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"That very day now present to her was the 24th of December, and on that very evening she would be sitting in Christmas joy among all her uncles and cousins, holding her new brother-in-law affectionately by the hand."
Nothing less than a wonderfully lovely Christmas collection. The stories are quaint and cozy, perfect for that wintry time of year. The writing is over the top but the characters are down to earth and kind. I especially enjoyed the love stricken escapades of Isabel and Maurice. Isabel was the star of the show. She has manners but she also knows her own mind. Her wit is tremendously funny. I love the moment when she stood up for herself against Maurice. In her case I agree; it would be horrible to marry someone who didn't love Christmas.
Nothing less than a wonderfully lovely Christmas collection. The stories are quaint and cozy, perfect for that wintry time of year. The writing is over the top but the characters are down to earth and kind. I especially enjoyed the love stricken escapades of Isabel and Maurice. Isabel was the star of the show. She has manners but she also knows her own mind. Her wit is tremendously funny. I love the moment when she stood up for herself against Maurice. In her case I agree; it would be horrible to marry someone who didn't love Christmas.
"I sometimes questioned the plausibility of two people so deeply in love ending up as mortal enemies. Maybe love was just the larval stage of hate, the comely caterpillar in advance of the hideous butterfly."
The dystopian atmosphere gave the novel a vulnerable feeling. I couldn't understand when the story was taking place, but that's my only critique. Otherwise Nigel was the most intriguing character, the one I rallied around. I feel enormous sympathy for him and his familial struggles. Ultimately I think he made the right choice to put his past behind him.
The dystopian atmosphere gave the novel a vulnerable feeling. I couldn't understand when the story was taking place, but that's my only critique. Otherwise Nigel was the most intriguing character, the one I rallied around. I feel enormous sympathy for him and his familial struggles. Ultimately I think he made the right choice to put his past behind him.
"To do such a thing would be to transcend magic. And I beheld, unclouded by doubt, a magnificent vision of all that invisibility might mean to a man—the mystery, the power, the freedom. Drawbacks I saw none. You have only to think! And I, a shabby, poverty-struck, hemmed-in demonstrator, teaching fools in a provincial college, might suddenly become—this."
What I loved most were the intriguing and inviting chapter titles, specifically the one called "the furniture that went mad," a favorite of mine. The conversation between Mr. Marvel and the mariner cracks me up. The teasing and humorous dialogue exchange reminds me of [a:William Shakespeare|947|William Shakespeare|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1424313573p2/947.jpg]'s comedies. There's always a scene in the middle of his plays when jokes are exchanged between two silly characters for comic relief; for example, the gravedigger scene in [b:Hamlet|1420|Hamlet|William Shakespeare|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1351051208l/1420._SY75_.jpg|1885548]. Overall I enjoyed the sensational and magical nature of the plot.
What I loved most were the intriguing and inviting chapter titles, specifically the one called "the furniture that went mad," a favorite of mine. The conversation between Mr. Marvel and the mariner cracks me up. The teasing and humorous dialogue exchange reminds me of [a:William Shakespeare|947|William Shakespeare|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1424313573p2/947.jpg]'s comedies. There's always a scene in the middle of his plays when jokes are exchanged between two silly characters for comic relief; for example, the gravedigger scene in [b:Hamlet|1420|Hamlet|William Shakespeare|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1351051208l/1420._SY75_.jpg|1885548]. Overall I enjoyed the sensational and magical nature of the plot.
"It can be a good thing, too, to learn to sit in your own weirdness."
Sarah Wilson's words bring comfort and reassurance. Besides the gorgeous cover, this lovely book is packed full of life lessons, personal anecdotes, bits of research and inspirational messages. Even though Wilson is no doctor, it's clear she's done her research. Even though it's written as a memoir-style piece, Wilson doesn't only use her experiences to explain anxiety. She covers vast arrays of experiences to present well-rounded information.
Wilson doesn't try to make anxiety seem like less of a problem; instead she justifies it and unearths reasons for it. Her explanations are simple to understand and are less diagnoses and more so helpful facts. She never acts sorry to herself, but she also never gives up. Wilson writes about keeping a balance of both good and bad days. Her words are inspirational and also achievable.
Some of my favorite chapters were the ones when Wilson discussed: famous world leaders that succeeded and failed due to anxiety, Winnie the Pooh characters as mental illnesses; and the similarities between anxiety, depression, and OCD. As someone who believed they knew everything about anxiety just because they have it, these chapters are really enlightening. They prove that it takes multiple perspectives to understand the full weight of a condition.
Sarah Wilson's words bring comfort and reassurance. Besides the gorgeous cover, this lovely book is packed full of life lessons, personal anecdotes, bits of research and inspirational messages. Even though Wilson is no doctor, it's clear she's done her research. Even though it's written as a memoir-style piece, Wilson doesn't only use her experiences to explain anxiety. She covers vast arrays of experiences to present well-rounded information.
Wilson doesn't try to make anxiety seem like less of a problem; instead she justifies it and unearths reasons for it. Her explanations are simple to understand and are less diagnoses and more so helpful facts. She never acts sorry to herself, but she also never gives up. Wilson writes about keeping a balance of both good and bad days. Her words are inspirational and also achievable.
Some of my favorite chapters were the ones when Wilson discussed: famous world leaders that succeeded and failed due to anxiety, Winnie the Pooh characters as mental illnesses; and the similarities between anxiety, depression, and OCD. As someone who believed they knew everything about anxiety just because they have it, these chapters are really enlightening. They prove that it takes multiple perspectives to understand the full weight of a condition.
"A good book is the precious life-blood of a master-spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life, and as such it must surely be a necessary commodity."
A quick, entertaining little adventure. This is perfect for fans of stories about bookstores and shops. It's a relaxing tale that's sure to amuse all readers. I haven't seen the movie yet, but the trailer looks promising. Even though the ending seems unremarkable, I think that's what makes it memorable. The entire story is realistic and it perfectly captures the somber and relentless heartache of the real world. Perfect for fans of [a:Harper Lee|1825|Harper Lee|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1188820730p2/1825.jpg], [a:Thomas Hardy|15905|Thomas Hardy|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1429946281p2/15905.jpg] and [a:F. Scott Fitzgerald|3190|F. Scott Fitzgerald|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1517864008p2/3190.jpg].
A quick, entertaining little adventure. This is perfect for fans of stories about bookstores and shops. It's a relaxing tale that's sure to amuse all readers. I haven't seen the movie yet, but the trailer looks promising. Even though the ending seems unremarkable, I think that's what makes it memorable. The entire story is realistic and it perfectly captures the somber and relentless heartache of the real world. Perfect for fans of [a:Harper Lee|1825|Harper Lee|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1188820730p2/1825.jpg], [a:Thomas Hardy|15905|Thomas Hardy|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1429946281p2/15905.jpg] and [a:F. Scott Fitzgerald|3190|F. Scott Fitzgerald|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1517864008p2/3190.jpg].
"Good folk, I have no coin,
To take were to purloin:
I have no copper in my purse,
I have no silver either,
And all my gold is on the furze
That shakes in windy weather
Above the rusy heather."
A startling and unique poetry collection by an underrated female writer. It's a short, yet beautiful collection. It's ideal for fans of other fantasy works, especially [b:The Lord of the Rings|33|The Lord of the Rings (The Lord of the Rings, #1-3)|J.R.R. Tolkien|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1566425108l/33._SX50_.jpg|3462456]. If you can enjoy the wordy language of [a:J.R.R. Tolkien|656983|J.R.R. Tolkien|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1564399522p2/656983.jpg], then you will love Rossetti's writing. Her words transport you far away to lands of magic and mystery. I could feel myself traveling through mystical lands and meeting strange creatures.
Since most of the poems are written in a prose style, this book can be enjoyed by fiction and poetry readers alike. It's great for fans of [b:Beowulf|52357|Beowulf|Unknown|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327878125l/52357._SY75_.jpg|189503], [b:Le Morte D'arthur|1178076|Le Morte D'arthur|Thomas Malory|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|1361856], [b:Gulliver's Travels|7733|Gulliver's Travels|Jonathan Swift|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1427829692l/7733._SY75_.jpg|2394716] and [b:The Chronicles of Narnia|11127|The Chronicles of Narnia (Chronicles of Narnia, #1-7)|C.S. Lewis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1449868701l/11127._SY75_.jpg|781271]. It's a lovely combination of imagery and classical writing. Pair it with a classical music playlist, a warm cup of tea and a blanket and you got the perfect afternoon ahead of you.
To take were to purloin:
I have no copper in my purse,
I have no silver either,
And all my gold is on the furze
That shakes in windy weather
Above the rusy heather."
A startling and unique poetry collection by an underrated female writer. It's a short, yet beautiful collection. It's ideal for fans of other fantasy works, especially [b:The Lord of the Rings|33|The Lord of the Rings (The Lord of the Rings, #1-3)|J.R.R. Tolkien|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1566425108l/33._SX50_.jpg|3462456]. If you can enjoy the wordy language of [a:J.R.R. Tolkien|656983|J.R.R. Tolkien|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1564399522p2/656983.jpg], then you will love Rossetti's writing. Her words transport you far away to lands of magic and mystery. I could feel myself traveling through mystical lands and meeting strange creatures.
Since most of the poems are written in a prose style, this book can be enjoyed by fiction and poetry readers alike. It's great for fans of [b:Beowulf|52357|Beowulf|Unknown|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327878125l/52357._SY75_.jpg|189503], [b:Le Morte D'arthur|1178076|Le Morte D'arthur|Thomas Malory|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|1361856], [b:Gulliver's Travels|7733|Gulliver's Travels|Jonathan Swift|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1427829692l/7733._SY75_.jpg|2394716] and [b:The Chronicles of Narnia|11127|The Chronicles of Narnia (Chronicles of Narnia, #1-7)|C.S. Lewis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1449868701l/11127._SY75_.jpg|781271]. It's a lovely combination of imagery and classical writing. Pair it with a classical music playlist, a warm cup of tea and a blanket and you got the perfect afternoon ahead of you.
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"Most of us are called on to perform tasks far beyond what we can do. Our capabilities seldom match our aspirations, and we are often woefully unprepared. To this extent, we are all Assistant Pig-Keepers at heart."
After listening to a Disney podcast I have a much greater respect for [a:Lloyd Alexander|8924|Lloyd Alexander|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1353430382p2/8924.jpg] and the work he put into this book series. The research and mythology is exquisite. His work is so underrated now that it's really a shame. His interpretation and grasp on Welsh folklore is quite impressive. He uses his characters as tools to explain Prydain's mythology, but he never loses sight of the plot. The explanations and character development are woven neatly into the story.
For those who were confused by the 1985 Disney adaptation but still enjoyed the movie, I recommend reading this series. As someone who enjoyed the movie but wanted to learn more about the characters featured, just the first book has proved enlightening. The characters' motivations and backstories are explained more clearly. Plus we get the yummy Gwydion. He's like a cross between Aragorn and Geralt of Rivia.
Some of my final thoughts:
- Eilonwy is my absolute favorite. The Disney adaptation, apart from making her hair more blonde, captured her character PERFECTLY. It's a shame Disney fans disregard Eilonwy because she is a pretty unique character. Not only is she one of the first Disney princesses to save the male character, but she doesn't seem to care abut getting married. She's down to earth and is whip smart. Honestly she deserves all the praise!
- Gurgi and Taran's friendship is EVERYTHING. It's that classic we-don't-like-each-other-at-first pairing, but it only gets better from there. Specifically, Taran takes such great careof Gurgi when he's injured. They are friendship goals. Gurgi's character is so important because he proves that even heroes can be scared sometimes.
- The bond between Taran, Eilonwy, Gurgi and Fflewddur Fflam is wonderful. They balance out each other's strengths and weaknesses and take such great care of one another. They become their own little family and it's the heart of the story. I can't wait to read more of their adventures!
After listening to a Disney podcast I have a much greater respect for [a:Lloyd Alexander|8924|Lloyd Alexander|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1353430382p2/8924.jpg] and the work he put into this book series. The research and mythology is exquisite. His work is so underrated now that it's really a shame. His interpretation and grasp on Welsh folklore is quite impressive. He uses his characters as tools to explain Prydain's mythology, but he never loses sight of the plot. The explanations and character development are woven neatly into the story.
For those who were confused by the 1985 Disney adaptation but still enjoyed the movie, I recommend reading this series. As someone who enjoyed the movie but wanted to learn more about the characters featured, just the first book has proved enlightening. The characters' motivations and backstories are explained more clearly. Plus we get the yummy Gwydion. He's like a cross between Aragorn and Geralt of Rivia.
Some of my final thoughts:
- Eilonwy is my absolute favorite. The Disney adaptation, apart from making her hair more blonde, captured her character PERFECTLY. It's a shame Disney fans disregard Eilonwy because she is a pretty unique character. Not only is she one of the first Disney princesses to save the male character, but she doesn't seem to care abut getting married. She's down to earth and is whip smart. Honestly she deserves all the praise!
- Gurgi and Taran's friendship is EVERYTHING. It's that classic we-don't-like-each-other-at-first pairing, but it only gets better from there. Specifically, Taran takes such great careof Gurgi when he's injured. They are friendship goals. Gurgi's character is so important because he proves that even heroes can be scared sometimes.
- The bond between Taran, Eilonwy, Gurgi and Fflewddur Fflam is wonderful. They balance out each other's strengths and weaknesses and take such great care of one another. They become their own little family and it's the heart of the story. I can't wait to read more of their adventures!
3.5 stars
If you enjoy experiencing long, intricate and dazzling plotlines, then this book is a must read. This read has one of the most complex and surprising plots I've ever encountered. I couldn't summarize its contents even if I tried. The premise is pretty straightforward: a young girl moves with her family to Spain in the late 1930s and the girl falls in love with an artist. Three decades later, a famous painting is recovered but its artist is unknown and it's up to another young girl to uncover its history. This is perfect for art history buffs, as well as fans of [b:The Italian Teacher|31937362|The Italian Teacher|Tom Rachman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1503953230l/31937362._SY75_.jpg|52592687] book. "The Muse" reminds me greatly of that book not just because of the similar concept of artists, but because of the intricate plot and similar abrupt endings.
Even though [a:Jessie Burton|7125422|Jessie Burton|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1420640579p2/7125422.jpg]'s writing has evolved and matured since the publication of [b:The Miniaturist|18498569|The Miniaturist|Jessie Burton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1392415313l/18498569._SY75_.jpg|25328659], there is a whisper of similar language and character development. Fans of "The Miniaturist" often remark on the abrupt and lackluster ending to the book and "The Muse" has a frustrating ending as well. However, that was the only part of the book I didn't enjoy. The beginning is set up so finely you'd think Burton balanced the characters on a string. It really is a lovely story and the plot makes you reflect on history and what makes an artist who they are.
If you enjoy experiencing long, intricate and dazzling plotlines, then this book is a must read. This read has one of the most complex and surprising plots I've ever encountered. I couldn't summarize its contents even if I tried. The premise is pretty straightforward: a young girl moves with her family to Spain in the late 1930s and the girl falls in love with an artist. Three decades later, a famous painting is recovered but its artist is unknown and it's up to another young girl to uncover its history. This is perfect for art history buffs, as well as fans of [b:The Italian Teacher|31937362|The Italian Teacher|Tom Rachman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1503953230l/31937362._SY75_.jpg|52592687] book. "The Muse" reminds me greatly of that book not just because of the similar concept of artists, but because of the intricate plot and similar abrupt endings.
Even though [a:Jessie Burton|7125422|Jessie Burton|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1420640579p2/7125422.jpg]'s writing has evolved and matured since the publication of [b:The Miniaturist|18498569|The Miniaturist|Jessie Burton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1392415313l/18498569._SY75_.jpg|25328659], there is a whisper of similar language and character development. Fans of "The Miniaturist" often remark on the abrupt and lackluster ending to the book and "The Muse" has a frustrating ending as well. However, that was the only part of the book I didn't enjoy. The beginning is set up so finely you'd think Burton balanced the characters on a string. It really is a lovely story and the plot makes you reflect on history and what makes an artist who they are.
3.5 stars
“Silence becomes a woman.' Every woman I’ve ever known was brought up on that saying.”
If fans of Greek history/mythology are rising out of their [a:Madeline Miller|176372|Madeline Miller|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1322861610p2/176372.jpg] coma, then this book is the perfect choice. It combines what's great about [b:The Song of Achilles|11250317|The Song of Achilles|Madeline Miller|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331154660l/11250317._SX50_.jpg|16176791]; the fragility, the human treatment of Achilles and lovely depiction of Achilles' relationship with Patroclus; and what's great about [b:Circe|35959740|Circe|Madeline Miller|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1565909496l/35959740._SY75_.jpg|53043399]; the female narrative, the change in perspective and the new depiction of a classic character.
I love how [a:Pat Barker|4000|Pat Barker|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1539120639p2/4000.jpg] wasn't afraid to take a classic character and reinvent her. Only hardcore Greek mythology fans know who Briseis is, and mostly from the 2004 movie "Troy." However, Barker gives new life and purpose to Briseis. She's no longer just Achilles' girlfriend, one night stand, or great love. Barker allows Briseis to take control of her own story. Almost the entire book is told through the perspective of a woman, something that wars are hardly ever told from.
The only critiques I have concern the plot structure and length. 291 pages doesn't seem like a lot, but 150 of the pages was just describing Briseis's conversations with women at the camp. These were essential bonding moments that I enjoyed reading, but the writing style was too repetitive. Every day felt like the same and not much action happened except at the beginning of the book and the end. If days in the encampment were more exciting and if we as readers got to know more of Achilles's character, it would have been more interesting to read about. Instead, it was 100ish pages of Briseis repeating how miserable she was every day. This led to little character development until right at the end of the book.
“Silence becomes a woman.' Every woman I’ve ever known was brought up on that saying.”
If fans of Greek history/mythology are rising out of their [a:Madeline Miller|176372|Madeline Miller|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1322861610p2/176372.jpg] coma, then this book is the perfect choice. It combines what's great about [b:The Song of Achilles|11250317|The Song of Achilles|Madeline Miller|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331154660l/11250317._SX50_.jpg|16176791]; the fragility, the human treatment of Achilles and lovely depiction of Achilles' relationship with Patroclus; and what's great about [b:Circe|35959740|Circe|Madeline Miller|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1565909496l/35959740._SY75_.jpg|53043399]; the female narrative, the change in perspective and the new depiction of a classic character.
I love how [a:Pat Barker|4000|Pat Barker|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1539120639p2/4000.jpg] wasn't afraid to take a classic character and reinvent her. Only hardcore Greek mythology fans know who Briseis is, and mostly from the 2004 movie "Troy." However, Barker gives new life and purpose to Briseis. She's no longer just Achilles' girlfriend, one night stand, or great love. Barker allows Briseis to take control of her own story. Almost the entire book is told through the perspective of a woman, something that wars are hardly ever told from.
The only critiques I have concern the plot structure and length. 291 pages doesn't seem like a lot, but 150 of the pages was just describing Briseis's conversations with women at the camp. These were essential bonding moments that I enjoyed reading, but the writing style was too repetitive. Every day felt like the same and not much action happened except at the beginning of the book and the end. If days in the encampment were more exciting and if we as readers got to know more of Achilles's character, it would have been more interesting to read about. Instead, it was 100ish pages of Briseis repeating how miserable she was every day. This led to little character development until right at the end of the book.
“Erik is not truly dead. He lives on within the souls of those who choose to listen to the music of the night.”
Honestly kinda a letdown. The plot was dramatic when it didn't need to be, and all the characters felt like figments. None of the characters read like they were flesh and blood, just shadows of a story instead. The phantom wasn't a romantic character; he's just a sad one. I couldn't understand who the author wanted us to root for: Erik, Christine, Carlotta, or the narrator? Then the problem with having such lifeless characters is that all the female characters were indistinguishable from one another. Rarely could I tell the difference between Christine and Carlotta. I wish their personalities, wants and desires had been better explained. The lack of female character development made this story difficult to enjoy.
Honestly kinda a letdown. The plot was dramatic when it didn't need to be, and all the characters felt like figments. None of the characters read like they were flesh and blood, just shadows of a story instead. The phantom wasn't a romantic character; he's just a sad one. I couldn't understand who the author wanted us to root for: Erik, Christine, Carlotta, or the narrator? Then the problem with having such lifeless characters is that all the female characters were indistinguishable from one another. Rarely could I tell the difference between Christine and Carlotta. I wish their personalities, wants and desires had been better explained. The lack of female character development made this story difficult to enjoy.