emma_rreads's Reviews (183)

Annie is AI, created to be the perfect girlfriend to Doug. But as she learns more about the world around her she begins to wonder about the world outside. A really thought provoking novel about what it is that makes us human. About relationships and about the ethics of the ever progressing field of AI and what dilemmas we could face. 

A modern take on Romeo and Juliet set against the backdrop of a West Yorkshire fuelled with divisive hate post the Brexit referendum.
It’s quite simply perfection. Relatable with characters we all recognise and love to love and love to hate. It got beneath my skin, the intense relationship between Jodie and Rachid, the simmering tensions surrounding them. It reminded me of being a teenager, it resonated with me as a mother. I loved every second and I’m not quite sure how to pick a read to follow it.

I had very high expectations for this read, and I wasn’t disappointed! A young woman is accused of the murder of her two friends, but since that night several years ago, she has been asleep. Dr Benedict Prince (Sleeping Beauty Easter Egg, ahoy!) is tasked with waking her in time for the Ministry of Justice to put her on trial. But far more is going on than at first appears. I was completely hooked with this from the beginning. A compelling, page turning read that is bound to be a popular read this spring.

A debut novel based on the history of the mining town of Barnsley as told through three generations of the same family. Grandfather Brian a miner, whose narration was easily my favourite part of the book. Lyrical and powerful they set a scene for an imperfect past. Further views come from his sons, and grandson. This is a story of masculinity, sexuality and the plight of a town robbed of its industry, (with strong references to Thatcher) and its impact on future generations.

My first read by Nicci French, and I enjoyed it. Brought in on a murder case, Maud O’Conner is soon embroiled in the thirty year mystery disappearance of wife and mother, Charlotte Salter. Unravelling inept police work, Maud determines to solve the case. Filled with complex characters, this is an enjoyable mystery.

The whole Marian Keyes back catalogue are my target audio reads for 2024, and thought I’d get a headstart! I absolutely loved this, charming, laugh out loud funny - I’m loving the madcap Walsh family!!

I love a festive read and last year I loved Snowed in for Christmas, and so I treated myself to Sarah Morgan’s latest festive title, The Christmas Book Club. A lovely tale of friendship and love set in a suitably festive location….it did the job and I’m all ready for the big man to arrive now!

Is it too early to have a potential book for 2024, even though we’re still in 2023?

This book was simply breathtaking. Following naive, privileged Frankie as she volunteers to be an army nurse in Vietnam, her whole belief system is tested. With a focus on the female experience in a war where many believed there weren’t any women. Not only are the scenes of war harrowing but the after effects are explored with authenticity and depth. 

This is a book that as you’re reading it you wonder what the heck you’re reading. And yet you’re unable to tear your eyes away for fear of missing something. It’s going to be a divisive read– people will either love it or hate it. And it’s definitely not one for sensitive readers. There is so much going on. It’s set in a future where everyone is classified by their Value Meter. Where climate change is prevalent, and travel is all but banned. The Watchers await The Wave, and the days are unbearably hot. Points of view are shared, interchanged and alternated. It’s confusing, dark, weird and yet brilliantly compelling all at once.

This had me absorbed from the beginning. Cole has moved to the country, leaving his estranged wife, Mel, who is divorcing him, in the city. He is one of the ‘good guys’. He was the perfect husband to his wife, giving up everything so she could succeed in her career. And now she wants nothing more to do with him and he’s hurting.

To say I found this an unsettling read is an understatement. From the off creepiness seemed to emanate from the pages. Without a doubt, this would make a great book club read. It’s compelling, relevant and cleverly done – it really got under my skin!