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medeiia's reviews
218 reviews
James Madison by Richard Brookhiser
4.0
historical accuracy: 5/5
bias: 4/5
entertaining: 5/5
informative: 4/5
writing: 5/5
I loved this book?
I had to admit, James Madison is absolutely not one of my favourite historical people. He has a very obvious grey area in which he operated, and to get how he works is sometimes impossible... Yet Richard Brookhiser did an amazing job! It was highly entertaining, informative, (and this for someone who thinks of themselves an expert on early American history), and though the book was small, he did not waste a single word that was unnecessary. Brookhiser showed both good, and bad sides of the man, and spared no moment for idolizing Madison. His take on the war on the Constitution (because I do consider the ratification of it a war) and the war of 1812 was enlightening, and I will definitely be reading this biography again in the future. Kudos!
bias: 4/5
entertaining: 5/5
informative: 4/5
writing: 5/5
I loved this book?
I had to admit, James Madison is absolutely not one of my favourite historical people. He has a very obvious grey area in which he operated, and to get how he works is sometimes impossible... Yet Richard Brookhiser did an amazing job! It was highly entertaining, informative, (and this for someone who thinks of themselves an expert on early American history), and though the book was small, he did not waste a single word that was unnecessary. Brookhiser showed both good, and bad sides of the man, and spared no moment for idolizing Madison. His take on the war on the Constitution (because I do consider the ratification of it a war) and the war of 1812 was enlightening, and I will definitely be reading this biography again in the future. Kudos!
Dracula by Bram Stoker
3.0
Really wonderful classic book. A must-read for all vampire-lovers.
Mina really is quite a wonderful character, although I was quite peeved at times how the "men" saw it fit to not include her in their pursuit of Count Dracula, even though it was only thanks to her aid that they had been able to uncover his plot - and I was even more peeved how meekly she went along with it. I guess times really were different. Other than that the characters were moving, intelligent, brave, and emotional; it was a really good read, and quite nice to finally finish the book I started reading with my mum so long ago.
Also, can I just add -
Mina singlehandedly saved the stumbling about of all the ridiculous and clueless men, she braved the horrors of Dracula with the strength of an army, and she captured my heart from the first moment she entered the storyline. God bless her.
Mina really is quite a wonderful character, although I was quite peeved at times how the "men" saw it fit to not include her in their pursuit of Count Dracula, even though it was only thanks to her aid that they had been able to uncover his plot - and I was even more peeved how meekly she went along with it. I guess times really were different. Other than that the characters were moving, intelligent, brave, and emotional; it was a really good read, and quite nice to finally finish the book I started reading with my mum so long ago.
Also, can I just add -
Mina singlehandedly saved the stumbling about of all the ridiculous and clueless men, she braved the horrors of Dracula with the strength of an army, and she captured my heart from the first moment she entered the storyline. God bless her.
Lafayette by Harlow Giles Unger
4.0
historical accuracy: 4/5
bias: 3/5
entertaining: 5/5
informative: 4/5
writing: 5/5
I loved, loved, loved this book!
The book was extremely pro-Lafayette, I won't deny that (I can't believe that all Americans who met Lafayette instantly adored him) but it was a very good read, easy to understand, and an amazing narrative. Lafayette's life is a living contradiction of two extremes - the American and French revolutions. Harlow Giles Unger did an amazing job in showing those two sides of his life (respectively dividing the book in two parts; "the best of times" and "the worst of times"... I'll leave it up to you to guess which revolution fits where.)
"Lafayette was the last of the world's gallant knights, galloping out of Arthurian romance, across the pages of history, to rid the world of evil."
And ain't that the truth.
bias: 3/5
entertaining: 5/5
informative: 4/5
writing: 5/5
I loved, loved, loved this book!
The book was extremely pro-Lafayette, I won't deny that (I can't believe that all Americans who met Lafayette instantly adored him) but it was a very good read, easy to understand, and an amazing narrative. Lafayette's life is a living contradiction of two extremes - the American and French revolutions. Harlow Giles Unger did an amazing job in showing those two sides of his life (respectively dividing the book in two parts; "the best of times" and "the worst of times"... I'll leave it up to you to guess which revolution fits where.)
"Lafayette was the last of the world's gallant knights, galloping out of Arthurian romance, across the pages of history, to rid the world of evil."
And ain't that the truth.
Medieval Bodies: Life, Death and Art in the Middle Ages by Jack Hartnell
5.0
Extremely well-written and enjoyable read; love the total inclusion of perspectives (as opposed to a white/western centered narrative). Highly recommend, learned a lot.
The Wicked King by Holly Black
5.0
The ending took me by surprise oh-my-god!! It was even better than the first book (which I actually didn't expect at all, but the politics of court was just so good and genuinely addictive to read, and I really relate a Lot to Jude (although maybe that's not a good thing, all things considered) and I like her a lot more in this book than the former one.)
The romance is a bit meh, but that's definitely something I can overlook.
The romance is a bit meh, but that's definitely something I can overlook.
Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
4.0
So I read the Dutch version (with its ending, which is very different from the English one as heard from my mom who read that version) and I am in complete and utter shock. It was a piece of art worthy of Hieronymous Bosch in its horror, unbelievable. I loved it. (I extra love it BC the author is from my town!)