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emmme's reviews
13 reviews
Germinal by Émile Zola
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
4.0
A book for the struggle and a showcase of solidarity.
Girl at War by Sara Nović
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This books tells the story of war that is both compelling and introspective in a way that allows the reader to flesh out their own unique understanding of the Yugoslav conflict, particularly the experience of Croatia. I heartedly recommend for anyone interested in the stories of refugees, modern conflict, and the eastern bloc.
If you are interested in the history of Croatia to round out this reading experience, I recommend picking up Croatia: A Nation Forged in War by Marcus Tanner. Reading the two simultaneously was a huge help in creating a full picture of Ana’s experiences as a Croat throughout the novel.
If you are interested in the history of Croatia to round out this reading experience, I recommend picking up Croatia: A Nation Forged in War by Marcus Tanner. Reading the two simultaneously was a huge help in creating a full picture of Ana’s experiences as a Croat throughout the novel.
Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue
medium-paced
4.5
“…beauty was work made flesh.”
This book was a testament to that quote from Slammerskin. Elegantly written, masterfully woven, this story is like a piece of fine silk. The main protagonist, Mary, opens your eyes to a time period and a set of persons so uniquely motivated that it is impossible to take a breath. Richly illustrated, every page is filled with language that not only is thought provoking but also allows the reader to follow along without being led on.
Heartedly recommend for historical fiction readers as well as those who enjoy A24 films — which this book is made to become!
This book was a testament to that quote from Slammerskin. Elegantly written, masterfully woven, this story is like a piece of fine silk. The main protagonist, Mary, opens your eyes to a time period and a set of persons so uniquely motivated that it is impossible to take a breath. Richly illustrated, every page is filled with language that not only is thought provoking but also allows the reader to follow along without being led on.
Heartedly recommend for historical fiction readers as well as those who enjoy A24 films — which this book is made to become!
Outlawed by Anna North
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
OH SO GOOD!
I absolutely ate this book up! It's so fast paced that I had to re-read the last page just to savor the moment!
If you don't like traditional westerns, don't worry! This can still be the book for you. As I write this I am but one mile away from the amazing Iowa Writer's Workshop where North was able to hone her craft -- and let me just tell you, her writing style is incredible. Drawing you in from the first clause, North's alternative American past transports you into a time so familiar yet so foreign. Both the gender (okay I see you non-binary cow-folk!!) and sexuality diversity only adds to the stories richness.
If you were hesitant to pick up this novel because your not a fan of the old west or historical fiction in general, I dare you to give this wonderful work of writing a chance! It may surprise and delight you!
I absolutely ate this book up! It's so fast paced that I had to re-read the last page just to savor the moment!
If you don't like traditional westerns, don't worry! This can still be the book for you. As I write this I am but one mile away from the amazing Iowa Writer's Workshop where North was able to hone her craft -- and let me just tell you, her writing style is incredible. Drawing you in from the first clause, North's alternative American past transports you into a time so familiar yet so foreign. Both the gender (okay I see you non-binary cow-folk!!) and sexuality diversity only adds to the stories richness.
If you were hesitant to pick up this novel because your not a fan of the old west or historical fiction in general, I dare you to give this wonderful work of writing a chance! It may surprise and delight you!
The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
emotional
medium-paced
5.0
What a whirl wind?!
This 3-day microcosm of 1918 pandemic Dublin will carry you away with its tense storytelling and in-depth understanding of midwifery and medicine. Though not for the faint of heart, The Pull of the Stars leans into the grotesque, heartbreaking nature of 1918 Dublin. Influenza and World War One rages around our protagonist -- one having destroyed her brother and the other ravaging her new-found love.
Highly recommend for any lovers of lgbtq histories as certain characters and large aspects of this novel are taken from real-life people and experiences. Please, please check this book out! Don't be too dissuade by other reviews!
This 3-day microcosm of 1918 pandemic Dublin will carry you away with its tense storytelling and in-depth understanding of midwifery and medicine. Though not for the faint of heart, The Pull of the Stars leans into the grotesque, heartbreaking nature of 1918 Dublin. Influenza and World War One rages around our protagonist -- one having destroyed her brother and the other ravaging her new-found love.
Highly recommend for any lovers of lgbtq histories as certain characters and large aspects of this novel are taken from real-life people and experiences. Please, please check this book out! Don't be too dissuade by other reviews!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Domestic abuse, and Grief
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Ummm there are a lot of mixed reviews for this book on here, but can I just say that I adored this novel. Going in, I was expecting the type of witchy magic you get in a lot of fiction however Barry shifts your attention away from any magical insights into the heavily character driven story of a women who is hurting. Both physically and mentally, the main character, Towner as she prefers to be called, is scarred by a past she can’t remember. The haunting aspect of this novel does not come from any Salem-esque witchcraft, but rather the violence of man. This book touched me in ways that were unexpected and heartbreaking. I would recommend The Lace Reader for anyone who needs a good, sit-down, slow-burning, seance-inducing book with just the right amount of mystery and murder.
In the Age of Love and Chocolate by Gabrielle Zevin
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is the best book in this under-rated YA futuristic trilogy. The character arc between the beginning of this book until the last page is both immense but also extremely relatable. I first read this series when I was in middle school and recently decided to re-read it (in my head I was thinking, yes, why not pick up this YA romance series, it is the middle of a pandemic and all). I'm not sure if I remembered what this last book was actually about. I found myself totally engrossed in the character's well-being -- even when she would make stupid choices. The main protagonist grows up in front of your eyes during the corse of this one book and I found myself being able to relate to her 20-something year old self much more now -- as I am a 20-something -- then I could of when I first read it.