sophiemanhol's reviews
83 reviews

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

challenging medium-paced

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

3.25

I had to read about the book after I read it. I should probably treat it again with this insight. I just didn't like Miss Brodie.

The Tin Nose Shop by Don J Snyder

emotional sad slow-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

3.25

I wanted to like it, but gosh it's hard. Too many pointless bits to the story (or did I just miss subtleties?). I felt like it had been written for someone to pick up the film rights. A bit twee, and then I felt guilty for such a serious subject. Just unsure how I felt about this, but I know it could have been so much better.

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

challenging tense medium-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

4.0

Bit of an epic.

The Surgeon's Daughter by Audrey Blake

fast-paced

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

3.25

Predictable, but an easy read. 

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier

dark 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? Yes

3.5

A reasonable read. Came together nicely in the last few chapters.

The Almanack by Martine Bailey
Did not finish book. Stopped at 78%.

It was boring!

Kiss Myself Goodbye: The Many Lives of Aunt Munca by Ferdinand Mount

challenging mysterious medium-paced

3.75

Downton Shabby: One American's Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family's English Castle by Hopwood DePree

lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

reflective slow-paced

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

2.5

I spent a long time reading this wondering what the punchline was going to be, there just wasn't enough "story" somehow! I had to push myself to read it. I suppose I was just expecting more from the rave reviews.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

2.0

Very predictable. The blurb was the entire book in a nutshell. I didn't think it was original either. However, not completely without a little charm. Was up lifting at the end and made me feel positive about potential and enjoying things in life. Should have been a quick read but I never was motivated to read it.