fiona_apples's reviews
18 reviews

Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad 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? Yes

4.5

Left me in shambles. O'Farrell's command of language and prose is something to be envied and in awe of. One of the most heartfelt, raw pieces of literature I have read yet.

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-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? Yes

5.0

Collab of the century

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

adventurous challenging dark inspiring reflective tense 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? Yes

5.0

Neil Gaiman could write Terms & Conditions documents and I'd read every word. Flawless through and through - this is 100% a contemporary classic, don't care if anyone says otherwise.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.75

I consider this book a cornerstone of my personality. Truly the first thing I recommend to anyone asking me what kind of books I like. I knocked off 0.25 stars because it slows way down in the middle - but it's such a rich and satisfying read even with that in mind. 

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

One of the "dark academia" trifecta - and lived up to its reputation. Still one of my favorites to return to. All the mystery and thrills and vibes that The Secret History gives, but a little more approachable, and the characters are a lot easier to get lost in. I'm a sucker for anything Shakespeare. Plus, leans into queer themes! 

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

It was fun! Listened to it as an audiobook, which I think added to the experience. The twist was thrilling, and piecing it together was a lot of fun + very satisfying. 

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark funny medium-paced

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

3.25

The first 2/3 of the book had me hooked - but the ending fell flat for me. I think this book was a little too wrapped up in itself, in trying to tell the reader, "do you GET IT???" It would have been much more compelling if the focus was more on the characters and less on using the characters as a vessel for the point it was trying to make - which, at the end of the day, was not really a revolutionary point at all. We become aware of what the book is trying to say almost immediately and then that does not really grow throughout the book - it's just the same point being reinforced. It was entertaining overall, though.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Colonisation, Xenophobia, Racism, Panic attacks/disorders, Cultural appropriation, Cursing, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief

Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape

Minor: Death of parent and Eating disorder

Bunny by Mona Awad

challenging dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

BUNNY U ARE GENIUS