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heddas_bookgems's Reviews (490)
The Island of Missing Trees is a masterful story that intertwines themes of herbology, grief, family life, forbidden love, prejudice, and religion. Through evocative storytelling it highlights the deep connection between humans and nature, urging readers to cherish the natural world.
The novel vividly captures the beauty and solace in plants and trees, symbolized by a fig tree witnessing the secret meetings of Greek Cypriot Kostas and Turkish Cypriot amidst 1974 Cyprus unrest. This fig tree, which later grows in the garden of their daughter Ada in London, serves as a powerful symbol of enduring love and the deep bond between people and their environment.
Additionally, it delves into the complexities of grief and family life, portraying how historical and personal traumas shape the lives of these characters. Ada’s quest to uncover her family's past and understand her heritage is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging.
The novel also tackles the theme of forbidden love against the backdrop of a divided society, shedding light on the prejudices and religious tensions that separate communities. Through Kostas and Defne's love story, Shafak poignantly addresses the impact of these societal divides on personal relationships.
Beware though, not only will Shafak’s rich descriptions of Cypriot and Turkish cuisine make you crave dishes like watermelon, pomegranate salad with whipped feta or oven-roasted figs with anise ice cream it also contains sensitive content and may require caution.
In short, Shafak has crafted a deeply engaging tale that not only tells a story of love and loss but also encourages readers to appreciate the intricate beauty of nature and the importance of understanding our shared humanity.
The novel vividly captures the beauty and solace in plants and trees, symbolized by a fig tree witnessing the secret meetings of Greek Cypriot Kostas and Turkish Cypriot amidst 1974 Cyprus unrest. This fig tree, which later grows in the garden of their daughter Ada in London, serves as a powerful symbol of enduring love and the deep bond between people and their environment.
Additionally, it delves into the complexities of grief and family life, portraying how historical and personal traumas shape the lives of these characters. Ada’s quest to uncover her family's past and understand her heritage is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging.
The novel also tackles the theme of forbidden love against the backdrop of a divided society, shedding light on the prejudices and religious tensions that separate communities. Through Kostas and Defne's love story, Shafak poignantly addresses the impact of these societal divides on personal relationships.
Beware though, not only will Shafak’s rich descriptions of Cypriot and Turkish cuisine make you crave dishes like watermelon, pomegranate salad with whipped feta or oven-roasted figs with anise ice cream it also contains sensitive content and may require caution.
In short, Shafak has crafted a deeply engaging tale that not only tells a story of love and loss but also encourages readers to appreciate the intricate beauty of nature and the importance of understanding our shared humanity.
One stormy night, three witches predict Macbeth's rise to power and Banquo's royal descendants. “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. So all hail, Macbeth and Banqou!” Driven by ambition, Lady Macbeth urges her husband to take the throne by any means, leading them down a dangerous and dark path.
Reading Macbeth is not my first Shakespeare; I first read Othello as a teen and was hooked on the majesty of his tragedies at that age. Macbeth is no exception and delivers the same captivating experience.
I was blown away by how Macbeth can be seen as the foundational style for numerous classic fantasy themes. This play combines elements of murder mystery with fantasy, including witches, magic, potions, and paranormal events like ghost appearances. But it also is rich with political intrigue, greed, love, betrayal, and explores themes of claustrophobia or encroaching anxiety.
The atmosphere can best be described as a pre-early gothic horror reminiscent of Game of Thrones, with scenes ranging from muddy battlefields, stormy supernatural events, and flickering candles at lethal banquets.
However, downside to this play is the elements of antisemitism and sexism. Lady Macbeth is portrayed as the murderous, villainous wife. However, it also prefigures female rage novels, featuring obsession, autonomy, and the lengths women will go to carve their own place in history
All things considering, I adored this play because of its humor, the witches, the numerous plot twists and the feeling of compassion for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth when they spiraled into madness. A compelling read, tragic, yet occasionally humorous. Macbeth is a with right a masterpiece.
Reading Macbeth is not my first Shakespeare; I first read Othello as a teen and was hooked on the majesty of his tragedies at that age. Macbeth is no exception and delivers the same captivating experience.
I was blown away by how Macbeth can be seen as the foundational style for numerous classic fantasy themes. This play combines elements of murder mystery with fantasy, including witches, magic, potions, and paranormal events like ghost appearances. But it also is rich with political intrigue, greed, love, betrayal, and explores themes of claustrophobia or encroaching anxiety.
The atmosphere can best be described as a pre-early gothic horror reminiscent of Game of Thrones, with scenes ranging from muddy battlefields, stormy supernatural events, and flickering candles at lethal banquets.
However, downside to this play is the elements of antisemitism and sexism. Lady Macbeth is portrayed as the murderous, villainous wife. However, it also prefigures female rage novels, featuring obsession, autonomy, and the lengths women will go to carve their own place in history
All things considering, I adored this play because of its humor, the witches, the numerous plot twists and the feeling of compassion for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth when they spiraled into madness. A compelling read, tragic, yet occasionally humorous. Macbeth is a with right a masterpiece.
Reading The Duke and I by Julia Quinn was such an enchanting experience, diving into the world of Regency London. A romance that makes you want to attend glittering balls and share whispered secrets on promenade strolls through wisteria-arched parks.
As I surrendered to the allure of Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings’ story, I found myself swept off my feet. Together, we waltzed the complex dance of love and societal expectations, swaying to the gentle rhythm of family bonds and the irresistible pull of forbidden romance. I was particularly fond of Daphne’s character. Despite her innocence and fresh naivety, she was a fiery character with a lot of wit.
While the Netflix adaptation might offer a better interpretation, I also found comfort in the original story. Yet, beneath the surface, I couldn’t help but find certain aspects of the story to be rather sexist and disturbing. While it might have served as a mirror for the societal norms that influenced and limited their world.
Despite other criticisms, like using trauma as a justification for behaving poorly, this novel enchanted me with its fake dating trope, weaving a spell of tender moments and fiery passions that left me breathless. So, if you yearn for an escape into the world of regency romance, I highly recommend you this swooning tale. If you seek historical accuracy though, you may wish to abstain from reading this one.
As I surrendered to the allure of Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings’ story, I found myself swept off my feet. Together, we waltzed the complex dance of love and societal expectations, swaying to the gentle rhythm of family bonds and the irresistible pull of forbidden romance. I was particularly fond of Daphne’s character. Despite her innocence and fresh naivety, she was a fiery character with a lot of wit.
While the Netflix adaptation might offer a better interpretation, I also found comfort in the original story. Yet, beneath the surface, I couldn’t help but find certain aspects of the story to be rather sexist and disturbing. While it might have served as a mirror for the societal norms that influenced and limited their world.
Despite other criticisms, like using trauma as a justification for behaving poorly, this novel enchanted me with its fake dating trope, weaving a spell of tender moments and fiery passions that left me breathless. So, if you yearn for an escape into the world of regency romance, I highly recommend you this swooning tale. If you seek historical accuracy though, you may wish to abstain from reading this one.
Spindle's End by Robin McKinley is a delightful tapestry woven from the threads of the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. Transported to a realm where fairies, animals, and humans mingle in harmony, McKinley spins the fate of Princess Briar Rose, ensnared in a curse from birth. Under the guise of anonymity, Briar Rose finds solace in the idyllic countryside , but as she uncovers her true lineage, she must confront the shadows threatening her kingdom's peace.
Drawing parallels to the genteel atmosphere of "Sense and Sensibility," the narrative sways gracefully between the enchanting allure of magical elements and the cozy warmth of everyday life, with a side of Downton Abbey drama thrown in for good measure. Yet, amidst the whimsy, McKinley grapples with weighty questions of identity and nurture versus nature, stirring the reader's contemplation.
While the narrative's pace may pirouette like a whimsical fairy on a particularly spirited evening, it later mellows into a gentle rhythm, focusing on familial bonds, friendships, and the whimsical wonders of fairy magic.
However, despite occasional pacing quibbles, McKinley’s magic still enchants from cover to cover. Perfect for those seeking solace in a cozy fantasy realm, McKinley’s tale promises to slow time, allowing readers to savor every moment. From cozy enchantment to the whimsical wonders of fairyland, Spindle’s End is like a warm hug wrapped in a cloak of fairy dust. Fairy godmothers not included.
Drawing parallels to the genteel atmosphere of "Sense and Sensibility," the narrative sways gracefully between the enchanting allure of magical elements and the cozy warmth of everyday life, with a side of Downton Abbey drama thrown in for good measure. Yet, amidst the whimsy, McKinley grapples with weighty questions of identity and nurture versus nature, stirring the reader's contemplation.
While the narrative's pace may pirouette like a whimsical fairy on a particularly spirited evening, it later mellows into a gentle rhythm, focusing on familial bonds, friendships, and the whimsical wonders of fairy magic.
However, despite occasional pacing quibbles, McKinley’s magic still enchants from cover to cover. Perfect for those seeking solace in a cozy fantasy realm, McKinley’s tale promises to slow time, allowing readers to savor every moment. From cozy enchantment to the whimsical wonders of fairyland, Spindle’s End is like a warm hug wrapped in a cloak of fairy dust. Fairy godmothers not included.
