ambershelf's Reviews (1.3k)

ARC gifted by the publisher

1840s, Scotland. John is an impoverished minister sent to a remote Scottish island to "clear" its last inhabitant, Ivar. Through a series of misfortunes, John finds himself injured and under Ivar's care. The two form an unlikely connection even though they speak different languages. How will John complete his task? And how will Ivar respond?

With sparse yet lyrical writing, CLEAR explores human connections through a straightforward plot that lingers in one's mind long after finishing it. Davies is a master at using clean prose to build an atmospheric narrative that vividly portrays human emotions.

Alternating between 3 POVs, CLEAR asks the readers to examine how we can bridge our differences for the sake of humanity. With different languages and religions, Ivar and John's interactions seem fraught with violence. And yet, Davies surprises the readers with multiple possibilities. While I wish CLEAR was longer, the ending is actually perfect. My reluctance for the book to end is a true testament to Davies' craft.

For fans of THIS OTHER EDEN (Paul Harding) and THE COLONY (Audrey Magee), this short yet powerful read is a must.

ARC gifted by the publisher and ALC gifted by @prhaudio

After being expelled from their home, Silvia and her mom finally settle at the Morningside, a crumbling luxury tower where Silvia's aunt Ena works as a superintendent. With her mom being secretive about their past, Silvia is enthralled by Ena's captivating tales, and the young girl begins to see the world through magical possibilities.

Obreht transports the readers into a quietly contemplative story set against the backdrop of a dystopian world. At its heart, MORNINGSIDE is a tale of a girl's search for belonging in an increasingly fragmented and uncertain society. One follows Silvia's journey of self-discovery, leading her to explore not only her own past but also the lives of her neighbors.

What sets MORNINGSIDE apart is its focus on the friendships Silvia builds rather than the intricacies of the dystopian world itself. While the setting provides a haunting backdrop, the bonds formed and tested through adversity take center stage. Obreht skillfully weaves a narrative that delves into themes of family, friendship, loneliness, and the human need for connection.

Admittedly, the middle of the story feels somewhat uncertain, reminiscent of the meandering style often associated with Murakami Haruki. However, as the plot unfolds, Obreht delivers a clear and resonant message about the importance of self-worth and the stories we tell ourselves to endure hardship and find meaning in our lives.

MORNINGSIDE is a poignant exploration about the stories we tell ourselves, and how our interpretations of the past shape our journey into adulthood. Obreht's ability to craft a haunting yet hopeful tale makes MORNINGSIDE a standout dystopian fiction that doesn't read exploitative of others' sufferings. I recommend this poignant tale to those who appreciate a reflective narrative that explores the intricacies of the human spirit amidst a world in turmoil.

I really enjoyed this book about mental health written in vignettes. The narrative sometimes goes off on a tangent and I’m not sure how some details add to the story (what’s the part with Donny T?). The distant writing style and structure won’t be for those who seek deep character development. I recommend this to those who enjoyed INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SPACE and SORROW AND BLISS

I very intriguing story about recording history and our interpretations. I love the premise; the entire book is hyper focused on the 4-minute phone call and 10+ possibilities of how to interpret the conversations. What didn’t work for me is the execution—I find the writing style a bit dry. It almost reads like nonfiction

A fascinating read about a son and his memories of his late father. I really liked the setup of a conscious unreliable narrator. But it got very repetitive to the point I wanted to dnf. I think the book could’ve been 150-200 pages and convey the same message

ARC gifted by the publisher and ALC by @prhaudio

Set during the Peloponnesian War, two Syracusans hatch a plan to direct a production of Medea. But as opening night approaches, the duo realizes that staging a play can be just as dangerous as fighting a war. While GE is a Greek myth retelling, Lennon infuses the story with contemporary language and sharp humor, making it an absorbing and hilarious read. With a singular voice and original style, Lennon explores the intersection of art and politics via extreme power imbalance. The juxtaposition of prisoners vs. actors vs. love interest is absolutely brilliant, and I've never read anything quite like GE.

My only gripe is that while I (think I) understand why the "romance" is written in a particular way, the nonchalant language used to describe the love interest is jarring. I think the story could've still delivered its message without the romance arc, especially when the friendship aspect is compelling. Overall, GE is an imaginative debut I'd recommend to lit fic lovers and readers looking for something refreshing.

UNDISCOVERED is an autofiction of Wiener's discovery of her colonial lineage & family secrets and the journey to confront her inheritance & decolonize her desire. I appreciate this profoundly intimate story of a queer, brown woman living in a xenophobic, patriarchal, and heteronormative society. Blending personal accounts and incisive narratives, Wiener pulls no punches in questioning one's own internalized racism in perpetuating white supremacy.

At times, UNDISCOVERED reads like an essay collection with its meandering style, and the polyamory angle detracts from the emotional intensity of confronting one's lineage. I wish Wiener centered more on her journey of self-discovery and reinvention, and could've done without the romance.