lotsandoften's reviews
134 reviews

Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake

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4.0

I struggled with first 100 or so pages because although the characters were drawn beautifully and were compelling, there was no clear narrative. Once the story started to emerge though, it became unputdownable. Yes the writing style is heavy and ornate, but it's gorgeous.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

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5.0

One of the most imaginative and complex book I've ever read. So terrifying in places that I was afraid to look away from the page. Absorbing and completely mad. Loved it.
Ludmila's Broken English by D.B.C. Pierre

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5.0

I can't help it. I've bought whatever DBC is selling and, even with the insanity of the language, or maybe because of that, I loved this.
Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake

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5.0

Folks don't write like this any more. Such scope, such attention to detail. Everything he describes is ancient but looks new under his words.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

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5.0

Ah, loved it. So complex and absorbing, so much story. Very little actual action I suppose but the complexities and detail were incredible. Whilst not having all the excitement of the first two, it is still, somehow, my favourite.
Lights Out in Wonderland by D.B.C. Pierre

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4.0

I love DBC Pierre, though I know many don't share my feelings. I find his writing totally free. It's giant, experimental and doesn't restrict itself. Yes, sometimes it can feel a little pretentious I suppose but I really felt myself swept away by Lights Out, whether I wanted to be or not.

Dark, twisted, bizarre and yet somehow quite real, and all delivered to us by a narrator we really ought to pity but somehow love, it's a brilliant mess. I adored it.
My Animals and Other Family by Clare Balding

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3.0

Lovely woman, decent writer. The stories are well told. I loved the early sections about her upbringing and school but struggled through the very horse-orientated chapters. Simply disinterested in the subject. Sure it'd be more thrilling to someone who was into equestrian sports.