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rubygranger's reviews
305 reviews
The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry
3.0
As someone interested in narration, I particularly enjoyed the narrative structure of this novel because Barry flits between Roseanne (a patient at Siglo Asylum) and Dr Grene (her psychiatrist). Comparing notes from the two is a fascinating task and I will not deny that it was an enjoyable read.
The reason that I have given the book just three stars is, at no fault of the novel's own, due to the high expectations which I had. Having been recommended this a few times - each person singing their praises - I thought it would be the best I had ever read and, when it was not (for me at least), I found myself less keen on it than I perhaps might have been.
The reason that I have given the book just three stars is, at no fault of the novel's own, due to the high expectations which I had. Having been recommended this a few times - each person singing their praises - I thought it would be the best I had ever read and, when it was not (for me at least), I found myself less keen on it than I perhaps might have been.
Is God anti-gay?: And other questions about homosexuality, the Bible and same-sex attraction by Sam Allberry
3.0
An interesting biblical perspective on homosexuality. I picked this up as extra reading for my Ethics A Level and would definitely recommend it for those doing the OCR Religious Studies A Level course. It offers an alternate perspective on Christian homosexuality which may be useful for essays. It is a quick, informative read but also somewhat upsetting at times.
Blood Sacrifice and the Nation: Totem Rituals and the American Flag by David Ingle, Carolyn Marvin
4.0
This really was such a fascinating read. It traces American nationalism and how this can even be considered a 'religion', with the flag as its principal symbol. After mentioning it in one of our Religious Studies lessons, I was interested to think about th flag in more depth and I was not disappointed.
Also, laced with modern history and studies, you end up learning even more than you would expect.
Also, laced with modern history and studies, you end up learning even more than you would expect.
The Austere Academy by Lemony Snicket
I decided to re-read this before watching the new tv adaptation on Netflix. This was by far my favourite book in the series and so it was beautifully nostalgic to return to it...
Lemony Snicket is surely one of the greatest children's writers of our time.
What was your favourite book in the 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' library?
Lemony Snicket is surely one of the greatest children's writers of our time.
What was your favourite book in the 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' library?
What Nobody knew by Amelia Hendrey
3.0
This story is truly remarkable, inspiring and worth reading. Hearing that somebody could have suffered so extensively without adequate interference from Social Services -- in the UK and only in the 1990s -- is shocking and definitely gives food for thought.
I liked especially how the narrative was broken by the official documents which were written by the school, police and Social Services during her childhood. It was interesting to see these legal documents because I have never seen documents of this kind before and, whilst they are tricky to read and not directly linked to the main narrative, they provide an interesting alternate perspective which I have not seen in any other novel. Next to the highly personal, emotive and accessible language of Hendry's account, these documents jar and only emphasise her own isolation. A good and effective structural device, I would say.
As I have said, I can hardly believe that Hendry had to suffer so extensively at the hands of her father at such a young age, and her subsequent bravery really is inspiring. Especially seeing that she is today happily married with children, 'What Nobody Knew' captures the power of the human spirit.
I would recommend this for all those who loved 'A Child Called It'.
I liked especially how the narrative was broken by the official documents which were written by the school, police and Social Services during her childhood. It was interesting to see these legal documents because I have never seen documents of this kind before and, whilst they are tricky to read and not directly linked to the main narrative, they provide an interesting alternate perspective which I have not seen in any other novel. Next to the highly personal, emotive and accessible language of Hendry's account, these documents jar and only emphasise her own isolation. A good and effective structural device, I would say.
As I have said, I can hardly believe that Hendry had to suffer so extensively at the hands of her father at such a young age, and her subsequent bravery really is inspiring. Especially seeing that she is today happily married with children, 'What Nobody Knew' captures the power of the human spirit.
I would recommend this for all those who loved 'A Child Called It'.