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elwirax's reviews
490 reviews
The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean
The modern setting was an interesting choice. The behaviours and customs of the book eaters evoke an almost Victorian reality, the inclusion of things such as video games and motorcycles subverts this. While this wasn't something I particularly liked, it can be interpreted as commentary on the absurdity of the presence of archaic ideals in the modern world and the subtle ways in which people are still indoctrinated into them.
The book was very intriguing in it's exploration of themes such as misogyny, the constraints of the patriarchy, forced marriages and separations from children and the role of religion.
However, due to its primary focus on the theme of motherhood, the book was hindered in many ways. I found it dissapointing that a book wanting its woman lead to be autonomous (Devon being queer and disobeying the rules of the patriarchal system), still managed to play into those roles. Devon's sole motivation was her children, reducing her to a self sacrificing mother while her queerness was wholly undeveloped and nothing more than a throw away comment. Aside from Devon, Hester, the brief mention of Viv and a few faceless aunts, most of the characters were male which really doesn't decentralise men from what is meant to be a feminist tale (though this can be commentary on the clutches of the patriarchy etc).
Furthermore, the book eating wasn't really explored adequately and was chalked up to some 'alien creator' who abandoned his project. There were too many book eater characteristics mentioned that were left unexplained and served very little purpose for moving the plot further. In terms of characters, I couldn't really connect to any of them but found Jarrow quite interesting despite his lack of development.
Overall, interesting in some aspects but bogged down by information that led nowhere and focused too much on motherhood which was not my expectation when starting the book.
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
'We can only live by the light we're given, and some of us are given no light at all. What else can we do except learn to see in the dark?'
The modern setting was an interesting choice. The behaviours and customs of the book eaters evoke an almost Victorian reality, the inclusion of things such as video games and motorcycles subverts this. While this wasn't something I particularly liked, it can be interpreted as commentary on the absurdity of the presence of archaic ideals in the modern world and the subtle ways in which people are still indoctrinated into them.
The book was very intriguing in it's exploration of themes such as misogyny, the constraints of the patriarchy, forced marriages and separations from children and the role of religion.
However, due to its primary focus on the theme of motherhood, the book was hindered in many ways. I found it dissapointing that a book wanting its woman lead to be autonomous (Devon being queer and disobeying the rules of the patriarchal system), still managed to play into those roles. Devon's sole motivation was her children, reducing her to a self sacrificing mother while her queerness was wholly undeveloped and nothing more than a throw away comment. Aside from Devon, Hester, the brief mention of Viv and a few faceless aunts, most of the characters were male which really doesn't decentralise men from what is meant to be a feminist tale (though this can be commentary on the clutches of the patriarchy etc).
Furthermore, the book eating wasn't really explored adequately and was chalked up to some 'alien creator' who abandoned his project. There were too many book eater characteristics mentioned that were left unexplained and served very little purpose for moving the plot further. In terms of characters, I couldn't really connect to any of them but found Jarrow quite interesting despite his lack of development.
Overall, interesting in some aspects but bogged down by information that led nowhere and focused too much on motherhood which was not my expectation when starting the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Violence
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Rape
When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
There weren't many hooks in this book but there was something so charming about the writing and characters. It almost felt like re-reading an old childhood storybook.
I enjoyed the Jewish folklore and cultural elements which really breathed life into the story (and the inclusion of a glossary for understanding the Yiddish and Hebrew words). Thematically (identity, the immigrant experience, class struggle etc) it was also very interesting.
I enjoyed the Jewish folklore and cultural elements which really breathed life into the story (and the inclusion of a glossary for understanding the Yiddish and Hebrew words). Thematically (identity, the immigrant experience, class struggle etc) it was also very interesting.
The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke
An interesting exploration of folklore and tales of which the vampire and ghost sections were my favourite.
The historicity comes in to question as some sources are quite dubious e.g. random blog posts. However, it is still enjoyable enough.
The book heavily overlaps with the podcast which is great for those who have never listened to it.
dark
informative
fast-paced
3.0
'Death, though, is a reality for all of us, whether we like it or not. Whether we’re young or old, rich or poor, healthy or sick, life is one long journey down a road, and we walk until it’s over. Some think they see light at the end of it all, while others hope for darkness. And that’s where the mystery of it all comes in. No one knows what’s on the other side; we just know that the proverbial walk ends at some point.'
An interesting exploration of folklore and tales of which the vampire and ghost sections were my favourite.
The historicity comes in to question as some sources are quite dubious e.g. random blog posts. However, it is still enjoyable enough.
The book heavily overlaps with the podcast which is great for those who have never listened to it.
The Yellow Wall-Paper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
dark
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? It's complicated
3.5
Goblin Market and Other Poems by Christina Rossetti
Some really interesting poems on love, loss, nature and death. The poems took a sharp religious turn towards the end which wasn't my cup of tea but enjoyable enough.
Favourites:
•Goblin Market
•No, Thank You, John
•Song
fast-paced
3.0
'I have no heart? — Perhaps I have not; But then you’re mad to take offence That I don’t give you what I have not got.'
'We must not look at goblin men, We must not buy their fruits:
Who knows upon what soil they fed
Their hungry thirsty roots?'
Some really interesting poems on love, loss, nature and death. The poems took a sharp religious turn towards the end which wasn't my cup of tea but enjoyable enough.
Favourites:
•Goblin Market
•No, Thank You, John
•Song
Limitless: Poetry of an Aromantic & Asexual Journey by Patrick Bex
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
It's so rare to find good aro/ace representation, and even more so in poetry. The writing isn't my ideal style for poetry, but through the experiences and emotions shared, I can tell that this collection means a lot to the author—and, consequently, it means a lot to me. The progression of the poems, developing from uncertainty to acceptance, was beautifully done, and the recurring sailboat theme was particularly interesting. The final poem provided a great conclusion to the collection.
Favourites:
•Vacancy
•Pretending
•Taco Bell parking lot
•Did I waste her time?
•Rankings
Favourites:
•Vacancy
•Pretending
•Taco Bell parking lot
•Did I waste her time?
•Rankings
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
I truly expected the writing style to be more difficult but it was quite straightforward and enjoyable in that regard. I appreciate 'Carmilla' from a historical standpoint and as a classic in the vampire genre.
That being said, while progressive in it's depiction of female sexuality, it is a product of its time. The tale, very much associates Carmilla's vampirism with lesbian attraction and thereby suggesting that female sexuality is something to be feared. It portrayed a ' predatory, lesbian vampire corrupts an innocent girl' type of story rather than the sapphic romance it is heralded as.
There was some interesting political discussions like the abuses of the aristocracy and themes such as the fight between scientific rationalism and lingering superstitious beliefs. Unsurprisingly, there was also and instance of racism and many instances of classism that were unsavory.
Overall, an interesting wee book but (unsurprisingly) flawed in many ways.
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
'You must come with me, loving me, to death; or else hate me, and still come with me.'
' It was like the ardor of a lover; it embarrassed me; it was hateful and yet over-powering; and with gloating eyes she drew me to her, and her hot lips traveled along my cheek in kisses; and she would whisper, almost in sobs, "You are mine, you shall be mine, you and I are one for ever."'
I truly expected the writing style to be more difficult but it was quite straightforward and enjoyable in that regard. I appreciate 'Carmilla' from a historical standpoint and as a classic in the vampire genre.
That being said, while progressive in it's depiction of female sexuality, it is a product of its time. The tale, very much associates Carmilla's vampirism with lesbian attraction and thereby suggesting that female sexuality is something to be feared. It portrayed a ' predatory, lesbian vampire corrupts an innocent girl' type of story rather than the sapphic romance it is heralded as.
There was some interesting political discussions like the abuses of the aristocracy and themes such as the fight between scientific rationalism and lingering superstitious beliefs. Unsurprisingly, there was also and instance of racism and many instances of classism that were unsavory.
Overall, an interesting wee book but (unsurprisingly) flawed in many ways.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia
Moderate: Blood, Lesbophobia
His Black Tongue by Mitchell Lüthi
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
A phenomenal audiobook narration. Unfortunately, the stories were sort of weak and repetitive. A decent collection but nothing spectacular.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, War
Minor: Slavery
The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
The writing seemed very juvenile to me and was more telling than showing. The characters were flat and uninteresting, it took too long for the plot to unravel and certain elements were far too convenient.
That being said, it had interesting themes such as the the oppression and strength of women, some decent political intrigue and good worldbuilding elements.
That being said, it had interesting themes such as the the oppression and strength of women, some decent political intrigue and good worldbuilding elements.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Torture, War
The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5