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duncanshaw's reviews
132 reviews
Marine Biology: A Very Short Introduction by Philip V. Mladenov
informative
fast-paced
3.75
Fits the brief very well.
Short and precise. Gives an overview of the subject in an easy-to-understand way. Very eloquent and uses up-to-date statistics and case studies. I liked how, although it would be easy to be pessimistic regarding the subject, the author either maintained a neutral and optimistic tone most of the time.
Finally, the further reading provided, with recent sources, was good - a fantastic gateway to the subject.
Short and precise. Gives an overview of the subject in an easy-to-understand way. Very eloquent and uses up-to-date statistics and case studies. I liked how, although it would be easy to be pessimistic regarding the subject, the author either maintained a neutral and optimistic tone most of the time.
Finally, the further reading provided, with recent sources, was good - a fantastic gateway to the subject.
Case Study by Graeme Macrae Burnet
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed Case Study for a couple of reasons. Firstly I genuinely found the plot mysterious and engaging, and secondly, the use of different styles was done very well.
The author has split the book in half, with alternating chapters of "biography" of one of the characters: the mysterious Dr. Braithwaite, written in more formal and non-fiction style prose, while the other chapters are written as notebooks set in the past by the other main character: a woman trying to investigate Braithwaite at the time. This provides different perspectives on the plot, the characters, and the world created. It allowed the character of Braithwaite to be developed intensely and to form the character well. The alternative perspective gave a very different vibe, which was integrated well. As I said, it gave a very different perspective - that of a woman in the 60s, and the social implications and dynamics that come with that.
Now, one does need to be careful when depicting life from the viewpoint of a marginalized group at a c]certain time. I'm not a social historian, so I'm not sure how well/accurate that was done, but it was an interesting attempt, if not a bit clichéd at times (especially with "Rebecca"). I think that could have been done slightly more subtly.
As both writing formats were sort of fictionalized non-fiction (memoir and biography), the author did a good job of creating an alternative history, integrating it slickly into actual history. This was entertaining but sometimes felt a bit forced. It almost felt like the author was trying too hard to integrate it, and it sometimes felt a bit unnecessary, although I only felt this briefly at times.
In terms of the plot, I found it gripping and found myself frequently wanting to know what was to happen next. I enjoyed the psychology angle and the trope of the charismatic cult-like figure was done well, following his rise and eventual fall. It felt realistic, despite attempting the scientific angle. Finally, I felt some threads that should have been dealt with were left untied slightly. Despite this, though, I found the main plotline, in which I was primarily invested, finished with good amounts of ambiguity, but ample closure.
The author has split the book in half, with alternating chapters of "biography" of one of the characters: the mysterious Dr. Braithwaite, written in more formal and non-fiction style prose, while the other chapters are written as notebooks set in the past by the other main character: a woman trying to investigate Braithwaite at the time. This provides different perspectives on the plot, the characters, and the world created. It allowed the character of Braithwaite to be developed intensely and to form the character well. The alternative perspective gave a very different vibe, which was integrated well. As I said, it gave a very different perspective - that of a woman in the 60s, and the social implications and dynamics that come with that.
Now, one does need to be careful when depicting life from the viewpoint of a marginalized group at a c]certain time. I'm not a social historian, so I'm not sure how well/accurate that was done, but it was an interesting attempt, if not a bit clichéd at times (especially with "Rebecca"). I think that could have been done slightly more subtly.
As both writing formats were sort of fictionalized non-fiction (memoir and biography), the author did a good job of creating an alternative history, integrating it slickly into actual history. This was entertaining but sometimes felt a bit forced. It almost felt like the author was trying too hard to integrate it, and it sometimes felt a bit unnecessary, although I only felt this briefly at times.
In terms of the plot, I found it gripping and found myself frequently wanting to know what was to happen next. I enjoyed the psychology angle and the trope of the charismatic cult-like figure was done well, following his rise and eventual fall. It felt realistic, despite attempting the scientific angle. Finally, I felt some threads that should have been dealt with were left untied slightly. Despite this, though, I found the main plotline, in which I was primarily invested, finished with good amounts of ambiguity, but ample closure.
Elegy For a River: Whiskers, Claws and Conservation's Last, Wild Hope by Tom Moorhouse
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
4.0
This book fits very nicely into my interests. An academic river ecologist writing about his life and experiences, the species and environments he studies, and the challenges he faced. It was so interesting reading about what it is like doing fieldwork and academia, in an honest and heartfelt way. It was also really interesting actually learning about the species he was working with and their specific ecology and interactions.
Elegy for a River is very factual, but also a joy to read for the writing style. Which, despite dealing with important issues (and Moorhouse doesn't diminish their importance in his style), is fun and readable. There are rarely large stretches of dull descriptions or writings. Moorhouse clearly demonstrates his love for the animals and the world he works in by the way he beautifully writes about them.
This passion is obvious from his descriptions, but also from the intense emotion that he injects into his writing, especially the anguish he feels in his personal lack of quantifiable impact and people in power's lack of action. This comes through particularly in the last chapter, which I found genuinely moving.
I think, because I have a particular academic interest in this field, at times I would have liked Moorhouse to go into slightly more detail or take a more academic approach to explaining his study animals and areas, as he clearly has a lot he could say. Also, occasionally, I would have liked more in-depth thoughts and descriptions about his life in academia at the university and not just doing fieldwork. However, I realize these passages would appeal to a relatively niche audience. I understand, in the name of popular science, Moorhouse wrote how and what he did, and he did that well.
Overall, Elegy for a River is a delightful book that conveys so much feeling but simultaneously is so informative. Moorhouse juggles this well, but it really is an Elegy. A book in which Moorhouse truly shows his love for environments and species that are dying or dead, and there is an element of despair as Moorhouse feels he cannot stop it, no matter how much of his life he dedicates to it. Despite this, he also inspires the reader with his 'wild hope.' His partial optimism in the face of all odds is so very important, or else we and all of nature ('we' and 'nature' maybe should not be separated into individual words like that) are fucked.
Elegy for a River is very factual, but also a joy to read for the writing style. Which, despite dealing with important issues (and Moorhouse doesn't diminish their importance in his style), is fun and readable. There are rarely large stretches of dull descriptions or writings. Moorhouse clearly demonstrates his love for the animals and the world he works in by the way he beautifully writes about them.
This passion is obvious from his descriptions, but also from the intense emotion that he injects into his writing, especially the anguish he feels in his personal lack of quantifiable impact and people in power's lack of action. This comes through particularly in the last chapter, which I found genuinely moving.
I think, because I have a particular academic interest in this field, at times I would have liked Moorhouse to go into slightly more detail or take a more academic approach to explaining his study animals and areas, as he clearly has a lot he could say. Also, occasionally, I would have liked more in-depth thoughts and descriptions about his life in academia at the university and not just doing fieldwork. However, I realize these passages would appeal to a relatively niche audience. I understand, in the name of popular science, Moorhouse wrote how and what he did, and he did that well.
Overall, Elegy for a River is a delightful book that conveys so much feeling but simultaneously is so informative. Moorhouse juggles this well, but it really is an Elegy. A book in which Moorhouse truly shows his love for environments and species that are dying or dead, and there is an element of despair as Moorhouse feels he cannot stop it, no matter how much of his life he dedicates to it. Despite this, he also inspires the reader with his 'wild hope.' His partial optimism in the face of all odds is so very important, or else we and all of nature ('we' and 'nature' maybe should not be separated into individual words like that) are fucked.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
At surface level, Small Things Like These is a simple book. It is very short, few events take place, and it is very linear. However, after reading it, it feels like much more. I think Keegan captures something unique here - something experienced deep within oneself - in an extremely efficient and original way.
On one hand, she sets a scene, both in time and place, that captures, I think, exactly what she wants to present perfectly. The descriptions of weather, the area, and the mundane transcend into an image of life. Life, not for just the characters of the book, but a whole swathe of society at that time. She expresses a sense of place that is both beautiful and bitter. It is perfectly harsh and homely.
On the other hand, Keegan reaches an emotional depth that is so smoothly complex, which the setting is a perfect vessel for. The feelings expressed and depicted could be considered standard: guilt, turmoil, personal morality, and, eventually, relief. However, what Keegan does so well is that she has placed these emotions in such a way as to intensify and amplify them. Using the setting and characters she has built up so seemingly effortlessly, along with the real, lived experiences of girls in Magdeline laundries, Keegan explores the complexities of these feelings without the reader (at least when I was the reader) even registering the depths she is revealing. She is uncovering so profoundly certain human experiences, bringing them to the surface to leave the reader to contemplate.
Overall, this book describes and reveals a society so intimately and with such precise sentiment, quietly portraying humanity in a modest context. It takes actions and corresponding emotions and unassumingly enriches them into the complexity that defines humanity and almost does the human experience justice. All in a subtly eloquent small volume. These 110 (in my copy) pages will certainly stay with me for a while.
On one hand, she sets a scene, both in time and place, that captures, I think, exactly what she wants to present perfectly. The descriptions of weather, the area, and the mundane transcend into an image of life. Life, not for just the characters of the book, but a whole swathe of society at that time. She expresses a sense of place that is both beautiful and bitter. It is perfectly harsh and homely.
On the other hand, Keegan reaches an emotional depth that is so smoothly complex, which the setting is a perfect vessel for. The feelings expressed and depicted could be considered standard: guilt, turmoil, personal morality, and, eventually, relief. However, what Keegan does so well is that she has placed these emotions in such a way as to intensify and amplify them. Using the setting and characters she has built up so seemingly effortlessly, along with the real, lived experiences of girls in Magdeline laundries, Keegan explores the complexities of these feelings without the reader (at least when I was the reader) even registering the depths she is revealing. She is uncovering so profoundly certain human experiences, bringing them to the surface to leave the reader to contemplate.
Overall, this book describes and reveals a society so intimately and with such precise sentiment, quietly portraying humanity in a modest context. It takes actions and corresponding emotions and unassumingly enriches them into the complexity that defines humanity and almost does the human experience justice. All in a subtly eloquent small volume. These 110 (in my copy) pages will certainly stay with me for a while.
Puck of Pook's Hill by Rudyard Kipling
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I thought this book was truly ok.
I must preface this review with the acknowledgment that this is a children's book so is therefore not supposed to be particularly sophisticated and is not written for me per se.
So, the story essentially follows two children from Pevensey in England. They meet the fairy Puck several times, and each time he has with him a person from the past who has a link to the area. This person then tells the children a story of their life. These stories are adventurous and slightly fantastical. You can clearly see whose taste Kipling is catering to here.
However, I like an adventure as much as the next guy, and still, this book lacked something. I think the writing style wasn't quite up my alley. The whole concept of different people telling stories to these kids being the bulk of it didn't feel great for me. It felt clumsy at times and a little unnecessary (and don't get me started on the incessant quotations inside quotations inside quotations). Honestly, although I know it is to add relatability to the target audience, I saw no reason to have the two children characters. They seemed to add nothing but occasional interruptions.
I did like the general concept of stories from throughout history based on a certain local area, but I don't think it was executed as well as it could have been. I felt the stories were slightly inconsistent in quality and entertainment, but that can happen in any book of short stories. This is essentially what this is: a book of short stories interrupted by a random fairy and some children.
The stories were fairly loosely connected, despite being a continuous novel. There were some threads throughout, including a couple of reoccurring characters and, of course, the fact that they have some connection to Pevensey. Although even this geographical thread (which is essentially one of the main points of the book) felt loose sometimes and only added into the stories as a token feature.
Overall, I did enjoy some of the stories, and the addition of related poems was often a nice addition. However, I found myself not enjoying many of the chapters and certain aspects felt like they only added awkwardness to the reading experience. This is a shame, as ultimately it is a good concept for an adventure story compilation.
I must preface this review with the acknowledgment that this is a children's book so is therefore not supposed to be particularly sophisticated and is not written for me per se.
So, the story essentially follows two children from Pevensey in England. They meet the fairy Puck several times, and each time he has with him a person from the past who has a link to the area. This person then tells the children a story of their life. These stories are adventurous and slightly fantastical. You can clearly see whose taste Kipling is catering to here.
However, I like an adventure as much as the next guy, and still, this book lacked something. I think the writing style wasn't quite up my alley. The whole concept of different people telling stories to these kids being the bulk of it didn't feel great for me. It felt clumsy at times and a little unnecessary (and don't get me started on the incessant quotations inside quotations inside quotations). Honestly, although I know it is to add relatability to the target audience, I saw no reason to have the two children characters. They seemed to add nothing but occasional interruptions.
I did like the general concept of stories from throughout history based on a certain local area, but I don't think it was executed as well as it could have been. I felt the stories were slightly inconsistent in quality and entertainment, but that can happen in any book of short stories. This is essentially what this is: a book of short stories interrupted by a random fairy and some children.
The stories were fairly loosely connected, despite being a continuous novel. There were some threads throughout, including a couple of reoccurring characters and, of course, the fact that they have some connection to Pevensey. Although even this geographical thread (which is essentially one of the main points of the book) felt loose sometimes and only added into the stories as a token feature.
Overall, I did enjoy some of the stories, and the addition of related poems was often a nice addition. However, I found myself not enjoying many of the chapters and certain aspects felt like they only added awkwardness to the reading experience. This is a shame, as ultimately it is a good concept for an adventure story compilation.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The Rings of Saturn by W.G. Sebald
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Reading The Rings of Saturn felt like being taken on a gentle but winding boat ride down the stream of consciousness of Sebald.
Although I didn't, I feel like one could easily just keep reading and finish this book in one sitting as it just guides you on. It is so seamless that you feel like nothing has changed until you realize you are reading about the particular topic of the state and disrepair of Irish stately homes after the civil war, having just been reading about the life of Edward FitzGerald. The narrative stream is deep, complex, and thorough while remaining smooth and pleasurable. I have never read anything quite like it.
I loved the history and stories discussed in the book. I especially liked how the histories ranged from deeply personal biographies to epoch-shaping events and the course of historical periods, and everything in between. The former not seeming any less significant than the latter.
The book, at its most fundamental level, is an account of Sebald's journey along the coast of East Anglia, but the historical tours he takes us on do not feel like a tangent to this. In fact, Sebald expertly writes in a way to make them part of the journey. The adventure through Dunwich Heath is no more part of the trip than the exploration of silk cultivation or the life and family of Joseph Conrad. Even geographically, the histories are as connected to the specific place as his physical rambling there.
Occasionally, however, I sometimes had to go back and figure out how we had arrived at a certain topic in order to remember the basis for it, as it was almost too seamless. I think sometimes the slight cut to a new topic or scene can help me follow easier. Certain passages were also fairly challenging and I don't think I completely understood them. I will hopefully read this again and understand more fully next time.
Overall, this is a masterful piece of writing which captures something truly special about the human mind and experience, and the complex nature of place. Sebald's style is so unique and gives you a real insight into his thought process, including his intellectual, emotional, and physical ramblings. Although challenging at times, this is an element that probably only adds to the depth and re-readability of the book. A musing and original read.
Although I didn't, I feel like one could easily just keep reading and finish this book in one sitting as it just guides you on. It is so seamless that you feel like nothing has changed until you realize you are reading about the particular topic of the state and disrepair of Irish stately homes after the civil war, having just been reading about the life of Edward FitzGerald. The narrative stream is deep, complex, and thorough while remaining smooth and pleasurable. I have never read anything quite like it.
I loved the history and stories discussed in the book. I especially liked how the histories ranged from deeply personal biographies to epoch-shaping events and the course of historical periods, and everything in between. The former not seeming any less significant than the latter.
The book, at its most fundamental level, is an account of Sebald's journey along the coast of East Anglia, but the historical tours he takes us on do not feel like a tangent to this. In fact, Sebald expertly writes in a way to make them part of the journey. The adventure through Dunwich Heath is no more part of the trip than the exploration of silk cultivation or the life and family of Joseph Conrad. Even geographically, the histories are as connected to the specific place as his physical rambling there.
Occasionally, however, I sometimes had to go back and figure out how we had arrived at a certain topic in order to remember the basis for it, as it was almost too seamless. I think sometimes the slight cut to a new topic or scene can help me follow easier. Certain passages were also fairly challenging and I don't think I completely understood them. I will hopefully read this again and understand more fully next time.
Overall, this is a masterful piece of writing which captures something truly special about the human mind and experience, and the complex nature of place. Sebald's style is so unique and gives you a real insight into his thought process, including his intellectual, emotional, and physical ramblings. Although challenging at times, this is an element that probably only adds to the depth and re-readability of the book. A musing and original read.
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yōko Ogawa
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was an enjoyable and charming read. It follows a relatively uneventful and lowkey story of three people, with the main premise being that the professor can only remember the last 80 minutes. In all, a very simple book.
Despite its simplicity, I did get somewhat involved in the world and connected with the characters. I found myself actually somewhat frustrated at the professor's memory loss, much like the characters.
Despite drifting off slightly during very baseball-heavy passages, I did enjoy the mathematics aspects and I do think it makes you appreciate maths in a beautiful and pleasant way.
However, that was about the length of it, to be honest. I found it too often be often a bit too simple, surface-level, and potentially not sufficiently complex. Sometimes you want this, though. And I will say that it achieves this lowkey, simple and charming vibe without being cringy or childish.
In conclusion, this is an endearing ode to mathematics and unlikely friendships. It was likable throughout. I don't have many strong feelings about the book after finishing, both overly positive or negative, and I think that sums up the reading experience. It's charming, but don't expect a life-changing read.
Despite its simplicity, I did get somewhat involved in the world and connected with the characters. I found myself actually somewhat frustrated at the professor's memory loss, much like the characters.
Despite drifting off slightly during very baseball-heavy passages, I did enjoy the mathematics aspects and I do think it makes you appreciate maths in a beautiful and pleasant way.
However, that was about the length of it, to be honest. I found it too often be often a bit too simple, surface-level, and potentially not sufficiently complex. Sometimes you want this, though. And I will say that it achieves this lowkey, simple and charming vibe without being cringy or childish.
In conclusion, this is an endearing ode to mathematics and unlikely friendships. It was likable throughout. I don't have many strong feelings about the book after finishing, both overly positive or negative, and I think that sums up the reading experience. It's charming, but don't expect a life-changing read.
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I feel I can't properly review this as it took me so long to read. I went away from it and back to it so many times and that was my mistake.
Towards the end of the third part and the fourth part, I read it mire continuously and I found it far more enjoyable.
Despite it actually being quite readable, I just found it a bit of a slog sometimes and felt I was having to grind through it. Again if I'd committed a bit more to it and got more momentum going through it I may have enjoyed it more.
Although I didn't understand the motives of a lot of the characters and I realize I have not come close to a proper understanding of the book as a whole and its implications, I did start to get invested in the characters and enjoyed the plot.
Overall, though, I remember so little about my feeling of the start of the book that I can't give a truly representative review, so I'll leave it at that.
Towards the end of the third part and the fourth part, I read it mire continuously and I found it far more enjoyable.
Despite it actually being quite readable, I just found it a bit of a slog sometimes and felt I was having to grind through it. Again if I'd committed a bit more to it and got more momentum going through it I may have enjoyed it more.
Although I didn't understand the motives of a lot of the characters and I realize I have not come close to a proper understanding of the book as a whole and its implications, I did start to get invested in the characters and enjoyed the plot.
Overall, though, I remember so little about my feeling of the start of the book that I can't give a truly representative review, so I'll leave it at that.
The Invention of Nature: Alexander Von Humboldt's New World by Andrea Wulf
adventurous
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
I enjoyed this book so much, from cover to cover.
It is so clearly very well researched and a vast amount is covered. The author makes interesting connections with a wide range of interesting figures along with Humboldt.
As someone who knew very little about this extraordinary character, it has filled an essential gap in my knowledge. Many of the characters mentioned in relation to Humboldt (who have been inspired by him essentially) are people who I am interested in separately and had intended to read on separately (Muir, Thoreau, Darwin), before discovering their link to each other through Humboldt, showing how central Humboldt is to my interests.
So the man himself was clearly a spectacular figure, and Wulf brings his story to life using wonderful prose and in an engaging and interesting manner. She paces the book well so there was never a moment where I felt I was lost or that she was being tediously long-winded. I was hooked and consequently read it very quickly. As I mentioned before, the author managed to link in many other interesting aspects without it feeling relevant and their intense research will have helped with that. Everything felt meant, most of all, I learned a lot.
Overall, it feels an injustice that I had not learned about Humboldt previously, and reading this book and learning about Humboldt has genuinely affected me and, I believe, encouraged my passion for learning about nature and ecology
It is so clearly very well researched and a vast amount is covered. The author makes interesting connections with a wide range of interesting figures along with Humboldt.
As someone who knew very little about this extraordinary character, it has filled an essential gap in my knowledge. Many of the characters mentioned in relation to Humboldt (who have been inspired by him essentially) are people who I am interested in separately and had intended to read on separately (Muir, Thoreau, Darwin), before discovering their link to each other through Humboldt, showing how central Humboldt is to my interests.
So the man himself was clearly a spectacular figure, and Wulf brings his story to life using wonderful prose and in an engaging and interesting manner. She paces the book well so there was never a moment where I felt I was lost or that she was being tediously long-winded. I was hooked and consequently read it very quickly. As I mentioned before, the author managed to link in many other interesting aspects without it feeling relevant and their intense research will have helped with that. Everything felt meant, most of all, I learned a lot.
Overall, it feels an injustice that I had not learned about Humboldt previously, and reading this book and learning about Humboldt has genuinely affected me and, I believe, encouraged my passion for learning about nature and ecology