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maryfelicep's reviews
48 reviews
The Survivor Of The Holocaust by Jack Eisner
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
An incredibly moving true story about Jack Eisner, a young Jewish boy's experience during the Holocaust, smuggling food and arms into the Warsaw Ghetto and the strength and courage he shows to fight for himself and his family to survive. Graphic and horrifying, this young man's story is painful to read but so important to understand. As a teenager in Poland under Nazi occupation, he and one other member of his family survived inhumane conditions but lost everything and everyone else. He spent the rest of his life bearing witness to his experience and founded the Holocaust Survivors Memorial Foundation. A tough and moving read which is difficult to forget.
This book has been rereleased for the 45th anniversary with a new forward. Thank you to NetGalley and Citadel for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book has been rereleased for the 45th anniversary with a new forward. Thank you to NetGalley and Citadel for the opportunity to read and review this book.
An Acquaintances with Death - Memoirs of a Paediatrician by Dr Richard G Wilson
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
2.0
A book which seems part memoir, part advice and part theory written from the perspective of a paediatrician and delving into his experience in helping families deal with the death of a child. As a paediatric nurse for many years, I found this book quite interesting however I felt as though the author was a little confused about the purpose of the book and therefore what the book itself was meant to be. Also, while I understand the necessity for these types of books to be factual in their approach, even considering the subject matter, I felt it came across as a little cold and unfeeling. Perhaps this is overly critical however this is the overall sense it left with me. I'm unsure that this book would be a good fit for many lay people - having said that, I am left unsure of the target audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The Penford Manor Murders by Fiona Veitch Smith
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Miss Clara Vale has been invited to Penford Manor by Lady Penford on the pretense of attending the opening of the grouse-hunting season. In reality, she and her assistant Bella are secretly investigating an anonymous blackmail letter sent to Lady Penford, threatening to divulge a secret. With Lady Penford refusing to tell Clara what he secret involves, she and Bella have little to go on except the knowledge that someone within the household must have slipped the blackmail letter under Lady Penford's door. The case becomes more complicated and dangerous when a dead body turns up on the grounds and Clara suspects her blackmail case is linked to the murder, especially when someone tries unsuccessfully to push her off a cliff top when she starts asking too many questions.
Set at Penford Manor in the 1930s amongst the glamour of high society, this is murder mystery about a young socialite making her mark on the world as an independent woman (despite her parents' protestations) is a fabulous read. It has a well-written storyline filled with the glamour of that era, and enough twists to keep you interested and guessing. A great read - I will definitely be reading the other Miss Clara Vale mysteries and highly recommend you read this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. Publication date is 15 April 2025
Set at Penford Manor in the 1930s amongst the glamour of high society, this is murder mystery about a young socialite making her mark on the world as an independent woman (despite her parents' protestations) is a fabulous read. It has a well-written storyline filled with the glamour of that era, and enough twists to keep you interested and guessing. A great read - I will definitely be reading the other Miss Clara Vale mysteries and highly recommend you read this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. Publication date is 15 April 2025
1986: Stories by Will Stepp, Will Stepp
A series of interconnected short stories about a boy growing up in the 1980's, some which leave you with an almost melancholic sense of nostalgia. The stories deal with the good and bad aspects of growing up and had me feeling wistful. They touch on dark issues such as difficult family relationships, love and friendship, bullying and feeling ostracized by others. A number of the stories have a mysterious, ghostly feel to them and their short length and writing style makes this an easy to read collection.
One of my favourite stories in the collection was New Knife, a lovely story about the love between a young boy and his grandpa, and a special gift he gives to his grandson.
A lovely collection about both the wonder and terrors of growing up. Thank you to NetGalley and Brody & Malachi Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
⭐⭐⭐.5
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5
A series of interconnected short stories about a boy growing up in the 1980's, some which leave you with an almost melancholic sense of nostalgia. The stories deal with the good and bad aspects of growing up and had me feeling wistful. They touch on dark issues such as difficult family relationships, love and friendship, bullying and feeling ostracized by others. A number of the stories have a mysterious, ghostly feel to them and their short length and writing style makes this an easy to read collection.
One of my favourite stories in the collection was New Knife, a lovely story about the love between a young boy and his grandpa, and a special gift he gives to his grandson.
A lovely collection about both the wonder and terrors of growing up. Thank you to NetGalley and Brody & Malachi Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
⭐⭐⭐.5
Syringa by Ian Orti
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A literary novella set in New Year's Eve in Berlin. An ex-journalist, still in love with a woman who has disappeared, recounts the fractured pieces of his long love affair with her to a stranger named Hissel, while waiting to be assassinated. Hissel, an AWOL soldier, has been hired to kill a number of people connected to the woman's disappearance and as time ticks down to midnight, the story unfolds.
The author's writing style is melancholic and atmospheric, beautifully written and it draws you into the telling of the story. The story wasn't explored in great detail but left to the reader's imagination to fill in the rest, purposely (I think) to create our own version of the story..
Thank you to NetGalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The author's writing style is melancholic and atmospheric, beautifully written and it draws you into the telling of the story. The story wasn't explored in great detail but left to the reader's imagination to fill in the rest, purposely (I think) to create our own version of the story..
Thank you to NetGalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Seers and Sibyls by MJ Pankey
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A collection of stories about those with the ability to 'know' things, to see into the future. Sometimes it's a curse to have 'the sight' and it comes unwillingly and without choice to the person with this gift.
An enjoyable collection of stories from numerous authors around the world dealing with themes of love, loss, fear, courage and redemption. The stories are diverse and all have their own level of appeal. My favourites from this anthology include A Tale from the World by Victoria Brun, A Tale from the Choctaw Nation by AL Munson, A Tale From Nigeria by Ekpenisi Nwajesu, A Tale from Italy by Kayla White and A Tale from China by Matthew Yap. A solid read for those who enjoy short stories featuring orales, prophets and fortunetellers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brigid's Gate Press LLC for the opportunity to read and review this collection of stories.
An enjoyable collection of stories from numerous authors around the world dealing with themes of love, loss, fear, courage and redemption. The stories are diverse and all have their own level of appeal. My favourites from this anthology include A Tale from the World by Victoria Brun, A Tale from the Choctaw Nation by AL Munson, A Tale From Nigeria by Ekpenisi Nwajesu, A Tale from Italy by Kayla White and A Tale from China by Matthew Yap. A solid read for those who enjoy short stories featuring orales, prophets and fortunetellers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brigid's Gate Press LLC for the opportunity to read and review this collection of stories.
The Book of Lost Children by Jenny O'Brien, Jenny O'Brien
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
3.0
Evelyn Nightingale works as a nurse during WW2 in her home of Guernsey. As the German army's occupation of the Channel Islands becomes stronger, Evelyn does all that she can to hide 3 babies and an escaped Irishman from the German army, as they're likely to suffer a terrible fate if discovered. In 2018, Kitty White is working hard to keep the family antique business going on the rake of her mother's death and her father's increasing drinking. When she is offered an old violin to sell, she finds an old diary containing a list of names which alarm her father, who refuses to tell her why. In a desperate attempt to find the truth, Kitty's journey takes her to Guernsey where she uncovers her family's long-buried secret.
This sad and moving historical story, told over 2 timelines, is inspired by true events. Evelyn's story is heartfelt and the author does a brilliant job of exploring the terrible circumstances for many people during this war, and how so many went without the basic essentials. However, I felt that both stories were a little disjointed and just didn't come together as well as they could have as they felt a little disjointed and slow at times, and the connection to the title was tenuous at best.
The story was brought together well in the end however it didn't leave the sort of impact I thought it would, despite how emotional and poignant the storyline was. A lovely book that, while it was enjoyable to read, didn't quite live up to what I'd hoped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for thè opportunity to read and review this book. Publication date is 11 April 2025.
This sad and moving historical story, told over 2 timelines, is inspired by true events. Evelyn's story is heartfelt and the author does a brilliant job of exploring the terrible circumstances for many people during this war, and how so many went without the basic essentials. However, I felt that both stories were a little disjointed and just didn't come together as well as they could have as they felt a little disjointed and slow at times, and the connection to the title was tenuous at best.
The story was brought together well in the end however it didn't leave the sort of impact I thought it would, despite how emotional and poignant the storyline was. A lovely book that, while it was enjoyable to read, didn't quite live up to what I'd hoped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for thè opportunity to read and review this book. Publication date is 11 April 2025.
Room on the Sea by André Aciman
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Catherine and Paul are both middle aged when they're called up to jury duty. Over the course of a warm summer's week, they spend time together while waiting to see if they will be chosen. What begins as a light flirtation, unexpectedly develops into something stronger than they could ever have imagined and by the end of their time together, they must decide whether to take the chance to act on their feelings or be prepared to walk away and live with the 'what if' forever.
A wonderful and moving novella about longing where 2 people in the second half of their lives must decide whether to risk everything for a last chance at happiness. Written by the author of Call Me By Your Name with depth and feeling, it explores the sadness and loneliness that sometimes occurs when long-term couples grow apart.
Thank you to NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful story. Publication date is 10 April 2025.
A wonderful and moving novella about longing where 2 people in the second half of their lives must decide whether to risk everything for a last chance at happiness. Written by the author of Call Me By Your Name with depth and feeling, it explores the sadness and loneliness that sometimes occurs when long-term couples grow apart.
Thank you to NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful story. Publication date is 10 April 2025.
The Death of Us by Abigail Dean
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Edward and Isabel are happily married and enjoying their life together until one night when their home is invaded by a serial rapist and home invader. Although they both survive the violence, the effect impacts their individual lives and relationships. When the culprit continues his terrible acts and moves on to murder, no one rests including the police officer hunting him down. He is eventually caught 25 years later and Edward and Isabel come together to support each other during the trial and sentencing, forcing them to face up to their ongoing feelings for each other and the secrets that have bound them together.
I could not put this book down! Brilliantly written, the characters and their stories come to life in a book which has the sharpness of a great crime thriller while also the slow burn of a psychological suspense story. It's also a heart achingly emotional love story. Be aware, that it's brutal in parts, dealing with violent crimes. A must read.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia for the opportunity to read and review this incredible book
I could not put this book down! Brilliantly written, the characters and their stories come to life in a book which has the sharpness of a great crime thriller while also the slow burn of a psychological suspense story. It's also a heart achingly emotional love story. Be aware, that it's brutal in parts, dealing with violent crimes. A must read.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia for the opportunity to read and review this incredible book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Grief, Murder
Horror on the Brain by Austin Lim
challenging
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.0
This was a really interesting and exploration of the science and psychology related to madness and fears. This book dives deeply into the subject, looking for answers to a multitude of questions such as
- why we're fascinated by certain classic horror stories and iconic characters from that genre
- the inventor of the EEG machine and what it tells us about brain function and patterns
- true life cases about changes in personality and development of amnesia following brain injuries
- neurological conditions such as narcolepsy, CJD (mad cow disease) and sleepwalking including extreme true life cases of these conditions; and so much more!
This incredibly detailed and researched non-fiction book not only talks to the neuroscience behind all the above but connects the science to our most loved horror and science fiction, linking the fascination we have for the frightening and the macabre. The topics in each chapter are explained in an engaging and enjoyable manner and you don't need to be a neuroscientist or psychologist to understand the subjects covered. I found each chapter fascinating and informative, with many interesting and fun tidbits thrown in. A great read .
Thank you to NetGalley And The Globe Pequot Publishing Group Inc for the opportunity to read and review this book
Publication date is 8 April 2025
- why we're fascinated by certain classic horror stories and iconic characters from that genre
- the inventor of the EEG machine and what it tells us about brain function and patterns
- true life cases about changes in personality and development of amnesia following brain injuries
- neurological conditions such as narcolepsy, CJD (mad cow disease) and sleepwalking including extreme true life cases of these conditions; and so much more!
This incredibly detailed and researched non-fiction book not only talks to the neuroscience behind all the above but connects the science to our most loved horror and science fiction, linking the fascination we have for the frightening and the macabre. The topics in each chapter are explained in an engaging and enjoyable manner and you don't need to be a neuroscientist or psychologist to understand the subjects covered. I found each chapter fascinating and informative, with many interesting and fun tidbits thrown in. A great read .
Thank you to NetGalley And The Globe Pequot Publishing Group Inc for the opportunity to read and review this book
Publication date is 8 April 2025