sarahxify's Reviews (703)

I really enjoyed this, I thought it was a fantastic bit of historical fiction with really interesting themes about womanhood and power. Definitely one for fans of Burial Rites. 

This slow and quiet book completely drew me in. A story about an unassuming town in northern Canada, where a teenage girl goes missing. It follows a few of the people who live in the town, some of whom are acutely involved in the disappearance, and others who know nothing about it and who are living their lives as normal. A mix of slice of life and mystery, really good stuff. 

This is a well-written and clearly told account of the people of Polynesia and how they sailed, settled, navigated, and thrived in this unforgiving landscape. I learned a lot from this book but did feel at times that it was overly sanguine. There are passing mentions of the brutalities that occured in Polynesia when the Europeans started to sail around there, but I felt that it would have been good to focus a bit more on this part of the story, which is so relevant for Polynesia today. 


We discussed this in an episode recommending non-fiction of the Bookcast Club podcast (episode #68). https://www.buzzsprout.com/1116755/10480720

I really enjoyed this novella, about a group of bandits who end up travelling with a nun. A little stereotyped at times, but punchy and enjoyable, with plenty of humour. I would definitely pick up another of Zen Cho's books. 

Set in a world that is mostly made of water, this novel follows a travelling boat circus and its crew members, who are trying to survive. Although it was beautifully written, in general I was pretty unsatisfied with this book. The world in which the novel is set is unique and intriguing, but there was really very little worldbuilding or explanation as to how it worked or why, or the reasons for any of the events that occured. I also wanted more from the characters, none of their motivations and personalities were particularly well-developed in my opinion.

It is, however, the closest novel I have read in feeling and tone to The Night Circus, so if you are someone who has been looking for a book similar to that, this is worth checking out. 

I absolutely loved this experimental novel from Akwaeke Emezi. It follows Ada, who is trying to cope with the aftermath of experience serious trauma and who is struggling to reconcile the beliefs and assumptions of her university colleagues with those of her family. A sensitive and brilliant examination of mental health and diagnosis. 

I also discussed this novel in episode 55 of the Bookcast Club podcast. https://www.thebookcastclub.com/podcast/episode/4c3f375e/55-upcoming-book-to-movie-adaptations