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jedore's reviews
503 reviews
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
Lisa See’s books are always solid reads for me, and this one was no exception. What I love about her work is how she weaves educational historical fiction with deeply personal, female-centered stories. While you connect with the characters, you’re also learning about fascinating historical periods and cultural practices.
This novel follows a wealthy woman in ancient China who, despite societal constraints, has the privilege of becoming a doctor. As always, Lisa See’s character development is phenomenal—she makes it easy to bond with the main characters and feel deeply invested in their struggles.
I had no idea that women in ancient China could be doctors, let alone that there were strict rules preventing doctors from being around blood. This book shed light on the the essential, but overlooked, role of women in the world of medicine in historical China.
That said, parts of this book were difficult to read, particularly the graphic details of foot binding and the way women were treated. Even more unsettling was how deeply women themselves had internalized these oppressive customs. It made me wonder: Would history have been different if women had revolted more?
Despite the harsh realities depicted, this book was beautifully written and deeply immersive, offering a powerful look at the resilience of women in the face of societal limitations.
A little tidbit about Lisa See...her interest in Chinese history stems from her own family background—her great-grandfather was Chinese, and her family owned one of the first Chinese-owned businesses in Los Angeles. Her deep personal connection to Chinese culture influences the meticulous research and authenticity in her novels.
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-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? No
4.25
“A woman is a woman whether born in the dirt or on silk.”
Lisa See’s books are always solid reads for me, and this one was no exception. What I love about her work is how she weaves educational historical fiction with deeply personal, female-centered stories. While you connect with the characters, you’re also learning about fascinating historical periods and cultural practices.
This novel follows a wealthy woman in ancient China who, despite societal constraints, has the privilege of becoming a doctor. As always, Lisa See’s character development is phenomenal—she makes it easy to bond with the main characters and feel deeply invested in their struggles.
I had no idea that women in ancient China could be doctors, let alone that there were strict rules preventing doctors from being around blood. This book shed light on the the essential, but overlooked, role of women in the world of medicine in historical China.
That said, parts of this book were difficult to read, particularly the graphic details of foot binding and the way women were treated. Even more unsettling was how deeply women themselves had internalized these oppressive customs. It made me wonder: Would history have been different if women had revolted more?
Despite the harsh realities depicted, this book was beautifully written and deeply immersive, offering a powerful look at the resilience of women in the face of societal limitations.
A little tidbit about Lisa See...her interest in Chinese history stems from her own family background—her great-grandfather was Chinese, and her family owned one of the first Chinese-owned businesses in Los Angeles. Her deep personal connection to Chinese culture influences the meticulous research and authenticity in her novels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Infertility, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Medical content, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, and Classism
Still Life with Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen
I had high expectations for this book, partly because of Anna Quindlen’s reputation, but I found it to be slow and just okay. I struggled to connect with the main character, which made it hard to stay invested in her story. The secondary characters felt underdeveloped, leaving the novel feeling somewhat flat.
That said, what kept me reading was the theme of reinvention. I almost always appreciate a story about a woman evolving and reshaping her life, even if the execution here didn’t fully resonate with me. There were moments of insight, particularly about aging, artistic identity, and self-discovery, but overall, the book didn’t leave a strong impression.
It was affirming to know that I am not alone in thinking I’ve settled into who I am, then life proves that growth and change never really stop! And, it was reassuring to see that all careers—especially in the arts—have ups and downs, requiring constant adaptation.
An interesting tidbit about Anna Quindlen...she was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist before she was an author.
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Then when she really thought about it she realized she’d been becoming different people for as long as she could remember but had never really noticed, or had put it down to moods, or marriage, or motherhood. The problem was that she’d thought that at a certain point she would be a finished product.”
I had high expectations for this book, partly because of Anna Quindlen’s reputation, but I found it to be slow and just okay. I struggled to connect with the main character, which made it hard to stay invested in her story. The secondary characters felt underdeveloped, leaving the novel feeling somewhat flat.
That said, what kept me reading was the theme of reinvention. I almost always appreciate a story about a woman evolving and reshaping her life, even if the execution here didn’t fully resonate with me. There were moments of insight, particularly about aging, artistic identity, and self-discovery, but overall, the book didn’t leave a strong impression.
It was affirming to know that I am not alone in thinking I’ve settled into who I am, then life proves that growth and change never really stop! And, it was reassuring to see that all careers—especially in the arts—have ups and downs, requiring constant adaptation.
An interesting tidbit about Anna Quindlen...she was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist before she was an author.
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
This novel explores how loneliness and fear can twist one’s perception, making the supernatural feel inevitable. It demonstrates how true terror often comes not from ghosts, but from the people around us and our own minds. The story plays with the idea that myths and legends can manifest when enough people believe in them.
If you ever doubted that classic gothic horror could still be gripping, this book proves otherwise. I liked this book more than I expected when I first picked it up. It’s in the vein of Rebecca, Shirley Jackson’s works, and Slade House. Laura Purcell has crafted an eerie, unsettling tale that pulls you in.
What stood out most to me was the quality of the writing. Purcell makes it incredibly easy to visualize the decaying mansion, the unsettling companions, and the creeping sense of dread. The supernatural elements are balanced with psychological horror, leaving you wondering what’s real and what’s imagined. If you love unsettling Victorian ghost stories, this one delivers.
Before becoming known for gothic horror, Laura Purcell wrote historical fiction. Her background in historical research definitely adds an extra layer of authenticity and realism to this book.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"Imprisonment was never the real punishment: it was the people you were stuck with.”
This novel explores how loneliness and fear can twist one’s perception, making the supernatural feel inevitable. It demonstrates how true terror often comes not from ghosts, but from the people around us and our own minds. The story plays with the idea that myths and legends can manifest when enough people believe in them.
If you ever doubted that classic gothic horror could still be gripping, this book proves otherwise. I liked this book more than I expected when I first picked it up. It’s in the vein of Rebecca, Shirley Jackson’s works, and Slade House. Laura Purcell has crafted an eerie, unsettling tale that pulls you in.
What stood out most to me was the quality of the writing. Purcell makes it incredibly easy to visualize the decaying mansion, the unsettling companions, and the creeping sense of dread. The supernatural elements are balanced with psychological horror, leaving you wondering what’s real and what’s imagined. If you love unsettling Victorian ghost stories, this one delivers.
Before becoming known for gothic horror, Laura Purcell wrote historical fiction. Her background in historical research definitely adds an extra layer of authenticity and realism to this book.
Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese
If you enjoy historical fiction about strong women navigating a world stacked against them, Hester delivers. While it follows a familiar formula for the genre, the writing was strong, and the fresh insights kept me engaged. More than anything, I loved Isobel, the main character—her resilience, artistry, and survival instinct made me deeply invested in her journey.
The novel’s biggest strength lies in its portrayal of women’s struggles across centuries, particularly regarding accusations of witchcraft. The story moves between the 1600s and 1800s, showing how these allegations were often used to control and silence women. The relationships between women in the book were complex—some lifted each other up, while others betrayed or tore each other down. And, as is so often the case in history, the men surrounding these strong women were weak, needing control to feel powerful.
Though the supernatural elements were light, the book had an almost spellbinding quality, weaving historical reality with folklore and imagination. While it didn’t completely blow me away, it was a solid, engaging read with a fresh take on the legacy of The Scarlet Letter.
Laurie Lico Albanese was inspired by the idea that Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter could have been influenced by a real woman. Her research into synesthesia, Scottish history, and women’s hidden contributions to literature shaped Hester into a unique blend of fact and fiction.
I had never heard of color synesthesia before reading this book. It’s a neurological condition where people associate colors with letters, numbers, or sounds—essentially experiencing one sense through another. In Hester, this trait added a rich layer to Isobel’s character and her artistic perspective.
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"There's no New World anywhere on earth...no matter what we tell ourselves, men are all the same everywhere. We imagine a utopia, settle a new land, and declare that we're making something new and better. But it's folly, Isobel. Man's nature is full of shadows and dark desires. In every man's heart there is a coffin and a grave, that is what I know."
If you enjoy historical fiction about strong women navigating a world stacked against them, Hester delivers. While it follows a familiar formula for the genre, the writing was strong, and the fresh insights kept me engaged. More than anything, I loved Isobel, the main character—her resilience, artistry, and survival instinct made me deeply invested in her journey.
The novel’s biggest strength lies in its portrayal of women’s struggles across centuries, particularly regarding accusations of witchcraft. The story moves between the 1600s and 1800s, showing how these allegations were often used to control and silence women. The relationships between women in the book were complex—some lifted each other up, while others betrayed or tore each other down. And, as is so often the case in history, the men surrounding these strong women were weak, needing control to feel powerful.
Though the supernatural elements were light, the book had an almost spellbinding quality, weaving historical reality with folklore and imagination. While it didn’t completely blow me away, it was a solid, engaging read with a fresh take on the legacy of The Scarlet Letter.
Laurie Lico Albanese was inspired by the idea that Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter could have been influenced by a real woman. Her research into synesthesia, Scottish history, and women’s hidden contributions to literature shaped Hester into a unique blend of fact and fiction.
I had never heard of color synesthesia before reading this book. It’s a neurological condition where people associate colors with letters, numbers, or sounds—essentially experiencing one sense through another. In Hester, this trait added a rich layer to Isobel’s character and her artistic perspective.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Infidelity, Misogyny, Racism, Slavery, Grief, Abandonment, and Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Domestic abuse, Abortion, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer
This is a poignant tale set in the Caribbean in the aftermath of slavery’s abolition. The story follows Rachel, a mother who escapes from a Barbados plantation to search for her children, who were taken from her and sold into slavery. Her journey takes her across the islands—Barbados, Trinidad, and beyond—as she navigates treacherous terrain, unearths heartbreaking truths, and finds unexpected moments of grace and resilience.
Eleanor Shearer drew inspiration for this book from her own family history and academic research on the Caribbean. Her meticulous attention to historical detail makes it feel very authentic.
Women-centered historical fiction is a favorite genre of mine. This one delivers big on emotional depth and enlightenment. It reminded me of Isabel Allende’s Island Beneath the Sea, because of its similar narrative, setting, and fierce spirit of the central female character.
The character development was stellar, especially Rachel, whose fierce love for her children drives the story. I also loved reading about islands like Barbados and Trinidad, which don’t often feature in historical fiction, adding a fresh perspective to a familiar genre.
The book sometimes veers into overly flowery language and introspection, which kept it from fully hitting five stars for me. The poetic passages, while beautiful, occasionally slowed the pacing and felt like they overshadowed the urgency of Rachel’s quest.
That said, this is still a powerful and worthy read. For those looking to expand their understanding of the deep and lasting impact of slavery on humanity—or simply to experience a moving, character-driven story—River Sing Me Home is a heartfelt and significant addition to the historical fiction canon.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
4.0
“This was the real power of slavery, the long shadow it could cast after its formal end—that even with all this distance between her and Providence, Rachel still lived in fear.”
This is a poignant tale set in the Caribbean in the aftermath of slavery’s abolition. The story follows Rachel, a mother who escapes from a Barbados plantation to search for her children, who were taken from her and sold into slavery. Her journey takes her across the islands—Barbados, Trinidad, and beyond—as she navigates treacherous terrain, unearths heartbreaking truths, and finds unexpected moments of grace and resilience.
Eleanor Shearer drew inspiration for this book from her own family history and academic research on the Caribbean. Her meticulous attention to historical detail makes it feel very authentic.
Women-centered historical fiction is a favorite genre of mine. This one delivers big on emotional depth and enlightenment. It reminded me of Isabel Allende’s Island Beneath the Sea, because of its similar narrative, setting, and fierce spirit of the central female character.
The character development was stellar, especially Rachel, whose fierce love for her children drives the story. I also loved reading about islands like Barbados and Trinidad, which don’t often feature in historical fiction, adding a fresh perspective to a familiar genre.
The book sometimes veers into overly flowery language and introspection, which kept it from fully hitting five stars for me. The poetic passages, while beautiful, occasionally slowed the pacing and felt like they overshadowed the urgency of Rachel’s quest.
That said, this is still a powerful and worthy read. For those looking to expand their understanding of the deep and lasting impact of slavery on humanity—or simply to experience a moving, character-driven story—River Sing Me Home is a heartfelt and significant addition to the historical fiction canon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Racism, Slavery, Trafficking, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Pregnancy and Colonisation
Minor: Physical abuse
Normal People by Sally Rooney
This story explores the deeply complex relationship between Connell and Marianne, two young people from a small Irish town whose lives intertwine through high school and into university. The story follows their connection as it shifts and evolves, exploring themes of love, identity, and the emotional scars left by upbringing and social expectations. It's a raw and intimate portrayal of two people who can't seem to stay away from each other—or figure out how to be together.
Sally Rooney wrote it in just three months! And she doesn't like quotation marks lol.
If you’ve read One Day by David Nicholls or The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, this book feels like their introspective, moodier cousin. But don’t let the seemingly innocuous title or soft, romantic cover fool you—Normal People is dark and far more emotionally tense than it appears.
It’s a slow burn, one that can leave you frustrated as Connell and Marianne repeatedly sabotage their relationship by simply failing to communicate. It's definitely "real-life," making it feel painfully authentic. However, it's challenging at times, as you witness their self-fulfilling prophecies play out in ways that are both infuriating and heartbreaking.
And, then there’s the ending—not perfectly conclusive, which might be a sticking point for some. It leaves the story lingering in your mind, unfinished in a way that reflects life’s inherent uncertainty.
This isn’t a book for everyone. I’d especially recommend it for readers who’ve experienced a loveless or emotionally neglectful childhood and can relate to the damage it inflicts on all areas of life—especially relationships. It’s a deeply empathetic novel that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of being human, and if you’re in the right headspace for it, it’s an unforgettable read.
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
“Generally I find men are a lot more concerned with limiting the freedoms of women than exercising personal freedom for themselves.”
This story explores the deeply complex relationship between Connell and Marianne, two young people from a small Irish town whose lives intertwine through high school and into university. The story follows their connection as it shifts and evolves, exploring themes of love, identity, and the emotional scars left by upbringing and social expectations. It's a raw and intimate portrayal of two people who can't seem to stay away from each other—or figure out how to be together.
Sally Rooney wrote it in just three months! And she doesn't like quotation marks lol.
If you’ve read One Day by David Nicholls or The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, this book feels like their introspective, moodier cousin. But don’t let the seemingly innocuous title or soft, romantic cover fool you—Normal People is dark and far more emotionally tense than it appears.
It’s a slow burn, one that can leave you frustrated as Connell and Marianne repeatedly sabotage their relationship by simply failing to communicate. It's definitely "real-life," making it feel painfully authentic. However, it's challenging at times, as you witness their self-fulfilling prophecies play out in ways that are both infuriating and heartbreaking.
And, then there’s the ending—not perfectly conclusive, which might be a sticking point for some. It leaves the story lingering in your mind, unfinished in a way that reflects life’s inherent uncertainty.
This isn’t a book for everyone. I’d especially recommend it for readers who’ve experienced a loveless or emotionally neglectful childhood and can relate to the damage it inflicts on all areas of life—especially relationships. It’s a deeply empathetic novel that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of being human, and if you’re in the right headspace for it, it’s an unforgettable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Grief, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Set in the 1950s and early 1960s, this is the story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist who refuses to let societal expectations dictate her life. Despite facing rampant sexism and misogyny at every turn, Elizabeth remains determined to pursue a career in science. After she hits a wall (thanks to it being a very male-dominated field), she unexpectedly becomes the star of a cooking show—using it as a platform to teach women more than just recipes. It’s a story about resilience, defiance, and the quiet ways one person can spark a revolution.
Here’s an interesting tidbit: This is Bonnie Garmus’s debut novel, written in her 60s! Garmus is a copywriter by trade and was inspired to write this story after experiencing her own frustrations with workplace sexism—a reminder that it’s never too late to create something meaningful and powerful.
I absolutely love women-centered historical fiction, and this one hit all the right notes. Although the book doesn’t feel heavy in tone, its core is undeniably weighty. The overwhelming sexism and misogyny Elizabeth faces throughout her life are infuriating and, sadly, all too real. It’s impossible not to root for her as she navigates these challenges with intelligence, wit, and determination.
The character development is exceptional. Each character—quirky, flawed, and wonderfully human—is so well-done that you can’t help but love them, imperfections and all. They feel like people you know, or wish you did, and they’re what makes this book so hard to put down.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking realization this book brought to me is that, as women, we haven’t come very far since the 1950s. The reversal of Roe v. Wade, the persistence of workplace inequalities, the election of a man found guilty of sexual improprieties, and countless other events make it clear that the struggles Elizabeth faced are still with us today. It’s disheartening and infuriating—but it also makes stories like this one so important.
I highly recommend Lessons in Chemistry! It’s a simultaneously fun and poignant feminist read that will make you laugh, cry, and think long after you’ve finished.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
"One thing I've learned, Calvin: people will always yearn for a simple solution to their complicated problems. It's a lot easier to have faith in something you can't see, can't touch, cant explain, and can't change, rather than to have faith in something you actually can...one's self, I mean."
Set in the 1950s and early 1960s, this is the story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist who refuses to let societal expectations dictate her life. Despite facing rampant sexism and misogyny at every turn, Elizabeth remains determined to pursue a career in science. After she hits a wall (thanks to it being a very male-dominated field), she unexpectedly becomes the star of a cooking show—using it as a platform to teach women more than just recipes. It’s a story about resilience, defiance, and the quiet ways one person can spark a revolution.
Here’s an interesting tidbit: This is Bonnie Garmus’s debut novel, written in her 60s! Garmus is a copywriter by trade and was inspired to write this story after experiencing her own frustrations with workplace sexism—a reminder that it’s never too late to create something meaningful and powerful.
I absolutely love women-centered historical fiction, and this one hit all the right notes. Although the book doesn’t feel heavy in tone, its core is undeniably weighty. The overwhelming sexism and misogyny Elizabeth faces throughout her life are infuriating and, sadly, all too real. It’s impossible not to root for her as she navigates these challenges with intelligence, wit, and determination.
The character development is exceptional. Each character—quirky, flawed, and wonderfully human—is so well-done that you can’t help but love them, imperfections and all. They feel like people you know, or wish you did, and they’re what makes this book so hard to put down.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking realization this book brought to me is that, as women, we haven’t come very far since the 1950s. The reversal of Roe v. Wade, the persistence of workplace inequalities, the election of a man found guilty of sexual improprieties, and countless other events make it clear that the struggles Elizabeth faced are still with us today. It’s disheartening and infuriating—but it also makes stories like this one so important.
I highly recommend Lessons in Chemistry! It’s a simultaneously fun and poignant feminist read that will make you laugh, cry, and think long after you’ve finished.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner
Imagine reaching a point in life where you’ve had enough of societal expectations and decide to forge an entirely new path—even if it means becoming a witch. That’s the premise of this beautifully unconventional story by Sylvia Townsend Warner. Published in 1926, it follows Laura “Lolly” Willowes, a single woman who grows weary of her family’s control over her life. Seeking independence, she moves to a quiet village, where her journey takes a surprising and magical turn. What begins as a story of quiet rebellion evolves into something delightfully witchy and unexpected, culminating in a feminist narrative that was well ahead of its time.
This book was the first Book of the Month Club selection in the U.S., earning Warner international recognition. Despite this, Warner’s work has often been overshadowed by other literary giants of her time.
I picked this one up without realizing it was a classic. The re-release with its modern cover threw me off, but as soon as I started reading, I could tell. It definitely has that classic feel—a slow burn with a lot of pontificating that keeps the reader at an emotional distance. For many modern readers, that can be a tough sell, but I stuck with it because the storyline—a single woman taking back her autonomy and choosing her own life, even if it took partnering with the devil to do it—is something I find deeply relatable.
The book isn’t very long, which made it easier to commit to finishing. No regrets, especially since I’m on a mission to read every quality book about witches that I can! If you share that mission, Lolly Willowes is absolutely worth your time. Just know going in that it’s more of a slow, reflective journey than a fast-paced adventure.
For anyone who values feminist classics or has an affinity for stories about witches, this is one to add to your list. It’s a subtle, thoughtful read that stands the test of time.
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
"One doesn't become a witch to run round being harmful, or to run round being helpful either, a district visitor on a broomstick. It's to escape all that—to have a life of one's own, not an existence doled out to you by others, charitable refuse of their thoughts, so many ounces of stale bread of life a day..."
Imagine reaching a point in life where you’ve had enough of societal expectations and decide to forge an entirely new path—even if it means becoming a witch. That’s the premise of this beautifully unconventional story by Sylvia Townsend Warner. Published in 1926, it follows Laura “Lolly” Willowes, a single woman who grows weary of her family’s control over her life. Seeking independence, she moves to a quiet village, where her journey takes a surprising and magical turn. What begins as a story of quiet rebellion evolves into something delightfully witchy and unexpected, culminating in a feminist narrative that was well ahead of its time.
This book was the first Book of the Month Club selection in the U.S., earning Warner international recognition. Despite this, Warner’s work has often been overshadowed by other literary giants of her time.
I picked this one up without realizing it was a classic. The re-release with its modern cover threw me off, but as soon as I started reading, I could tell. It definitely has that classic feel—a slow burn with a lot of pontificating that keeps the reader at an emotional distance. For many modern readers, that can be a tough sell, but I stuck with it because the storyline—a single woman taking back her autonomy and choosing her own life, even if it took partnering with the devil to do it—is something I find deeply relatable.
The book isn’t very long, which made it easier to commit to finishing. No regrets, especially since I’m on a mission to read every quality book about witches that I can! If you share that mission, Lolly Willowes is absolutely worth your time. Just know going in that it’s more of a slow, reflective journey than a fast-paced adventure.
For anyone who values feminist classics or has an affinity for stories about witches, this is one to add to your list. It’s a subtle, thoughtful read that stands the test of time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Slade House by David Mitchell
If gothic horror with a dash of the paranormal intrigues you, this book is worth adding to your reading list. The story centers around an eerie, elusive house that appears only once every nine years. Those who are invited inside soon realize they've stumbled into something far more sinister than they could have imagined. Structured as a series of interconnected short stories, each section introduces a new victim of the mysterious and malevolent brother-sister duo who inhabit the house. The narrative builds as Mitchell slowly unravels the mystery, pulling all the threads together by the end to reveal the full scope of the chilling tale.
David Mitchell is the author of Cloud Atlas, which earned him international acclaim. While Slade House is much shorter and more straightforward, it showcases Mitchell’s talent for writing thought-provoking stories.
This book has a bit of a 'Shirley Jackson meets Harry Potter' vibe, blending gothic horror with a touch of the fantastical. If you’re a fan of either, you’ll likely enjoy this read. It’s not my usual genre, but the glowing reviews piqued my curiosity. I’m glad I read it, even if it didn’t completely blow my socks off like it has for many others.
That said, the book’s format is clever. Each chapter feels like a self-contained short story, yet they’re all woven together by the sinister happenings at Slade House. It’s a creative way to build suspense and keep us readers guessing. The gothic atmosphere is also spot-on—dark, mysterious, and just the right amount of creepy.
If you’re in the mood for a haunting tale that’s both eerie and inventive, you'll be happy you read this one!
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
3.75
“'Bitch’ is a stingless insult these days—it hurts like, I don’t know, a celery-stabbing.”
If gothic horror with a dash of the paranormal intrigues you, this book is worth adding to your reading list. The story centers around an eerie, elusive house that appears only once every nine years. Those who are invited inside soon realize they've stumbled into something far more sinister than they could have imagined. Structured as a series of interconnected short stories, each section introduces a new victim of the mysterious and malevolent brother-sister duo who inhabit the house. The narrative builds as Mitchell slowly unravels the mystery, pulling all the threads together by the end to reveal the full scope of the chilling tale.
David Mitchell is the author of Cloud Atlas, which earned him international acclaim. While Slade House is much shorter and more straightforward, it showcases Mitchell’s talent for writing thought-provoking stories.
This book has a bit of a 'Shirley Jackson meets Harry Potter' vibe, blending gothic horror with a touch of the fantastical. If you’re a fan of either, you’ll likely enjoy this read. It’s not my usual genre, but the glowing reviews piqued my curiosity. I’m glad I read it, even if it didn’t completely blow my socks off like it has for many others.
That said, the book’s format is clever. Each chapter feels like a self-contained short story, yet they’re all woven together by the sinister happenings at Slade House. It’s a creative way to build suspense and keep us readers guessing. The gothic atmosphere is also spot-on—dark, mysterious, and just the right amount of creepy.
If you’re in the mood for a haunting tale that’s both eerie and inventive, you'll be happy you read this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Kidnapping, and Cannibalism