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stuckinthebook's Reviews (248)
OK, first of all…WHAT A BOOK. There are many things that this book left me thinking about. During the days spent reading it, and for many days afterwards, I was constantly in discussion with myself, my boyfriend, my friends and basically anyone who would listen, about the topics explored in this novel. I don’t think there was a topic about modern society that Jeanette Winterson left untouched.
Frankissstein follows two narratives throughout the book; one being Mary Shelley (both pre- and post-Frankenstein), as well as Ry who is a transgender character. Mary was born as a woman but identified more with being a man, and therefore had the breasts removed. The lower part of the body was left as it was, which sparks A LOT of debate within the book about masculinity and whether you need a penis to identify as a ‘real’ or ‘true’ man. I found this debate extremely intriguing and it certainly gave me a deeper understanding of the transgender community and how society has this constant need to want to name people and feelings into a certain box and to keep it that way.
The story, as with Shelley’s Frankenstein, raises a lot of questions regarding humanity. The character of Ry is a doctor who is helping his AI-obsessed and tech genius friend, Vic Stein, with numerous projects surrounding robots, the human body and death.
Vic Stein (much like Victor Frankenstein) is seemingly obsessed with bringing the dead back to life. When we meet him in the book, he is researching a lot about brain stimulation, and with that comes a whole load of interesting debates on the human body and life, especially in the terms of technology. Vic Stein seems to want to play God, much like Mary’s Victor Frankenstein did.
Some discussions raised in the book scared me a little, as it highlighted that technological advancements over the previous decades have been monumental in changing how we live today, so what does this mean for our future? Will robots become ordinary elements in our everyday lives? How will that affect employment? If you think about it, factories look a hell of a lot different to how they did only a few years ago, and one thing is for sure…there’s less human resource needed. See what I mean about raising questions?
What I think is masterful is that this book is disturbing for its time, just like Frankenstein was when it was published in 1817. This book has all the gothic elements that Frankenstein itself had; the spiders, the walking hands, the dissected bodies, the underground, storms etc. You name it, Frankissstein has got it. I think this is superb from Jeanette Winterson and shows her in-depth understanding of how the questions raised by Mary Shelley in Frankenstein are still relevant to today’s society. These questions are raised in both narratives, even though they are completely different eras and stories, showing once again that the humanity question is timeless.
It is believed that Mary Shelley suffered with the concept of life and death all the way through her life, and Jeanette Winterson does an excellent job in portraying this. From the death of her mother after her birth, to the loss of children at an early age, Mary Shelley’s story is encapsulated brilliantly and now my heart will always have a place for Mary.
Being from Manchester, like Winterson, I loved the references to Manchester history. From the underground NATO city that lies beneath Manchester, to the discussions around the Peterloo massacre, it is refreshing to see the North’s history being featured and promoted. Manchester is known for its role in the industrial revolution, football and music, but there is SO much more to know about this great Northern powerhouse, which Winterson so brilliantly demonstrates.
Overall, I incredibly enjoyed this book and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a book that questions your current way of thinking. Be careful though, once you start reading, your mind will take on a thousand questions at once, and you may find yourself wanting to discuss the topics raised in this book with anyone who will listen, so here is your warning!
Frankissstein follows two narratives throughout the book; one being Mary Shelley (both pre- and post-Frankenstein), as well as Ry who is a transgender character. Mary was born as a woman but identified more with being a man, and therefore had the breasts removed. The lower part of the body was left as it was, which sparks A LOT of debate within the book about masculinity and whether you need a penis to identify as a ‘real’ or ‘true’ man. I found this debate extremely intriguing and it certainly gave me a deeper understanding of the transgender community and how society has this constant need to want to name people and feelings into a certain box and to keep it that way.
The story, as with Shelley’s Frankenstein, raises a lot of questions regarding humanity. The character of Ry is a doctor who is helping his AI-obsessed and tech genius friend, Vic Stein, with numerous projects surrounding robots, the human body and death.
Vic Stein (much like Victor Frankenstein) is seemingly obsessed with bringing the dead back to life. When we meet him in the book, he is researching a lot about brain stimulation, and with that comes a whole load of interesting debates on the human body and life, especially in the terms of technology. Vic Stein seems to want to play God, much like Mary’s Victor Frankenstein did.
Some discussions raised in the book scared me a little, as it highlighted that technological advancements over the previous decades have been monumental in changing how we live today, so what does this mean for our future? Will robots become ordinary elements in our everyday lives? How will that affect employment? If you think about it, factories look a hell of a lot different to how they did only a few years ago, and one thing is for sure…there’s less human resource needed. See what I mean about raising questions?
What I think is masterful is that this book is disturbing for its time, just like Frankenstein was when it was published in 1817. This book has all the gothic elements that Frankenstein itself had; the spiders, the walking hands, the dissected bodies, the underground, storms etc. You name it, Frankissstein has got it. I think this is superb from Jeanette Winterson and shows her in-depth understanding of how the questions raised by Mary Shelley in Frankenstein are still relevant to today’s society. These questions are raised in both narratives, even though they are completely different eras and stories, showing once again that the humanity question is timeless.
It is believed that Mary Shelley suffered with the concept of life and death all the way through her life, and Jeanette Winterson does an excellent job in portraying this. From the death of her mother after her birth, to the loss of children at an early age, Mary Shelley’s story is encapsulated brilliantly and now my heart will always have a place for Mary.
Being from Manchester, like Winterson, I loved the references to Manchester history. From the underground NATO city that lies beneath Manchester, to the discussions around the Peterloo massacre, it is refreshing to see the North’s history being featured and promoted. Manchester is known for its role in the industrial revolution, football and music, but there is SO much more to know about this great Northern powerhouse, which Winterson so brilliantly demonstrates.
Overall, I incredibly enjoyed this book and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a book that questions your current way of thinking. Be careful though, once you start reading, your mind will take on a thousand questions at once, and you may find yourself wanting to discuss the topics raised in this book with anyone who will listen, so here is your warning!
OK, first of all I am and aren’t a fan of cheesy rom-coms. Yes, you read that right. I have to be in the right mood for them, but one thing they do offer is a nice change if I have been reading hard, disturbing books (because I there’s nothing more I love that a great controversial or thrilling book).
So cheesy rom-coms aren’t usually my thing but I enjoyed Our Stop. I devoured it in under two days as the chapters are short and I was desperate to see when and how the two protagonists would meet.
If you haven’t heard of this book before, basically, Daniel and Nadia catch the same train most days and Daniel took a chance to reach out to Nadia by writing to her in the Missed Connections section of the newspaper. They end up exchanging a few short letters to each other to try and meet, but life gets in the way and they are frequently (and unknowingly) at the same places throughtout the book but due to things going wrong or getting in the way, they frustratingly miss each other every time by a slight second!
Laura Jane Williams (LJW)’s debut novel is a good, old fashioned love story and I really enjoyed the modern elements of the story. Sometimes you could tell she was trying perhaps a little too hard to make this story modern and relevant for its time, but I still enjoyed it and it made me giggle in some parts.
What I really liked in this book is how modern masculinity is portrayed. Now, I’m all for women’s rights and equality of the sexes, but hear me out here. What LJW does wonderfully well is exploring how masculinity has changed during modern times. She frequently uses the character of Daniel to showcase the ways in which it is perhaps difficult for men to know where they stand when it comes to dating, when female power is on the rise. I have never seen it from the male point of view and I think LJW does an excellent job of exploring dating and relationships from the perspective of a man who is a feminist.
One event where this is evident particularly stays in my mind and that is when Daniel has just read a dating book for women and decides to test out some of the advice given. He tries to initiate a conversation with two women in the lunch queue at work, and they are simply unimpressed by his attempt; branding him as a weirdo and giving him strange looks as they walk away.
I did enjoy this book but it is very cheesy in some parts. If you’re in the mood to read chick-lit, this is definitely one I recommend. Especially with the ending being completely and utterly magical! I wish I had read this when I was single, as it probably would have restored my faith in humanity and ensured me that fate is in fact very real.
So cheesy rom-coms aren’t usually my thing but I enjoyed Our Stop. I devoured it in under two days as the chapters are short and I was desperate to see when and how the two protagonists would meet.
If you haven’t heard of this book before, basically, Daniel and Nadia catch the same train most days and Daniel took a chance to reach out to Nadia by writing to her in the Missed Connections section of the newspaper. They end up exchanging a few short letters to each other to try and meet, but life gets in the way and they are frequently (and unknowingly) at the same places throughtout the book but due to things going wrong or getting in the way, they frustratingly miss each other every time by a slight second!
Laura Jane Williams (LJW)’s debut novel is a good, old fashioned love story and I really enjoyed the modern elements of the story. Sometimes you could tell she was trying perhaps a little too hard to make this story modern and relevant for its time, but I still enjoyed it and it made me giggle in some parts.
What I really liked in this book is how modern masculinity is portrayed. Now, I’m all for women’s rights and equality of the sexes, but hear me out here. What LJW does wonderfully well is exploring how masculinity has changed during modern times. She frequently uses the character of Daniel to showcase the ways in which it is perhaps difficult for men to know where they stand when it comes to dating, when female power is on the rise. I have never seen it from the male point of view and I think LJW does an excellent job of exploring dating and relationships from the perspective of a man who is a feminist.
One event where this is evident particularly stays in my mind and that is when Daniel has just read a dating book for women and decides to test out some of the advice given. He tries to initiate a conversation with two women in the lunch queue at work, and they are simply unimpressed by his attempt; branding him as a weirdo and giving him strange looks as they walk away.
I did enjoy this book but it is very cheesy in some parts. If you’re in the mood to read chick-lit, this is definitely one I recommend. Especially with the ending being completely and utterly magical! I wish I had read this when I was single, as it probably would have restored my faith in humanity and ensured me that fate is in fact very real.
OK, I’m not going to lie, I struggled with this book. I had an idea of what it was about but as I started reading it, Toni Morrison’s writing style took me completely by surprise. I am lucky to have a copy that features an author’s note at the beginning of the book, and if it wasn’t for the context that Morrison supplied, I think I would have had even less of an idea of what this book is about.
It took me a while to get used to the way that Morrison writes. She says so many things without saying EXACTLY what she means. Morrison used A LOT of metaphors and literary devices to create the unclear narratives of the main characters, and it wasn’t easy for me to understand what was happening. Yet I think that is the beauty of the novel. Morrison gives you just enough and in doing so, enables you to make your own understanding. She enables you to let your own mind interpret what it can.
I had no idea it was a ghost story either. I was very confused about this bit of the narrative because (again) it wasn’t clear if the baby was in fact a ghost or not, as the main characters spoke of the baby as if she was real. Basically, our protagonist Sethe, is haunted by the spirit of her two-year-old daughter, whom she killed. A story inspired by a true event which featured in a newspaper article that Morrison read.
As I was struggling with the book, I reached out to my Instagram followers to see if any of them had read the book themselves and what they thought of the book (hoping that I wasn’t the only one to struggle). I ended up having a lot of interesting conversations with people who, like me, were fascinated by but struggled with Beloved.
One conversation, with fellow book lover Amy @ Prose Amongst Thorns, was specifically interesting as she introduced the genre of magic realism, in which Beloved sits. Amy told me she had written an assignment on magic realism in literature and explained to me how the spiritual aspects of the story work to highlight important historical observations about the ever-present trauma of American enslavement. As Dr. Kara Johnson @ The Newberry explains, ‘the magical realist genre could be utilised to pronounce even further and lay bare the horrifying historical realities of slavery, as well as their haunting echoes in post-Emancipation America’.
This therefore helps the book to make more sense. The unusual aspects of the story was completely intentional by Morrison, to help readers understand the unusual position of ’emancipated’ Black slaves in America. Black slaves had their identity taken away and replaced with the White American xenophobic status. They were then ‘freed’ from slavery and cast out into a community where they felt like they didn’t belong and a community that was also riddled with the aftermath of slavery. So Morrison does a fabulous job of helping the reader understand this feeling by placing them in a narrative that is muddled and chaotic; much like the experience of the Black community.
I did enjoy the novel but it really tested my reading ability. I’m glad to tick it off the list but it was one I really had to try with. I wish I had studied it at University so I could hear a lecture on it and to discuss it in a seminar. Ahhhh, to relive those uni days!
It took me a while to get used to the way that Morrison writes. She says so many things without saying EXACTLY what she means. Morrison used A LOT of metaphors and literary devices to create the unclear narratives of the main characters, and it wasn’t easy for me to understand what was happening. Yet I think that is the beauty of the novel. Morrison gives you just enough and in doing so, enables you to make your own understanding. She enables you to let your own mind interpret what it can.
I had no idea it was a ghost story either. I was very confused about this bit of the narrative because (again) it wasn’t clear if the baby was in fact a ghost or not, as the main characters spoke of the baby as if she was real. Basically, our protagonist Sethe, is haunted by the spirit of her two-year-old daughter, whom she killed. A story inspired by a true event which featured in a newspaper article that Morrison read.
As I was struggling with the book, I reached out to my Instagram followers to see if any of them had read the book themselves and what they thought of the book (hoping that I wasn’t the only one to struggle). I ended up having a lot of interesting conversations with people who, like me, were fascinated by but struggled with Beloved.
One conversation, with fellow book lover Amy @ Prose Amongst Thorns, was specifically interesting as she introduced the genre of magic realism, in which Beloved sits. Amy told me she had written an assignment on magic realism in literature and explained to me how the spiritual aspects of the story work to highlight important historical observations about the ever-present trauma of American enslavement. As Dr. Kara Johnson @ The Newberry explains, ‘the magical realist genre could be utilised to pronounce even further and lay bare the horrifying historical realities of slavery, as well as their haunting echoes in post-Emancipation America’.
This therefore helps the book to make more sense. The unusual aspects of the story was completely intentional by Morrison, to help readers understand the unusual position of ’emancipated’ Black slaves in America. Black slaves had their identity taken away and replaced with the White American xenophobic status. They were then ‘freed’ from slavery and cast out into a community where they felt like they didn’t belong and a community that was also riddled with the aftermath of slavery. So Morrison does a fabulous job of helping the reader understand this feeling by placing them in a narrative that is muddled and chaotic; much like the experience of the Black community.
I did enjoy the novel but it really tested my reading ability. I’m glad to tick it off the list but it was one I really had to try with. I wish I had studied it at University so I could hear a lecture on it and to discuss it in a seminar. Ahhhh, to relive those uni days!
I don’t know what I imagined this book would be, but I definitely didn’t think it would include so much sex. As a warning to you, if you’re not into graphic and detailed sex scenes, I would strongly advise that you find another book to read. Even for someone who doesn’t mind this sort of content, I found myself taken back.
Although it does include a hell of a lot of sex, Crystal Rasmussen (otherwise known as Tom Glitter) explores everything from being extremely poor, awful jobs, homophobic abuse, love, friendships and the fashion and media industries. What I found great about this book was that Crystal does not hold back, and really attempts to allow the reader to experience the extremely bad times, as well as the magical times.
There are a lot of ups and downs for our Crystal, and I have to say I admire her determination and thick skin. But I guess she had to be determined and definitely thick-skinned to get through life and the opportunities that life has thrown her way. Perhaps had she not been as strong-willed as she was, she wouldn’t be where she is now. I also love that this isn’t a kind of ‘coming of age’ book. Crystal doesn’t finish the book in a better place than where she started. Although some things have changed for the better and she has just about to get onto the scene, there is still progress to be made, and the same could be said for the LGBTQIA+ community itself.
If this book did anything, it educated me on the daily struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community. It opened my eyes to the abuse and violence experienced by those who are queer and how they are damned if they do and damned if they don’t most of the time. It broke my heart that these people aren’t allowed to be their true selves because they fear the violence and abuse that would follow if they did. Crystal frequently discusses the fact that if she is travelling on public transport, she will avoid travelling in drag as the stares, the comments, the side looks, the abuse…it’s just not worth it. How sad. I can’t even imagine what this would feel like.
Crystal talks a lot about queer relationships and how they can be anything people want them to be. Apparently, according to Crystal, queer relationships are often more open to open relationships and that monogamous relations are both difficult and not desired. She also opened my eyes to the clubs and places in the UK and around the world that allow queer people to action their sexual desires in a safe environment. I couldn’t believe that these places still exist today and in a way, I’m proud that they have withstood the test of time.
What I find most interesting about this book is Crystal’s experience within the fashion and media industries. She is frequently battling the desire to want to be involved in these industries with the constant degrading from the powerful people above her. She is frequently pretending she is someone else just to fit in, and the one time she speaks up against something she doesn’t agree with, she is quickly and efficiently escorted off the premises to be replaced with someone else who will attempt to abide by the rules and ultimately struggle with the same battle.
The stories and topics that Crystal was given to write about made me giggle and roll my eyes. Instead of focusing on the real problems in society, these fashion magazines were more interested in the unimportant, minuscule aspects of life such as hair bands and shoes. No wonder Crystal got sick of using her talent for these types of articles.
I enjoyed the book, even though it made me blush for the most part. I love that Crystal is a northerner and it shows in her way of never holding back the truth and always giving more detail than needed. Being a northerner myself, I am often never afraid to hold back the truths about all my experiences, and I admire Crystal for doing so too. Yet sometimes, I couldn’t decide if I liked her or not. In some parts she is annoying, self-obsessed and over dramatic. Yet since finishing this book, I’ve realised that perhaps this is part of her act and isn’t everyone self-obsessed and dramatic from time to time. I guess I would be too if I was publishing my own journal.
Sam Smith named this the ‘gay bible’ and I guess that is exactly what it is; however its not just for queer people. I think the book is fabulous for those who are not part of the LGBTQIA+ community (like myself) as it allows us to understand the experiences of queer people. It allows us the opportunity to understand what love and relationships look like in the LGBTQIA+ community and more importantly, it opens our eyes to the horrific experiences that many face on a daily basis just for being gay. I think it is a vital book for everyone to read no matter what your gender, sexuality or colour is, in the hope that through understanding, change can be made.
Although it does include a hell of a lot of sex, Crystal Rasmussen (otherwise known as Tom Glitter) explores everything from being extremely poor, awful jobs, homophobic abuse, love, friendships and the fashion and media industries. What I found great about this book was that Crystal does not hold back, and really attempts to allow the reader to experience the extremely bad times, as well as the magical times.
There are a lot of ups and downs for our Crystal, and I have to say I admire her determination and thick skin. But I guess she had to be determined and definitely thick-skinned to get through life and the opportunities that life has thrown her way. Perhaps had she not been as strong-willed as she was, she wouldn’t be where she is now. I also love that this isn’t a kind of ‘coming of age’ book. Crystal doesn’t finish the book in a better place than where she started. Although some things have changed for the better and she has just about to get onto the scene, there is still progress to be made, and the same could be said for the LGBTQIA+ community itself.
If this book did anything, it educated me on the daily struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community. It opened my eyes to the abuse and violence experienced by those who are queer and how they are damned if they do and damned if they don’t most of the time. It broke my heart that these people aren’t allowed to be their true selves because they fear the violence and abuse that would follow if they did. Crystal frequently discusses the fact that if she is travelling on public transport, she will avoid travelling in drag as the stares, the comments, the side looks, the abuse…it’s just not worth it. How sad. I can’t even imagine what this would feel like.
Crystal talks a lot about queer relationships and how they can be anything people want them to be. Apparently, according to Crystal, queer relationships are often more open to open relationships and that monogamous relations are both difficult and not desired. She also opened my eyes to the clubs and places in the UK and around the world that allow queer people to action their sexual desires in a safe environment. I couldn’t believe that these places still exist today and in a way, I’m proud that they have withstood the test of time.
What I find most interesting about this book is Crystal’s experience within the fashion and media industries. She is frequently battling the desire to want to be involved in these industries with the constant degrading from the powerful people above her. She is frequently pretending she is someone else just to fit in, and the one time she speaks up against something she doesn’t agree with, she is quickly and efficiently escorted off the premises to be replaced with someone else who will attempt to abide by the rules and ultimately struggle with the same battle.
The stories and topics that Crystal was given to write about made me giggle and roll my eyes. Instead of focusing on the real problems in society, these fashion magazines were more interested in the unimportant, minuscule aspects of life such as hair bands and shoes. No wonder Crystal got sick of using her talent for these types of articles.
I enjoyed the book, even though it made me blush for the most part. I love that Crystal is a northerner and it shows in her way of never holding back the truth and always giving more detail than needed. Being a northerner myself, I am often never afraid to hold back the truths about all my experiences, and I admire Crystal for doing so too. Yet sometimes, I couldn’t decide if I liked her or not. In some parts she is annoying, self-obsessed and over dramatic. Yet since finishing this book, I’ve realised that perhaps this is part of her act and isn’t everyone self-obsessed and dramatic from time to time. I guess I would be too if I was publishing my own journal.
Sam Smith named this the ‘gay bible’ and I guess that is exactly what it is; however its not just for queer people. I think the book is fabulous for those who are not part of the LGBTQIA+ community (like myself) as it allows us to understand the experiences of queer people. It allows us the opportunity to understand what love and relationships look like in the LGBTQIA+ community and more importantly, it opens our eyes to the horrific experiences that many face on a daily basis just for being gay. I think it is a vital book for everyone to read no matter what your gender, sexuality or colour is, in the hope that through understanding, change can be made.
Some of my favourite books are those written by Khaled Hosseini because his books concentrate on the devastating impact war and conflict has had on a once beautiful country and community. I am never one to shy away from narratives that are heartbreaking and eye-opening, and I find books like these to be completely compelling in the way that they honestly depict the suffering of everyday people in countries that have been consumed by war.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo follows refugees, particularly a husband and wife, in their journey to the UK. For me, Christy Lefteri offers an important refugee story that focuses on a range of different experiences, with each story bonding strangers together through pain and understanding. We meet Nuri and Afra in a refugee safe house in England, and through Nuri, we learn about their journey to ‘safety’, from Syria to Europe.
Notice how I write the word ‘safety’ in quotation marks. This is because although they have made it to the UK in one piece, they are not exactly safe yet. They are seeking asylum and their application is yet to be approved. I found it astonishing to learn about the process of seeking asylum in the country I call home, is one that is unwelcoming and dismissive. The questions they were asked during the interview were completely random and I cannot see why these questions would need to be answered at all, never mind by someone who has undoubtedly seen the very worst of humanity.
The book really focuses on the devastating loss of life and the inhumane treatment of humans to other humans. I have to say that the story played on my mind for days after reading, and I couldn’t help but start noticing stories and treatment of asylum seekers in this country.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo follows refugees, particularly a husband and wife, in their journey to the UK. For me, Christy Lefteri offers an important refugee story that focuses on a range of different experiences, with each story bonding strangers together through pain and understanding. We meet Nuri and Afra in a refugee safe house in England, and through Nuri, we learn about their journey to ‘safety’, from Syria to Europe.
Notice how I write the word ‘safety’ in quotation marks. This is because although they have made it to the UK in one piece, they are not exactly safe yet. They are seeking asylum and their application is yet to be approved. I found it astonishing to learn about the process of seeking asylum in the country I call home, is one that is unwelcoming and dismissive. The questions they were asked during the interview were completely random and I cannot see why these questions would need to be answered at all, never mind by someone who has undoubtedly seen the very worst of humanity.
The book really focuses on the devastating loss of life and the inhumane treatment of humans to other humans. I have to say that the story played on my mind for days after reading, and I couldn’t help but start noticing stories and treatment of asylum seekers in this country.
This book couldn't be more relevant. Across the country, due to cancelled flights and holidays because of Covid-19, most people are having to find somewhere in the UK to spend their summer holiday. Some are even camping in their own back garden as a way of experiencing their own 'staycation'.
So when Michele Gorman contacted me about her new release, I couldn't believe my luck. Not only do I get to read an advanced copy of a highly anticipated summer read, but I also got the chance to experience my own staycation.
What I loved about this book is the contrast of characters. One mother is so organised and has her own beloved labelling machine and trip itinerary, whereas the other mum just about gets her children to school on time and never has any time to herself.
It really made me laugh how Sophie and her family got the great end of the stick; staying in a gorgeous cottage up north with its own farm and quaint village high street, whereas Harriet and her family ended up staying in one the messiest houses in the middle of London which was also home to a python named Spot.
There are some really funny moments in this book, and I loved how more of the characters' stories were revealed as the story went on. I really loved getting to know both Harriet and Sophie, but I definitely warmed more to Sophie. She was doing her very best and I felt sorry for her. Her husband was a condescending jerk and I just wanted to give Sophie a huge hug.
I really enjoyed the story and it ironically helped take my mind off what is happening in the world right now. Definitely a great easy read and I could easily see it being made into a film!
So when Michele Gorman contacted me about her new release, I couldn't believe my luck. Not only do I get to read an advanced copy of a highly anticipated summer read, but I also got the chance to experience my own staycation.
What I loved about this book is the contrast of characters. One mother is so organised and has her own beloved labelling machine and trip itinerary, whereas the other mum just about gets her children to school on time and never has any time to herself.
It really made me laugh how Sophie and her family got the great end of the stick; staying in a gorgeous cottage up north with its own farm and quaint village high street, whereas Harriet and her family ended up staying in one the messiest houses in the middle of London which was also home to a python named Spot.
There are some really funny moments in this book, and I loved how more of the characters' stories were revealed as the story went on. I really loved getting to know both Harriet and Sophie, but I definitely warmed more to Sophie. She was doing her very best and I felt sorry for her. Her husband was a condescending jerk and I just wanted to give Sophie a huge hug.
I really enjoyed the story and it ironically helped take my mind off what is happening in the world right now. Definitely a great easy read and I could easily see it being made into a film!
The Women Writers' Handbook
Philippa Gregory, Suchen Christine Lim, Emma Woolf, A.S. Byatt, Carol Ann Duffy, Claire Tomalin, Jasvinder Sanghera, Djamila Ribeiro, Jackie Kay, Kit Waal, Laura Miles, Sarah Waters, Ida Vitale
I love anything that celebrates and promotes the work of women, and with 30 essays written by talented women does just that. The Women Writers’ Handbook provides women writers with a chance to showcase and share their work and experiences, as well as providing advice on holding writing workshops.
Most of the essays are easy and quick to read, being only a few pages long, making it easy to read essay after essay without even realising. Cheryl Robson states that there is something for everyone in this volume and that couldn’t be more true. Some of my favourites include:
Phillipa Gregory – Early Women Writers
Phillipa argues in her essay that early women writers and Victorian women Novelists were better represented in the Victorian era than 20th and 21st Century women writers have been in these modern times. It was an extremely eye-opening read and confirmed for me that there is still very much a gender problem in society today.
Magda Oldziejewska – The Feminist Library
This was the first I had heard of the The Feminist Library and I’m actually quite ashamed of myself for it. Madga talks about how The Feminist Library is dedicated to collecting and safeguarding women’s histories, as well as creating a community where feminists can gather, discuss and create together.
Kalista Sy – Being A Feminist Writer
Senegalese Screenwriter, Kalista Sy explains why she is a feminist writer and demonstrates how women are still so judged on the choices they make. Kalista works tirelessly to promote women through her work and argues that if we want to make women strong, we must show them images of strong women.
Emma Woolf – Virginia Woolf, 100 years on
This was the one essay fro me that really stood out. I hadn’t known much about how Virginia Woolf struggled with depression and her mental health, and her great-niece, Emma, speaks honestly about Virginia's suicide attempts and her struggles in coping with the loss of many of her family members. Emma discusses how Virginia’s sexuality, relationships and mental state are always discussed and studied by scholars and critics in order to understand her work. She beautifully writes that Virginia’s madness was part of her writing, as much as her writing was part of her madness.
Most of the essays are easy and quick to read, being only a few pages long, making it easy to read essay after essay without even realising. Cheryl Robson states that there is something for everyone in this volume and that couldn’t be more true. Some of my favourites include:
Phillipa Gregory – Early Women Writers
Phillipa argues in her essay that early women writers and Victorian women Novelists were better represented in the Victorian era than 20th and 21st Century women writers have been in these modern times. It was an extremely eye-opening read and confirmed for me that there is still very much a gender problem in society today.
Magda Oldziejewska – The Feminist Library
This was the first I had heard of the The Feminist Library and I’m actually quite ashamed of myself for it. Madga talks about how The Feminist Library is dedicated to collecting and safeguarding women’s histories, as well as creating a community where feminists can gather, discuss and create together.
Kalista Sy – Being A Feminist Writer
Senegalese Screenwriter, Kalista Sy explains why she is a feminist writer and demonstrates how women are still so judged on the choices they make. Kalista works tirelessly to promote women through her work and argues that if we want to make women strong, we must show them images of strong women.
Emma Woolf – Virginia Woolf, 100 years on
This was the one essay fro me that really stood out. I hadn’t known much about how Virginia Woolf struggled with depression and her mental health, and her great-niece, Emma, speaks honestly about Virginia's suicide attempts and her struggles in coping with the loss of many of her family members. Emma discusses how Virginia’s sexuality, relationships and mental state are always discussed and studied by scholars and critics in order to understand her work. She beautifully writes that Virginia’s madness was part of her writing, as much as her writing was part of her madness.