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i_love_big_books's reviews
63 reviews
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
slow-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? No
5.0
I have read this book years ago and I think it was the abridged version possibly. This time around, I really enjoyed the beauty of the language which is big for me because that's exactly what has prevented me from attempting too many classics over the years!
Jane is such a fantastic heroine, in the true sense of the term! Her self respect and independence as well as her refusal to accept any form of ill treatment from anyone no matter the consequences is evident from the first time we meet her as a 10 yo dependent on an aunt who is obliged to care for her unwillingly.
As a young woman seeking employment as a governess, her industrious nature and confidence are obvious and she holds her own so well in the days she spends at Thornfield Hall, the estate of Edward Rochester, whose ward Adele she teaches.
So much happens in this book in terms of conversations, house parties and the activities the guests indulge in and the dialogue between Jane and Edward that it is constantly engrossing. Mr Rochester, as Jane refers to him is worldly wise, prone to sarcastic humour and of course drawn to Jane in a way that seems endearing. Even when his true circumstances are revealed, he comes across as one deserving empathy.
The truth of the mysterious presence in the upper story of the mansion who creates disturbances every once in a while is revealed just as Jane and Mr Rochester are on the threshold of happiness and I think what follows between the two of them is one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful scenes I have ever read. To present such raw, honest feelings on both sides in a way that neither appears the one at fault and yet keep them true to their characters upto that point is accomplished so wonderfully.
Jane's sojourn with the Rivers family had its own charming moments, even if there was more religious talk given St John Rivers was a clergyman. Jane of course recognised when she was acting out of character even when feeling the utmost gratitude to her benefactors and St John's idea of what her future should be, was never considered based on who was suggesting it.
The banter between Edward and Jane was so delightful, given the period the book is set in. It sort of elevated the book to something ahead of its time while retaining the uniqueness of 19th century England. Jane addressing the reader directly is so quirky, emphasizing the feeling that the reader is experiencing everything with her.
It felt good to read a story that is a throwback to many values that existed at the time while being about two people whose relationship, closeness and love seems timeless in the way it is presented.
The narration by Thandie Newton is superlative. This is the best advertisement for the classics genre.
Jane is such a fantastic heroine, in the true sense of the term! Her self respect and independence as well as her refusal to accept any form of ill treatment from anyone no matter the consequences is evident from the first time we meet her as a 10 yo dependent on an aunt who is obliged to care for her unwillingly.
As a young woman seeking employment as a governess, her industrious nature and confidence are obvious and she holds her own so well in the days she spends at Thornfield Hall, the estate of Edward Rochester, whose ward Adele she teaches.
So much happens in this book in terms of conversations, house parties and the activities the guests indulge in and the dialogue between Jane and Edward that it is constantly engrossing. Mr Rochester, as Jane refers to him is worldly wise, prone to sarcastic humour and of course drawn to Jane in a way that seems endearing. Even when his true circumstances are revealed, he comes across as one deserving empathy.
The truth of the mysterious presence in the upper story of the mansion who creates disturbances every once in a while is revealed just as Jane and Mr Rochester are on the threshold of happiness and I think what follows between the two of them is one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful scenes I have ever read. To present such raw, honest feelings on both sides in a way that neither appears the one at fault and yet keep them true to their characters upto that point is accomplished so wonderfully.
Jane's sojourn with the Rivers family had its own charming moments, even if there was more religious talk given St John Rivers was a clergyman. Jane of course recognised when she was acting out of character even when feeling the utmost gratitude to her benefactors and St John's idea of what her future should be, was never considered based on who was suggesting it.
The banter between Edward and Jane was so delightful, given the period the book is set in. It sort of elevated the book to something ahead of its time while retaining the uniqueness of 19th century England. Jane addressing the reader directly is so quirky, emphasizing the feeling that the reader is experiencing everything with her.
It felt good to read a story that is a throwback to many values that existed at the time while being about two people whose relationship, closeness and love seems timeless in the way it is presented.
The narration by Thandie Newton is superlative. This is the best advertisement for the classics genre.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
That was quite an experience!
The size of the novel did not intimidate me as much as what I thought it contained that would be beyond my understanding.
However, it was surprisingly(to me) easy to follow and very interesting.
The sheer scope awed me. The amount of detail given to the characterization, period, culture and most of all the war descriptions is mind boggling.
For a work based on war, there are numerous instances of humour in the astute observations of Russian society made by Tolstoy. Yes, there are a lot of examples of a very patriarchal mindset but given it is set in and written in the nineteenth century, that is a function of the period. It reflects the reality of the time.
While it is a treatise about the Napoleonic wars, it is also a comprehensive study of human nature, be it of the nobility of Russia, the peasants, the soldiers fighting because they were spurred on to do so, the actual commanders and generals of the war or the man (dis)credited with conceiving the war with his singular actions..Napoleon!
Some of the thoughts expressed on the battlefield, the visions his heroes have, especially Prince Andrew and Pierre Bezukhov are so incredibly explained. The footnotes indicate that much of the novel is drawn from the author's own experiences. Even so, to pen a book of this length with so many characters, some of them real historical figures even, and switch between life during the battle and the battle itself is phenomenal.
Words or ratings cannot do justice to what this epic is. I would venture to say only that it seems to me that this is a book that should be read, possibly multiple times, to get the full essence of the ideas encompassed in it.
The size of the novel did not intimidate me as much as what I thought it contained that would be beyond my understanding.
However, it was surprisingly(to me) easy to follow and very interesting.
The sheer scope awed me. The amount of detail given to the characterization, period, culture and most of all the war descriptions is mind boggling.
For a work based on war, there are numerous instances of humour in the astute observations of Russian society made by Tolstoy. Yes, there are a lot of examples of a very patriarchal mindset but given it is set in and written in the nineteenth century, that is a function of the period. It reflects the reality of the time.
While it is a treatise about the Napoleonic wars, it is also a comprehensive study of human nature, be it of the nobility of Russia, the peasants, the soldiers fighting because they were spurred on to do so, the actual commanders and generals of the war or the man (dis)credited with conceiving the war with his singular actions..Napoleon!
Some of the thoughts expressed on the battlefield, the visions his heroes have, especially Prince Andrew and Pierre Bezukhov are so incredibly explained. The footnotes indicate that much of the novel is drawn from the author's own experiences. Even so, to pen a book of this length with so many characters, some of them real historical figures even, and switch between life during the battle and the battle itself is phenomenal.
Words or ratings cannot do justice to what this epic is. I would venture to say only that it seems to me that this is a book that should be read, possibly multiple times, to get the full essence of the ideas encompassed in it.
A Breath Too Late by Rocky Callen
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"Hope can’t be a hollow wish or dream. It needs to be filled, levied, brimming over with intention and action and belief and reaching, reaching, reaching, stretching until your muscles ache because you want it that damn much, and you won’t stop reaching until you hold it.
Until it is yours.
I let go too soon."
"Life,
You were broken, often ugly, and always too much, but you also hid promises in pockets, tucked hope under mattresses, and crammed a thousand perfect moments between the shards of sharp and treacherous ones.
I am sorry I had forgotten them.
I am sorry I didn’t even see.
And a breath too late, I realized …
I loved you."
"We are birds with paper wings. Just because the wings were tattered, doesn’t mean they could never fly. It doesn’t mean that their little fragile lives were worth nothing."
Beautiful words from this sad and haunting story that will always stay with me.
How I wished Ellie's mother could have shown her strength a little earlier so that this hope and love for life could have been Ellie's saviour too.
A very difficult book to read because of the topics it is about. Having said that it has a message that is very very essential.
Heart wrenching but true.
Until it is yours.
I let go too soon."
"Life,
You were broken, often ugly, and always too much, but you also hid promises in pockets, tucked hope under mattresses, and crammed a thousand perfect moments between the shards of sharp and treacherous ones.
I am sorry I had forgotten them.
I am sorry I didn’t even see.
And a breath too late, I realized …
I loved you."
"We are birds with paper wings. Just because the wings were tattered, doesn’t mean they could never fly. It doesn’t mean that their little fragile lives were worth nothing."
Beautiful words from this sad and haunting story that will always stay with me.
How I wished Ellie's mother could have shown her strength a little earlier so that this hope and love for life could have been Ellie's saviour too.
A very difficult book to read because of the topics it is about. Having said that it has a message that is very very essential.
Heart wrenching but true.
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.25
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Where the Wild Ladies Are by Aoko Matsuda
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
A very enjoyable collection of stories inspired by Japanese myth and folklore specifically with respect to the spirit world, these are brilliantly adapted to a modern setting with feminist themes that are very relevant in the present day.
There is a thread of breeziness and humour underlying the stories, even sarcasm. This does not take away from the seriousness of the issues addressed or make them seem trivial.
Many of the tales share a connection that becomes obvious at some point in the narrative.
The deceased aunt who 'visits' her niece and has a conversation about how she should stop obsessing over body hair and in general body image especially to please men, the intelligent woman who is forced to accept less than she deserves because of her gender, the young woman who is a wonderful temple calligrapher but not acknowledged because of her youth, the muddy ghost who visits every night for a bath.. are some of the characters populating these tales that give a new flavor to the myth that inspired them.
I have many favourites in this collection but the one I most related to was Enoki, which is about a tree that develops burrs on its trunk that secrete sap and are considered akin to breasts and revered by women who find it difficult to feed their babies. Their desperation and the fact that even tree sap resembling breast milk is considered ok to feed infants speaks of the culture of vilifying those mothers who are unable to do this much exalted task often through no fault of their own. This was the most hard-hitting story of the collection for me.
It is easy for women to see ourselves in many of these stories and the feelings and experiences of the protagonists are very familiar too. Add to that the fact that these are really nice to read and this is definitely a book I would recommend.
There is a thread of breeziness and humour underlying the stories, even sarcasm. This does not take away from the seriousness of the issues addressed or make them seem trivial.
Many of the tales share a connection that becomes obvious at some point in the narrative.
The deceased aunt who 'visits' her niece and has a conversation about how she should stop obsessing over body hair and in general body image especially to please men, the intelligent woman who is forced to accept less than she deserves because of her gender, the young woman who is a wonderful temple calligrapher but not acknowledged because of her youth, the muddy ghost who visits every night for a bath.. are some of the characters populating these tales that give a new flavor to the myth that inspired them.
I have many favourites in this collection but the one I most related to was Enoki, which is about a tree that develops burrs on its trunk that secrete sap and are considered akin to breasts and revered by women who find it difficult to feed their babies. Their desperation and the fact that even tree sap resembling breast milk is considered ok to feed infants speaks of the culture of vilifying those mothers who are unable to do this much exalted task often through no fault of their own. This was the most hard-hitting story of the collection for me.
It is easy for women to see ourselves in many of these stories and the feelings and experiences of the protagonists are very familiar too. Add to that the fact that these are really nice to read and this is definitely a book I would recommend.
Lore by Alexandra Bracken
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
4.5*
This was a fantastic ride through Greek mythology in a modern day setting.
Based around the Agon, which is an event that occurs every 7 years with the Gods coming to earth in human form and their mortal descendants hunting them, it is nonstop action. The Gods can be killed during this week and their power goes to the one who got the better of them so basically it is like a free for all hunt involving the various houses descended from them.
We meet Lore, the last mortal remaining of the House of Perseides just as the new 7 day Agon is about to start when she comes across a severely wounded Goddess Athena who wants her help in exchange for the promise of revenge against the murderer of her family. If this isn't enough to totally disturb Lore who had in fact turned her back on the hunt and all it entailed, she has to also deal with the reappearance of her beloved childhood friend Castor who she had thought dead. Now he isn't just back but has returned with a new power the source of which even he doesn't know.
The excitement of the hunt alternates with the story of Lore's past and the whole posse of Greek gods and their stories are a part of both. Several unexpected plot twists make it even better. It is totally gripping from start to end.
Lore as a character is extremely interesting and the conflicts she encounters within and without drive the narrative.
A very fresh retelling of mythology that packs in a lot of characters, settings, weapons and so much more that my head was spinning at times trying to keep track but it was so good that I really enjoyed it.
This was a fantastic ride through Greek mythology in a modern day setting.
Based around the Agon, which is an event that occurs every 7 years with the Gods coming to earth in human form and their mortal descendants hunting them, it is nonstop action. The Gods can be killed during this week and their power goes to the one who got the better of them so basically it is like a free for all hunt involving the various houses descended from them.
We meet Lore, the last mortal remaining of the House of Perseides just as the new 7 day Agon is about to start when she comes across a severely wounded Goddess Athena who wants her help in exchange for the promise of revenge against the murderer of her family. If this isn't enough to totally disturb Lore who had in fact turned her back on the hunt and all it entailed, she has to also deal with the reappearance of her beloved childhood friend Castor who she had thought dead. Now he isn't just back but has returned with a new power the source of which even he doesn't know.
The excitement of the hunt alternates with the story of Lore's past and the whole posse of Greek gods and their stories are a part of both. Several unexpected plot twists make it even better. It is totally gripping from start to end.
Lore as a character is extremely interesting and the conflicts she encounters within and without drive the narrative.
A very fresh retelling of mythology that packs in a lot of characters, settings, weapons and so much more that my head was spinning at times trying to keep track but it was so good that I really enjoyed it.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.25
Imagine Cinderella as a cyborg forced to work as a mechanic in a world where the threat of war comes not from other countries but from those settled on the Moon and called lunars! That's Cinder in the city of New Beijing in this sci-fi cum fantasy retelling.
I felt it was a very clever adaptation of the fairytale to this genre, complete with a handsome prince, aggravating stepmother who is actually Cinder's legal guardian and even a royal ball. A deadly disease is plaguing the earth and Cinder is pulled into the vortex of research to find a cure even as the Queen of the lunars is bent on extracting a heavy price from the Prince for the peace of the planet.
An intriguing premise that's been written really well and I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I felt it was a very clever adaptation of the fairytale to this genre, complete with a handsome prince, aggravating stepmother who is actually Cinder's legal guardian and even a royal ball. A deadly disease is plaguing the earth and Cinder is pulled into the vortex of research to find a cure even as the Queen of the lunars is bent on extracting a heavy price from the Prince for the peace of the planet.
An intriguing premise that's been written really well and I look forward to reading the other books in the series.