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kris_mccracken's reviews
2529 reviews
Penance by Eliza Clark
5.0
Without a doubt, [b:Penance|62898932|Penance|Eliza Clark|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1682653172l/62898932._SY75_.jpg|98706748] is one of the best books I have read in a while. It manages to toe the line between experimental, challenging and engrossing.
Exploring "meta" themes in novels can be a double-edged sword. Thankfully, Clark delves into metafictional elements in a way that feels fresh and an intellectually stimulating reading experience. Despite the incredibly dark content, the book constructs its world with great empathy.
Ultimately, I finished this one both delighted by the storytelling and narrative journey while reflecting critically on the nature of storytelling and the inevitable blurring of the lines between reality and fiction.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Exploring "meta" themes in novels can be a double-edged sword. Thankfully, Clark delves into metafictional elements in a way that feels fresh and an intellectually stimulating reading experience. Despite the incredibly dark content, the book constructs its world with great empathy.
Ultimately, I finished this one both delighted by the storytelling and narrative journey while reflecting critically on the nature of storytelling and the inevitable blurring of the lines between reality and fiction.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
5.0
Delving into the complex and often fraught relationship between art, authenticity, and the pressures of the modern literary world, [b:Yellowface|62047984|Yellowface|R.F. Kuang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1671336608l/62047984._SY75_.jpg|93525972] is written through the eyes of an aspiring writer struggling to find her voice in the cutthroat world of publishing. Kuang explores the notion of originality in art and the blurred lines between inspiration and appropriation.
Kuang captures writers' relentless pressure to produce original and marketable work, often at the expense of their authenticity. June's actions, while morally questionable, stem from her deep-seated insecurities and the desire to be seen and valued in a world that often prioritises commercial success over artistic integrity.
The novel also explores the pervasiveness of social media in shaping public perception and influencing literary reputations. June's carefully constructed online persona, crafted to promote her newfound success, becomes a double-edged sword, amplifying her fame and exposing her vulnerabilities when the truth about her literary theft threatens to surface.
Kuang's portrayal of the publishing industry is scathing and insightful, exposing the business's often exploitative and insensitive nature. The novel's setting in the contemporary literary world, where diversity and authenticity are buzzwords, adds a layer of irony to June's deception, highlighting the industry's hypocrisy and the challenges marginalised voices face in gaining recognition.
Despite exploring complex and often controversial themes, "Yellowface" is a compelling and thought-provoking read. Kuang's sharp wit and keen observations provide a cutting commentary on the modern literary landscape, prompting readers to question the nature of originality, the ethics of cultural appropriation, and the impact of social media on artistic integrity.
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2
Kuang captures writers' relentless pressure to produce original and marketable work, often at the expense of their authenticity. June's actions, while morally questionable, stem from her deep-seated insecurities and the desire to be seen and valued in a world that often prioritises commercial success over artistic integrity.
The novel also explores the pervasiveness of social media in shaping public perception and influencing literary reputations. June's carefully constructed online persona, crafted to promote her newfound success, becomes a double-edged sword, amplifying her fame and exposing her vulnerabilities when the truth about her literary theft threatens to surface.
Kuang's portrayal of the publishing industry is scathing and insightful, exposing the business's often exploitative and insensitive nature. The novel's setting in the contemporary literary world, where diversity and authenticity are buzzwords, adds a layer of irony to June's deception, highlighting the industry's hypocrisy and the challenges marginalised voices face in gaining recognition.
Despite exploring complex and often controversial themes, "Yellowface" is a compelling and thought-provoking read. Kuang's sharp wit and keen observations provide a cutting commentary on the modern literary landscape, prompting readers to question the nature of originality, the ethics of cultural appropriation, and the impact of social media on artistic integrity.
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
5.0
As a bloke revisiting Margaret Atwood's [b:The Handmaid’s Tale|38447|The Handmaid’s Tale (The Handmaid's Tale, #1)|Margaret Atwood|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1578028274l/38447._SY75_.jpg|1119185] after twenty-odd years, I found it a profoundly unsettling experience. The bleak dystopian world of Gilead, where women are stripped of their rights and reduced to mere vessels for reproduction, felt more chillingly accurate than ever before.
Atwood's masterful use of language lends an eerie authenticity to the story. Offred's voice is detached and deeply personal, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy that makes the horrors of Gilead all the more palpable.
The novel's themes of misogyny, oppression and the fragility of freedom resonated far deeper this time. Older and more experienced, I am more acutely aware of the dangers of complacency and the slippery slope towards totalitarianism. The parallels between Gilead and the atrocities of apartheid South Africa and the Argentinian military junta became starkly apparent in a way that it simply wasn't the first time around.
That said, I still find the postscript tacked on and unnecessary. While Atwood's intention to provide historical context is understandable, the inclusion of the postscript disrupted the narrative flow and undermined the power of the novel's ending. Having been immersed in Offred's harrowing tale, the reader is suddenly pulled back into a smug and neat lecture. This feels more like an author's sleight of hand than it does a meaningful progression of the story, dulling its immense and immediate impact.
Nevertheless, The Handmaid's Tale remains a masterpiece of dystopian literature. Atwood's ability to capture the essence of female oppression and the fragility of freedom is unparalleled, and her novel serves as a stark warning against the dangers of complacency and the erosion of human rights. While Atwood could have trusted the reader more to discern the novel's relevance without an explicit historical context, it does not ultimately diminish her work's overall power and impact.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Atwood's masterful use of language lends an eerie authenticity to the story. Offred's voice is detached and deeply personal, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy that makes the horrors of Gilead all the more palpable.
The novel's themes of misogyny, oppression and the fragility of freedom resonated far deeper this time. Older and more experienced, I am more acutely aware of the dangers of complacency and the slippery slope towards totalitarianism. The parallels between Gilead and the atrocities of apartheid South Africa and the Argentinian military junta became starkly apparent in a way that it simply wasn't the first time around.
That said, I still find the postscript tacked on and unnecessary. While Atwood's intention to provide historical context is understandable, the inclusion of the postscript disrupted the narrative flow and undermined the power of the novel's ending. Having been immersed in Offred's harrowing tale, the reader is suddenly pulled back into a smug and neat lecture. This feels more like an author's sleight of hand than it does a meaningful progression of the story, dulling its immense and immediate impact.
Nevertheless, The Handmaid's Tale remains a masterpiece of dystopian literature. Atwood's ability to capture the essence of female oppression and the fragility of freedom is unparalleled, and her novel serves as a stark warning against the dangers of complacency and the erosion of human rights. While Atwood could have trusted the reader more to discern the novel's relevance without an explicit historical context, it does not ultimately diminish her work's overall power and impact.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Eiger Sanction by Trevanian
3.0
A perplexing blend of Bond-esque spy thriller tropes and quirky humour, Trevanian's [b:The Eiger Sanction|30893|The Eiger Sanction (Jonathan Hemlock, #1)|Trevanian|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388752495l/30893._SY75_.jpg|2160448] leaves me questioning whether it's a serious attempt at the genre or a tongue-in-cheek parody. While the novel's mountain climbing sequences are undeniably thrilling, the rest of the story is marred by some seriously outdated attitudes and an unlikeable protagonist.
Jonathan Hemlock, the story's lead, is a bizarre mix of an internationally renowned art professor, world-famous mountaineer and skilled (secret) assassin who just happens to be utterly irresistible to women and is cursed by a condition that renders him fantastic in bed. Note: I am not joking about that last bit.
Of course, his interactions with women are more often than not cringeworthy, indulging in a full range of misogynistic stereotypes that have not aged well. Additionally, the novel's portrayal of racial minorities is problematic, relying on outdated stereotypes, however much he's happy to take them into his bed (with two notable exceptions).
Yet despite these shortcomings, the novel's climax, where Hemlock tackles the treacherous Eiger mountain, is undeniably gripping. The vivid descriptions of the mountain's dangers and Hemlock's determination to conquer them make for an exhilarating read. However, this sudden shift in tone, from the lighthearted spy caper to the intense mountain climbing adventure, is jarring and disjointed.
Overall, [b:The Eiger Sanction|30893|The Eiger Sanction (Jonathan Hemlock, #1)|Trevanian|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388752495l/30893._SY75_.jpg|2160448] is a mixed bag, and the book's straddling the line between the ludicrous and the serious makes it difficult to discern the author's true intent and left me scratching my head.
★ ★ ★
Jonathan Hemlock, the story's lead, is a bizarre mix of an internationally renowned art professor, world-famous mountaineer and skilled (secret) assassin who just happens to be utterly irresistible to women and is cursed by a condition that renders him fantastic in bed. Note: I am not joking about that last bit.
Of course, his interactions with women are more often than not cringeworthy, indulging in a full range of misogynistic stereotypes that have not aged well. Additionally, the novel's portrayal of racial minorities is problematic, relying on outdated stereotypes, however much he's happy to take them into his bed (with two notable exceptions).
Yet despite these shortcomings, the novel's climax, where Hemlock tackles the treacherous Eiger mountain, is undeniably gripping. The vivid descriptions of the mountain's dangers and Hemlock's determination to conquer them make for an exhilarating read. However, this sudden shift in tone, from the lighthearted spy caper to the intense mountain climbing adventure, is jarring and disjointed.
Overall, [b:The Eiger Sanction|30893|The Eiger Sanction (Jonathan Hemlock, #1)|Trevanian|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388752495l/30893._SY75_.jpg|2160448] is a mixed bag, and the book's straddling the line between the ludicrous and the serious makes it difficult to discern the author's true intent and left me scratching my head.
★ ★ ★
Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor
3.0
[b:Just One Damned Thing After Another|29661618|Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St Mary's, #1)|Jodi Taylor|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459230212l/29661618._SX50_.jpg|25626746] is a speedy and chaotic romp through time, showcasing the adventures of historians at St. Mary's Institute. The story travels at a breakneck pace, and - for a character-driven narrative - there is a distinct lack of character development.
Despite this, the story is engaging and entertaining. Built around a bolshy historian recruited for time-travelling adventures, Taylor's touch is light, focusing more on banter, a little romance and the well-worn 'found family' trope. She leans towards science fantasy, emphasising messy people, relationships, and history over detailed scientific explanations. While lacking historical depth, the novel compensates with humour, adventure, and quirky characters.
The narrative's strengths are its infectious pace, silly characters, and genre-mashing mayhem. However, it faces weaknesses like information overload and shallow historical exploration. The occasional deus ex machina resolutions set my eyes rolling. Overall, [b:Just One Damned Thing After Another|29661618|Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St Mary's, #1)|Jodi Taylor|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459230212l/29661618._SX50_.jpg|25626746] is a laugh-out-loud rollercoaster, combining charm and wit with a few bumps along the way. History buffs and those seeking an entertaining, comedic read will enjoy it despite its shortcomings.
★ ★ ★
Despite this, the story is engaging and entertaining. Built around a bolshy historian recruited for time-travelling adventures, Taylor's touch is light, focusing more on banter, a little romance and the well-worn 'found family' trope. She leans towards science fantasy, emphasising messy people, relationships, and history over detailed scientific explanations. While lacking historical depth, the novel compensates with humour, adventure, and quirky characters.
The narrative's strengths are its infectious pace, silly characters, and genre-mashing mayhem. However, it faces weaknesses like information overload and shallow historical exploration. The occasional deus ex machina resolutions set my eyes rolling. Overall, [b:Just One Damned Thing After Another|29661618|Just One Damned Thing After Another (The Chronicles of St Mary's, #1)|Jodi Taylor|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459230212l/29661618._SX50_.jpg|25626746] is a laugh-out-loud rollercoaster, combining charm and wit with a few bumps along the way. History buffs and those seeking an entertaining, comedic read will enjoy it despite its shortcomings.
★ ★ ★
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
5.0
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich is Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's classic description of life in a Soviet labor camp in the 1950s, describing a single day of an ordinary prisoner, Ivan Denisovich Shukhov. Seemingly as much known for its actual publication (a significant event in Soviet literary history), it's also a cracking read.
Essentially an exploration of authoritative oppression and camp survival, Solzhenitsyn used his first-hand experience in the Soviet Gulag, having been imprisoned from 1945 to 1953 for criticising Joseph Stalin.
Oddly enough, for the subject matter One Day in the Life... is actually an uplifting read. I'd very much recommend it to anyone.
Essentially an exploration of authoritative oppression and camp survival, Solzhenitsyn used his first-hand experience in the Soviet Gulag, having been imprisoned from 1945 to 1953 for criticising Joseph Stalin.
Oddly enough, for the subject matter One Day in the Life... is actually an uplifting read. I'd very much recommend it to anyone.
Death of a Perfect Wife by M.C. Beaton, M.C. Beaton
1.0
"Death of a Perfect Wife" by M.C. Beaton is a disgraceful testament to the author's misanthropy, snobbery and virulent anti-feminism. Beaton's narrative reeks of misogyny, with characters who embody the very worst aspects of anti-feminism, leaving a sour taste in the reader's mouth.
Under the guise of a quaint "anti-establishment" Highlands charm, Beaton attempts to conceal her contempt for the characters. However, her disdain for the locals is unmistakable, casting a dark shadow over the romanticised backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
The writing itself is abysmal, lacking any semblance of depth or quality. Beaton's prose reads like the ramblings of a bitter misanthrope, with plot twists that feel contrived and uninspired. Little effort was put into crafting a coherent or engaging story.
In summation, the book is a repugnant novel that glorifies misogyny and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. I presume that the publisher insisted on the pathetic, backtracking post-script. Indeed, I doubt many readers made it that far. Still, Beaton's abhorrent views are laid bare for all to see, leaving no doubt that this book is nothing more than a vile, poorly-written bit of trash.
I, for one, will not subject myself to any more of her toxic narratives.
[ZERO] 1/2
Under the guise of a quaint "anti-establishment" Highlands charm, Beaton attempts to conceal her contempt for the characters. However, her disdain for the locals is unmistakable, casting a dark shadow over the romanticised backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
The writing itself is abysmal, lacking any semblance of depth or quality. Beaton's prose reads like the ramblings of a bitter misanthrope, with plot twists that feel contrived and uninspired. Little effort was put into crafting a coherent or engaging story.
In summation, the book is a repugnant novel that glorifies misogyny and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. I presume that the publisher insisted on the pathetic, backtracking post-script. Indeed, I doubt many readers made it that far. Still, Beaton's abhorrent views are laid bare for all to see, leaving no doubt that this book is nothing more than a vile, poorly-written bit of trash.
I, for one, will not subject myself to any more of her toxic narratives.
[ZERO] 1/2
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
4.0
"A Psalm for the Wild-Built" is a light and breezy novella that blends gentle storytelling and profound themes. The story follows a tea monk searching for purpose and a robot re-entering human society after centuries of agreed exile. Their relationship is the novella's core and their journey is marked by quiet reflection and philosophical musings.
Chambers uses the human-robot interaction to reflect on modern society's quest for meaning and balance. The novella subtly critiques modern society's reliance on technology and disconnection from nature, suggesting a harmonious coexistence with both.
I found this one a soothing, meditative read that addresses weighty concepts without feeling preachy.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Chambers uses the human-robot interaction to reflect on modern society's quest for meaning and balance. The novella subtly critiques modern society's reliance on technology and disconnection from nature, suggesting a harmonious coexistence with both.
I found this one a soothing, meditative read that addresses weighty concepts without feeling preachy.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
4.0
"Prophet Song" weaves a parable that resonates deeply with our world. I found myself drawn into a narrative that mirrors the complexities of the refugee crisis. Lynch's prose is both lyrical and unflinching, capturing the raw emotions of displacement and survival.
While some questions lingered - why did the neighbours tolerate the rapid escalation of the fascist state? - the urgency of the story propelled me forward. As the pace quickened, I further engaged with the unfolding tragedy. Incrementally, as the fate of the husband, then the oldest, then the middle son emerges, the vulnerability quickly becomes heartbreaking.
In this descent into harrowing darkness, there is a relentless bleakness. Lynch doesn't shy away from the human cost of political turmoil; he lays it bare, urging us to confront uncomfortable truths.
Hard going, but worthy.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
While some questions lingered - why did the neighbours tolerate the rapid escalation of the fascist state? - the urgency of the story propelled me forward. As the pace quickened, I further engaged with the unfolding tragedy. Incrementally, as the fate of the husband, then the oldest, then the middle son emerges, the vulnerability quickly becomes heartbreaking.
In this descent into harrowing darkness, there is a relentless bleakness. Lynch doesn't shy away from the human cost of political turmoil; he lays it bare, urging us to confront uncomfortable truths.
Hard going, but worthy.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
James by Percival Everett
5.0
"James" by Percival Everett is a masterful reimagining of Mark Twain's 1884 classic, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from the perspective of Jim, the runaway slave. In Twain's original, Jim is loyal, superstitious, and simple-minded, serving primarily as a catalyst for Huck's moral awakening. Here, Everett turns this narrative on its head, revealing that "Jim" is merely a façade, a necessary disguise for the real James, a complex and intelligent man navigating the treacherous path to freedom. By shifting the focus from Huck to James, Everett breathes new life into a familiar story, giving voice to a character whose inner world has been largely unexplored. This novel is not just a retelling but a powerful commentary on race, identity, and survival in the antebellum South.
One of the book's striking themes is the concept of code-switching—where James, like every black character in the novel, must constantly shift his speech and behaviour to navigate a society designed to subjugate him. This code-switching is not just a survival tactic but also a powerful act of resistance. The stakes are much higher for James than they ever were for Huck; while Huck views their journey as a grand adventure, for James, it is a matter of life and death. This duality adds a gripping tension to the narrative, making every moment charged with the threat of discovery and violence.
James is not a passive participant in Huck's adventure but a man with his own dreams, fears, and strategies for survival. His thoughts and actions are driven by the ever-present danger he faces as a runaway slave, and his every interaction is coloured by the need to protect himself and maintain his disguise. Huck, on the other hand, remains oblivious to the true stakes of their journey. This dynamic between the two characters adds a new layer of complexity to the story, making it as much about the tension between their differing perspectives as it is about the journey itself.
The use of dialect and language is particularly striking; the code-switching is a tool of survival that highlights his intelligence and adaptability. Everett's prose is gripping, moving effortlessly from moments of tension and fear to passages of dark humour and irony. The tone of the book is complex—at times painful and horrifying, at others, unexpectedly funny and heartwarming. This multi-layered approach kept me engaged from start to finish.
Everett's ability to blend humour, horror, and hope is nothing short of masterful, creating a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. I was particularly moved by the way Everett captures the stark reality of James's situation—the constant fear, the need for caution, and the ever-present threat of violence. Wonderful stuff!
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
One of the book's striking themes is the concept of code-switching—where James, like every black character in the novel, must constantly shift his speech and behaviour to navigate a society designed to subjugate him. This code-switching is not just a survival tactic but also a powerful act of resistance. The stakes are much higher for James than they ever were for Huck; while Huck views their journey as a grand adventure, for James, it is a matter of life and death. This duality adds a gripping tension to the narrative, making every moment charged with the threat of discovery and violence.
James is not a passive participant in Huck's adventure but a man with his own dreams, fears, and strategies for survival. His thoughts and actions are driven by the ever-present danger he faces as a runaway slave, and his every interaction is coloured by the need to protect himself and maintain his disguise. Huck, on the other hand, remains oblivious to the true stakes of their journey. This dynamic between the two characters adds a new layer of complexity to the story, making it as much about the tension between their differing perspectives as it is about the journey itself.
The use of dialect and language is particularly striking; the code-switching is a tool of survival that highlights his intelligence and adaptability. Everett's prose is gripping, moving effortlessly from moments of tension and fear to passages of dark humour and irony. The tone of the book is complex—at times painful and horrifying, at others, unexpectedly funny and heartwarming. This multi-layered approach kept me engaged from start to finish.
Everett's ability to blend humour, horror, and hope is nothing short of masterful, creating a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. I was particularly moved by the way Everett captures the stark reality of James's situation—the constant fear, the need for caution, and the ever-present threat of violence. Wonderful stuff!
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐