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libbysbookshelf's Reviews (745)
LOT by BRYAN WASHINGTON
Dylan Thomas Prize Longlist #10
So, this book started with uncertainty for me. Perhaps it was my book hangover from Hamnet, perhaps it was because I had to get used to this writer’s voice, which is strong and doesn’t wait around for anyone to catch up. And I like that. He’s unapologetically himself. Sometimes I find myself on the back foot if I haven’t got some American or Texan or Spanish reference, but that’s my bad, not his.
The book is about the power of the place you’re from. In many ways, it reminded me of Black Car Burning in its themes. It describes Houston and its people in such a way that you feel like a eavesdropper, a visitor. I always love it when I read something that has a completely new feel and this book definitely has that. It’s a series of short stories, but they all tie in with each other and running through this stories is a continuous narrative about, presumably, the writer’s own life. I liked these bits the best.
I’m glad I persevered with this book because I’m really enjoying it now. Maybe I’ll have to go back to Inland after all.
Dylan Thomas Prize Longlist #10
So, this book started with uncertainty for me. Perhaps it was my book hangover from Hamnet, perhaps it was because I had to get used to this writer’s voice, which is strong and doesn’t wait around for anyone to catch up. And I like that. He’s unapologetically himself. Sometimes I find myself on the back foot if I haven’t got some American or Texan or Spanish reference, but that’s my bad, not his.
The book is about the power of the place you’re from. In many ways, it reminded me of Black Car Burning in its themes. It describes Houston and its people in such a way that you feel like a eavesdropper, a visitor. I always love it when I read something that has a completely new feel and this book definitely has that. It’s a series of short stories, but they all tie in with each other and running through this stories is a continuous narrative about, presumably, the writer’s own life. I liked these bits the best.
I’m glad I persevered with this book because I’m really enjoying it now. Maybe I’ll have to go back to Inland after all.
WEATHER by JENNY OFFILL
Women’s Prize Longlist #7
For me, this is not so much a novel as an abstract mesh of thoughts, ideas, sounds, gossip, snippets of things read or overheard or said. It has characters, and they are all spot on and well-fleshed out. It has a plot, but it’s mostly about ideas in this modern world. Mental health, climate change, socioeconomic status, motherhood to name a few.
I did not expect to enjoy this quite so much. It’s a clever little book and it’s very funny. I shared some of the jokes and research findings that were dotted throughout with my husband. He also found it funny.
Women’s Prize Longlist #7
For me, this is not so much a novel as an abstract mesh of thoughts, ideas, sounds, gossip, snippets of things read or overheard or said. It has characters, and they are all spot on and well-fleshed out. It has a plot, but it’s mostly about ideas in this modern world. Mental health, climate change, socioeconomic status, motherhood to name a few.
I did not expect to enjoy this quite so much. It’s a clever little book and it’s very funny. I shared some of the jokes and research findings that were dotted throughout with my husband. He also found it funny.
NIGHTINGALE POINT by LUAN GOLDIE
Women’s Prize Longlist #9
This novel starts out like a thriller and for a while I thought the whole thing was going to be set over one day - the day of the incident. But instead we see the incident and the aftermath, which is what separates this book from other, more pulp thriller fiction.
I particularly enjoyed the moral quandaries in this story, for example the characters made decisions that were hard to accept and maybe even immoral, but I think that’s how Goldie made them appear more realistic. The characters are the best thing about this book; they were so real. I can fully picture all of them right now and I can even imagine what they might say! Isn’t that great?!
So, while this is not my favourite on the long list, I can still recognise the immense talent of this writer and I think it will be a while before I forget Tristan and Malachi and Mary and Elvis.
Women’s Prize Longlist #9
This novel starts out like a thriller and for a while I thought the whole thing was going to be set over one day - the day of the incident. But instead we see the incident and the aftermath, which is what separates this book from other, more pulp thriller fiction.
I particularly enjoyed the moral quandaries in this story, for example the characters made decisions that were hard to accept and maybe even immoral, but I think that’s how Goldie made them appear more realistic. The characters are the best thing about this book; they were so real. I can fully picture all of them right now and I can even imagine what they might say! Isn’t that great?!
So, while this is not my favourite on the long list, I can still recognise the immense talent of this writer and I think it will be a while before I forget Tristan and Malachi and Mary and Elvis.
ACTRESS by ANNE ENRIGHT
Women’s Prize Longlist #10
Oh, I do like to read books like this every now and then; books that make you feel as though a kindly, old Irish lady has sat down next to you in a pub to tell you the story of her life; the non-chronological order of these strange and fantastic events that occurred in her star-studded, yet troubled childhood.
This is my second Enright novel (The Green Road) and I feel that she has a unique talent for subtly describing the relationship between a mother and a daughter.
This is not a plot heavy novel, but it is one of those novels that leaves you with a feeling and when you go back to the spot where you last read it, you will get that exact same feeling all over again. That is powerful literature.
Women’s Prize Longlist #10
Oh, I do like to read books like this every now and then; books that make you feel as though a kindly, old Irish lady has sat down next to you in a pub to tell you the story of her life; the non-chronological order of these strange and fantastic events that occurred in her star-studded, yet troubled childhood.
This is my second Enright novel (The Green Road) and I feel that she has a unique talent for subtly describing the relationship between a mother and a daughter.
This is not a plot heavy novel, but it is one of those novels that leaves you with a feeling and when you go back to the spot where you last read it, you will get that exact same feeling all over again. That is powerful literature.
MILKMAN by ANNA BURNS
I’ve finally finished listening to Milkman on Audible! It may have taken over a year. That is not the book’s fault; it’s my fault. I’m not overly keen on listening to audiobooks, but lately I am crocheting so much more (@lmlmcrochet ) so my hands are busy but my ears are not!
Anyway, the book. It’s funny and quirky and that’s all I have to say about it really. Sorry for the short review but I feel like everything has already been said about this book so all I need to say is: I agree!
I’ve finally finished listening to Milkman on Audible! It may have taken over a year. That is not the book’s fault; it’s my fault. I’m not overly keen on listening to audiobooks, but lately I am crocheting so much more (@lmlmcrochet ) so my hands are busy but my ears are not!
Anyway, the book. It’s funny and quirky and that’s all I have to say about it really. Sorry for the short review but I feel like everything has already been said about this book so all I need to say is: I agree!
BELOVED by TONI MORRISON
A book that needs no introduction.
This is another book I have just finished listening to on Audible (while crocheting). The book was narrated by Toni herself, which was a real pleasure. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s a book that lends itself to audio because there are so many different points of view and I got confused with what was going on quite a lot of the time. Did anyone find that was an issue while reading the actual book?
It wasn’t really an issue. It added to the mystery of the story. It’s a book about motherhood and how far a mother will go for her children. It’s set against the most horrific backdrop - pre and post civil war slavery. It’s easy to see how many modern books have been inspired by this (Remembered, Underground Railroad, etc.)
Morrison is fantastic and this book deserves its place among classics.
A book that needs no introduction.
This is another book I have just finished listening to on Audible (while crocheting). The book was narrated by Toni herself, which was a real pleasure. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s a book that lends itself to audio because there are so many different points of view and I got confused with what was going on quite a lot of the time. Did anyone find that was an issue while reading the actual book?
It wasn’t really an issue. It added to the mystery of the story. It’s a book about motherhood and how far a mother will go for her children. It’s set against the most horrific backdrop - pre and post civil war slavery. It’s easy to see how many modern books have been inspired by this (Remembered, Underground Railroad, etc.)
Morrison is fantastic and this book deserves its place among classics.
MY DARK VANESSA by KATE ELIZABETH RUSSELL
The hype around this book is so big that I had to get it as soon as it came out. The first thing I have to say is that I can now see why so many people are calling this book uncomfortable.
It has been compared to Lolita and that is all you really need to know in the way of plot and spoilers. I want to make an assessment of this book but I don’t want to take away from the story for anyone who is planning to read this. Instead I’ll use empty adjectives and you can decide for yourself whether you want to give it a go or not. Because you should think hard about it before you read it.
Empty Adjectives: brilliant, mind-fucking/bending, honest, shocking, frightening, well-researched.
This book was 18 years in the making and it is quite clear because it does feel like every single word has been carefully selected.
If this doesn’t sound triggering for you personally, then I’d say read it. It’s a dark modern classic.
The hype around this book is so big that I had to get it as soon as it came out. The first thing I have to say is that I can now see why so many people are calling this book uncomfortable.
It has been compared to Lolita and that is all you really need to know in the way of plot and spoilers. I want to make an assessment of this book but I don’t want to take away from the story for anyone who is planning to read this. Instead I’ll use empty adjectives and you can decide for yourself whether you want to give it a go or not. Because you should think hard about it before you read it.
Empty Adjectives: brilliant, mind-fucking/bending, honest, shocking, frightening, well-researched.
This book was 18 years in the making and it is quite clear because it does feel like every single word has been carefully selected.
If this doesn’t sound triggering for you personally, then I’d say read it. It’s a dark modern classic.
HOW WE DISAPPEARED by JING-JING LEE
Women’s Prize Longlist #11
Singapore in 1943 and Singapore in 2000.
A story about family and tradition and war and hope and separation and secrets and lies and protecting those we love and death and loss and imprisonment.
I love this book. I loved the descriptions of the places and the way village life was described. I loved the characters; Kevin and Wang Di are so special and they will definitely stay with me. I loved the way the writer told such a shocking and heartbreaking story without sensationalism or pity.
A very special book. Definitely in my personal shortlist.
Women’s Prize Longlist #11
Singapore in 1943 and Singapore in 2000.
A story about family and tradition and war and hope and separation and secrets and lies and protecting those we love and death and loss and imprisonment.
I love this book. I loved the descriptions of the places and the way village life was described. I loved the characters; Kevin and Wang Di are so special and they will definitely stay with me. I loved the way the writer told such a shocking and heartbreaking story without sensationalism or pity.
A very special book. Definitely in my personal shortlist.
THE DUTCH HOUSE by ANN PATCHETT
Women’s Prize Longlist #11
Only an experienced writer could create a novel like this; subtle, nuanced, spread over decades, with the central character being a grand house (it doesn’t speak or anything, although, that would be a cool book!) - I mean, how many writers can pull that off in a meaningful way?!
I adored this book even though not much happens, or maybe it’s because not much happens. At its core, it’s a story about family and nostalgia for childhood and the things we do to claw back those feelings that we lose as we age and our priorities change.
One of my favourite things about this novel is the relationship between the central characters; Maeve and Danny. I’ve never read about such a beautiful relationship between a brother and a sister. It was truly heartwarming.
Women’s Prize Longlist #11
Only an experienced writer could create a novel like this; subtle, nuanced, spread over decades, with the central character being a grand house (it doesn’t speak or anything, although, that would be a cool book!) - I mean, how many writers can pull that off in a meaningful way?!
I adored this book even though not much happens, or maybe it’s because not much happens. At its core, it’s a story about family and nostalgia for childhood and the things we do to claw back those feelings that we lose as we age and our priorities change.
One of my favourite things about this novel is the relationship between the central characters; Maeve and Danny. I’ve never read about such a beautiful relationship between a brother and a sister. It was truly heartwarming.
