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wordsandnocturnes's reviews
441 reviews
The Crooked Little Pieces: Volume 2 by Sophia Lambton
4.0
The Crooked Little Pieces Vol. 2 by Sophia Lambton continues to follow the lives of two sisters, Isabel and Anneliese, whose lives have been marked by war and other unfortunate events that have befallen them.
Isabel is still facing domestic violence while Anneliese remains in a deep state of denial over her sister’s condition despite advice given by her colleague Susanna. Although this is disheartening to read about, it is a relief that both sisters also have things in their lives that could serve to improve their distressing situation. Isabel now teaches music at a local girls’ school,where she has a new challenge to keep her preoccupied with. She is supposed to teach a German student English, reminiscent of the way she and her sister moved to London (a whole challenge itself, as it’s shown in the first book). On the other hand, Anneliese aspires to be a psychiatrist and meets a number of eccentric patients, most notably Liza, who appears to be psychotic.
This sequel possesses the same sombre mood and slow pace as the first volume. While this would not be jarring to those who came from the first book, I still believe it takes some time to get used to. However, the drama that occurs in this book may well be worth the slow pace. In my experience, getting further into the book only builds momentum, so there’s that to look forward to! It’s almost like a slow burn romance, where everything is progressing in a steady way, the tension and mystery thick enough to either make one infuriated or infatuated.
If I were to continue spouting my thoughts on this volume, it would be to further explain the slow unravelling of events. Even though this means that there isn’t much room for satisfying character development, it’s still justifiable because as I’ve mentioned in my review of the first book, this is a character-driven book so the sisters are explored in full detail, especially their thoughts and emotions.
I did enjoy this book, but I admit that its heavy themes and the subdued mood that permeates this volume could be emotionally taxing for some, but the same can be said for many other books so that wasn’t too big of an issue!
The Crooked Little Pieces: Volume 1 by Sophia Lambton
4.0
We start off slow, being introduced to these two sisters in the present before jumping back to the past, where we get to see where it all began. A few things are immediately apparent. This book has a slow start and our protagonists are not likeable.
In the beginning, we are piled with introductions. Introductions to the sisters, their parents, acquaintances, and surroundings are described in full detail. While I can understand that this would not be favourable with some readers, all these introductions are not in vain. Throughout the beginning, there was always this lingering sense that something was going to happen, that all of this was a buildup to something explosive. This meant that I started reading with the expectation that things would pick up after a few chapters, but soon discovered I was wrong. The book itself indeed has a slow pace, but while I was admittedly disappointed at first, I had to acknowledge that this pace was suitable for a book like this, which covered hefty subject material.
It has been a long while since I’ve read anything that features such unlikable characters, so The Crooked Little Pieces was a rough jolt back to reality as I was reminded that this type of protagonist does indeed exist. It may not sound encouraging to have unlikable protagonists in a book, but as it has been mentioned by readers far more knowledgeable than I, this is not a signifier of a bad story (which is rather obvious when you think about it). It could even possibly make a story more interesting, which was true for this case. Although I wasn’t fond of both sisters with their overly formal speech, blunt and stubborn behaviour, I grew increasingly interested in their antics and the events that transpired around them over the course of the book. Even if you aren’t fond of the characters, I believe it is a good sign when you are able to enjoy the book anyway, which was the case for me.
Moving on to the writing. The writing is not that easy to get into at first. The use of more stately or grandiose words can be off putting, but personally I felt as if it did suit the time period and the tone of the book, so it wasn’t an issue to me. The author managed to invoke a clear sense of time and place while maintaining a sense I would describe as “just slightly blurry around the edges”. What this means is that although most details provided through the writing allowed me to envision a fairly clear idea of the settings and situations, there was just the right amount of uncertainty or lack of detail that allowed me to imagine and wonder.
This book contains some content that could possibly be triggering, including violence and bodily harm. Once again it aligned with the serious tone of the book, but it is something worth keeping in mind, especially for those who are uncomfortable with these depictions.
Overall, I enjoyed the read. It reminded me of the likes of Affinity Konar’s Mischling and a little of Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See. It offers a glimpse of history while bringing us along the sisters’ harrowing exploits, its strength lying in building both sisters’ characters, which in turn influences the plot. As it has been mentioned, it truly stays true to its claim of “It is television drama. Novelised.”
Received from the author in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Sophia Lambton and The Crepuscular Press for the chance to read and review this book!
From Words & Nocturnes
In the beginning, we are piled with introductions. Introductions to the sisters, their parents, acquaintances, and surroundings are described in full detail. While I can understand that this would not be favourable with some readers, all these introductions are not in vain. Throughout the beginning, there was always this lingering sense that something was going to happen, that all of this was a buildup to something explosive. This meant that I started reading with the expectation that things would pick up after a few chapters, but soon discovered I was wrong. The book itself indeed has a slow pace, but while I was admittedly disappointed at first, I had to acknowledge that this pace was suitable for a book like this, which covered hefty subject material.
It has been a long while since I’ve read anything that features such unlikable characters, so The Crooked Little Pieces was a rough jolt back to reality as I was reminded that this type of protagonist does indeed exist. It may not sound encouraging to have unlikable protagonists in a book, but as it has been mentioned by readers far more knowledgeable than I, this is not a signifier of a bad story (which is rather obvious when you think about it). It could even possibly make a story more interesting, which was true for this case. Although I wasn’t fond of both sisters with their overly formal speech, blunt and stubborn behaviour, I grew increasingly interested in their antics and the events that transpired around them over the course of the book. Even if you aren’t fond of the characters, I believe it is a good sign when you are able to enjoy the book anyway, which was the case for me.
Moving on to the writing. The writing is not that easy to get into at first. The use of more stately or grandiose words can be off putting, but personally I felt as if it did suit the time period and the tone of the book, so it wasn’t an issue to me. The author managed to invoke a clear sense of time and place while maintaining a sense I would describe as “just slightly blurry around the edges”. What this means is that although most details provided through the writing allowed me to envision a fairly clear idea of the settings and situations, there was just the right amount of uncertainty or lack of detail that allowed me to imagine and wonder.
This book contains some content that could possibly be triggering, including violence and bodily harm. Once again it aligned with the serious tone of the book, but it is something worth keeping in mind, especially for those who are uncomfortable with these depictions.
Overall, I enjoyed the read. It reminded me of the likes of Affinity Konar’s Mischling and a little of Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See. It offers a glimpse of history while bringing us along the sisters’ harrowing exploits, its strength lying in building both sisters’ characters, which in turn influences the plot. As it has been mentioned, it truly stays true to its claim of “It is television drama. Novelised.”
Received from the author in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Sophia Lambton and The Crepuscular Press for the chance to read and review this book!
From Words & Nocturnes
The Ghost Woods by C.J. Cooke
4.0
Cooke has that ability to rapidly hook readers in with odd happenings, wild speculations, and an air of intrigue. I didn’t get too far before wanting to speed through the whole book just so I could find out what exactly happens, to discover the solution behind the mystery. The writing is also engaging so that the reader is immersed in the characters’ points-of-view, seeing what they see and feeling what they feel. This immersive experience made the book more of an excitement to go through and prompts imagination to run and create according to the descriptions provided.
I enjoyed the characters’ complexities and contrasting personalities as well as the way womanhood is portrayed. As it is in my other recent read The Queen of Dirt Island, both manage to display both conventional and modern beliefs of what a woman were expected to be, and how there is no definite way that a woman should be. In The Ghost Woods, this ties in to the themes of motherhood, how one can grow fond of a child yet will need to part with them. It did make me wonder if there could be anyone who does not develop an attachment to their child and gives them away at Lichen Hall, which is precisely what the expectant mothers initially went there for in the first place. It was a little contradictory in the book, where a character gives up a child just to take in another, so while it wasn’t directly shown, it would be common sense to believe that there would be parents who genuinely do not want their children or would need to give them up, and although I may not understand the subject fully, it would have been interesting to be able to read these differing views when it comes to motherhood.
When it came to the plot, I liked how Cooke weaved the intricate world of fungi into the story, how they are used in place of human nature and shown as both beautiful and horrendous, and how it sparked an interest in me to look up the types of fungi mentioned. It is indeed true that nature can be both exquisite yet deadly, how we need to be reminded of it and respect it all the same. The story was fast-paced and I do wish we had some more exposure to the horror, to the effects of said horrors, and the possibilities or implications that await, but it was still a thrilling ride nonetheless.
In the end, I greatly enjoyed The Ghost Woods, and having absolutely sped through the book, I realise just how entertaining it is. So if you’re looking for a haunting yet gripping story to sit back with, you know what book to look out for.
From Words & Nocturnes
I enjoyed the characters’ complexities and contrasting personalities as well as the way womanhood is portrayed. As it is in my other recent read The Queen of Dirt Island, both manage to display both conventional and modern beliefs of what a woman were expected to be, and how there is no definite way that a woman should be. In The Ghost Woods, this ties in to the themes of motherhood, how one can grow fond of a child yet will need to part with them. It did make me wonder if there could be anyone who does not develop an attachment to their child and gives them away at Lichen Hall, which is precisely what the expectant mothers initially went there for in the first place. It was a little contradictory in the book, where a character gives up a child just to take in another, so while it wasn’t directly shown, it would be common sense to believe that there would be parents who genuinely do not want their children or would need to give them up, and although I may not understand the subject fully, it would have been interesting to be able to read these differing views when it comes to motherhood.
When it came to the plot, I liked how Cooke weaved the intricate world of fungi into the story, how they are used in place of human nature and shown as both beautiful and horrendous, and how it sparked an interest in me to look up the types of fungi mentioned. It is indeed true that nature can be both exquisite yet deadly, how we need to be reminded of it and respect it all the same. The story was fast-paced and I do wish we had some more exposure to the horror, to the effects of said horrors, and the possibilities or implications that await, but it was still a thrilling ride nonetheless.
In the end, I greatly enjoyed The Ghost Woods, and having absolutely sped through the book, I realise just how entertaining it is. So if you’re looking for a haunting yet gripping story to sit back with, you know what book to look out for.
From Words & Nocturnes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Gaslighting
The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan
5.0
The author was capable of giving the idea of a tight-knit perspective or world through his writing. It suited the story’s setting, which was in the (fairly) quiet Irish countryside. Whatever lies beyond this boundary is treated as something foreign, as a new adventure, or as something that feels larger than life.
Throughout the book, it feels that the reader is progressing through the same journey as Saoirse, whose perspective is the one we share for the majority of the book. The occasional switch between her perspective and other characters’ perspectives are apt because it shows us what we need to know to gain a clearer overview of the occurring events.
While we see things through Saoirse’s point-of-view most of the time, it is the two older women, Mother (or Eileen) and Nana (or Mary), who link the four generations of women together. They are the pillars of Saoirse’s world, the ones who will never abandon her or cease their support for her.
There are some returning characters from Strange Flowers, but they are not quite the centre of attention in this book. The four women, Saoirse, Mother, Nana, and Pearl, are given the limelight. Overall, all characters are well fleshed-out and completely imaginable. All of them have their own strengths, flaws, interests, and motivations.
What makes this book tug at my heartstrings is the themes of love and womanhood. The book is focused on the relationships between Saoirse and the people around her, and her journey of self-discovery as she grows older. It illustrates that while everything changes, what remains long lasting and permanent is the love and trust these women have for each other.
Received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Netgalley and Transworld Publishers for the chance to read and review this ARC!
Throughout the book, it feels that the reader is progressing through the same journey as Saoirse, whose perspective is the one we share for the majority of the book. The occasional switch between her perspective and other characters’ perspectives are apt because it shows us what we need to know to gain a clearer overview of the occurring events.
While we see things through Saoirse’s point-of-view most of the time, it is the two older women, Mother (or Eileen) and Nana (or Mary), who link the four generations of women together. They are the pillars of Saoirse’s world, the ones who will never abandon her or cease their support for her.
There are some returning characters from Strange Flowers, but they are not quite the centre of attention in this book. The four women, Saoirse, Mother, Nana, and Pearl, are given the limelight. Overall, all characters are well fleshed-out and completely imaginable. All of them have their own strengths, flaws, interests, and motivations.
What makes this book tug at my heartstrings is the themes of love and womanhood. The book is focused on the relationships between Saoirse and the people around her, and her journey of self-discovery as she grows older. It illustrates that while everything changes, what remains long lasting and permanent is the love and trust these women have for each other.
Received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Netgalley and Transworld Publishers for the chance to read and review this ARC!