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beriboo's Reviews (411)
Review: The Flower Girls by Alice Clark-Platts
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I recently finished The Flower Girls by Alice Clark-Platts in just two days, and I’d give it a solid 3 stars. This book was a nice brain refresher after tackling a much heavier read, offering a quick escape into a gripping thriller.
The story moves at a good pace, making it easy to get through in a short amount of time. While I saw some of the twists coming, not all of them were predictable. The final twist, in particular, caught me off guard and had me sit up straight in surprise!
Overall, The Flower Girls is an engaging read with enough suspense to keep you hooked. It’s not the most groundbreaking thriller out there, but it's perfect if you’re looking for something lighter to cleanse your reading palate.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I recently finished The Flower Girls by Alice Clark-Platts in just two days, and I’d give it a solid 3 stars. This book was a nice brain refresher after tackling a much heavier read, offering a quick escape into a gripping thriller.
The story moves at a good pace, making it easy to get through in a short amount of time. While I saw some of the twists coming, not all of them were predictable. The final twist, in particular, caught me off guard and had me sit up straight in surprise!
Overall, The Flower Girls is an engaging read with enough suspense to keep you hooked. It’s not the most groundbreaking thriller out there, but it's perfect if you’re looking for something lighter to cleanse your reading palate.
Review: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch is a tough one for me to rate. On one hand, I didn't enjoy reading it, yet I can't seem to stop thinking about it. This book left me feeling torn between recognising a subtle intelligence and wondering if we're giving the author too much credit.
Let's start with the writing style. I found it downright awful. The modern trend of not using punctuation feels like the literary world's version of modern art—often frustrating and pretentious. The long, neverending paragraphs were horrendous, making the text feel like an uphill battle. However, switching to the audiobook was a game-changer. The narration brought clarity and flow, making me wonder if the narrator had special notes from the author on how to present it.
The main character, unfortunately, didn't win me over. She's incredibly annoying and, despite being portrayed as intelligent, seems utterly incapable of making decisions. Her lack of survival instincts had me internally screaming "GET OUT, WOMAN!" numerous times. Yet, this might be where Lynch's subtlety shines. We're all demanding she escapes, but where to? This reflects the harsh reality faced by displaced people and refugees, highlighting our often limited empathy and understanding of their plight.
Setting the story in Ireland, rather than a more typically "othered" location, was a bold and smart choice. It challenges readers to confront their biases and consider global issues from a more personal perspective. This aspect of the book is commendable and thought-provoking.
Despite my struggles with Prophet Song, it's a book that sticks with you, prompting reflection long after you've finished it. While I can't say I enjoyed it, I do appreciate its impact and the conversations it sparks. If you can push through the challenging writing style, there's a depth to this book that makes it worth considering.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch is a tough one for me to rate. On one hand, I didn't enjoy reading it, yet I can't seem to stop thinking about it. This book left me feeling torn between recognising a subtle intelligence and wondering if we're giving the author too much credit.
Let's start with the writing style. I found it downright awful. The modern trend of not using punctuation feels like the literary world's version of modern art—often frustrating and pretentious. The long, neverending paragraphs were horrendous, making the text feel like an uphill battle. However, switching to the audiobook was a game-changer. The narration brought clarity and flow, making me wonder if the narrator had special notes from the author on how to present it.
The main character, unfortunately, didn't win me over. She's incredibly annoying and, despite being portrayed as intelligent, seems utterly incapable of making decisions. Her lack of survival instincts had me internally screaming "GET OUT, WOMAN!" numerous times. Yet, this might be where Lynch's subtlety shines. We're all demanding she escapes, but where to? This reflects the harsh reality faced by displaced people and refugees, highlighting our often limited empathy and understanding of their plight.
Setting the story in Ireland, rather than a more typically "othered" location, was a bold and smart choice. It challenges readers to confront their biases and consider global issues from a more personal perspective. This aspect of the book is commendable and thought-provoking.
Despite my struggles with Prophet Song, it's a book that sticks with you, prompting reflection long after you've finished it. While I can't say I enjoyed it, I do appreciate its impact and the conversations it sparks. If you can push through the challenging writing style, there's a depth to this book that makes it worth considering.
Review: The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn
Rating: ★★★☆☆☆
I recently finished The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn, and I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, with a beginning that drew me in and an ending that truly broke my heart.
The story starts off strong, introducing us to a captivating world filled with richly drawn characters and an intriguing premise. Quinn’s writing is evocative, and the early chapters are both engaging and immersive. I found myself quickly invested in the lives of the characters and their journey.
However, the middle part of the book stalls a bit. The pacing slows down, and some plot points felt less compelling. This part of the story lacked the same energy and drive that made the beginning so gripping. Additionally, certain aspects of the plot stretched believability, making it hard to stay fully immersed at times.
That said, the ending more than makes up for it. The final chapters are powerful and deeply moving, bringing the story to a heart-wrenching conclusion. I was genuinely moved to tears by the emotional depth and the poignant resolution of the characters’ arcs.
Despite its flaws, The Whalebone Theatre is a recommended read. Joanna Quinn’s ability to craft a story that elicits such strong emotions is commendable. If you enjoy books that take you on an emotional journey, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Rating: ★★★☆☆☆
I recently finished The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn, and I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, with a beginning that drew me in and an ending that truly broke my heart.
The story starts off strong, introducing us to a captivating world filled with richly drawn characters and an intriguing premise. Quinn’s writing is evocative, and the early chapters are both engaging and immersive. I found myself quickly invested in the lives of the characters and their journey.
However, the middle part of the book stalls a bit. The pacing slows down, and some plot points felt less compelling. This part of the story lacked the same energy and drive that made the beginning so gripping. Additionally, certain aspects of the plot stretched believability, making it hard to stay fully immersed at times.
That said, the ending more than makes up for it. The final chapters are powerful and deeply moving, bringing the story to a heart-wrenching conclusion. I was genuinely moved to tears by the emotional depth and the poignant resolution of the characters’ arcs.
Despite its flaws, The Whalebone Theatre is a recommended read. Joanna Quinn’s ability to craft a story that elicits such strong emotions is commendable. If you enjoy books that take you on an emotional journey, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review: The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
Rating: ★★★★☆
I recently re-read *The Murder at the Vicarage* by Agatha Christie, and I’d give it a solid 4 stars. As someone who is sentimental for all things Christie, diving back into this classic Miss Marple mystery was a real treat.
Christie’s knack for crafting intricate plots and memorable characters is on full display here. The setting of the quaint English village, combined with the engaging narrative, creates a cosy yet suspenseful atmosphere that keeps you guessing until the very end. Miss Marple, with her keen observational skills and shrewd intuition, is as delightful as ever.
What I love about this book is how Christie manages to weave a complex mystery that feels both plausible and surprising. The array of suspects and the cleverly planted clues make for an enjoyable puzzle. Even though I knew the outcome, having read it before, I still found myself engrossed in the story, noticing new details and appreciating Christie’s masterful storytelling all over again.
While it may not be the most groundbreaking of her works, The Murder at the Vicarage holds a special charm that never fails to entertain. For fans of classic whodunits and lovers of Christie’s timeless style, this book is a must-read. It’s a delightful blend of intrigue, wit, and nostalgia that cements Christie’s reputation as the queen of mystery.
Rating: ★★★★☆
I recently re-read *The Murder at the Vicarage* by Agatha Christie, and I’d give it a solid 4 stars. As someone who is sentimental for all things Christie, diving back into this classic Miss Marple mystery was a real treat.
Christie’s knack for crafting intricate plots and memorable characters is on full display here. The setting of the quaint English village, combined with the engaging narrative, creates a cosy yet suspenseful atmosphere that keeps you guessing until the very end. Miss Marple, with her keen observational skills and shrewd intuition, is as delightful as ever.
What I love about this book is how Christie manages to weave a complex mystery that feels both plausible and surprising. The array of suspects and the cleverly planted clues make for an enjoyable puzzle. Even though I knew the outcome, having read it before, I still found myself engrossed in the story, noticing new details and appreciating Christie’s masterful storytelling all over again.
While it may not be the most groundbreaking of her works, The Murder at the Vicarage holds a special charm that never fails to entertain. For fans of classic whodunits and lovers of Christie’s timeless style, this book is a must-read. It’s a delightful blend of intrigue, wit, and nostalgia that cements Christie’s reputation as the queen of mystery.
Review: The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
Rating: ★★★★☆
I recently finished The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann, and it was a captivating read! This book dives into the harrowing true story of a shipwreck, the ensuing chaos, and the dramatic events that followed.
Grann’s storytelling is engaging and detailed, making you feel like you’re right there with the crew as they face unimaginable challenges. The historical context is well-researched and adds depth to the narrative, making it not just a story of survival, but a fascinating look into the time period and the complexities of human nature.
The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own motivations and flaws, which makes the mutiny and murder all the more gripping. The pacing is excellent, keeping you hooked from start to finish.
While some parts can be intense, it’s the kind of book that’s hard to put down. If you enjoy historical adventures with a mix of drama and intrigue, The Wager is definitely worth a read. It’s a thrilling tale that leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
Rating: ★★★★☆
I recently finished The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann, and it was a captivating read! This book dives into the harrowing true story of a shipwreck, the ensuing chaos, and the dramatic events that followed.
Grann’s storytelling is engaging and detailed, making you feel like you’re right there with the crew as they face unimaginable challenges. The historical context is well-researched and adds depth to the narrative, making it not just a story of survival, but a fascinating look into the time period and the complexities of human nature.
The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own motivations and flaws, which makes the mutiny and murder all the more gripping. The pacing is excellent, keeping you hooked from start to finish.
While some parts can be intense, it’s the kind of book that’s hard to put down. If you enjoy historical adventures with a mix of drama and intrigue, The Wager is definitely worth a read. It’s a thrilling tale that leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I recently finished *The Fury* by Alex Michaelides, and I’d say it’s a solid 3-star read. If you enjoyed his previous works, you might find this one intriguing, but it doesn’t quite hit the same high notes.
The story revolves around a gripping psychological mystery, characteristic of Michaelides’ style, with twists that keep you guessing. However, some of the plot twists felt a bit predictable, and the pacing was uneven at times. There were moments when I was completely engrossed, only to hit a slow patch that took me out of the narrative.
The characters are well-developed, with the protagonist’s journey being particularly compelling. Yet, some side characters felt underutilised, leaving me wanting more depth and background.
Michaelides’ writing is as engaging as ever, making it an easy read. While *The Fury* may not be a literary masterpiece, it’s an entertaining book worth picking up if you’re a fan of the genre. It’s perfect for a weekend read or a lazy afternoon.
In summary, *The Fury* delivers suspense and intrigue but doesn’t quite reach the heights of Michaelides’ previous novels. It’s a good read, just not a great one.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I recently finished *The Fury* by Alex Michaelides, and I’d say it’s a solid 3-star read. If you enjoyed his previous works, you might find this one intriguing, but it doesn’t quite hit the same high notes.
The story revolves around a gripping psychological mystery, characteristic of Michaelides’ style, with twists that keep you guessing. However, some of the plot twists felt a bit predictable, and the pacing was uneven at times. There were moments when I was completely engrossed, only to hit a slow patch that took me out of the narrative.
The characters are well-developed, with the protagonist’s journey being particularly compelling. Yet, some side characters felt underutilised, leaving me wanting more depth and background.
Michaelides’ writing is as engaging as ever, making it an easy read. While *The Fury* may not be a literary masterpiece, it’s an entertaining book worth picking up if you’re a fan of the genre. It’s perfect for a weekend read or a lazy afternoon.
In summary, *The Fury* delivers suspense and intrigue but doesn’t quite reach the heights of Michaelides’ previous novels. It’s a good read, just not a great one.
Review: The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
Rating: ★★★☆☆
After nearly three months, I finally finished The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff, and I’d give it a solid three stars. It's an interesting read with a unique premise, but it didn't quite captivate me all through.
While actively reading it, I found the story engaging and the writing easy to follow. The plot centers around a woman navigating her life in a small Indian village, with themes of empowerment and justice woven throughout. Shroff's storytelling is vivid, and the cultural insights are fascinating.
However, whenever I took a break from the book, I found it hard to muster the enthusiasm to pick it back up. It wasn’t that the book was bad, but it just didn’t have that “can’t-put-it-down” factor for me.
The ending, in particular, left me scratching my head. It felt really odd and came out of nowhere, almost like it belonged to a different story. It was unbelievable and didn't quite match the tone or direction of the rest of the book.
Overall, The Bandit Queens has its moments and offers a glimpse into a different world, but it didn't entirely work for me. If you’re looking for something different and don’t mind a bit of a disjointed ending, give it a try.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
After nearly three months, I finally finished The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff, and I’d give it a solid three stars. It's an interesting read with a unique premise, but it didn't quite captivate me all through.
While actively reading it, I found the story engaging and the writing easy to follow. The plot centers around a woman navigating her life in a small Indian village, with themes of empowerment and justice woven throughout. Shroff's storytelling is vivid, and the cultural insights are fascinating.
However, whenever I took a break from the book, I found it hard to muster the enthusiasm to pick it back up. It wasn’t that the book was bad, but it just didn’t have that “can’t-put-it-down” factor for me.
The ending, in particular, left me scratching my head. It felt really odd and came out of nowhere, almost like it belonged to a different story. It was unbelievable and didn't quite match the tone or direction of the rest of the book.
Overall, The Bandit Queens has its moments and offers a glimpse into a different world, but it didn't entirely work for me. If you’re looking for something different and don’t mind a bit of a disjointed ending, give it a try.
Review: Uncle Paul by Celia Fremlin
Rating: ★★★★☆
I recently finished *Uncle Paul* by Celia Fremlin, and I’d rate it a solid 4 stars. Fremlin has a knack for creating an incredibly steady, haunting atmosphere that builds tension throughout the book, purely based on the characters' fear. It’s a masterclass in psychological suspense.
From the very beginning, you can feel the unease creeping in. Fremlin's writing is subtle but powerful, and she manages to make you feel scared even though nothing dramatic happens until the very end. That’s the genius of it – the way she uses atmosphere to keep you on edge. You’re constantly waiting for something to happen, and that anticipation is what makes the book so gripping.
Some readers might be put off by the fact that the "action" doesn’t kick in until the final chapters, but for me, that’s what made it so effective. It’s a slow burn that pays off in spades. You’re drawn into the characters' fears and anxieties, and by the time the climax arrives, you’re fully invested and genuinely spooked.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that rely on atmosphere and character development rather than nonstop action, Uncle Paul is definitely worth a read. Celia Fremlin’s ability to create tension out of thin air is truly impressive.
Rating: ★★★★☆
I recently finished *Uncle Paul* by Celia Fremlin, and I’d rate it a solid 4 stars. Fremlin has a knack for creating an incredibly steady, haunting atmosphere that builds tension throughout the book, purely based on the characters' fear. It’s a masterclass in psychological suspense.
From the very beginning, you can feel the unease creeping in. Fremlin's writing is subtle but powerful, and she manages to make you feel scared even though nothing dramatic happens until the very end. That’s the genius of it – the way she uses atmosphere to keep you on edge. You’re constantly waiting for something to happen, and that anticipation is what makes the book so gripping.
Some readers might be put off by the fact that the "action" doesn’t kick in until the final chapters, but for me, that’s what made it so effective. It’s a slow burn that pays off in spades. You’re drawn into the characters' fears and anxieties, and by the time the climax arrives, you’re fully invested and genuinely spooked.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that rely on atmosphere and character development rather than nonstop action, Uncle Paul is definitely worth a read. Celia Fremlin’s ability to create tension out of thin air is truly impressive.
Review: The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enríquez
Rating: ★★★☆☆☆
I recently finished *The Dangers of Smoking in Bed* by Mariana Enríquez, and I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars. This collection of short stories is a dark, gritty dive into the eerie and unsettling, with Enríquez’s unique voice shining through each tale.
The stories are deeply atmospheric, filled with haunting imagery and a sense of dread that lingers long after you’ve put the book down. Enríquez excels at creating a palpable tension, and her writing is sharp and evocative. Each story has a way of getting under your skin, making you question the line between the real and the supernatural.
However, not all stories hit the mark equally. Some are incredibly powerful and memorable, while others feel a bit disjointed or lack a satisfying conclusion. This unevenness is what holds me back from giving it a higher rating.
Despite this, I found myself drawn back to the book each time I took a break. The storytelling is compelling, and the raw, visceral nature of Enríquez’s writing kept me engaged. The collection explores themes of fear, trauma, and the macabre, making it a must-read for fans of dark fiction and horror.
Overall, The Dangers of Smoking in Bed is an intriguing and chilling read that showcases Mariana Enríquez’s talent for crafting eerie, thought-provoking stories. While it has its ups and downs, the collection as a whole is well worth your time.
Rating: ★★★☆☆☆
I recently finished *The Dangers of Smoking in Bed* by Mariana Enríquez, and I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars. This collection of short stories is a dark, gritty dive into the eerie and unsettling, with Enríquez’s unique voice shining through each tale.
The stories are deeply atmospheric, filled with haunting imagery and a sense of dread that lingers long after you’ve put the book down. Enríquez excels at creating a palpable tension, and her writing is sharp and evocative. Each story has a way of getting under your skin, making you question the line between the real and the supernatural.
However, not all stories hit the mark equally. Some are incredibly powerful and memorable, while others feel a bit disjointed or lack a satisfying conclusion. This unevenness is what holds me back from giving it a higher rating.
Despite this, I found myself drawn back to the book each time I took a break. The storytelling is compelling, and the raw, visceral nature of Enríquez’s writing kept me engaged. The collection explores themes of fear, trauma, and the macabre, making it a must-read for fans of dark fiction and horror.
Overall, The Dangers of Smoking in Bed is an intriguing and chilling read that showcases Mariana Enríquez’s talent for crafting eerie, thought-provoking stories. While it has its ups and downs, the collection as a whole is well worth your time.