emmaj_xo's reviews
72 reviews

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

slow-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

3.0

Oh I really didn’t enjoy this, it almost sent me into a slump. And that’s not to say it’s not masterfully crafted. It very much is. But the central conflict between Charles’ wish for belong to the family and Sebastian’s wish to keep him to himself (away from the suffocating influence of the family) just wasn’t compelling enough for me. Charles is a Nick Caraway type - always an admiring observer and never quite belonging. Sebastian was his Gatsby … until he was forgotten about? I just wished there was a proper conclusion to Sebastian’s story.

Ladies of the Grand Tour: British Women in Pursuit of Enlightenment and Adventure in Eighteenth-Century Europe by Brian Dolan

informative medium-paced

4.0

A grossly entertaining study of the women who embarked on the Grand Tour in the 18th Century, and how these women were received both socially as “modern” women and critically in their published writings. Some reviewers may be disappointed that the book doesn’t focus solely on travel writing and covers reflections on the French Revolution etc but I found it enriched the book. This will be a great introduction to some wonderful women for  some readers. I did pick up a pet peeve of mine though were a distinction was drawn between published and “private” writing - manuscripts sent out to family and friends to be read and shared are hardly “private.”

Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Characterisation is spot on and it covers a crucial chapter of Ahsoka’s life but for all that happens over the course of 300+ pages you may as well watch the Tales of the Jedi episode. Nothing got exciting for me until the last 50 pages or so and the thing I came for was rushed through in just a few pages and felt underdeveloped. There was some references to Anakin and Obi-Wan that had me screaming into the void so it was worth picking this book up. But I’m glad it was an easy read I could race through.

Still Life by Sarah Winman

emotional hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

A novel about the transformative power of art and the love of chosen family. The characters feel as though they are breathing through the pages, and each carefully chosen string of words is poetic. Joyful but also sincere and at times poignant. I couldn’t give it 5 stars because on a personal level it didn’t wholly grip me, but to give it any less than 4 and a half would ne a disservice to Winman’s masterful writing.

The Romanovs: 1613-1918 by Simon Sebag Montefiore

informative medium-paced

4.0

An accessible and compulsively readable romp through 300 years of Russian Tsarist history. Its definitely dense with the sheer amount of material covered and often major events in history are breezed over in favour of covering family drama. But if it’s scandal you’re here for there’s certainly plenty of it. I appreciated that despite covering the details of the brutal murders, without trail and post-abdication, that ended their reign, it didn’t feel like they were being romanticised as has been the tendency of some writers. The insane antisemitism of and encouraged by Nicholas II and his predecessors - the blood libel and the pogroms is harrowing to read. A must-read as an introduction to Romanov history, and the extensive bibliography is a fantastic resource. 

Batgirls Vol. 3: Girls to the Front by Michael W. Conrad, Robbi Rodriguez, Becky Cloonan, Rico Renzi

adventurous fast-paced

4.0

I’ve just finished reading issue 19. This has been my favourite series in a while and I’m gutted it’s ended. Need more StephCass in my life. 

Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy by Jody Houser

adventurous fast-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

2.5

I didn’t read this at the time of release because I didn’t like how DC was handling their relationship or Ivy’s character in general. This book obviously wasn’t what Harlivy fans wanted so not sure who it’s for? Art and colours are absolutely gorgeous, love Ivy’s whole look in this. And I love the tender moments between them, however undermined they are at the end. 

Heroes in Crisis by Tom King, Clay Mann

2.0

Oh god, so much wasted potential. A book about the mental health and trauma of superheroes ends on the entire that an individual’s mental breakdown makes them a danger to others? It undermines the whole premise. Clay Mann’s art is gorgeous and there are a couple of moments of note, particular Harley’s friendship with Batgirl and their bond over shared trauma. Always here for Harlivy too. An important read for Poison Ivy completionists but not an essential read for DC fans.

The Foundling by Stacey Halls

emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

With its complex characters and gut-wrenching mystery at the centre, this drew me in and was a compulsive read. Had 5 star potential until the ending, I wasn’t fully convinced. But would recommend to anyone looking for great character driven historical fiction.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Disappointed since I loved The Secret Garden so much, and the Cuarón A Little Princess was one of my absolute favourites when I was little. Does pull at the heart strings but maybe this is one best enjoyed but younger audiences.