lynnenad's reviews
156 reviews

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

challenging reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This is an interesting sci-fi book about the role of robots as artificial friends, and how people respond to them. It’s also about creating class dichotomies with technology. The story is skilfully written and the voice of the narrator is clever and adds to the story. The reason for my lower than usual rating is the slow pace, which does not vary throughout the entire book, and the fact that there were no interesting or challenging ideas to give me pause. I sort of expected more from this highly acclaimed author. 

The Ink Black Heart by Robert Galbraith

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Same old, same old. But Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling can certainly write an engaging detective story. If you liked the others, you’ll like this one too. 

Bluebeard's Egg by Margaret Atwood

reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Margaret Atwood writes beautifully. Her use of language is second to none. Her description and analysis of human feelings and relationships is insightful, quirky and credible. 
The main reason this book is not one of my favourites is that it is deficient in plot. Or perhaps I am too unsophisticated to identify the plots. The characters written about are interesting in themselves but they don’t do anything. 
Having said that, the final story, Unearthing Suite, gave me much pleasure. 

XX by Rian Hughes

challenging informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

What a unique book! Part novel, part graphic novel. The story is intrinsically coherent but is presented in a variety of formats (including music you can access off the internet using a QR code) with a variety of narrators and typefaces.  This makes the book tiring to read at times, but also novel and fun. 
The overall science fiction premise is strong and intriguing (although some aspects of it are derivative). I would recommend this book to any young, sophisticated sci-fi reader (not children though. Definitely an adult book). 

Extremes: How Far Can You Go to Save a Life? by Kevin Fong

informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

Super interesting and easy to read. Parts of it read like a drama and you don’t want to put the book down until you have found out what happened. Most suitable for anyone with a passing interest in science and/or medicine. 

Black Swan Green by David Mitchell

hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Very much a straightforward coming of age story full of school bullies, a first kiss, family drama. Some of Mitchell’s turns of phrase are delightful and these make the book worth reading. Otherwise an easy read with nothing really remarkable about it. 

Unruly: A History of England's Kings and Queens by David Mitchell

funny informative lighthearted fast-paced

4.5

Very funny. Very informative. The author is clever enough and well informed enough that his opinions on topics like the development of democracy and monarchy versus republic are worth hearing. You can come to dinner at my place any time David Mitchell 

The Street Sweeper. Elliot Perlman by Elliot Perlman

challenging emotional informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Terrific book. Complex. Considered. Contains dialogue that is so well written you can hear the voices in your head. Serious and important themes discussed by people you care about. Happily recommend this to anyone, including myself again in the future. 

Cain by José Saramago

challenging dark funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

There were times during this short book there almost abandoned it but I’m pleased I didn’t. Saramago is a terrific storyteller with a delightful and witty turn of phrase. In this book, Cain discovers that God is a complete arsehole and responds accordingly. The most famous Old Testament events are all in there, interpreted through Cains eyes. A biting satire. Don’t read it if you’re a Christian 

Troubled Blood by Robert Galbraith

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Another corker in this series. A classic murder mystery and written with skill.