Scan barcode
willowbiblio's reviews
450 reviews
The Diary Keepers: World War II in the Netherlands, as Written by the People Who Lived Through It by Nina Siegal
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
"Those who had managed to come out of the camps, to emerge from hiding, to claw back life from the edge of disease and starvation, those who had been tortured, those with horrendous images trapped behind their eyes, wanted an audience for their suffering. Who would listen?"
-------------------------
I'm glad I took my time with this book. Siegal gave so much new perspective and information, while not entirely prescribing a belief system. She gave all perspectives: pro-Germany, Dutch resistance members, and Jews in the camps. I appreciated the breaks from the diaries for historical context. It reminded me that they weren't just stories- they were real people living through horrific times.
It was hard for me to have any sympathy for the pro-Germans. In fact, I found them despicable. It was jarring to see their meaningless concerns juxtaposed against the terror the Jews and their saviors were experiencing. Maybe that's partly because I'm viewing their lives through the lens of historical context, but Siegal proved it was very likely most citizens knew what was happening to their compatriots.
It was surprising to learn of the Dutch government's (lack of) response to the Jewish genocide during and after the war. Learning about the collective disavowal of Jewish suffering and Dutch culpability was also really surprising to me.
I loved that Siegal consistently reminded the reader that history is lived forward, and that we now have the privilege of context that those writing their entries didn't. She poses a lot of difficult questions about memory, grief, responsibility, and blame. She makes it somewhat clear where she stands, but leaves it up to the reader to explore their own answers based upon the information she provides.
-------------------------
I'm glad I took my time with this book. Siegal gave so much new perspective and information, while not entirely prescribing a belief system. She gave all perspectives: pro-Germany, Dutch resistance members, and Jews in the camps. I appreciated the breaks from the diaries for historical context. It reminded me that they weren't just stories- they were real people living through horrific times.
It was hard for me to have any sympathy for the pro-Germans. In fact, I found them despicable. It was jarring to see their meaningless concerns juxtaposed against the terror the Jews and their saviors were experiencing. Maybe that's partly because I'm viewing their lives through the lens of historical context, but Siegal proved it was very likely most citizens knew what was happening to their compatriots.
It was surprising to learn of the Dutch government's (lack of) response to the Jewish genocide during and after the war. Learning about the collective disavowal of Jewish suffering and Dutch culpability was also really surprising to me.
I loved that Siegal consistently reminded the reader that history is lived forward, and that we now have the privilege of context that those writing their entries didn't. She poses a lot of difficult questions about memory, grief, responsibility, and blame. She makes it somewhat clear where she stands, but leaves it up to the reader to explore their own answers based upon the information she provides.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Antisemitism
No Longer at Ease by Chinua Achebe
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
"She was a very devout woman, but Obi used to wonder whether, left to herself, she would not have preferred telling her children the folk stories that her mother had told her. In fact, she used to tell her eldest daughters stories. But that was before Obi was born. She stopped because her husband forbade her to do so."
----------------------------
This was such a powerful and heartbreaking way to close a story that spanned three generations. We open with the understanding that Obi Okonkwo has gotten caught taking bribes, and the novel helps answer the question asked at the beginning and end: Why?
The celebrations in Umuofia were wholesome, community affairs. We see this juxtaposed against celebrations in Laos as sort of sad, rundown, with neon signs, and artifice. We know from the first two books that Nigerian culture prior to colonization was based on honesty, loyalty, family, community, and spirituality. The idea that Nigerians (and Africans in general) are corrupt is propaganda that even the 3rd post-colonial generation believes.
Telling and singing stories together was how the clan learned history, values, morals, identity, etc. Forbidding this is one of the best ways to further eradicate culture, bonds, and identity. The whites successfully convinced the Nigerians to censor themselves, as shown with Obi's mother and father. Additionally, the Nigerians began to mimic and adopt the ever-present racism.
Despite being paid so much more and being "better educated", Obi's financial struggles fulfilled the warning from the President of the Umuofia club. Really good use of foreshadowing with that.
I thought it was interesting that Achebe was sort of self-referential when he talked about the suicide ending as not true tragedy- regarding Okonkwo senior's end.
It was also clear throughout that for the Europeans/English any system of self-governance basically didn't exist prior to them. This intentional ignorance helped them to justify a continued presence and subjugation.
Excellent trilogy, so glad I read it in it's entirety!
----------------------------
This was such a powerful and heartbreaking way to close a story that spanned three generations. We open with the understanding that Obi Okonkwo has gotten caught taking bribes, and the novel helps answer the question asked at the beginning and end: Why?
The celebrations in Umuofia were wholesome, community affairs. We see this juxtaposed against celebrations in Laos as sort of sad, rundown, with neon signs, and artifice. We know from the first two books that Nigerian culture prior to colonization was based on honesty, loyalty, family, community, and spirituality. The idea that Nigerians (and Africans in general) are corrupt is propaganda that even the 3rd post-colonial generation believes.
Telling and singing stories together was how the clan learned history, values, morals, identity, etc. Forbidding this is one of the best ways to further eradicate culture, bonds, and identity. The whites successfully convinced the Nigerians to censor themselves, as shown with Obi's mother and father. Additionally, the Nigerians began to mimic and adopt the ever-present racism.
Despite being paid so much more and being "better educated", Obi's financial struggles fulfilled the warning from the President of the Umuofia club. Really good use of foreshadowing with that.
I thought it was interesting that Achebe was sort of self-referential when he talked about the suicide ending as not true tragedy- regarding Okonkwo senior's end.
It was also clear throughout that for the Europeans/English any system of self-governance basically didn't exist prior to them. This intentional ignorance helped them to justify a continued presence and subjugation.
Excellent trilogy, so glad I read it in it's entirety!
Arrow of God by Chinua Achebe
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"I told him that he should have spoken up against what we were planning, instead of which he put a piece of live coal into the child's palm and asked him to carry it with care."
----------------------------
I didn't realize that this was a trilogy until this year, so it was my first time reading this book.
Almost immediately the reader is shown the dissonance and malcontent that has crept into clan society as the early result of colonization through Ezeulu's family. The discord and division that deepens amongst this unit is happening in tandem with identical changes to the whole society. It's a sort of series of bad decisions leading Ezeulu's people further and further away from each other and toward the colonizers/whites and their religion. It is Ezeulu's pride and lack of understanding of the fundamental changes that have already taken root that leads his people to ultimately abandon tradition and seek permission to harvest from the Christian church. Throughout, the struggles amongst Ezeulu's people ultimately weakened/primed them for further cultural degradation.
It was truly amazing how Achebe shifted his literary tone - more simple and direct prose for Nigerian POV vs the more flowery and arch prose for the British POV. I think Achebe did a really interesting thing where he showed us the internal dialogue of characters, then immediately juxtaposed it with another character's perception of them being completely inaccurate and misdirected.
----------------------------
I didn't realize that this was a trilogy until this year, so it was my first time reading this book.
Almost immediately the reader is shown the dissonance and malcontent that has crept into clan society as the early result of colonization through Ezeulu's family. The discord and division that deepens amongst this unit is happening in tandem with identical changes to the whole society. It's a sort of series of bad decisions leading Ezeulu's people further and further away from each other and toward the colonizers/whites and their religion. It is Ezeulu's pride and lack of understanding of the fundamental changes that have already taken root that leads his people to ultimately abandon tradition and seek permission to harvest from the Christian church. Throughout, the struggles amongst Ezeulu's people ultimately weakened/primed them for further cultural degradation.
It was truly amazing how Achebe shifted his literary tone - more simple and direct prose for Nigerian POV vs the more flowery and arch prose for the British POV. I think Achebe did a really interesting thing where he showed us the internal dialogue of characters, then immediately juxtaposed it with another character's perception of them being completely inaccurate and misdirected.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
"Not even the oldest man in Umuofia had ever heard such a strange and fearful sound, and it was never to be heard again. It seemed as if the very soul of the tribe wept for a great evil that was coming - it's own death."
------------------------------
I think I love this book even more the reread (#5?), if possible. Achebe strongly established a beautiful culture of rituals, traditions, self-governance, religion, and society. He represented a highly complex society.
Okonkwo showing up at the cave despite his harsh exterior, and that it was his fourth trip, was an excellent display of the complexity of human nature. The use of proverbs to convey lessons and emotions also established the reader in the setting and culture. The stories being told as lessons and warnings grounded us in the depth of history and mysticism.
I loved the use of sounds and fairly simple prose. Removing Okonkwo from his home and returning to it after the colonists established themselves was an excellent way to juxtapose the changes their society had undergone. In addition, the way Achebe bracketed the killing of Ikemefuna and murder of a convert, both by machete and by Enzemia convincing Okonkwo to eat again was truly inspired.
I feel like every time I read this novel I see a new layer to it, and I'm even more astounded by Achebe's brilliance. This is the first time I realized it was the first in a trilogy, so I'm beyond excited to continue this excellent story.
------------------------------
I think I love this book even more the reread (#5?), if possible. Achebe strongly established a beautiful culture of rituals, traditions, self-governance, religion, and society. He represented a highly complex society.
Okonkwo showing up at the cave despite his harsh exterior, and that it was his fourth trip, was an excellent display of the complexity of human nature. The use of proverbs to convey lessons and emotions also established the reader in the setting and culture. The stories being told as lessons and warnings grounded us in the depth of history and mysticism.
I loved the use of sounds and fairly simple prose. Removing Okonkwo from his home and returning to it after the colonists established themselves was an excellent way to juxtapose the changes their society had undergone. In addition, the way Achebe bracketed the killing of Ikemefuna and murder of a convert, both by machete and by Enzemia convincing Okonkwo to eat again was truly inspired.
I feel like every time I read this novel I see a new layer to it, and I'm even more astounded by Achebe's brilliance. This is the first time I realized it was the first in a trilogy, so I'm beyond excited to continue this excellent story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
challenging
dark
reflective
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
2.0
"He'd had the sense, moments earlier, that Caroline was on the verge of accusing him of being "depressed", and he was afraid that if the idea that he was depressed gained currency, he would forfeit his right to his opinions. He would forfeit his moral certainties; every word he spoke would become a symptom of disease; he would never again win an argument."
---------------------
I deeply did not enjoy much of this book, not even a little bit. The characters were insufferable and enraging. Unlike his other novel I've read, Crossroads, these qualities never relented. Also, having all the men eroticize literally every thing they came into contact with was exhausting and repulsive.
The moment I knew my experience of this book wouldn't improve was when Franzen graphically described Alfred ejaculating onto the fetus of his unborn daughter while raping his wife. Truly, what fucking purpose does that serve?
I also ended up skimming at least 100-150 pages because of how unironically dense the text became. I know Franzen's strength is writing unlikeable characters and somehow keeping the reader hooked anyways, but it wasn't yet perfected in this novel and I think some of his thoughts should have just stayed inside. The way he explored some similar themes in Crossroads was executed so much better. I'm definitely disappointed by how disappointing this was. It also could have been 200 pages shorter.
---------------------
I deeply did not enjoy much of this book, not even a little bit. The characters were insufferable and enraging. Unlike his other novel I've read, Crossroads, these qualities never relented. Also, having all the men eroticize literally every thing they came into contact with was exhausting and repulsive.
I also ended up skimming at least 100-150 pages because of how unironically dense the text became. I know Franzen's strength is writing unlikeable characters and somehow keeping the reader hooked anyways, but it wasn't yet perfected in this novel and I think some of his thoughts should have just stayed inside. The way he explored some similar themes in Crossroads was executed so much better. I'm definitely disappointed by how disappointing this was. It also could have been 200 pages shorter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
"That's what the school did to a boy. It didn't stop when you got out. Bend you all kind of ways until you were unfit for straight life, good and twisted by the time you left."
-----------------
This was a deeply moving book.I actually started crying at Turner's words about living for Elwood in the final pages. I truly did not see that twist coming - and it was heartbreaking. Whitehead did an incredible job of describing the terror of ongoing trauma and the deep impact it has on the rest of your life. When something that irrevocably harmful occurs to you as a child, you are forever changed by it. Whitehead absolutely did this justice. He describes trauma memory in such a precise and accurate way.
I liked that he didn't overly prescribe emotion to the reader- his characters and scenes adequately portrayed that without need to push the reader into it. The boxing fights reminded me of the Two Minutes Hate in 1984, how even if it's inauthentic an outlet is absolutely required, and institutions recognize that.
I felt like Whitehead's open was remarkably strong- we immediately know that boys were harmed. We're also shown how their lives and deaths were devalued- being thrown in a potato sack like garbage to be buried.
There were a lot of literary parallels- his use of the boxing ring followed by a different kind of violence at the iron rings, both violences ultimately being controlled by the white school masters.
That this is a true story is heartbreaking. I think this book will stay with me for a long time and I absolutely understand why it won the Pulitzer.
-----------------
This was a deeply moving book.
I liked that he didn't overly prescribe emotion to the reader- his characters and scenes adequately portrayed that without need to push the reader into it. The boxing fights reminded me of the Two Minutes Hate in 1984, how even if it's inauthentic an outlet is absolutely required, and institutions recognize that.
I felt like Whitehead's open was remarkably strong- we immediately know that boys were harmed. We're also shown how their lives and deaths were devalued- being thrown in a potato sack like garbage to be buried.
There were a lot of literary parallels- his use of the boxing ring followed by a different kind of violence at the iron rings, both violences ultimately being controlled by the white school masters.
That this is a true story is heartbreaking. I think this book will stay with me for a long time and I absolutely understand why it won the Pulitzer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"I didn't know why, but I thought of who I'd been, those years before they stripped me down to hate, of what I'd wanted for my world. That's what drove me home. Not fear of death - death is gentle, death is kind - but the hope that I was still capable of something more. And the idea of being free - " He blinked, as if he'd drifted.
--------------------------
This was a sort of complicated read for me. I loved certain things like Holland's POV and history and some of the ongoing intrigue at the castle. Also, Ned's character was so wholesome and entertaining. I felt like the king and queen's attitude to Kel was incongruous from the first 2 books - now they were suddenly tender. I thought Schwab built fear well when Alucard & Rhy were first out in the darkness, she would have been a good horror author.
I truly believe that fantasy books are good enough on their own and they don't have to rely on scenes that are effectively soft core porn. It was so discordant with the tone of the rest of the novel and made me mildly uncomfortable. Lila's character was finally becoming tolerable, but then Schwab started writing her as a kind of awful person- especially toward Holland. I really didn't love the inclusion of her making fun of his abuse and the way the other characters sort of accepted it.
Hastra's death felt unnecessary - we already cared enough and to lose so many secondary characters in quick succession was emotionally numbing to read. It sort of lost me in the last quarter.
I can see how this book has been left open for a continuation of the series and I'll probably read the new book at some point.
--------------------------
This was a sort of complicated read for me. I loved certain things like Holland's POV and history and some of the ongoing intrigue at the castle. Also, Ned's character was so wholesome and entertaining. I felt like the king and queen's attitude to Kel was incongruous from the first 2 books - now they were suddenly tender. I thought Schwab built fear well when Alucard & Rhy were first out in the darkness, she would have been a good horror author.
I truly believe that fantasy books are good enough on their own and they don't have to rely on scenes that are effectively soft core porn. It was so discordant with the tone of the rest of the novel and made me mildly uncomfortable. Lila's character was finally becoming tolerable, but then Schwab started writing her as a kind of awful person- especially toward Holland. I really didn't love the inclusion of her making fun of his abuse and the way the other characters sort of accepted it.
I can see how this book has been left open for a continuation of the series and I'll probably read the new book at some point.
A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"'Strength and weakness are tangled things,' the Aven Essen had said. 'They look so much alike, we often confuse them, the way we confuse magic and power.'"
------------------------
I'm really glad I chose to stick with this series, because this was so much better than book 1. Lila lost a lot of that "I'm not like other girls" nonsense that made her so insufferable. The inclusion of several more POVs, and shifting through all more continuously/seamlessly kept the narration interesting. I also enjoyed seeing the different cultures even within Red London's world. I enjoyed the way Lila's burgeoning power was explored and that we had several flashbacks to support an ongoing narrative instead of random info dumps.
There were still some aspects that were odd to me- how did no one recognize Kell in the tournament? He's such a *known* figure in that world/city. Additionally, it seemed odd that there was so much tension amongst a family (the royals) that was previously so close. I also felt like it was odd that no one besides Tieren recognized Lila as an imposter.
I enjoyed seeing what became of Holland and getting established a bit in Black London/ the way things can go wrong with magic. This was a massive improvement in all areas and I'm looking forward to finishing the series now.
------------------------
I'm really glad I chose to stick with this series, because this was so much better than book 1. Lila lost a lot of that "I'm not like other girls" nonsense that made her so insufferable. The inclusion of several more POVs, and shifting through all more continuously/seamlessly kept the narration interesting. I also enjoyed seeing the different cultures even within Red London's world. I enjoyed the way Lila's burgeoning power was explored and that we had several flashbacks to support an ongoing narrative instead of random info dumps.
There were still some aspects that were odd to me- how did no one recognize Kell in the tournament? He's such a *known* figure in that world/city. Additionally, it seemed odd that there was so much tension amongst a family (the royals) that was previously so close. I also felt like it was odd that no one besides Tieren recognized Lila as an imposter.
I enjoyed seeing what became of Holland and getting established a bit in Black London/ the way things can go wrong with magic. This was a massive improvement in all areas and I'm looking forward to finishing the series now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Murder
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"Brands and scars, mutilations meant to bind what magic they could summon to their bodies. The weaker they were, the more scars they made on themselves, mining their flesh in a frantic attempt to hold on to what little power they had."
------------------------
I really enjoyed the idea behind this book, but the characters and extremely heavy foreshadowing made this a very low 4 stars for me. I think the magic and the idea of disparate yet connected Londons was inspired. A lot of the plot was hinted at from the early chapters, so nothing felt truly remarkable or surprising. I can see that we're headed for a return of Holland and an unveiling of Lila as a magician. The inner dialogues could have been a lot less descriptive for all POVs.
The lore of how the cultures of each London evolved and diverged was cool. It would have been an interesting move to have this be given to the reader as interludes that were flashbacks to the historical time, setting up potential prequels with new (historical) characters. This would have been more readable than having characters either info dump to themselves or one another- this method always feels sort of forced and awkward. If they've known it their whole lives, why are they explicitly explaining it to themselves/each other now? Sure, it's for the reader's benefit, but this method makes you realize you're reading. This is a general gripe I have with authors who info dump and take the high context route.
I wanted to be more excited about the history/differences between Londons because I think the potential is there for a really engaging story, but it's hard to get up the enthusiasm when every tease spoiled what could have been major reveals.Even the moment where Lila realizes there's bone in Astrid's floor. That's not surprising to the reader because every other character has commented on it somehow, so it feels false or less impactful when Lila notices. That moment could have been the *first* moment, and really driven home how horrific those characters were.
I'm looking forward to seeing if things get a bit more complex and entertaining in the next book. Definitely also how Schwab uses the whole life-sync brand which feels like it was lifted directly from Cassandra Clare's books but I'll reserve judgment for now.
------------------------
I really enjoyed the idea behind this book, but the characters and extremely heavy foreshadowing made this a very low 4 stars for me. I think the magic and the idea of disparate yet connected Londons was inspired. A lot of the plot was hinted at from the early chapters, so nothing felt truly remarkable or surprising. I can see that we're headed for a return of Holland and an unveiling of Lila as a magician. The inner dialogues could have been a lot less descriptive for all POVs.
The lore of how the cultures of each London evolved and diverged was cool. It would have been an interesting move to have this be given to the reader as interludes that were flashbacks to the historical time, setting up potential prequels with new (historical) characters. This would have been more readable than having characters either info dump to themselves or one another- this method always feels sort of forced and awkward. If they've known it their whole lives, why are they explicitly explaining it to themselves/each other now? Sure, it's for the reader's benefit, but this method makes you realize you're reading. This is a general gripe I have with authors who info dump and take the high context route.
I wanted to be more excited about the history/differences between Londons because I think the potential is there for a really engaging story, but it's hard to get up the enthusiasm when every tease spoiled what could have been major reveals.
I'm looking forward to seeing if things get a bit more complex and entertaining in the next book. Definitely also how Schwab uses the whole life-sync brand which feels like it was lifted directly from Cassandra Clare's books but I'll reserve judgment for now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Schwartz knew that people loved to suffer, as long as the suffering made sense. Everybody suffered. The key was to choose the form of your suffering. Most people couldn't do this alone; they needed a coach. A good coach made you suffer in a way that suited you. A bad coach made everyone suffer in the same way, and so was more like a torturer."
------------------------
I don't particularly have an interest in baseball, but this didn't expect me to. There was enough jargon to feel grounded in the narrative without overwhelming or boring non-fanatics.
The exploration of Henry's breakdown was beautifully complex. Particularly, Schwartz's struggle with if he did or didn't wish for this break. Pella was a deeply unlikeable and unsympathetic character to me- her complaints about her own suffering to Schwartz, sleeping with Henry, and the way she expected to be catered to and babied made her so unlikeable. Maybe that was Harbach's intention.
I found the affair between Owen and Affenlight to be a gross misuse of power. Especially Harbach framed Affenlight as a victim when he was very much the pursuer and supposed to be the responsible party. I didn't love that whole arc as it reduced Owen- a remarkable individual- to a sex object.
I loved that everyone was still grappling with their issues at the end in a very human way. They were imperfect but evolving and hopeful.
------------------------
I don't particularly have an interest in baseball, but this didn't expect me to. There was enough jargon to feel grounded in the narrative without overwhelming or boring non-fanatics.
The exploration of Henry's breakdown was beautifully complex. Particularly, Schwartz's struggle with if he did or didn't wish for this break. Pella was a deeply unlikeable and unsympathetic character to me- her complaints about her own suffering to Schwartz, sleeping with Henry, and the way she expected to be catered to and babied made her so unlikeable. Maybe that was Harbach's intention.
I found the affair between Owen and Affenlight to be a gross misuse of power. Especially Harbach framed Affenlight as a victim when he was very much the pursuer and supposed to be the responsible party. I didn't love that whole arc as it reduced Owen- a remarkable individual- to a sex object.
I loved that everyone was still grappling with their issues at the end in a very human way. They were imperfect but evolving and hopeful.