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libbysbookshelf's Reviews (745)
DELPHI any CLARE POLLARD
This is a pandemic novel, but I was ready for it!
Delphi was an ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. Developed in the 8th century B.C., the sanctuary was home to the Oracle of Delphi and the priestess Pythia.
This novel is about a classics professor from a university in England, living through the pandemic with her allergic, high risk young son, and zoom-call-taking, alcohol-and-weed-smoking husband.
Her worries about the future and her son’s health are explored through her interest in Ancient Greece and prophesies in all forms, including tarot cards, palm reading, etc.
Her cynical, yet oddly hopeful voice keeps the pace of this short novel fast and kept me hooked.
I predict big things in this book’s future. It’s out in July and I highly recommend you preorder it.
Thanks for the proof ad-pr @vikingbooksuk
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookrec #delphiclarepollard #delphibook #clarepollard
This is a pandemic novel, but I was ready for it!
Delphi was an ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. Developed in the 8th century B.C., the sanctuary was home to the Oracle of Delphi and the priestess Pythia.
This novel is about a classics professor from a university in England, living through the pandemic with her allergic, high risk young son, and zoom-call-taking, alcohol-and-weed-smoking husband.
Her worries about the future and her son’s health are explored through her interest in Ancient Greece and prophesies in all forms, including tarot cards, palm reading, etc.
Her cynical, yet oddly hopeful voice keeps the pace of this short novel fast and kept me hooked.
I predict big things in this book’s future. It’s out in July and I highly recommend you preorder it.
Thanks for the proof ad-pr @vikingbooksuk
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookrec #delphiclarepollard #delphibook #clarepollard
HOTEL DU LAC by ANITA BROOKNER
Set in a hotel of high repute in Switzerland at the end of the season, catering to the well-to-do, this novel follows an English woman who has been forced to get away for a few weeks after a scandal. She is reluctant at first, and happy to be an observer. But, after getting to know some of the other guests, she soon notices that her observations are completely misjudged.
She believes herself to be of another era. The book was written in the early 80s and it is easy to see that the protagonist is more old fashioned than the relative modernity of the 80s. Then again, she might not be as old fashioned as she thinks she is. And she may poopoo feminism, but maybe she is more of a feminist that she realises.
I found the narrator‘s voice to be incredibly strong, and I feel as though I know her quite well — perhaps because of her frank admissions of her weaknesses and limitations as a woman and a writer, or perhaps it’s because of her bitchy observations about her fellow hotel guests. Either way, she’s one of the most alive characters I have ever read.
I’ll admit that I didn’t really know about this book until Wednesday when I bought it at the airport, but now it’s a huge part of me and it has even inspired me to start writing creatively again after nearly ten years away from it.
#anitabrookner #hoteldulac #kefalonia #book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookreviewers
Set in a hotel of high repute in Switzerland at the end of the season, catering to the well-to-do, this novel follows an English woman who has been forced to get away for a few weeks after a scandal. She is reluctant at first, and happy to be an observer. But, after getting to know some of the other guests, she soon notices that her observations are completely misjudged.
She believes herself to be of another era. The book was written in the early 80s and it is easy to see that the protagonist is more old fashioned than the relative modernity of the 80s. Then again, she might not be as old fashioned as she thinks she is. And she may poopoo feminism, but maybe she is more of a feminist that she realises.
I found the narrator‘s voice to be incredibly strong, and I feel as though I know her quite well — perhaps because of her frank admissions of her weaknesses and limitations as a woman and a writer, or perhaps it’s because of her bitchy observations about her fellow hotel guests. Either way, she’s one of the most alive characters I have ever read.
I’ll admit that I didn’t really know about this book until Wednesday when I bought it at the airport, but now it’s a huge part of me and it has even inspired me to start writing creatively again after nearly ten years away from it.
#anitabrookner #hoteldulac #kefalonia #book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookreviewers
SUMMER by EDITH WHARTON
Bought this at Bristol airport. Read it on the plane to Kefalonia, and now it will always feel special to me.
Never mind the fact that I loved Charity and her coming of age story. She’s a young girl living in rural New England and she’s sick of her boring life. That is until a handsome stranger comes along and whisks her off into a romance. Considered scandalous when it was written in 1917 (cos how dare a woman make up her own mind?!) now considered a feminist classic, this novel will make you feel woozy with memories of young love and long, hot summers.
I might need therapy after that ending, though.
#book #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #booklover #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #edithwharton #summer
Bought this at Bristol airport. Read it on the plane to Kefalonia, and now it will always feel special to me.
Never mind the fact that I loved Charity and her coming of age story. She’s a young girl living in rural New England and she’s sick of her boring life. That is until a handsome stranger comes along and whisks her off into a romance. Considered scandalous when it was written in 1917 (cos how dare a woman make up her own mind?!) now considered a feminist classic, this novel will make you feel woozy with memories of young love and long, hot summers.
I might need therapy after that ending, though.
#book #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #booklover #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #edithwharton #summer
AUGURIES OF A MINOR GOD by NIDHI ZAK/ARIA EIPE
This is a collection of poetry with a slight twist. I rely on @dylanthomasprize for my annual dip into poetry and this year it has delivered yet again.
To begin with, this book presents a collection of gorgeous poems, then moves into a narrative poem that tells the story of a family of immigrants or refugees trying to adapt in a new country. This was the best part, in my opinion. The end was very religious and I found myself getting bored because that’s not really my thing, but the writing never faltered.
I can see why this has been shortlisted. Very impressive.
#book #dyalnthomasprize #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreviewersofinstagram #poetry #poetrybook
This is a collection of poetry with a slight twist. I rely on @dylanthomasprize for my annual dip into poetry and this year it has delivered yet again.
To begin with, this book presents a collection of gorgeous poems, then moves into a narrative poem that tells the story of a family of immigrants or refugees trying to adapt in a new country. This was the best part, in my opinion. The end was very religious and I found myself getting bored because that’s not really my thing, but the writing never faltered.
I can see why this has been shortlisted. Very impressive.
#book #dyalnthomasprize #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreviewersofinstagram #poetry #poetrybook
THE ODYSSEY by LARA WILLIAMS
Considering my love for Supper Club, I was thrilled when this fell through my letter box. Thanks to Chloe from @vikingbooksuk for hooking me up (ad-pr)
I read it over two days because I couldn’t bear to be away from it. It was exactly how I felt about Supper Club a few years ago.
We have the slightly unhinged female narrator, we have the absurd setting and supporting characters, we have the writing that delivers all of this delicious madness in a blunt and unselfconscious way.
I couldn’t have loved this more!
This is out at the end of the month and I highly recommend it to all of you gals out there who love the woman-on-the-edge-of-insanity trope.
#book #bookstagram #larawilliams #theodysseybook #theodysseylarawilliams #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading #bookrelease #bookrec #readersofinstagram #reader
Considering my love for Supper Club, I was thrilled when this fell through my letter box. Thanks to Chloe from @vikingbooksuk for hooking me up (ad-pr)
I read it over two days because I couldn’t bear to be away from it. It was exactly how I felt about Supper Club a few years ago.
We have the slightly unhinged female narrator, we have the absurd setting and supporting characters, we have the writing that delivers all of this delicious madness in a blunt and unselfconscious way.
I couldn’t have loved this more!
This is out at the end of the month and I highly recommend it to all of you gals out there who love the woman-on-the-edge-of-insanity trope.
#book #bookstagram #larawilliams #theodysseybook #theodysseylarawilliams #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading #bookrelease #bookrec #readersofinstagram #reader
COMPANION PIECE by ALI SMITH
There are not many writers in whose hands I feel completely at ease; Toni Morrison is one and Ali Smith is also one.
Companion Piece is written to work alongside Smith’s Seasonal Quartet, which was sublime. This book might, by a hair’s breath, be my favourite of the five.
Instead of one shortish novel, I feel as though I’ve read six epic tomes. I feel full of story and wisdom.
There’s always a political allegory with Smith’s pages and there’s always her signature playfulness with language and structure. There’s always a slightly magic young girl or woman. And there’s always a feeling that you’re reading something so special, that it could have been written for you alone.
I adored this and I hope you all get to read it soon.
Thanks to @penguinhamishhamilton for sending this my way. You are beautiful people and you made my dreams come true. For one day, at least.
#book #books #bookstagram #Alismith #companionpiecebook #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading #bookreading #bookrelease #bookrec #bookreviewers
There are not many writers in whose hands I feel completely at ease; Toni Morrison is one and Ali Smith is also one.
Companion Piece is written to work alongside Smith’s Seasonal Quartet, which was sublime. This book might, by a hair’s breath, be my favourite of the five.
Instead of one shortish novel, I feel as though I’ve read six epic tomes. I feel full of story and wisdom.
There’s always a political allegory with Smith’s pages and there’s always her signature playfulness with language and structure. There’s always a slightly magic young girl or woman. And there’s always a feeling that you’re reading something so special, that it could have been written for you alone.
I adored this and I hope you all get to read it soon.
Thanks to @penguinhamishhamilton for sending this my way. You are beautiful people and you made my dreams come true. For one day, at least.
#book #books #bookstagram #Alismith #companionpiecebook #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading #bookreading #bookrelease #bookrec #bookreviewers
THE MISSING WORD by CONCITA DE GREGORIO translated by CLARISSA BOTSFORD
When @europaeditionsuk offered a proof copy of this, I couldn’t say no.
Europa are one of my favourite publishers because they publish a lot of world literature, especially translated fiction, which I adore.
This partial epistolary novel is translated from Italian (like the other four Europa books that I’ve read so far) and it’s so beautifully written and translated.
I went into this book without having read, or remembered the premise and I’m glad so I won’t say anything much about it here.
The main thing to be aware of is the heightened sense of emotion while reading it. I found myself wondering, throughout the morning I spend reading this book, how interesting it would be to have myself hooked up to machines measuring heart rate and brain activity, etc, while experiencing this book. I bet there would be some high and unusual readings because I was so affected by what I was reading.
I won’t list the trigger warnings here in case people don’t want spoilers, but I recommend looking them up if you’re concerned.
I can’t wait for my next Europa book.
Thanks again for the ad-pr gift.
#book #bookstagram #europaeditions #europaedizioni #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookreading #bookrelease #bookrec #italianliterature #italianfiction #newbook #translatedfiction #translatedliterature #womenintranslation
When @europaeditionsuk offered a proof copy of this, I couldn’t say no.
Europa are one of my favourite publishers because they publish a lot of world literature, especially translated fiction, which I adore.
This partial epistolary novel is translated from Italian (like the other four Europa books that I’ve read so far) and it’s so beautifully written and translated.
I went into this book without having read, or remembered the premise and I’m glad so I won’t say anything much about it here.
The main thing to be aware of is the heightened sense of emotion while reading it. I found myself wondering, throughout the morning I spend reading this book, how interesting it would be to have myself hooked up to machines measuring heart rate and brain activity, etc, while experiencing this book. I bet there would be some high and unusual readings because I was so affected by what I was reading.
I won’t list the trigger warnings here in case people don’t want spoilers, but I recommend looking them up if you’re concerned.
I can’t wait for my next Europa book.
Thanks again for the ad-pr gift.
#book #bookstagram #europaeditions #europaedizioni #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookreading #bookrelease #bookrec #italianliterature #italianfiction #newbook #translatedfiction #translatedliterature #womenintranslation
RECITATIF by TONI MORRISON
The only short story written by Toni Morrison, recently published in this beautiful little book.
It felt different to other Morrison novels, but it was still brilliant and had a strong impact. She’s writing about race and time and I feel like it’s one that will reveal new interpretations each time you read it.
Can’t wait to read the next Morrison book.
#tonimorrison #recitatif #book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookreading
The only short story written by Toni Morrison, recently published in this beautiful little book.
It felt different to other Morrison novels, but it was still brilliant and had a strong impact. She’s writing about race and time and I feel like it’s one that will reveal new interpretations each time you read it.
Can’t wait to read the next Morrison book.
#tonimorrison #recitatif #book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookreading
VLADIMIR by JULIA MAY JONAS
In the literary world, we read the name Vladimir and think of Nabokov, write of the controversial Lolita. The titular character, however, is a young and handsome writer and a teacher at a liberal arts college in upstate New York. He has no sexual interest in young girls, in fact, it is the book’s fifty something narrator who seems to draw his attention. Or, he, at least, draws hers. The narrator’s sexual fantasies about the much younger Vladimir and her wry observations about life in academia were the most exciting parts of this novel. It’s out narrator’s husband, instead, who has transgressed and, allegedly, assaulted several young students throughout his time as professor. The books seeks to unpick the morality of the teacher’s behaviour; he didn’t seduce these girls, they came to him. He didn’t rape them; they consented. But, as the much younger characters in this novel point out, that doesn’t matter. It’s the power dynamic that makes this incorrigible.
I found the narrator and her controversial opinions to be incredibly human. Her intelligent observations and stark self-awareness endeared her to me instantly. It didn’t matter that I felt a lot of her opinions were outdated, actually, I think that was the point. I simply loved her anyway.
There are essays calling out to be written on many aspects of this book and I’d love to read them, maybe even write one. But for now I’ll end my review by saying that this book is an instant classic and an instant favourite.
All that remains is for me to thank Hope @blackbookbitch for making me the happiest Bookstagrammer alive when she sent me this ad pr book.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookreading #bookreviewers #bookrecs #vladimirbook #juliamayjonas
In the literary world, we read the name Vladimir and think of Nabokov, write of the controversial Lolita. The titular character, however, is a young and handsome writer and a teacher at a liberal arts college in upstate New York. He has no sexual interest in young girls, in fact, it is the book’s fifty something narrator who seems to draw his attention. Or, he, at least, draws hers. The narrator’s sexual fantasies about the much younger Vladimir and her wry observations about life in academia were the most exciting parts of this novel. It’s out narrator’s husband, instead, who has transgressed and, allegedly, assaulted several young students throughout his time as professor. The books seeks to unpick the morality of the teacher’s behaviour; he didn’t seduce these girls, they came to him. He didn’t rape them; they consented. But, as the much younger characters in this novel point out, that doesn’t matter. It’s the power dynamic that makes this incorrigible.
I found the narrator and her controversial opinions to be incredibly human. Her intelligent observations and stark self-awareness endeared her to me instantly. It didn’t matter that I felt a lot of her opinions were outdated, actually, I think that was the point. I simply loved her anyway.
There are essays calling out to be written on many aspects of this book and I’d love to read them, maybe even write one. But for now I’ll end my review by saying that this book is an instant classic and an instant favourite.
All that remains is for me to thank Hope @blackbookbitch for making me the happiest Bookstagrammer alive when she sent me this ad pr book.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookreading #bookreviewers #bookrecs #vladimirbook #juliamayjonas