Man was this a deeply unsatisfying -dare I say almost performative (more on that below) cringeworthy, short(fallen) story collection, that is clearly Man was this a deeply unsatisfying -dare I say almost performative (more on that below) cringeworthy, short(fallen) story collection, that is clearly very much riding off the back of the authors booktok/stagram (I guess “influencer” status?) success.
Now folks, I know what you’re thinking, “wow Dylan, that’s pretty harsh”, and believe me, I know. But (and as much as I will freely admit, I’m not generally a short story fan anyway) this “collection” (if you insist on calling it that) was so poorly pieced together, and full of the most lazily written (don’t even get me started on “Chitaly” -seriously, Eliza what the holy heck was that!?), superficially “edgy” or pointlessly (try hard) proactive -I mean, the book included a written up ‘content guide’ in the afterward, which not only attempted to briefly summarise what you (in my case, forced yourself to) read, but came with a plethora of “trigger warning” style accompaniments for each story, that I feel very much self explains who this book is clearly (demographically) targeted for (which, if it’s not obvious already, is certainly NOT me), and is in some ways ironically (given the overall “premise” -or at least marketing, of a heavily feminist agenda) exploits these same (let’s face it, impressionable young teens/women) with its aesthetically pretty pink cover, and (false promise) tales of “delectably dark, satiating stories” -oh please.
I wish I were intellectual enough (or at least more intellectually minded) when it comes to reviewing books -particularly this one, which is rife withI wish I were intellectual enough (or at least more intellectually minded) when it comes to reviewing books -particularly this one, which is rife with complexities beyond my educational capabilities, when it comes to “unpacking true meanings”, or even merely formulating a concise enough interpretation, as it were.
That said (and 24hrs of ruminating later) I think I’ve just about got the “gist” of things.
So -for all you fellow “layman’s” fans, Crime and Punishment is a psychologically “aware” novel (or some may say ‘study’), that not only delves into the complexities (how many times have I used that word already) of morality, guilt, and redemption -against a rapidly changing, 19th century Russia, but also challenges our understanding of the human condition, and the complex and often contradictory concept of ‘motivation versus intention’, when it comes to our; behaviours, thoughts and subsequent actions.
Woah (editing Dylan here) maybe the above synopsis is not as “simple” or indeed “straightforward” as I thought lol
Basically, the books like one big feverish mind fuck, that’ll leave you with more (dare I write the word complex -again!) questions, than (redemptive) answers.
3.5 stars (almost 4 but not quite -I think a few ((rather repetitively written)) passage’s definitely could’ve been edited down for sure) ...more
Disappointingly dull and tediously laborious to follow, this was not quite the “Tales of Twilight and the Unseen” I had ghoulishly (more like foolishlDisappointingly dull and tediously laborious to follow, this was not quite the “Tales of Twilight and the Unseen” I had ghoulishly (more like foolishly) imagined.
I honestly don’t even know where to begin when it comes to Baldwin -let alone this book, or review!
Carefully considered and never mundane, Another CoI honestly don’t even know where to begin when it comes to Baldwin -let alone this book, or review!
Carefully considered and never mundane, Another Country is a book that very much encompasses both the passions and pains of life. Exposing the raw wants, needs and flaws of what it means to be human, and wanting to find ones self (or “sense of self”) in a world that doesn’t always play “fair” (whether due to racial inequality, gender biases, political differences -the list literally goes on ((and on)).
Baldwin reminds us that not everything in life is a given (no matter how much you may pray, pay and/or plan). We are each of us our own island (or country if you will), floating on a sea with many other travellers, just as hungry and longing as the next, desperately searching for solace, and a place to call “home” (whether that be geographically speaking, or in a more metaphorical sense -belonging to person and/or community).
Yet, despite how “bleak” (and in a way often confronting) the above may sound (and believe me, there’s no holding back in this book) Baldwin writes with such intensity of conviction, when comes to feelings of love, loss, and alienation, fearlessly tackling many’s internal struggles (which at the time -late 50s/early 60s) is still just as relevant, relatable and frankly downright, goddamn revolutionary (in terms of literary feat) as ever.
Devastatingly beautiful.
4.5 stars (only knocking 1/2 a star off cause there was a lil too much descriptive emphasis when it came to all the bloody sex lol)...more
Im not 100% sure I’d say this is horror per-say. More a bizarre amalgamation of folklore meets mythological tale, that’s only real “horror” aspect, isIm not 100% sure I’d say this is horror per-say. More a bizarre amalgamation of folklore meets mythological tale, that’s only real “horror” aspect, is the things that lurk underneath (or in the shadows) of the text (or ideas discussed) itself.
And mainly that pertaining to the increasing (or “creeping” if we’re sticking with the horror concept) everyday misogyny of the time. A dire indictment made even more bleak, when Tokarczuk’s closing ‘note’, reveals that these conversations (debates really) between the men in her novel, are actually paraphrased from more than 30 male authors, ranging from the likes of Ovid to Kerouac.
And here’s just one (of many) delightful takes on that of the female sex;
“Because a woman's body belongs not only to her, but to mankind," said Lukas….”Since she gives birth, she's public property, this capacity of hers to give birth cannot be treated as her personal quality," he said, stressing that word….”At the same time as being herself, a woman belongs to us all."
I will say that as much as I greatly admire Tokarczuk’s masterful way with words (man, women and or “gender not specified” lol, can that lady write!), this does feel very much like a book for writers (or at least intellectuals/intellectually likeminded folk) mainly due to the breadth (though not necessarily “depth”) of topics discussed (politics, Philosophy, theology, gender, Greek mythology etcetc), as well as the breadth of subtly scattered (at least if you’re not aware that this is somewhat a “take” on Thomas Manns, ‘The Magic Mountain’) literary references.
Overall a good, but not quite “great” latest instalment (or at least most recently translated instalment), from an author who very much pushes the boundaries both within her narrative, as well the “public” (or more specifically her readers -and maybe her “haters”) consciousness too.
I must admit, this was a rather bittersweet ending -or if we go with the curtain analogy “closing curtain”, for the beloved Belgium sleuth, M. HerculeI must admit, this was a rather bittersweet ending -or if we go with the curtain analogy “closing curtain”, for the beloved Belgium sleuth, M. Hercule Poiroit.
Without going into ALL the ins and outs (as I don’t want to potentially spoil anything), I’m definitely in two minds about the ending, and the decisions/behaviours when it comes to a certain character (or maybe two) towards the end of the book.
Though that’s not to say I strongly disagree, or have such an adamant stance on how things play(ed) out in particular. It’s more just that I do feel perhaps that some elements didn’t quite “fit”, or were “in keeping”, with the character(s) “usual” behaviour (or beliefs really).
But hey, this is the 44th book (featuring poirot) I believe -and people (whether in real life or in fiction), change and grow (by choice or otherwise), so perhaps this was both the author’s -and character’s, natural course (whether I think it was fitting enough or not, who’s really to say!)
You know that one (or two, or let’s face it, any female) friend(s) you have, who falls for that **quote “deep down really nice guy, you just don’t knoYou know that one (or two, or let’s face it, any female) friend(s) you have, who falls for that **quote “deep down really nice guy, you just don’t know him like I do, I can change him blah blah blah” unquote* guy, who you (and everyone else around said friend) KNOWS is a Fboy (yes with a capital F) through and through -yeah, well, that’s Helen.
My second foray into the literary land of Brontë (though this time round with sister Anne), is a somewhat lacklustre affair, compared to that of it’s predecessor (my first being Jane Eyre). Where, although our female protagonist (Helen) does eventually garner some form of courage to flee for her (long overdue) “freedom and independence”, I still can’t help thinking (incoming unfeminist controversy), is somewhat partially to blame, due to her ignorant dismissal from those warning around her, and then her almost almost evangelical like devotion to “stay”, due to -well, let’s face it, her loyalty and faith in “He the all mighty” … and I’m not just taking about *cough* alcoholic, adulterous Arthur *cough*.
That said, structurally I really enjoyed the epistolary style of the narrative. Allowing us as the reader to both observe, and in someways, “be a part of”, what each of the characters were experiencing -or at least to give some insight and perspective into the respective protagonists at play, at the time.
Overall another (imo) easily accessible, if slightly too “fairytale-esque” classic. That though not necessarily one I would ardently recommend, can at least see some of the literary merit (stylistically speaking) in its accolades.
The perfect accompanying “pick me up”, to these immanently dark, grey and dreary rainy days (at least here in the UK), when you’re at a loss at what tThe perfect accompanying “pick me up”, to these immanently dark, grey and dreary rainy days (at least here in the UK), when you’re at a loss at what to do (or read) -and know (at least in my personal opinion) that a classic case of Sherlock Holmes, will hit the spot perfectly!
I don’t care if it was written in the 30s (I’ve read other books/authors during that time that are ((imo)) WAY better, and nowhere near as full of sucI don’t care if it was written in the 30s (I’ve read other books/authors during that time that are ((imo)) WAY better, and nowhere near as full of such derogatory -and frankly utterly ridiculous portrayal, when it comes to women/female characters).
“she was 20 or so, small and delicately put together, but she looked durable”
“She put a thumb up and bit it. It was a curiously shaped thumb, thin and narrow, like an extra finger, with no curve in the first joint. She bit it and sucked it slowly turning it around I her mouth like a baby with a comforter.”
“She didn't mind the slap...Probably all her boy friends got around to slapping her sooner or later. I could understand how they might.”
I mean …
Aka, you can 100% tell this was written by a man, for a man.
Misogyny, homophobia and casual racism aside (though not easily done I might add) the writing itself was also no stellar star (though it did stand out ((but not in a good way))).
Personally I found the whole book to be lazily (at least it’s aptly named I guess -Big Sleep, Big Snooze more like!) written, full of one dimensional characters, and a predictable, lacklustre plot.
‘Heaven, My Home’ is the second instalment in Attica Locke’s Highway 59 series, that follows the trials and tribulations of a black Texas ranger, in a‘Heaven, My Home’ is the second instalment in Attica Locke’s Highway 59 series, that follows the trials and tribulations of a black Texas ranger, in a post Obama-recently trump administered, America. Where let’s face it, maga hats, confederate flags, and racial slurs, are popping off left, right n’ centre.
Much akin to its predecessor -‘Bluebird, Bluebird’, Locke has woven a tightly astute narrative, charged with racial tension, political unrest, and morally questionable (on all sides) complex characters, that makes for yet another compelling (literary piece of) social commentary.
3.5 stars
(The only reason it’s not a solid 4 stars for me, is that certain aspects were a little too predictable in parts for my liking)
I mean, it’s no literary masterpiece (but neither were he’s previous books -soz Richard) -but it’s still a still a solidly written, fairly engaging (bI mean, it’s no literary masterpiece (but neither were he’s previous books -soz Richard) -but it’s still a still a solidly written, fairly engaging (bonus points for Nicola walkers superb narration) story at least.
An epically ambitious journey (for both the author and the reader), David Copperfield was a surprisingly satisfying feat of a book (I mean, it was jusAn epically ambitious journey (for both the author and the reader), David Copperfield was a surprisingly satisfying feat of a book (I mean, it was just under 900 pages, and the man did pretty well to keep me solidly engaged throughout -serious props to you Charlie D), that (imo) successfully manages to balance both the “light” and the “dark” of our young (though steadily growing) protagonist (as well as his many accompanying friends and foes) life experiences.
I wouldn’t say it’s my “absolute favourite” from what I’ve read of Dickens so far, but it is undeniably worthy of such literary stature.
Artifice was (is?) an immersive -and rather surreal novel, set within a creatively provocative, and mysteriously alluring, contemporary Paris …
Much liArtifice was (is?) an immersive -and rather surreal novel, set within a creatively provocative, and mysteriously alluring, contemporary Paris …
Much like the title suggests, Berest “playfully” portrays; subject, character and form throughout her narrative. Cleverly culminating in a unique (though some might say challenging) exploration of; trauma, identity and memory. And the roles we “play” not just in our own lives (or “stories”), but the influence (intentional or otherwise) we can sometimes passively (or actively) “participate” in, when it comes to the lives (or “stories”) of others.
If you’re a fan of abstract, ambiguous (slightly thriller-esque) tales, then this could be the book for you!
4 stars (only really knocking of 1, as I didn’t really like -or feel it necessary, to try and shoehorn in a bit of romance between certain characters).
PS ~ thanks to the publishers for sending me an early copy to read and review! ...more
Slightly too much “critical” thinking and academic analysis (albeit, presented through a rather “experimental” structure) for my personal liking.
ThereSlightly too much “critical” thinking and academic analysis (albeit, presented through a rather “experimental” structure) for my personal liking.
There definitely were some interesting musings scattered throughout -I particularly enjoyed(? not sure that’s the right phrase considering) the parts pertaining to Wang and her family/family history. However, these were amongst rather clunky (and chunky) sections, that were slightly too vague and abstract in subject, meaning I wasn’t wholly “engaged” overall.
I don’t think this book EVER really knew what it wanted to be.
I mean, was it supposed to be a fierce, feminist fuelled “fight” against the ever invasiI don’t think this book EVER really knew what it wanted to be.
I mean, was it supposed to be a fierce, feminist fuelled “fight” against the ever invasive patriarchy (spoiler alert, nope), a dark academia style thriller (again, spoiler alert, nope), a social commentary on social media, body autonomy and consent (you guessed it, nope), or even a slightly “fantastical” aligned coming of age, with a protagonist who shares some sort of weird, deep affinity with water(?) -suffice to say, none of the above satisfies the general vibe of this book (even though certain elements were “loosely” hinted out).
Sadly it is yet again another case of a book that greatly suffers (or drowns) from trying to take on far too much than it can handle.
1.5/2 stars
Side note -Barworth seriously loves to use the phrase “smacked” in almost EVERY, SINGLE, GOD DMAN SMACKING, sentence -what is that about!?
PS - thanks to the publishers for sending me a copy. I’m sure it’ll be to some readers taste (just not mine unfortunately). ...more
I mean, I made it (aka FORCED myself) a 1/4 way through in two days folks (and this book is almost 1,000 pages long) and MY GOD, is it the most boringI mean, I made it (aka FORCED myself) a 1/4 way through in two days folks (and this book is almost 1,000 pages long) and MY GOD, is it the most boring, loathsome, pretentiously written book I’ve EVER read.
And I’ve read A LOT of books.
Seriously, I tried.
I really did.
And I truly hate “giving up” (or DNFing as the kids say) anything.
But you know what -life’s too damn frickin short to waste time reading bad books.
Dated racists remarks aside (not that I’m dismissing them entirely I might add), the story -particularly the latter half, felt bothGood but not great.
Dated racists remarks aside (not that I’m dismissing them entirely I might add), the story -particularly the latter half, felt both monotonously slow, and somehow rushed at the same time ??
That said, I do find myself relating to Holmes more and more -especially his takes concerning love and marriage lol
Low and behold folks (mainly my mum -coincidentally named Jane, who’s near constantly nagged me read the likes of Brontë, Austen, Woolf -to name but aLow and behold folks (mainly my mum -coincidentally named Jane, who’s near constantly nagged me read the likes of Brontë, Austen, Woolf -to name but a few, for an AGE and 1/2 now), I finally bit the Brontë bullet -and you know what, I didn’t hate it.
Jane Eyre -though romantically inclined in parts (although I’d wager the “love” aspect was even further split ((possibly 50:50/60:40)) between that of romance (barf -sorry) and that of the familial kind), was much more than a frivolously fanciful, female written tale. This was a story suffused with courage, bounded by bravery, and filled (or fuelled!) by hope (not just for and by Jane herself, but a hope for all women -past, present and future), who dared to defy expectations, challenge social norms, in order to claim what should be rightful theirs -freedom, independence and acceptance.
Plus, I’m a sucker for a good coming of age.
That said (and why I’m loathe to give 5 stars), there were some elements (if I’m being really nickpickity) that I wasn’t totally enamoured by. Mainly the more romantic element, and possibly even the ending (which, though great that we got a update regarding past characters -for I loved Adelè and Mrs Fairfax) felt’s slightly (to me) twee and sentimental in its concluding (but as I said, I am a prolifically ((lol)) known romance hater, so take this last “nitpick” with a pinch of salt)
4.5 stars
Some of my favourite quotes:
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
SLAY GURL SLAY
“I do not think, sir, you have any right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have; your claim to superiority depends on the use you have made of your time and experience.”
daaaaaaymn sista -you tell him !!!
“Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, too absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer; and it is narrow-minded in their more privileged fellow-creatures to say that they ought to confine themselves to making puddings and knitting stockings, to playing on the piano and embroidering bags. It is thoughtless to condemn them, or laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their sex.”
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