender intimacy. Jedrowski's writing style is poetic and addictive, creating a beautiful intensity between reader and protagonist.
This novel not only explores the relationship between Ludwik and Janusz, but examines Ludwik's complicated, painful relationship with his homeland of Poland, damaged by Soviet control. Ludwik's description of the tense secrecy and fear laced throughout his life is disarming, and adds a layer of torment to his already heartbreaking reality.
Swimming in the Dark is breath-taking and essential. This is the most stunning debut novel I have ever read, and I am beyond excited to see what Jedrowski gifts us with next!
This novel not only explores the relationship between Ludwik and Janusz, but examines Ludwik's complicated, painful relationship with his homeland of Poland, damaged by Soviet control. Ludwik's description of the tense secrecy and fear laced throughout his life is disarming, and adds a layer of torment to his already heartbreaking reality.
Swimming in the Dark is breath-taking and essential. This is the most stunning debut novel I have ever read, and I am beyond excited to see what Jedrowski gifts us with next!
Playing the Palace by Paul Rudnick
4.25
Playing the Palace is a hilarious, fast-paced, perfectly self-indulgent, light-hearted rom-com, and I adored it!
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
4.5
Rooney's prose is mere perfection, and the effortless pacing of her novels has me in a chokehold. Her characters feel both candid and utterly confusing, as if I have built a relationship with an individual who has not yet met themselves. I am in awe.
Whilst I did not connect with this story as much as Normal People, I put that down to a combination of Rooney having had more time to develop her style as a gifted writer by the time of her second novel, and that I connected more with the story of Connell and Marianne.
I found the character of Frances particularly fascinating, and thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of her relationship with Bobbi. Whilst an ambiguous ending would usually irritate me, this felt well-crafted and fitting to the personality of both Frances and Nick. Overall, this is an outstanding debut novel! I look forward to reading whatever Rooney has coming next!
Whilst I did not connect with this story as much as Normal People, I put that down to a combination of Rooney having had more time to develop her style as a gifted writer by the time of her second novel, and that I connected more with the story of Connell and Marianne.
I found the character of Frances particularly fascinating, and thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of her relationship with Bobbi.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
4.5
Red, White and Royal Blue is a brilliantly funny, heartwarming story armed with a cast of loveable, well-developed characters. I adored it!