isabellaeileen's reviews
69 reviews

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

adventurous mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Shrouded in mystery this is an enthralling fantasy novel, that kept me gripped from start to finish. It makes beautiful use of an eponymous narration, giving a personal insight into the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist, as they explore and begin to understand the picturesque setting they reside within. 

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

adventurous mysterious slow-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

1.5

I wouldn’t say this book is good, but it is enjoyable at times. A comforting, easy read (though a little drawn out at times). 

Greek Myths by Charlotte Higgins

adventurous dark emotional informative 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

4.5

A very clever exploration into greek mythology, told from the perspective of women weaving tapestries. Informative, interesting, and bleak in its honesty. A worthwhile read if you are fascinated by retellings of ancient mythology. 

The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn

adventurous emotional funny sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

Such a cleverly constructed book, with a variety of narrative modes. The characters, all of which were flawed in varying degrees, were incredibly loveable, making this novel an absolute pleasure to read, despite its difficult and often tragic tale. 

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

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

3.5

A really interesting premise. Unfortunately presented in a mediocre way. Absolutely loved the seventh chapter. But I think the main character needed just one redeemable quality, so you could actually become invested in her. 

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

adventurous funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

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

4.5

One of the funniest books I’ve ever read! It’s engaging, heart-warming, and action-packed. The notes from the authors at the end were also a touching addition! A must-read. 

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

A beautifully written tale about human nature and the importance of human interaction. 

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

2.5

I enjoyed the beginning of this book and got really sucked into it. However, I just couldn’t connect with the characters - they felt unbelievably one-dimensional. Causing the book to simply read as a cut-budget ‘Secret History’. 

A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing by Eimear McBride

challenging emotional sad medium-paced

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

4.5

With such a unique writing style, this book reads like poetry. A candid unravelling of the protagonists mind. Brutally tragic in its content but beautifully rounded out with a heartbreaking ending. 

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

As mentioned in the introduction to this edition, ‘Dorian Gray is a classic, and deservedly’ so. Such an insightful and cleverly constructed account of the duality of man. A really good read with a compelling ending.