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libbysbookshelf's Reviews (745)
THE BASS ROCK by EVIE WYLD
Mostly set in a large (haunted) house in Scotland in two different eras, but also set in the witch trials, this novel explores what it means, and has meant, to be a woman.
I loved all of the women in this book; all of them strong and admirable in their own way. The men, not so much.
I really loved this book so my review won’t be very objective, but I will tell you to read it if you’re into feminist literature with a strong sense of voice and with a cast of characters you can root for. There’s also a bit of horror in this book, but it was just the right amount and never gratuitous. Same for violence.
A modern classic.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookreading #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #booklover #bookphotography #bassrock #eviewyld
Mostly set in a large (haunted) house in Scotland in two different eras, but also set in the witch trials, this novel explores what it means, and has meant, to be a woman.
I loved all of the women in this book; all of them strong and admirable in their own way. The men, not so much.
I really loved this book so my review won’t be very objective, but I will tell you to read it if you’re into feminist literature with a strong sense of voice and with a cast of characters you can root for. There’s also a bit of horror in this book, but it was just the right amount and never gratuitous. Same for violence.
A modern classic.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookreading #bookreviewers #bookreviewersofinstagram #booklover #bookphotography #bassrock #eviewyld
A TASTE OF HONEY by SHELAGH DELANEY
I read this short play because one of my tutees is studying it for his GCSEs.
Can I just say, this is brutal?! I kind of got Shuggie Bain vibes, only a little more lighthearted in its presentation i.e. there was a lot of comedy. But the subject matter; a single mother from a working class northern town who drinks a lot and leaves her child regularly, was exactly the same. The difference is the relationship between mother and daughter is not quite as tender; in fact, they tear into each other, thus creating the dark humour.
It’s a tricky one because I know this is a highly regarded play, but I didn’t enjoy reading it. It made me uncomfortable, which means I give a huge credit to the writer, but I can’t say I would want to spend time in this world. I can imagine it being a juicy play to analyse for GCSEs, though.
Overall I’d call it an impressive play that deals with themes of prejudice in the form of racism and homophobia, as well as mother daughter relationships and teenage pregnancy.
Have you read or seen this and what did you think?
#atasteofhoney #shelaghdelaney #book #play #drama #literature #gcseenglishliterature #gcseliterature #bookstagram #books #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #bookstagramcommunity #booklover #booklove #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookphotography
I read this short play because one of my tutees is studying it for his GCSEs.
Can I just say, this is brutal?! I kind of got Shuggie Bain vibes, only a little more lighthearted in its presentation i.e. there was a lot of comedy. But the subject matter; a single mother from a working class northern town who drinks a lot and leaves her child regularly, was exactly the same. The difference is the relationship between mother and daughter is not quite as tender; in fact, they tear into each other, thus creating the dark humour.
It’s a tricky one because I know this is a highly regarded play, but I didn’t enjoy reading it. It made me uncomfortable, which means I give a huge credit to the writer, but I can’t say I would want to spend time in this world. I can imagine it being a juicy play to analyse for GCSEs, though.
Overall I’d call it an impressive play that deals with themes of prejudice in the form of racism and homophobia, as well as mother daughter relationships and teenage pregnancy.
Have you read or seen this and what did you think?
#atasteofhoney #shelaghdelaney #book #play #drama #literature #gcseenglishliterature #gcseliterature #bookstagram #books #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #bookstagramcommunity #booklover #booklove #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookrecs #bookreviews #bookphotography
FAULT LINES by EMILY ITAMI
On the surface, this Japanese housewife, Mizuki, has it all. Gorgeous, hardworking husband, two beautiful children and a Tokyo apartment. But why does she feel like throwing herself off her balcony? Granted, it’s only a fleeting thought, and I wouldn’t say that depression or suicide are themes of this book, but the thought is there and it demonstrates Mizuki’s desperation and her dark, sarcastic humour, inflicting a hilarious use of British swear words. I loved the juxtaposition of the Japanese setting and the use of words like ‘twat’. I think it gave the book and the character a heart. Anyway, the novel explores this character from first person perspective and from past to present. And it is in the present day that she meets a man. A man who is kind and funny and laughs with her and pays her attention. The opposite of her husband.
Painfully aware of expectations of her Japanese culture, Mizuki never neglects her motherly or wifely duties, and she speaks about her children with a brutal honesty; she loves them but they are often brats!
I think the thing that worried me at the beginning of the novel is actually what I came to love about it. And that was the slightly unpolished writing. As the novel progressed I realised it was intentional and it matched the chaotic character perfectly.
The little love story gave me little chills and the comedy had me smirking as I read (I won’t lie to you and say I was laughing out loud because who really does that? No, seriously, do you laugh out loud when you’re reading a book? - actually, maybe I have on occasion…). Where was I? I was wrapping up this review - well done if you made it this far!
This book is good. I enjoyed reading it. Japanese literature with a sprinkling of British swear words.
#book #emilyitami #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookreadersofinstagram #faultlines #japaneseliterature
On the surface, this Japanese housewife, Mizuki, has it all. Gorgeous, hardworking husband, two beautiful children and a Tokyo apartment. But why does she feel like throwing herself off her balcony? Granted, it’s only a fleeting thought, and I wouldn’t say that depression or suicide are themes of this book, but the thought is there and it demonstrates Mizuki’s desperation and her dark, sarcastic humour, inflicting a hilarious use of British swear words. I loved the juxtaposition of the Japanese setting and the use of words like ‘twat’. I think it gave the book and the character a heart. Anyway, the novel explores this character from first person perspective and from past to present. And it is in the present day that she meets a man. A man who is kind and funny and laughs with her and pays her attention. The opposite of her husband.
Painfully aware of expectations of her Japanese culture, Mizuki never neglects her motherly or wifely duties, and she speaks about her children with a brutal honesty; she loves them but they are often brats!
I think the thing that worried me at the beginning of the novel is actually what I came to love about it. And that was the slightly unpolished writing. As the novel progressed I realised it was intentional and it matched the chaotic character perfectly.
The little love story gave me little chills and the comedy had me smirking as I read (I won’t lie to you and say I was laughing out loud because who really does that? No, seriously, do you laugh out loud when you’re reading a book? - actually, maybe I have on occasion…). Where was I? I was wrapping up this review - well done if you made it this far!
This book is good. I enjoyed reading it. Japanese literature with a sprinkling of British swear words.
#book #emilyitami #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookreadersofinstagram #faultlines #japaneseliterature
THE SWEETNESS OF WATER by NATHAN HARRIS
I didn’t read this when it was longlisted for the Booker because I saw too many mixed reviews. However, @dylanthomasprize tells me to jump and I’ll say how high!
It was a strange experience reading this book. I felt like a lot of the ingredients were there for this to be an epic masterpiece, but it didn’t quite come together for me. There was some beautiful language and imagery throughout and I can fully visualise the whole town of Old Ox in my mind even now. The characters were beautifully drawn and developed and there were moments of heartache. But I didn’t feel fully attached and I was bored at some points. I wonder if it’s because I’m a woman’s woman and a lot of this novel felt quite masculine. War and violence are all well and good for me from the point of view of the women, but I don’t feel as connected when it’s all about men. Isn’t enough of life already all about men? And I must point out that there was a fantastic female character in this book, and she was very well written, but I would have loved more of her, or more female characters.
The only time I like a story about men is when there is an element of LGBTQ+ stuff going on, and this book had a bit of that, which I really enjoyed.
I suppose my conclusion is that this book is great for people who don’t crave female characters as much as I do! And it’s good for people like me.
Having said all this, I won’t hesitate to read whatever this writer brings out next because I enjoyed a lot of his themes and his turn of phrase.
#dylanthomasprize #thesweetnessofwater #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviews #bookreviewer #booklover #bookstagramreadsthebooker
I didn’t read this when it was longlisted for the Booker because I saw too many mixed reviews. However, @dylanthomasprize tells me to jump and I’ll say how high!
It was a strange experience reading this book. I felt like a lot of the ingredients were there for this to be an epic masterpiece, but it didn’t quite come together for me. There was some beautiful language and imagery throughout and I can fully visualise the whole town of Old Ox in my mind even now. The characters were beautifully drawn and developed and there were moments of heartache. But I didn’t feel fully attached and I was bored at some points. I wonder if it’s because I’m a woman’s woman and a lot of this novel felt quite masculine. War and violence are all well and good for me from the point of view of the women, but I don’t feel as connected when it’s all about men. Isn’t enough of life already all about men? And I must point out that there was a fantastic female character in this book, and she was very well written, but I would have loved more of her, or more female characters.
The only time I like a story about men is when there is an element of LGBTQ+ stuff going on, and this book had a bit of that, which I really enjoyed.
I suppose my conclusion is that this book is great for people who don’t crave female characters as much as I do! And it’s good for people like me.
Having said all this, I won’t hesitate to read whatever this writer brings out next because I enjoyed a lot of his themes and his turn of phrase.
#dylanthomasprize #thesweetnessofwater #book #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramuk #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviews #bookreviewer #booklover #bookstagramreadsthebooker
LEMON by KWON YEO-SUN translated by JANET HONG
Korean March is well and truly upon us and I had to find time to read a book from one of my favourite (literary) places. I’ve never actually been there but I’ve read and loved every Korean book I’ve ever come across. This is no exception.
It’s a crime story unlike any other. The novel begins with the crime, but the chapters that follow show the lives of the of the people affected by the crime in the years after. In true translated Korean literature style, it’s short and sharp and without fuss. It’s expertly told with no surplus wordage.
And look at this cover. Go out and buy it now so that you can read it in time for Korean March.
#book #koreanmarch #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #koreanliterature #koreanbook #lemonbook #kwonyeosun #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs
Korean March is well and truly upon us and I had to find time to read a book from one of my favourite (literary) places. I’ve never actually been there but I’ve read and loved every Korean book I’ve ever come across. This is no exception.
It’s a crime story unlike any other. The novel begins with the crime, but the chapters that follow show the lives of the of the people affected by the crime in the years after. In true translated Korean literature style, it’s short and sharp and without fuss. It’s expertly told with no surplus wordage.
And look at this cover. Go out and buy it now so that you can read it in time for Korean March.
#book #koreanmarch #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #koreanliterature #koreanbook #lemonbook #kwonyeosun #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs
FILTHY ANIMALS by BRANDON TAYLOR
Longlisted for the @dylanthomasprize and I would not be surprised if it won.
If you enjoyed Real Life, then you will love this. It’s a collection of short stories, but there is a thread that links them, so that, at times, it feels more like chapters in a book rather than individual stories. Taylor is so smart with his observational writing, so that seemingly mundane conversations between characters create a thrill. This is my favourite kind of writing.
I found myself awake in the early hours this morning, and the usual anxieties went buzzing through my mind. To distract myself, I started thinking about the characters from this book and they felt so real to me. I could have been recalling a vivid memory of time spent with friends. I didn’t wake up again til 9 a.m., so it worked a treat!
I absolutely adore Brandon Taylor. I think he might be one of my favourite writers.
#book #bookstagram #brandontaylor #filthyanimals #dylanthomas #dylanthomasprize #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading
Longlisted for the @dylanthomasprize and I would not be surprised if it won.
If you enjoyed Real Life, then you will love this. It’s a collection of short stories, but there is a thread that links them, so that, at times, it feels more like chapters in a book rather than individual stories. Taylor is so smart with his observational writing, so that seemingly mundane conversations between characters create a thrill. This is my favourite kind of writing.
I found myself awake in the early hours this morning, and the usual anxieties went buzzing through my mind. To distract myself, I started thinking about the characters from this book and they felt so real to me. I could have been recalling a vivid memory of time spent with friends. I didn’t wake up again til 9 a.m., so it worked a treat!
I absolutely adore Brandon Taylor. I think he might be one of my favourite writers.
#book #bookstagram #brandontaylor #filthyanimals #dylanthomas #dylanthomasprize #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading
CLEOPATRA AND FRANKENSTEIN by COCO MELLORS
Wow.
I’ll admit something to you that makes me come across badly, but I’ll do it because what’s Instagram if not a kind of cyber confessional booth?!
So when I saw the writer’s beautiful photo at the back of the book and read her description of Cleo (beautiful, long blonde hair and bohemian), I thought this book was a self-indulgent exploration of Mellors’ own life. Oh how wrong and how cruel I was. In fact, Mellors has created a cast of characters who are all so unique and three-dimensional, that I found myself thinking ‘that’s so Frank!’ No one in the book is entirely ‘good’; they’re all flawed and completely loveable because of it.
I loved the dialogue and the chemistry between the characters and I could have read about 700 pages more of it. Mellors has clearly closely observed people and conversations in order to produce something so authentic, yet so beautiful.
I really really loved this book, even though I didn’t particular enjoy reading it to begin with. By the end, I couldn’t stop reading. And I’d even read a sequel (not that it’s that type of a book).
Believe the hype on this one.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #cocomellors #cleopatraandfrankenstein
Wow.
I’ll admit something to you that makes me come across badly, but I’ll do it because what’s Instagram if not a kind of cyber confessional booth?!
So when I saw the writer’s beautiful photo at the back of the book and read her description of Cleo (beautiful, long blonde hair and bohemian), I thought this book was a self-indulgent exploration of Mellors’ own life. Oh how wrong and how cruel I was. In fact, Mellors has created a cast of characters who are all so unique and three-dimensional, that I found myself thinking ‘that’s so Frank!’ No one in the book is entirely ‘good’; they’re all flawed and completely loveable because of it.
I loved the dialogue and the chemistry between the characters and I could have read about 700 pages more of it. Mellors has clearly closely observed people and conversations in order to produce something so authentic, yet so beautiful.
I really really loved this book, even though I didn’t particular enjoy reading it to begin with. By the end, I couldn’t stop reading. And I’d even read a sequel (not that it’s that type of a book).
Believe the hype on this one.
#book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #cocomellors #cleopatraandfrankenstein
MILK BLOOD HEAT by DANTIEL W. MONIZ
This collection of short stories has been on my TBR since I first heard of it. Now that it’s been longlisted for the @dylanthomasprize it’s shot to the top of my list, and I’ve just now finished reading it.
As the title suggests, there is a sense of the visceral to these stories. They felt deeply human and connected to what it means to be a mother, to hurt, to sweat. The storytelling was simplistic, yet beautiful.
I would read anything by this writer.
#milkbloodheat #dantielwmoniz #bookstagram #book #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs
This collection of short stories has been on my TBR since I first heard of it. Now that it’s been longlisted for the @dylanthomasprize it’s shot to the top of my list, and I’ve just now finished reading it.
As the title suggests, there is a sense of the visceral to these stories. They felt deeply human and connected to what it means to be a mother, to hurt, to sweat. The storytelling was simplistic, yet beautiful.
I would read anything by this writer.
#milkbloodheat #dantielwmoniz #bookstagram #book #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs
THE LOST DAUGHTER by ELENA FERRANTE translated by ANN GOLDSTEIN
I read this yesterday and couldn’t stop once I’d started. It’s only a short book, but it is powerful.
The main character spends her summer on the coast of an Italian tourist town. Her two grown up daughters have recently moved away, and for the first time she is responsible only for herself. But in her loneliness, she spends long days people-watching the boisterous Neapolitan family on the beach. Then something happens and she becomes acquainted with the family. What follows is a lot of tension and some bloody brilliant writing.
I haven’t watched the film yet, but I knew Olivia Coleman played the main character, so I was imagining her in my head as I was reading. Hoping to watch the film tonight. Anyone else watched it or planning to?
#book #bookstagram #europaeditions #elenaferrante #thelostdaughter #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading
I read this yesterday and couldn’t stop once I’d started. It’s only a short book, but it is powerful.
The main character spends her summer on the coast of an Italian tourist town. Her two grown up daughters have recently moved away, and for the first time she is responsible only for herself. But in her loneliness, she spends long days people-watching the boisterous Neapolitan family on the beach. Then something happens and she becomes acquainted with the family. What follows is a lot of tension and some bloody brilliant writing.
I haven’t watched the film yet, but I knew Olivia Coleman played the main character, so I was imagining her in my head as I was reading. Hoping to watch the film tonight. Anyone else watched it or planning to?
#book #bookstagram #europaeditions #elenaferrante #thelostdaughter #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookreading
JAMAICA INN by DAPHNE DU MAURIER
Of course I’d heard of this book. For years. It’s a classic, of course. I read Rebecca a couple of years ago and absolutely adored it, so I had to read more by Du Maurier.
I was excited to pick this up and I found it difficult to put down. I think it’s because of the mysterious nature of the plot; it was a real page-turner. I adored the poetic descriptions and the dialogue was brilliant. But best of all is Mary Yellan; the main character. I loved her so much! She’s so brave and ferocious and a strong sense of morality, but not too strong that she isn’t attracted to the bad boys, well, bad boy.
A lot of action and a lot of plot, but still I loved it. I guess a good writer can do everything well.
#jamaicainn #daphnedumaurier #book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #classicliterature
Of course I’d heard of this book. For years. It’s a classic, of course. I read Rebecca a couple of years ago and absolutely adored it, so I had to read more by Du Maurier.
I was excited to pick this up and I found it difficult to put down. I think it’s because of the mysterious nature of the plot; it was a real page-turner. I adored the poetic descriptions and the dialogue was brilliant. But best of all is Mary Yellan; the main character. I loved her so much! She’s so brave and ferocious and a strong sense of morality, but not too strong that she isn’t attracted to the bad boys, well, bad boy.
A lot of action and a lot of plot, but still I loved it. I guess a good writer can do everything well.
#jamaicainn #daphnedumaurier #book #bookstagram #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookreviews #bookrecs #classicliterature