ellemnope's Reviews (2.4k)

3.5 stars. Though not my favorite of Backman’s novels, Britt-Marie is an endearing story with a host of eclectic characters. The book moves very well and stays in a bit of a distanced narration to the characters. Britt-Marie is easy to love, though she is clearly quirky. It’s worth the read, though I am quick to recommend a different novel for those reading Backman for the first time. For those who have enjoyed his precious works, this one will feel a bit closer to the heart.

** Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review. **

I’m very torn on this book. I think I would honestly rate it at a 3.5. It is a quick and enjoyable read and worth the time invested. The idea is fascinating — I was really wanting to read it as soon as I heard about the plot line. However, there were a few things that just left me a little underwhelmed.

The introduction was a bit confusing, but after a couple of chapters the book really picked up speed. There were a few things in the early pages that could be completely removed without any harm to the plot and a bit tighter construction here could make it a lot strong.

Once I got rolling, it was smooth sailing. I enjoyed the bulk of the narrative quite a bit and had a hard time putting the book down. The writing was good and the plot was intriguing. The characters had depth and very clear personalities. I very much enjoyed the central motive of the plot and felt that the author did a great job developing both the characters and her plot. The use of multiple protagonists and alternating chapters from different points of view is always challenging, but it is executed fantastically.

I wanted to love this book. However, I was let down by the ending. I’m not sure if it was meant to be somewhat open ended to allow for a follow up book or if it was one of those situations where the author expects the reader to form their own conclusions. Either way, I was left wanting.

I was very much looking forward to reading this one. I found the premise intriguing and had high hopes for Oscar Wilde's writing. What I discovered is that the plot was indeed intriguing, but that Oscar Wilde has a tendency to ramble. It feels a little as if he is attempting to show off his intelligence throughout the book rather than focusing on the narrative. Buuuut...that could also be simply a tactic to stay true to the conceited tendencies of the protagonist. I was a bit shocked by a few of the plot twists and certainly found Dorian Gray to be a less than appealing character. He's a slimeball, to put it simply. Overall, a decent read...just a bit more flowery in the language department than I had in mind.

*** I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for a fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***

3 1/2 stars. A solid middle grade read perfect for those looking for a light-hearted treasure hunt with a bit of suspense. Good characters with a plot that moves well. Needs a little tightening in the prose, but overall a good read. Feels like a mix of Harry Potter, Nancy Drew, and a little Goonies.

For full review: The Secret of Dinswood on EPJ

**Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review. All ratings and opinions are my own. **

This was a surprising read that took me places I very much didn't expect. It explores a historical and generational story with mythological references and magical realism. There is a lot rolled up into this one. It has a solid plot and good characters...I fell in love with Magdalena very early on. This book was well done, but simply left me wanting more. I could well do with a sequel.

For the full review: Midnight at the Tuscany Hotel on EPJ

3 1/2 stars.
This one was a book club read for me. I wouldn't have picked this up on my own.It's a good, heartwarming story with an exposure of the deplorable conditions that can and do exist for children living surrounded by poverty and drug culture.

The relationship between Laura and Maurice is encouraging, but also a bit uncomfortable. The inclusion of Laura's own family history detracts from the story a bit, but is clearly included because Laura felt it could show how she could identify and connect with some of Maurice's situations.

I have a lot of conflicting feelings about this one, but I am glad that I read it. I would very much like to hear the story from Maurice's perspective and in his own voice.

For the full review: An Invisible Thread on EPJ

As long as I ignore the ridiculousness of some of the "romantic" interactions, these books keep me pretty entertained. That pretty much sums it up. I like the series. I'll be getting to the last one this year.

This one would honestly be a 4.5. Backman is a very talented author. I enjoyed how realistic he was in his writing. His characters were brutally flawed, representing a realistic cross-section of humanity. There isn't a lot of frou frou pandering and Backman doesn't shy away from making the reader occasionally uncomfortable. Those who don't enjoy sports should not be turned off by the premise in the least. Yes, hockey is a big focus in the narrative, but it is very well done. It's more of a character study and reflection on both small town life and humanity as a whole.

A very good read. The story is so amazingly emotional and beautiful while just being incredibly heart-wrenching. The plot vacillates between the perspectives of Josef and Lenka, giving pieces of their lives over the past 60 years, flanked at beginning and end with a current point in time. More of the book is dedicated to Lenka's story, as would somewhat be expected, but it leaves Josef's story feeling somewhat watery and lacking. Though it was still very good, I could have done with more from his perspective. I also struggled with not being extraordinarily angry about the ending, but ultimately the lack of a satisfying ending (a lack of closure more than a lack of good storytelling) is what caused me to demote this to 4 stars.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the characters in this book were based on real people. This was a new piece of history for me and I found it very interesting. Kibler's writing is very good and very comfortable. She has the ability to develop characters that feel very real, flaws and all. The plot is developed with the existence of two separate storylines and four separate narrative views. It sounds terribly complex and confusing, but it is masterfully done and at no point did I feel lost or confused by this. I was, unfortunately, disappointed by the swiftness of the ending and the author's choice to leave a major plot point open and ambiguous. I would very much have appreciated something more comprehensive and concrete.

For the full review: Home for Erring and Outcast Girls on EPJ