seyoban's reviews
245 reviews

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

dark reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.25

Nevada by Imogen Binnie

informative reflective medium-paced

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

3.5

Bunny by Mona Awad

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was exactly as weird and confusing as everyone has been saying. It’s not one I’d pick up again but I enjoyed it and the way it made my brain melt. Very clever writing and as someone who’s never formally studied creative writing, the book gives a hilarious perspective and insight into that world. 

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers

hopeful inspiring reflective 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? It's complicated

4.75

It’s like Becky Chambers managed the capture the feeling of a perfect cup of tea, or a fuzzy blanket on a rainy day, or getting into bed with freshly washed sheets, and somehow transformed these feelings into book form

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

“I’m just gonna read the first chapter and then put it down for the day” I said. After a couple of hours and existential crises, the book is finished and I can safely say that it’s a must-read and one that I will 100% be returning to (after I’ve read the sequel). A phenomenal book on the importance of granting yourself permission to just exist and appreciate the beauty in your existence, despite the world around you trying to convince you that your mere existence is not enough. 

All Change by Elizabeth Jane Howard

emotional reflective medium-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

4.5

Casting Off by Elizabeth Jane Howard

emotional reflective medium-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

4.5

I am so attached to these characters and not ready for the next book to be the last. I can’t say I’m a fan of

the Archie and Clary situation

but aside from that, I’ve loved reading about all the characters growing up. Polly is happy and Louise is free and so I can now sleep better at night. It feels very bittersweet how much everything has changed and how everybody has started to go their separate ways, and I continue to be amazed at how generally flawless the writing is. 

Confusion by Elizabeth Jane Howard

emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

I’m not quite sure how we got to the point where everyone is having an affair and Archie is some sort of strange guardian angel, but at this point I’m just along for the ride. Confusion is an apt title. I’ve gone from feeling like a member of the family in the previous book to feeling like I’m spying on my scandalous neighbours. I feel like my review sounds negative but I genuinely love the interpersonal chaos that has erupted in this book, and Elizabeth Jane Howard is a literary genius for writing such engaging and complex characters. 

Marking Time by Elizabeth Jane Howard

emotional reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.75

At this point into the series I feel like part of the family. It feels like a lot more happens in this one plot-wise compared to the first, with the war adding lots of tension to the day-to-day mundane activities. 

The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.75

I have never in my life read a book with such well-written characters. Despite the great reviews, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but I’ve fallen in love with all the complexities of the Cazalets. There is admittedly 0 plot but it’s such a great character case study that I was still absorbed throughout.