sophiefreeman's reviews
211 reviews

Tove Jansson: Work and Love by Tuula Karjalainen

slow-paced

3.5

Obviously a lot of research has gone into this book and it was fascinating to find out about Tove's life. My only complaint would be that the structure wasn't completely chronological and the author kept re-introducing stories and people we had already been introduced to previously. It was a bit confusing at times to create a full timeline of what Tove was up to in each period, although if you are interested in Tove I would still definitely recommend giving this a read.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

A Case of Books by Bruce Graeme

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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? Yes

4.5

A Bookshop in Algiers by Kaouther Adimi

dark hopeful reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson

adventurous hopeful mysterious tense 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

3.75

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Comet in Moominland by Tove Jansson

adventurous hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

The Man in the Red Coat by Julian Barnes

informative reflective medium-paced

3.75

The Haunting of Alma Fielding: A True Ghost Story by Kate Summerscale

dark mysterious medium-paced

3.75