theelliad's Reviews (291)

I really wanted to love this book more than I did. Kingsolver does an excellent job at drawing out difficult themes (addiction, failings of the foster system, competitive sports, bad influences, death, grief, change) but honestly the narrative dragged at points in the same way Dickens does meaning it falls short of a higher rating. Addiction isn’t glamourised as it is in many similar texts, but neither is it addressed in the depth it could have been given the storylines? There is also moments of sexuality which felt unnecessary and uncomfortable at times. Though that said, the exploration of gender and identity is very strong in this book and I found myself especially drawn to Angus and Maggot as ambiguous and challengers of thè expectations placed on them. Overall, this was enjoyable and I felt sorry for Demon at times but it was about 6 hours too long

This was just okay. The narrative has many enjoyable moments and certainly has gothic elements explored in a somewhat nuanced way, which will be interesting to explore. The editors notes also add an interesting metafictionality. That said, the stream of consciousness, no chapter breaks, confessional style makes this draining to read. And given how long this took to get through it didn’t do anything memorable.

a powerful and thought provoking read about mischievous Katy, the nature of lying, fearsome dragons and washing up- beautifully illustrated, wish it was longer

Mitch Albom doesn’t miss. This book is a beautiful reflection on life, love and mortality from first to end. It’s always a good sign when a book hits so hard you have to call your family just to share your grief for a man none of you ever knew. This will hold a special place always (especially the epigraph in the 20th anniversary edition) 

This is a beautiful memoir which follows the journey of grieving, complex relationships and memory through the imagery of food. Zauner writes beautifully and captures many of the feelings surrounding loss, particularly to illness, in a way usually not captured in words! 

what a devious little play that was wonderful 

This is a really charming critical idea, explained fully and made enjoyable through its dialogue! 

Dorothy Wordsworth the woman that you are! This journals present such a beautiful, simple way of seeing the world and the perfect escape for me. I love the commentary on friendship, siblings and individuality as well as the ups and downs of creating and writing. The accompanying notes also offer really fun facts and it was interesting to see the editorial choices that were made and why! Sadly this journal doesn’t cover far beyond Mary and Williams wedding so I am yet to learn about Dorothy’s response to the children- but that just means there is more Dorothy content out there for me!!

I love me an allegorical horror/weird girl fiction and Julia Armfield’s writing style is absolutely incredible! This was insanely moving as a journey of grief and yet interesting as a result of the split perspective! Only falls short of perfect as it seemed a little hesitant to go the full way into allegory or into horror and I feel the plot would have benefitted from slightly more surety! I absolutely adore this though and will definitely be reading some more Armfield soon! 

Figuring out how to rate this book was a challenge, on one hand the prose is beautifully written, the accent of the narrator was perfect and the characters feel real- on the other hand it wasn’t quite everything I hoped it was. There was a lot of stones left unturned and questions left unanswered, and not in a way that felt intentional. It was heartbreaking, traumatising and chaotic but also at times unrealistic, repetitive and predictable. I am glad that I read it (and that i have visited many places mentioned) but I just wish it had given a little more! Definitely want to read more from Douglas Stuart though!