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sbbarnes's reviews
245 reviews
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
https://www.tumblr.com/sbbarnes/732684521010610176/hockey-romances-why?source=share&ref=_tumblr
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
challenging
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.25
Maali Almeida is a war photographer who is also a serial cheater, has a terrible relationship with his mother and in general didn't lead as good a life as he could have. After his death, he wants nothing more than to make sure his photos are found, knowing they could cause an earth-shattering break in the Sri Lankan media.
There are a lot of great things about this book, from the way life after death is described to the second person perspective to the way that while Maali continues to insist he really wants to have his work seen to be able to let go of his past life, he needs his photos to be seen, but in actuality it seems more as if what he needs is to make sure the people he left behind will be alright.
This is a really wonderful book and I can't recommend it enough.
There are a lot of great things about this book, from the way life after death is described to the second person perspective to the way that while Maali continues to insist he really wants to have his work seen to be able to let go of his past life, he needs his photos to be seen, but in actuality it seems more as if what he needs is to make sure the people he left behind will be alright.
This is a really wonderful book and I can't recommend it enough.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A comfortable read, very light and fun. Follows a group of seniors who like to investigate old unsolved crimes as they try to solve a murder happening in their retirement community.
Interesting: the multiple perspectives. It starts off feeling a little disjointed and becomes more and more comfortable to read as it goes on.
Difficult: several characters independently come to the conclusion that murder is okay, actually, when you do it for the right reasons. Not exactly comforting.
Interesting: the multiple perspectives. It starts off feeling a little disjointed and becomes more and more comfortable to read as it goes on.
Difficult: several characters independently come to the conclusion that murder is okay, actually, when you do it for the right reasons. Not exactly comforting.
Avalon by Nell Zink
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Avalon follows Bran, an orphan raised by her not-abusive-on-a-technicality common-law-stepfamily. It's a coming of age story about a girl with very little understanding of the world, which is an interesting perspective to inhabit, and the matter-of-factness with which she takes in opinions and worldviews she gets from her friends shows that.
The supporting cast of characters is equally kooky, and frequently painted in a not very flattering light. I would call the tone of the book cynical, especially regarding Will's parents and anything to do with intersectionality, with the constant jokes-but-not-jokes about fascism.
The ending feels fairly abrupt and unclear, although based on the narrative voice, I like to hope she eventually ditched Peter.
The supporting cast of characters is equally kooky, and frequently painted in a not very flattering light. I would call the tone of the book cynical, especially regarding Will's parents and anything to do with intersectionality, with the constant jokes-but-not-jokes about fascism.
The ending feels fairly abrupt and unclear, although based on the narrative voice, I like to hope she eventually ditched Peter.
Subtle Blood by KJ Charles
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
4.75
I read these books in the manner they were clearly intended to be read: with a glass or two of red wine, a few pieces of dark chocolate, both cats on my lap and nothing else to do for the rest of the day. I recommend doing precisely the same.
The Will Darling Adventures, which I'll be reviewing in summary, follow Will Darling, war veteran turned bookstore owner with a penchant for intrigue and Kim Secretan, disgraced son of nobility and secret agent of some sort. They hold several of Charles's best writing qualities: characters with enough flaws to remain sympathetic but to have something substantive to conflict over with each other and themselves in a way I found compelling to read. Kim is secretive, dishonest when it suits him, and desperately committed to keeping himself unhappy. Will is stubborn and combative and, once his layers have been pulled back, not quite ready to face the trauma of the war and what it brought out in him full on.
Again I found the supporting cast wonderfully compelling; villains villainous enough to loathe and excellent friends. I would read a book about Phoebe and Maisie's adventures in the world of fashion. I also deeply appreciate Charles's commitment to maintaining an intersectional cast of characters. I also really appreciate how Charles navigates the sexual dynamics of her main couples, in this case the care with which they treat each other and the commitment not only to consent but to enthusiastic consent despite the murky waters of some of their encounters. Also, I adore the way Will exudes this energy of "dangerous bruiser" to enemies but women and minorities in the story continually clock him as a safe person, it's very good showing-not-telling.
If I have a criticism it's that I could see a few twists coming a ways off, especially in books one and two; I wouldn't necessarily call that a flaw though. Rather I would say it's a sign that Charles is good at setup and payoff and an astute reader will be rewarded for paying attention.
The Will Darling Adventures, which I'll be reviewing in summary, follow Will Darling, war veteran turned bookstore owner with a penchant for intrigue and Kim Secretan, disgraced son of nobility and secret agent of some sort. They hold several of Charles's best writing qualities: characters with enough flaws to remain sympathetic but to have something substantive to conflict over with each other and themselves in a way I found compelling to read. Kim is secretive, dishonest when it suits him, and desperately committed to keeping himself unhappy. Will is stubborn and combative and, once his layers have been pulled back, not quite ready to face the trauma of the war and what it brought out in him full on.
Again I found the supporting cast wonderfully compelling; villains villainous enough to loathe and excellent friends. I would read a book about Phoebe and Maisie's adventures in the world of fashion. I also deeply appreciate Charles's commitment to maintaining an intersectional cast of characters. I also really appreciate how Charles navigates the sexual dynamics of her main couples, in this case the care with which they treat each other and the commitment not only to consent but to enthusiastic consent despite the murky waters of some of their encounters. Also, I adore the way Will exudes this energy of "dangerous bruiser" to enemies but women and minorities in the story continually clock him as a safe person, it's very good showing-not-telling.
If I have a criticism it's that I could see a few twists coming a ways off, especially in books one and two; I wouldn't necessarily call that a flaw though. Rather I would say it's a sign that Charles is good at setup and payoff and an astute reader will be rewarded for paying attention.
The Sugared Game by KJ Charles
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
4.75
Slippery Creatures by KJ Charles
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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? It's complicated
4.75
Secrets of Ishtabay by Mark David Campbell
adventurous
informative
sad
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
4.25
"Secrets of Ishtabay" is a novel following many different perspectives that unwinds a while host of secrets in a small village in Belize in the late 1990s from the visiting Canadian anthropologist's identity he's kept secret from himself to the question of who murdered the local priest in the 60s.
While I found the many switches in perspective and time period a little jarring at first, it wasn't long at all before I was drawn into the variety of characters and stories all happening in this tiny community suddenly becoming an active part of the globalized world thanks to the paved road now leading to it. Throughout, I found Campbell's narrative choices as to how he chose to unravel the village's mysteries very kind in that he allowed for understanding of characters who might be one-dimensional in a less nuanced story. The older generation of men who might be unsympathetic in the narration provided by David, the anthropologist, are given a lot of depth and understanding, as is Rosalind, who brings her own daughter to a brothel. Some of the stories in this village, such as the daughter in the brothel whose long-lost love doesn't give up on her, are a tad sensational and maybe even clichéd, but then, these stories did and do happen.
Especially satisfying about this book is in my opinion the role of culture and anthropology. David, the anthropology student come to study the effects of globalisation on the village, ends up learning more about himself than about the village - as is the tradition of anthropology. And he doesn't solve the murder of the priest, which remains unsolved by everyone except the culprit and one other person. Instead, what he learns about the village is very clearly what the villagers want him to learn. At the same time, many of the villagers are actively struggling with decisions about what to do with their own heritage, how to best preserve it but also how to use it to improve their own lives. It's a very human story, and I enjoyed it a lot.
While I found the many switches in perspective and time period a little jarring at first, it wasn't long at all before I was drawn into the variety of characters and stories all happening in this tiny community suddenly becoming an active part of the globalized world thanks to the paved road now leading to it. Throughout, I found Campbell's narrative choices as to how he chose to unravel the village's mysteries very kind in that he allowed for understanding of characters who might be one-dimensional in a less nuanced story. The older generation of men who might be unsympathetic in the narration provided by David, the anthropologist, are given a lot of depth and understanding, as is Rosalind, who brings her own daughter to a brothel. Some of the stories in this village, such as the daughter in the brothel whose long-lost love doesn't give up on her, are a tad sensational and maybe even clichéd, but then, these stories did and do happen.
Especially satisfying about this book is in my opinion the role of culture and anthropology. David, the anthropology student come to study the effects of globalisation on the village, ends up learning more about himself than about the village - as is the tradition of anthropology. And he doesn't solve the murder of the priest, which remains unsolved by everyone except the culprit and one other person. Instead, what he learns about the village is very clearly what the villagers want him to learn. At the same time, many of the villagers are actively struggling with decisions about what to do with their own heritage, how to best preserve it but also how to use it to improve their own lives. It's a very human story, and I enjoyed it a lot.
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-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
5.0
I knew I would love this one and accordingly saved it for last in my vacation reads. This turned out to be a cardinal error because I started it on the plane ride home and had to pause reading to unpack and eat and then stayed up until midnight to finish. What I'm trying to say is that this book is lovely.
It follows Gareth, newly become a baronet after his absentee father's sudden death, and Joss, resident smuggler in charge. The two had a brief, anonymous affair in London before Gareth was a baronet which ended on bad terms and are reunited when Gareth is meant to be testifying against Joss's sister. For obvious reasons, this doesn't go well. However, the two are thrown together several more times and find themselves drawn together both by their attraction and by their honest love of the marshlands they now both live in.
In no particular order, some things I really loved about this book: the cast of supporting characters, especially the women. Gareth lives with his step-aunt/father's ex-mistress Katherine and his teenage half-sister Cecy, and I found both of them to be lovely additions. On Joss's side there are a lot of compelling characters as well, his grandfather, who sees and knows all, his cousin Luke, who sees way too much, his sister Sophy, his mother and so on. I look forward to learning more about them all in future books.
The communication between the two leads was wonderful. So often, in romance novels the issues between the main couple are communication-based, and while that does happen here, I loved how they spoke with each other and how they cleared up their problems. While "forbidden romance with a class barrier" would have been my catnip anyway, the addition of honest and well-thought-out dialogue about whether it is actually a problem for them that Joss is a smuggler just makes it that much better. Especially because it puts the two men on such equal footing, lending credence to their relationship.
It follows Gareth, newly become a baronet after his absentee father's sudden death, and Joss, resident smuggler in charge. The two had a brief, anonymous affair in London before Gareth was a baronet which ended on bad terms and are reunited when Gareth is meant to be testifying against Joss's sister. For obvious reasons, this doesn't go well. However, the two are thrown together several more times and find themselves drawn together both by their attraction and by their honest love of the marshlands they now both live in.
In no particular order, some things I really loved about this book: the cast of supporting characters, especially the women. Gareth lives with his step-aunt/father's ex-mistress Katherine and his teenage half-sister Cecy, and I found both of them to be lovely additions. On Joss's side there are a lot of compelling characters as well, his grandfather, who sees and knows all, his cousin Luke, who sees way too much, his sister Sophy, his mother and so on. I look forward to learning more about them all in future books.
The communication between the two leads was wonderful. So often, in romance novels the issues between the main couple are communication-based, and while that does happen here, I loved how they spoke with each other and how they cleared up their problems. While "forbidden romance with a class barrier" would have been my catnip anyway, the addition of honest and well-thought-out dialogue about whether it is actually a problem for them that Joss is a smuggler just makes it that much better. Especially because it puts the two men on such equal footing, lending credence to their relationship.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
The Honest Spy by Andreas Kollender
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
"The Honest Spy" follows the espionage career of Fritz Kolbe, a German diplomat who spends the later years of World War II smuggling confidential information to the Americans. Kolbe narrates his choices during the war to two journalists post-war, a modern thread set between the story proper.
Kolbe is characterized throughout as a decent man. He was never a member of the Nazi party or even slightly convinced by them. The only moment of doubt he has is when his best friend dies as a result of information he leaked. His driving motivation is love for a married nurse from the Charité called Marlene. She appears to be largely fictional, although Kolbe did marry a nurse from the Charité after the war.
All told the bare bones of the narrative are compelling enough and Fritz's moral backbone is comforting to read about. So is his kinship with the young female photographer who understands how important his love story and the mundane details of his love life during the war are. Something I really loved was the contrast between how Fritz spends all day feeding the journalists and offering them drink after drink in contrast to the sections during the war when food is scarce, alcohol is stolen and the only good meals Fritz has are in Bern.
Something I struggle with though is that this is such a German WWII story. The framing of Fritz's motivations is ideological; he is no Nazi and he never has been. He is disgusted by everything they stand for and believes Germanness is a far more cosmopolitan trait related to composers, literature, history of better men. He continually complains of the Nazis' senseless speeches and poor oration etc. This is ultimately an extremely comforting story for a German audience because it shows us not all Germans were convinced and there was civil resistance. While noble of course, I did feel slightly let down that not more attention was given to things like the Russian secret operative's astute commentary that Fritz's station in South Africa and his daughter's safe haven there are ultimately results of colonialism. Equally, there is a glut of this kind of story—the lone good German who didn't believe the party line—and very few stories humanizing Jewish, Sinti, Roma, LGBTQ+ etc. victims of the Holocaust and telling their stories of resistance. This book barely remembers these people exist in more than the abstract, which makes sense given Kolbe had little contact - but I believe he would have had more than zero contact.
Kolbe is characterized throughout as a decent man. He was never a member of the Nazi party or even slightly convinced by them. The only moment of doubt he has is when his best friend dies as a result of information he leaked. His driving motivation is love for a married nurse from the Charité called Marlene. She appears to be largely fictional, although Kolbe did marry a nurse from the Charité after the war.
All told the bare bones of the narrative are compelling enough and Fritz's moral backbone is comforting to read about. So is his kinship with the young female photographer who understands how important his love story and the mundane details of his love life during the war are. Something I really loved was the contrast between how Fritz spends all day feeding the journalists and offering them drink after drink in contrast to the sections during the war when food is scarce, alcohol is stolen and the only good meals Fritz has are in Bern.
Something I struggle with though is that this is such a German WWII story. The framing of Fritz's motivations is ideological; he is no Nazi and he never has been. He is disgusted by everything they stand for and believes Germanness is a far more cosmopolitan trait related to composers, literature, history of better men. He continually complains of the Nazis' senseless speeches and poor oration etc. This is ultimately an extremely comforting story for a German audience because it shows us not all Germans were convinced and there was civil resistance. While noble of course, I did feel slightly let down that not more attention was given to things like the Russian secret operative's astute commentary that Fritz's station in South Africa and his daughter's safe haven there are ultimately results of colonialism. Equally, there is a glut of this kind of story—the lone good German who didn't believe the party line—and very few stories humanizing Jewish, Sinti, Roma, LGBTQ+ etc. victims of the Holocaust and telling their stories of resistance. This book barely remembers these people exist in more than the abstract, which makes sense given Kolbe had little contact - but I believe he would have had more than zero contact.