1Simone2
Hi I am Barbara and I write short reviews about the books I read. I mostly read contemporary literary fiction, as well as classics (though not as often as I used to) and thrillers/mysteries. I am a sucker for reading challenges and a fan of the Tournament of Books. I also love reading NBA and Booker nominated books.
You find me on Litsy as @BarbaraBB where I am more active than here on LT, wich I mostly use to keep track of my reading and reviews.
Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2024!
You find me on Litsy as @BarbaraBB where I am more active than here on LT, wich I mostly use to keep track of my reading and reviews.
Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2024!
2Simone2
JANUARY - MARCH
JANUARY
1 - Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park: 3*
2 - The Hole by Hiroko Oyamada: 3*
3 - Held by Anne Michaels: 4*
4 - The One by John Marrs: 5*
5 - Weasels in the Attic by Hiroko Oyamada: 3*
6 - Flights by Olga Tokarczuk: 3.5*
7 - The Pachinko Parlour by Elisa Shia Dusapin: 4.5*
8 - Lovesick Blossoms by Julia Watts: 3*
9 - We moeten praten (Dutch) by Jan van Mersbergen: 3.5*
10 - Crossroads by Jonathan Fransen: 4*
11 - Mix Tape by Jane Anderson: 4*
12 - Sleep No More by PD James: 3.5*
13 - Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason: 4.5*
14 - North Woods by Daniel Mason: 3.5*
15 -The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride: 3.5*
16 - My Husband by Maud Ventura: 3.5*
17 - A Frozen Woman by Annie Ernaux: 2.5*
FEBRUARY
18 - Pet by Catherine Chidgey: 4.5*
19 - The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali: 2.5*
20 - The details by Ia Genberg: 2.5*
21 - Biography of X by Catherine Lacey: 3*
22 - Roman Stories by Jhuma Lahiri: 4.5*
23 - The Sparsholt Affair by Alan Hollinghurst: DNF
24 - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett: 3.5*
25 - These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant: 5*
26 - Strangers by Taichi Yamada: 3.5*
27 - The Trio by Johanna Hedman: 2.5*
28 - Julia by Sandra Newman: 2.5*
29 - Hard Girls by J Robert Lennon: 3*
30 - Snow Road Station by Elizabeth Hay: 4*
31 - The Postcard by Anne Berest: 5*
32 - Happiness Falls by Angie Kim: 3.5*
MARCH
33 - O Caledonia by Elspeth Barker: 2*
34 - When You Disappeared by John Marrs: 3.5*
35 - A History of Loneliness by John Boyne: 4.5*
36 - The Caretaker by Ron Rash: 4*
37 - In Ascension by Martin MacInnes: DNF
38 - Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan: 4*
39 - In Defence of the Act by Effie Black: 5*
40 - Vengeance is Mine by Marie NDiaye: 2.5*
41 - Hangman by Maya Binyam: 2*
42 - Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad: 3.5*
43- The List by Yomi Adegoke: 3*
44- Sailor Soldier by Claire Kilroy: 4*
45 - See You in Paradise by J Robert Lennon: 3*
46 What I’d Rather Not Think About by Jente Posthuma: 3.5*
47 - What Have we Done by Alex Finlay: 3.5*
48 - Bijna niets gebeurt toevallig (Dutch) by Tamar Bot & Fanny van de Reijt: 3.5*
JANUARY
1 - Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park: 3*
2 - The Hole by Hiroko Oyamada: 3*
3 - Held by Anne Michaels: 4*
4 - The One by John Marrs: 5*
5 - Weasels in the Attic by Hiroko Oyamada: 3*
6 - Flights by Olga Tokarczuk: 3.5*
7 - The Pachinko Parlour by Elisa Shia Dusapin: 4.5*
8 - Lovesick Blossoms by Julia Watts: 3*
9 - We moeten praten (Dutch) by Jan van Mersbergen: 3.5*
10 - Crossroads by Jonathan Fransen: 4*
11 - Mix Tape by Jane Anderson: 4*
12 - Sleep No More by PD James: 3.5*
13 - Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason: 4.5*
14 - North Woods by Daniel Mason: 3.5*
15 -The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride: 3.5*
16 - My Husband by Maud Ventura: 3.5*
17 - A Frozen Woman by Annie Ernaux: 2.5*
FEBRUARY
18 - Pet by Catherine Chidgey: 4.5*
19 - The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali: 2.5*
20 - The details by Ia Genberg: 2.5*
21 - Biography of X by Catherine Lacey: 3*
22 - Roman Stories by Jhuma Lahiri: 4.5*
23 - The Sparsholt Affair by Alan Hollinghurst: DNF
24 - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett: 3.5*
25 - These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant: 5*
26 - Strangers by Taichi Yamada: 3.5*
27 - The Trio by Johanna Hedman: 2.5*
28 - Julia by Sandra Newman: 2.5*
29 - Hard Girls by J Robert Lennon: 3*
30 - Snow Road Station by Elizabeth Hay: 4*
31 - The Postcard by Anne Berest: 5*
32 - Happiness Falls by Angie Kim: 3.5*
MARCH
33 - O Caledonia by Elspeth Barker: 2*
34 - When You Disappeared by John Marrs: 3.5*
35 - A History of Loneliness by John Boyne: 4.5*
36 - The Caretaker by Ron Rash: 4*
37 - In Ascension by Martin MacInnes: DNF
38 - Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan: 4*
39 - In Defence of the Act by Effie Black: 5*
40 - Vengeance is Mine by Marie NDiaye: 2.5*
41 - Hangman by Maya Binyam: 2*
42 - Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad: 3.5*
43- The List by Yomi Adegoke: 3*
44- Sailor Soldier by Claire Kilroy: 4*
45 - See You in Paradise by J Robert Lennon: 3*
46 What I’d Rather Not Think About by Jente Posthuma: 3.5*
47 - What Have we Done by Alex Finlay: 3.5*
48 - Bijna niets gebeurt toevallig (Dutch) by Tamar Bot & Fanny van de Reijt: 3.5*
3Simone2
APRIL - JUNE
APRIL
49 - Brotherless Night by VV Ganeshananthan: 4*
50 - The Maiden by Kate Foster: 3*
51 - The Vacation by John Marrs: 3.5*
52 - Mrs S by K Patrick: 3*
53 - Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie: 2.5*
54 - A Trace of Sun by Pam Williams: 4*
55 - Christ on a Bike by Orla Owen: 4*
56 - The Wild Laughter by Caoilinn Hughes: DNF
57 - The Wren, the Wren by Anne Enright: DNF
58 - River East River West by Aube Rey Lescure: 4*
59 - The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean: 4*
60 - Luister (Dutch) by Sacha Bronwasser: 3.5*
61 - And Then She Fell by Alicia Elliott: 3*
62 - The Future by Catherine Leroux: DNF
63 - What’s Left of Me Is Yours by Stephanie Scott: 3*
64 - Mrs Caliban by Rachel Ingalls: 4*
MAY
65 - Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville: 3*
66 - Bitter Herbs by Marga Minco: 5*
67 - The Good Samaritan by John Marrs: 3.5*
68 - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab: 3*
69 - Six Stories by Matt Wesolowski: 3.5*
70 - The Infatuations by Javier Marías:
APRIL
49 - Brotherless Night by VV Ganeshananthan: 4*
50 - The Maiden by Kate Foster: 3*
51 - The Vacation by John Marrs: 3.5*
52 - Mrs S by K Patrick: 3*
53 - Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie: 2.5*
54 - A Trace of Sun by Pam Williams: 4*
55 - Christ on a Bike by Orla Owen: 4*
56 - The Wild Laughter by Caoilinn Hughes: DNF
57 - The Wren, the Wren by Anne Enright: DNF
58 - River East River West by Aube Rey Lescure: 4*
59 - The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean: 4*
60 - Luister (Dutch) by Sacha Bronwasser: 3.5*
61 - And Then She Fell by Alicia Elliott: 3*
62 - The Future by Catherine Leroux: DNF
63 - What’s Left of Me Is Yours by Stephanie Scott: 3*
64 - Mrs Caliban by Rachel Ingalls: 4*
MAY
65 - Restless Dolly Maunder by Kate Grenville: 3*
66 - Bitter Herbs by Marga Minco: 5*
67 - The Good Samaritan by John Marrs: 3.5*
68 - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab: 3*
69 - Six Stories by Matt Wesolowski: 3.5*
70 - The Infatuations by Javier Marías:
6labfs39
Welcome back for another year of Club Read, Barbara. I hope you have a great reading year, as well as a good year all around. Happy New Year!
8Simone2
>6 labfs39: >7 dchaikin: Happy New Year both of you! Here's to another year of good books!
9Simone2
1 - Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park
I tried and I made it to the end but to be honest I am not sure what I‘ve been reading. Some parts I did enjoy (the “The Sins” chapters and the view on recent Korean history) but most of it I really didn‘t get. All those characters, all those storylines, the various timeframes…I do like the idea of the KPG though. Do read the book to know what I am talking about and to join most others who loved it!
3*
I tried and I made it to the end but to be honest I am not sure what I‘ve been reading. Some parts I did enjoy (the “The Sins” chapters and the view on recent Korean history) but most of it I really didn‘t get. All those characters, all those storylines, the various timeframes…I do like the idea of the KPG though. Do read the book to know what I am talking about and to join most others who loved it!
3*
10Simone2
2 - The Hole by Hiroko Oyamada
A young couple moves to the Japanese countryside. He’s always working, she tries to readjust to the remoteness and feels isolated despite the fact that they live next door to her in-laws. She starts exploring het surroundings on her own and meets the weirdest creatures in a hallucinatory heat. Holes and cicadas fill this super atmospheric and strange little book.
3*
A young couple moves to the Japanese countryside. He’s always working, she tries to readjust to the remoteness and feels isolated despite the fact that they live next door to her in-laws. She starts exploring het surroundings on her own and meets the weirdest creatures in a hallucinatory heat. Holes and cicadas fill this super atmospheric and strange little book.
3*
11Simone2
3 - Held by Anne Michaels
The first half of this book is amazing. Each sentence a gem in itself about love, war, happiness and grief. Loosely connected short stories give a glimpse of the lives of the characters who grew on me so much in so few pages.
However, the second half introduces new characters and to me wasn’t as good as the first. Still a worthy successor to Fugitive Pieces though, highly recommended!
4*
The first half of this book is amazing. Each sentence a gem in itself about love, war, happiness and grief. Loosely connected short stories give a glimpse of the lives of the characters who grew on me so much in so few pages.
However, the second half introduces new characters and to me wasn’t as good as the first. Still a worthy successor to Fugitive Pieces though, highly recommended!
4*
12kjuliff
>11 Simone2: I recently put Fugitive Pieces on my tbr. It sounds a bit of a heartbreaker though.
13lisapeet
>11 Simone2: Is Held a sequel to Fugitive Pieces? I read that one many years ago—a street bookseller I was friendly with gave me a copy, because it was her favorite book. I remember finding it very affecting, but something about the structure of it rubbed me the wrong way (and for the life of me I can't remember what that was).
14Simone2
>12 kjuliff: I read it a long time ago and I loved it but it is a bit of a heartbreaker indeed!
>13 lisapeet: It is not a sequel but her writing style is similar. These are stories however, while Fugitive Pieces was a novel.
>13 lisapeet: It is not a sequel but her writing style is similar. These are stories however, while Fugitive Pieces was a novel.
15Simone2
4 - The One by John Marrs
Today was my last day off work and did I make the most of it! I finished this one in one go and literally sighted and murmured ‘Wow’ when I was finished. Like The Passengers this is no thriller yet there is murder and deceit and so much suspense and twists. All caused by a website that is able to match you with the one person on the world that is made for you and the promise of eternal love!
5*
Today was my last day off work and did I make the most of it! I finished this one in one go and literally sighted and murmured ‘Wow’ when I was finished. Like The Passengers this is no thriller yet there is murder and deceit and so much suspense and twists. All caused by a website that is able to match you with the one person on the world that is made for you and the promise of eternal love!
5*
17kjuliff
>15 Simone2: The One sounds interesting. I’ve been off SF and fantasy for a while but I think I have to add this to my list!
19Simone2
>16 dchaikin: >17 kjuliff: It’s good! Not really SF/fantasy though. I can’t really describe it but it reads like a thriller.
20Simone2
>18 AlisonY: you’re very welcome 💜
21Simone2
5 - Weasels in the Attic by Hiroko Oyama
Apparently there’s a max to how much Japanese weirdness I can handle. Reading this one just after Oyamada’s The Hole turned out to be just a bit too much. It is a short book with three chapters in which a man meets his friend in different circumstances and accompanied by different characters. Very atmospheric though nothing much happens. Weird again and I don’t know what to make of it.
3*
Apparently there’s a max to how much Japanese weirdness I can handle. Reading this one just after Oyamada’s The Hole turned out to be just a bit too much. It is a short book with three chapters in which a man meets his friend in different circumstances and accompanied by different characters. Very atmospheric though nothing much happens. Weird again and I don’t know what to make of it.
3*
22Jim53
>15 Simone2: I took a hit on this one.
23kjuliff
>19 Simone2: I’m putting this on my tbr. It looks really interesting. Thanks for letting me know about this novel, which I could have easily missed.
24Simone2
6 - Flights by Olga Tokarczuk
The stories in this book seem to be set between time and place. Olga Tokarczuk travels and writes about the people she meets, whom she talks to or only observes. But she also dives back in time and presents us the early days of anatomical studies. It may sound weird but I feel like I travelled with Tokarczuk and finishing the book feels like the arrival afterwards long flight.
It’s an intense experience even though I didn’t enjoy all stories.
3.5*
The stories in this book seem to be set between time and place. Olga Tokarczuk travels and writes about the people she meets, whom she talks to or only observes. But she also dives back in time and presents us the early days of anatomical studies. It may sound weird but I feel like I travelled with Tokarczuk and finishing the book feels like the arrival afterwards long flight.
It’s an intense experience even though I didn’t enjoy all stories.
3.5*
25dchaikin
>24 Simone2: I'm interested after reading Drive You Plow. Glad you enjoyed, well the better stories anyway.
26kjuliff
>24 Simone2: I’m impressed that you completed Flights. I read a couple of stories but was unable to get engaged, though I really enjoyed Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead. I’m still waiting for The One to come off hold.
27arubabookwoman
I have Flights and was thinking of getting to it soon since I loved Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead so much. But you sound kind of lukewarm about it, and short stories are not my genre of choice, so...what to do? So many good books, so little time,
28Simone2
>25 dchaikin: >26 kjuliff: >27 arubabookwoman: I was very much impressed by Flights but as a story I didn’t love it as much as Drive Your Plow over the Bones of the Dead.
29Simone2
7 - The Pachinko Parlour by Elisa Shua Dusapin
What a lovely book. My heart aches for all characters: the narrator who takes care of a little girl while living temporarily with her Korean grandparents in Tokyo, preparing them for a return to Korea after 50 years. So much is told is so few words. And what’s left unsaid, says even more.
4.5*
What a lovely book. My heart aches for all characters: the narrator who takes care of a little girl while living temporarily with her Korean grandparents in Tokyo, preparing them for a return to Korea after 50 years. So much is told is so few words. And what’s left unsaid, says even more.
4.5*
30labfs39
>29 Simone2: This sounds right up my alley. I've had her Winter in Sochko on my wishlist, now this has joined it. Time to actually acquire one.
31japaul22
>29 Simone2:, >30 labfs39: Thanks for mention Winter in Sochko. I thought the author sounded familiar and I definitely have that on my wishlist. I'll try to get to one of her books this year.
32dchaikin
>29 Simone2: enticing few words there.
33Simone2
>30 labfs39: >31 japaul22: >32 dchaikin: I read Winter in Sokcho too and liked this one even more. The author is French/Korean yet she has this way of writing like she is Japanese. The minimalism, I love it!
34Simone2
8 - Lovesick Blossoms by Julia Watts
Set in the repressive 50s, when women had little rights, homosexuality was mainly a sin and segregation was the way of life in Kentucky, two women fall in love. Their illicit romance is the subject of the book and although I enjoyed reading it, the book felt a bit YA to me and I think the author made the story a bit too convenient at times.
I mean Francis is a mother of three small children (which was necessary for the story) but her kids were never there. That baby napped all day while she was with Samuel. Her other kids were out playing by themselves for hours and hours. Come on! And that AJ, wtf? Coming to the house just to assault Samuel and be thrown out my Mamma Liz with her hun? I need more nuance and depth in my characters!
3*
Set in the repressive 50s, when women had little rights, homosexuality was mainly a sin and segregation was the way of life in Kentucky, two women fall in love. Their illicit romance is the subject of the book and although I enjoyed reading it, the book felt a bit YA to me and I think the author made the story a bit too convenient at times.
I mean Francis is a mother of three small children (which was necessary for the story) but her kids were never there. That baby napped all day while she was with Samuel. Her other kids were out playing by themselves for hours and hours. Come on! And that AJ, wtf? Coming to the house just to assault Samuel and be thrown out my Mamma Liz with her hun? I need more nuance and depth in my characters!
3*
36ELiz_M
>34 Simone2: I don't know about the rest of it, but I grew up in the Midwest in the 70s and 80s and there was a pack of neighborhood kids that during the summer break were out playing for hours and hours without much adult supervision (usually at our house because having a working single-parent there was no adult around to supervise).
37Simone2
>36 ELiz_M: I’d understand if that were the case but here there are no friends, a 4 year-old plays all day long outside by herself, every day. How convenient for the mother and her lover!
38Simone2
9 - We moeten praten (Dutch) by Jan van Mersbergen
A short Dutch novel (“We need to talk”) by an author I know personally and whose books I always enjoy. This is one about a 10 year old boy who never talked until he starts and can’t stop. His story contains an unusual family history, to say the least. Fun detail is a prominent role for my Red Hot Chili Peppers’ album Californication!
3.5*
A short Dutch novel (“We need to talk”) by an author I know personally and whose books I always enjoy. This is one about a 10 year old boy who never talked until he starts and can’t stop. His story contains an unusual family history, to say the least. Fun detail is a prominent role for my Red Hot Chili Peppers’ album Californication!
3.5*
40Simone2
>39 dchaikin: I didn’t know! Me too!
41Simone2
10 - Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen
All members of the Hildebrandt family seem to have an existential crisis at exactly the same moment. God, a lack of God, sex, a lack of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll: it’s all there.
Franzen writes about a real unrealistic dysfunctional family but it was so fun to spend some time with them - despite their crises.
4*
All members of the Hildebrandt family seem to have an existential crisis at exactly the same moment. God, a lack of God, sex, a lack of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll: it’s all there.
Franzen writes about a real unrealistic dysfunctional family but it was so fun to spend some time with them - despite their crises.
4*
42Simone2
11 - Mix Tape by Jane Sanderson
This was a totally feel-good read about two young people deeply in love in the 1970s, but torn apart from one another. Decades later they reconnect by sending each other songs and lyrics on Twitter. Nothing deep, just all the feelings and nostalgia! Loved it!
4*
This was a totally feel-good read about two young people deeply in love in the 1970s, but torn apart from one another. Decades later they reconnect by sending each other songs and lyrics on Twitter. Nothing deep, just all the feelings and nostalgia! Loved it!
4*
43Simone2
12 - Sleep No More by PD James
Six short and to the point murder stories. Some about who did it, often why or how the murderer did it. Packed in those typical English murder setting, this is a fun and entertaining collection.
3.5*
Six short and to the point murder stories. Some about who did it, often why or how the murderer did it. Packed in those typical English murder setting, this is a fun and entertaining collection.
3.5*
44kjuliff
>43 Simone2: They don’t seem to write like this anymore- such a pity. I remember her books and those of Ruth Rendell which I loved. Thinking of trying Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect.
45Simone2
>44 kjuliff: That is true, you don’t often find books like this one these days. Glad for the backlist of authors like Rendell and James!
46Simone2
13 - Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason
So much sorrow and yes a little bliss too. Martha is so hard on herself and everyone around her. She is mentally ill but Patrick is with her, no matter what or how badly she treats him. Her sister Ingrid is there too, always extremely funny, always supportive, even with “three under fucking five”. Her father is loving, her aunt welcoming, her mother is just like her. What a bunch of characters. I loved Martha and I was extremely annoyed by her. I loved Patrick and Ingrid. I won’t forget about them any time soon. I think Meg Mason did a fantastic job writing about living with a mental illness - or with someone close who does.
4.5*
So much sorrow and yes a little bliss too. Martha is so hard on herself and everyone around her. She is mentally ill but Patrick is with her, no matter what or how badly she treats him. Her sister Ingrid is there too, always extremely funny, always supportive, even with “three under fucking five”. Her father is loving, her aunt welcoming, her mother is just like her. What a bunch of characters. I loved Martha and I was extremely annoyed by her. I loved Patrick and Ingrid. I won’t forget about them any time soon. I think Meg Mason did a fantastic job writing about living with a mental illness - or with someone close who does.
4.5*
47Simone2
14 - North Woods by Daniel Mason
One if the reasons I love reading is the unexpected stories you sometimes discover. This is an example of such a unique and original read. A house in the New England woods is the main character. We see it change in time. We see inhabitants come and go. There are puma’s and beetles, apples and magic. A delight to read and surely unlike any other book!
3.5*
One if the reasons I love reading is the unexpected stories you sometimes discover. This is an example of such a unique and original read. A house in the New England woods is the main character. We see it change in time. We see inhabitants come and go. There are puma’s and beetles, apples and magic. A delight to read and surely unlike any other book!
3.5*
48dchaikin
>47 Simone2: I’ve been curious about North Woods. Another enticing review
49Simone2
>48 dchaikin: It’s worth a try! It’s unlike any other book I read!
50Simone2
15 - The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
After reading mixed reviews about this book I was a bit worried about what I would think of it myself but there was no need to. Again McBride creates a community of the most wonderful characters. This one is set in a Jewish-Black neighborhood in Pennsylvania where immigrants try to make the most of it. It’s a hard life but not without love, friendship and loyalty. An excellent read.
3.5*
After reading mixed reviews about this book I was a bit worried about what I would think of it myself but there was no need to. Again McBride creates a community of the most wonderful characters. This one is set in a Jewish-Black neighborhood in Pennsylvania where immigrants try to make the most of it. It’s a hard life but not without love, friendship and loyalty. An excellent read.
3.5*
54Simone2
16 - My husband by Maud Ventura
A French woman, in her 40s, obsessed with her husband. She calls it being in love but it’s more about being in control . She keeps track of everything he says and does and interprets in her very own way. As a reader I was waiting for something to break this cycle of neurosis and control. What happened surprised me! A fun read!
3.5*
A French woman, in her 40s, obsessed with her husband. She calls it being in love but it’s more about being in control . She keeps track of everything he says and does and interprets in her very own way. As a reader I was waiting for something to break this cycle of neurosis and control. What happened surprised me! A fun read!
3.5*
55AlisonY
>53 Simone2: I think Purity was the one I hated which became a DNF.
56Simone2
17 - A Frozen Woman by Annie Ernaux
A frozen woman. A woman who is frozen in time and in her life. A life that consists of being a mother and a wife. No longer a woman, nor a professional. I loved Ernaux’ The Young Man but this story of her life until the moment she realizes she’s become a frozen woman, is rather boring in my opinion. Her childhood, teens, meeting her future husband, it’s all very recognizable but not that interesting.
And the nagging about motherhood annoys me because she’s enduring it without trying to improve her situation.
2.5*
A frozen woman. A woman who is frozen in time and in her life. A life that consists of being a mother and a wife. No longer a woman, nor a professional. I loved Ernaux’ The Young Man but this story of her life until the moment she realizes she’s become a frozen woman, is rather boring in my opinion. Her childhood, teens, meeting her future husband, it’s all very recognizable but not that interesting.
And the nagging about motherhood annoys me because she’s enduring it without trying to improve her situation.
2.5*
57Simone2
>55 AlisonY: That might have been the reason why I didn’t even try!
58kjuliff
>54 Simone2: Sounds like something I’d like. Thanks - I’m putting on my tbr.
59dchaikin
>56 Simone2: i want to read Erneaux. But this maybe isn’t the best one.
60Simone2
>59 dchaikin: I loved The Young Man!
61Simone2
18 - Pet by Catherine Chidgey
The tension…. What a read. Justine and her classmates all adore their new teacher, Mrs Price. They all want to be her pet and Mrs Price is a manipulator and enjoying that a lot. Then the thefts start.
In between we are in current times, Justine is 42 and visiting her father in a nursing home.
I cannot say too much but will always wonder what exactly happened. I feel for Justine and I must read more by this author!
4.5*
The tension…. What a read. Justine and her classmates all adore their new teacher, Mrs Price. They all want to be her pet and Mrs Price is a manipulator and enjoying that a lot. Then the thefts start.
In between we are in current times, Justine is 42 and visiting her father in a nursing home.
I cannot say too much but will always wonder what exactly happened. I feel for Justine and I must read more by this author!
4.5*
62arubabookwoman
>Intrigued by your review. My library has it, and I've placed it on hold.
63rhian_of_oz
>61 Simone2: I'm also intrigued by your review and my library also has it but I've resisted putting it on hold and have instead added it to my wishlist.
65Simone2
>64 dchaikin: Yes! It is a bit of a Mrs Jean Brodie!
66Simone2
19 - The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
I have no idea why I ever bought this book but I am glad it’s off my shelves! It’s a romance between two young people, against Persia’s turbulent political background in the second half of the 20th century.
It’s okay, but the author explains everything, I’d rather had used my own brain and imagination but there was no need to.
2.5*
I have no idea why I ever bought this book but I am glad it’s off my shelves! It’s a romance between two young people, against Persia’s turbulent political background in the second half of the 20th century.
It’s okay, but the author explains everything, I’d rather had used my own brain and imagination but there was no need to.
2.5*
67Simone2
20 - The Details by Ia Genberg
We learn about the narrator’s life in Sweden by the details she shares of her relationship with four different people who have disappeared from her life. This could have been interesting and the raving reviews in the media so certainly think so but I didn’t unfortunately.
2.5*
We learn about the narrator’s life in Sweden by the details she shares of her relationship with four different people who have disappeared from her life. This could have been interesting and the raving reviews in the media so certainly think so but I didn’t unfortunately.
2.5*
68Simone2
21 - Biography of X by Catherine Lacey
I am ambivalent about this one. I love books about art, Siri Hustvedt being the master, yet in this book I didn’t feel it. I could not feel the art and its meaning. Also I kind of hated X and her attitude toward the narrator, who let her get away with anything. And the book is way too long Yet I loved the language, the format and the dystopian context. I’ll have to think about it a bit more.
3*
I am ambivalent about this one. I love books about art, Siri Hustvedt being the master, yet in this book I didn’t feel it. I could not feel the art and its meaning. Also I kind of hated X and her attitude toward the narrator, who let her get away with anything. And the book is way too long Yet I loved the language, the format and the dystopian context. I’ll have to think about it a bit more.
3*
69Simone2
22 - Roman Stories by Jhumpa Lahiri
This is a short story collection set in or around Rome. Returning themes are immigration, aging, racism, nostalgia and the empty nest and these themes are much more present than the city. Other than the heat it doesn’t feel like Rome brings it all together. Never mind however, each story is fantastic and I wanted none of them to end. My new favorite Lahiri!
4.5*
This is a short story collection set in or around Rome. Returning themes are immigration, aging, racism, nostalgia and the empty nest and these themes are much more present than the city. Other than the heat it doesn’t feel like Rome brings it all together. Never mind however, each story is fantastic and I wanted none of them to end. My new favorite Lahiri!
4.5*
70kjuliff
>69 Simone2: Great review. I’ve read all Lahiri’s Books except this one that I’ve had on hold at NYPL for 6 weeks, with 6 more to go. Can’t wait.
71Simone2
>70 kjuliff: I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!
72Simone2
23 - The Sparsholt Affair by Alan Hollinghurst
I loved The Line of Beauty but I feel like ever since Alan Hollinghurst’s books have less plot and more sex, as if he needs a bit of a plot just to have something in between sex scenes. It gets boring to keep reading about men just staring at each other's crotch and waiting for the moment to go for it. After half the book and nothing much else happening I still don't know what happened to Sparsholt during the war but I don't even bother anymore.
DNF
I loved The Line of Beauty but I feel like ever since Alan Hollinghurst’s books have less plot and more sex, as if he needs a bit of a plot just to have something in between sex scenes. It gets boring to keep reading about men just staring at each other's crotch and waiting for the moment to go for it. After half the book and nothing much else happening I still don't know what happened to Sparsholt during the war but I don't even bother anymore.
DNF
73kjuliff
>72 Simone2: I am in total agreement. Loved your “review”. I’ve been off Hollinghurst for some time. He has chosen to have limited appeal.
74kjuliff
>71 Simone2: I’m still waiting for that hold!
75AlisonY
>72 Simone2: Shame - I did enjoy that one. I see in my review that it was a favourite just behind Line of Beauty. I did feel that the character Sparsholt disappeared too much in the second half of the novel, and I probably would have enjoyed it even more if it had stayed in 1940s Oxford, but all in all I'm still a fan.
76Simone2
>75 AlisonY: I am glad you liked it. I liked another one of his books too, The Swimming Pool Library but I think I now have had enough!
>73 kjuliff: Glad I am not alone in this one!
>73 kjuliff: Glad I am not alone in this one!
77Simone2
24 - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Liked not loved this one. It’s a bit too sweet to my taste, all of this loving family in the cherry orchard. In the midst of the pandemic but why use that setting when it hardly adds to the story? I liked Lara’s story of her past a lot though. I was charmed by Duke myself too, lol!
3.5*
Liked not loved this one. It’s a bit too sweet to my taste, all of this loving family in the cherry orchard. In the midst of the pandemic but why use that setting when it hardly adds to the story? I liked Lara’s story of her past a lot though. I was charmed by Duke myself too, lol!
3.5*
78kjuliff
>77 Simone2: all of this loving family in the cherry orchard
Ha! I would feel the same. I had an impression, now confirmed, that there is a litttle too much saccharine in that book.
Ha! I would feel the same. I had an impression, now confirmed, that there is a litttle too much saccharine in that book.
79japaul22
>77 Simone2: I agree it wasn't Ann Patchett's best book, but I really liked it. I thought the pandemic setting was necessary to the book because there was no other reason for her adult children to have been home for a whole summer. And the story wouldn't have come out if they hadn't been slightly bored and had the opportunity and time to talk without outside distractions.
But I rated it 3.5 stars too . . . ;-)
But I rated it 3.5 stars too . . . ;-)
80dchaikin
>77 Simone2: hmm. Bummer. I still would like to read it.
81Simone2
>78 kjuliff: Exactly although my next review is of a book quite sweet too and I loved that one so it’s a question of time and mood too I think!
>79 japaul22: I did like it, I just think my expectations were too high after all the praise!
>80 dchaikin: I certainly would, I am the minority!
>79 japaul22: I did like it, I just think my expectations were too high after all the praise!
>80 dchaikin: I certainly would, I am the minority!
82Simone2
25 - These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
I loved this book, all of it. Cooper has been fleeing from his past and is raising 8 year old daughter Finch in the remote Appalachian woods. Once a year a friend brings supplies and there’s a hermit neighbour somewhere nearby but mostly they are by themselves. Until the moment the books starts.
What a loving and atmospheric read and that perfect ending… tears in my eyes. Loved it.
5*
I loved this book, all of it. Cooper has been fleeing from his past and is raising 8 year old daughter Finch in the remote Appalachian woods. Once a year a friend brings supplies and there’s a hermit neighbour somewhere nearby but mostly they are by themselves. Until the moment the books starts.
What a loving and atmospheric read and that perfect ending… tears in my eyes. Loved it.
5*
83rhian_of_oz
>82 Simone2: I think I need to stop reading your thread, this is my third BB and we're only halfway through February!
84Simone2
>83 rhian_of_oz: Lol, glad to be of help 😉
85Simone2
26 - Strangers by Taichi Yamada
After watching the movie, I bought the book All of Us Strangers is based on.
And it’s so much better! The movie is good too but the original horror story is Japanese and that seems more fitting somehow for the plot. A man lost his parents at twelve but suddenly meets them again 35 years later in an old neighborhood in Tokyo. A short good read.
3.5*
After watching the movie, I bought the book All of Us Strangers is based on.
And it’s so much better! The movie is good too but the original horror story is Japanese and that seems more fitting somehow for the plot. A man lost his parents at twelve but suddenly meets them again 35 years later in an old neighborhood in Tokyo. A short good read.
3.5*
86Simone2
27 - The Trio by Johanna Herman
This book felt like a De Beauvoir-about-Sartre novel of the 21st century. Set in Stockholm instead of Paris, still very European. Intellectual talks, misunderstandings, casual sex. It didn’t really work for me, I didn’t like the three main characters and their conversations. Other than that, nothing much happens unfortunately.
2.5*
This book felt like a De Beauvoir-about-Sartre novel of the 21st century. Set in Stockholm instead of Paris, still very European. Intellectual talks, misunderstandings, casual sex. It didn’t really work for me, I didn’t like the three main characters and their conversations. Other than that, nothing much happens unfortunately.
2.5*
87dchaikin
Maybe it would have been better in Pairs? 🙂 I hadn’t heard of this, and I’m definitely not currently drawn to it.
88Simone2
28 - Julia by Sandra Newman
Julia is not a feminist retelling of Orwell’s book in my opinion. Not at all. A YA retelling maybe, at the most.
Julia felt very one dimensional to me, not like a real person nor a feminist one. The plot was flat too, I really can’t understand the praise for this book.
2.5*
Julia is not a feminist retelling of Orwell’s book in my opinion. Not at all. A YA retelling maybe, at the most.
Julia felt very one dimensional to me, not like a real person nor a feminist one. The plot was flat too, I really can’t understand the praise for this book.
2.5*
89labfs39
>88 Simone2: Too bad, as the premise is interesting.
90Simone2
>89 labfs39: I am a minority here, most reviews are raving, so please don’t let me withhold you from reading it!
91Simone2
29 - Hard Girls by J Robert Lennon
He usually is so original yet this new J Robert Lennon is a more straightforward noir spy story. Two estranged sisters in search of their mother who left them as children. It is a fast paced story with strong characters yet I was expecting more.
3*
He usually is so original yet this new J Robert Lennon is a more straightforward noir spy story. Two estranged sisters in search of their mother who left them as children. It is a fast paced story with strong characters yet I was expecting more.
3*
92dianeham
>91 Simone2: oh no! I was so looking forward to it.
93Simone2
>92 dianeham: Me too and it is good! He’s a great author and writes another fast paced book. It’s just that I expected something more unexpected from him, not a straightforward novel like this one.
94Simone2
30 - Snow Road Station by Elizabeth Hay
Lulu is an actress in her 60s. She’s been forgetting her lines and flees to the village of her past, Snow Road Station in Ontario. She becomes part of the community and starts wondering about her life and how to fill the rest of it. It is a very hopeful book showing how, despite age, you can still dream and look forward and make things happen.
4*
Lulu is an actress in her 60s. She’s been forgetting her lines and flees to the village of her past, Snow Road Station in Ontario. She becomes part of the community and starts wondering about her life and how to fill the rest of it. It is a very hopeful book showing how, despite age, you can still dream and look forward and make things happen.
4*
95Simone2
31 - The Postcard by Anne Berest
I thought reading this book would take me much longer but I couldn’t put it down. It’s deeply moving.
The narrator receives an anonymous postcard and in search of possible senders she gets caught up in her family’s past. The story moves between the present and the horrors of the holocaust and the years in between. I teared up several times and the ending will stick with me for a long time 💔
5*
I thought reading this book would take me much longer but I couldn’t put it down. It’s deeply moving.
The narrator receives an anonymous postcard and in search of possible senders she gets caught up in her family’s past. The story moves between the present and the horrors of the holocaust and the years in between. I teared up several times and the ending will stick with me for a long time 💔
5*
96labfs39
>95 Simone2: I need to get a copy of this!
97Simone2
>96 labfs39: Please do! I can’t recommend it enough!
98Simone2
32 - Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
Although I found the book too long and narrator Mia drove me crazy at times I really enjoyed this book. I went in looking for answers to what happened to Mia’s father after her little brother Eugene, who has autism and angelman syndrome and can’t talk, comes home alone, totally upset. Later on I realized the story is not about getting answers but about communication and perception and I really liked what Kim Angie so thoroughly did.
3.5*
Although I found the book too long and narrator Mia drove me crazy at times I really enjoyed this book. I went in looking for answers to what happened to Mia’s father after her little brother Eugene, who has autism and angelman syndrome and can’t talk, comes home alone, totally upset. Later on I realized the story is not about getting answers but about communication and perception and I really liked what Kim Angie so thoroughly did.
3.5*
99kjuliff
>98 Simone2: I read Happiness Falls a while ago and remember liking it but can’t remember much about it. I reviewed it HERE and just read it to jog my memory, but still only remembered that it had lots of threads and ideas.
100Simone2
33 - O Caledonia by Elspeth Barker
I am so suprised. All my peers loved this book and I was just bored by it. It took me a lot of willpower just to finish it. It’s me, I am sure. Normally I love a good gothic novel but here the setting did nothing for me, neither did all the animals or even Janet. And that ending, really?
2*
I am so suprised. All my peers loved this book and I was just bored by it. It took me a lot of willpower just to finish it. It’s me, I am sure. Normally I love a good gothic novel but here the setting did nothing for me, neither did all the animals or even Janet. And that ending, really?
2*
101Simone2
34 - When You Disappeared by John Marrs
This is John Marrs’s debut and instead of the speculative fiction I read (and loved!) by him, this is a thriller. It’s decent one about a man who walks out om his marriage and three kids and return 25 years later to apologize.
The book is about what happened to both of them in all those years and why he left in the first place. I kept on reading. Satisfying.
3.5*
This is John Marrs’s debut and instead of the speculative fiction I read (and loved!) by him, this is a thriller. It’s decent one about a man who walks out om his marriage and three kids and return 25 years later to apologize.
The book is about what happened to both of them in all those years and why he left in the first place. I kept on reading. Satisfying.
3.5*
102Simone2
35 - A History of Loneliness by John Boyne
That kind, honest Odran Yates, becoming a priest to be good and to do good. Years later his world is shattered by the massive revelations of the abuse of young boys by men serving god and the catholic church. He has to find his way in this new reality and my heart aches for him, his loneliness and his pure heart. John Boyne wrote another masterpiece.
4.5*
That kind, honest Odran Yates, becoming a priest to be good and to do good. Years later his world is shattered by the massive revelations of the abuse of young boys by men serving god and the catholic church. He has to find his way in this new reality and my heart aches for him, his loneliness and his pure heart. John Boyne wrote another masterpiece.
4.5*
103Simone2
36 - The Caretaker by Ron Rash
It’s a romance, but a dark and twisty one. Jacob and Naomi are in love and married, much opposed by his parents who have had other plans for him, Then Jacob is being deployed to Korea, to fight in the war. He asks his best friend Blackburn to take care of Naomi and protect her from her nasty parents-in-law and the much biased community. I loved how Ron Rash creates his characters, all of them feel so real, as does the Appalachian surroundings. I will definitely read more by him.
4*
It’s a romance, but a dark and twisty one. Jacob and Naomi are in love and married, much opposed by his parents who have had other plans for him, Then Jacob is being deployed to Korea, to fight in the war. He asks his best friend Blackburn to take care of Naomi and protect her from her nasty parents-in-law and the much biased community. I loved how Ron Rash creates his characters, all of them feel so real, as does the Appalachian surroundings. I will definitely read more by him.
4*
104Simone2
37 - In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
I tried, I really did. But I got lost and lost again in my own thoughts because my mind went wandering during those endless conversations about marine biology. I had no idea what they were talking about and if there was a plot behind it all.
It’s a pity, I had high hopes because of the reviews below but after 50% I allow myself to bail.
DNF
I tried, I really did. But I got lost and lost again in my own thoughts because my mind went wandering during those endless conversations about marine biology. I had no idea what they were talking about and if there was a plot behind it all.
It’s a pity, I had high hopes because of the reviews below but after 50% I allow myself to bail.
DNF
105dchaikin
>104 Simone2: that’s an serious attempt. Full credit. 🙂
106kjuliff
>15 Simone2: Thanks for the tip. I’m reading The One now!
107Simone2
>106 kjuliff: I hope you’ll enjoy it!
108Simone2
>105 dchaikin: It is but I wish I loved it as much as you did!
109Simone2
38 - Ordinary Human Failing by Megan Nolan
A little English girl dies and the neighborhood quickly assumes the Irish immigrant family’s daughter Lucy must have had a hand in it. An ambitious journalist wants to get to the bottom of it and talks to Lucy’s family. The story is not so much about the death, but about a deeply damaged family with mother Carmel at their tragic heart.
It’s a beautiful sad read.
4*
A little English girl dies and the neighborhood quickly assumes the Irish immigrant family’s daughter Lucy must have had a hand in it. An ambitious journalist wants to get to the bottom of it and talks to Lucy’s family. The story is not so much about the death, but about a deeply damaged family with mother Carmel at their tragic heart.
It’s a beautiful sad read.
4*
110Simone2
39 - In Defence of the Act by Effie Black
The evolutionary benefit of something as dark as suicide. That’s what this book is about and where Jess is convinced of.
In the book we get to know Jess and learn why she thinks this way. It’s a short book but it packs a punch. I am left shattered and in awe. My favorite of the #womenprize longlist so far I’ve only read three but I am sure this will remain a favorite.
5*
The evolutionary benefit of something as dark as suicide. That’s what this book is about and where Jess is convinced of.
In the book we get to know Jess and learn why she thinks this way. It’s a short book but it packs a punch. I am left shattered and in awe. My favorite of the #womenprize longlist so far I’ve only read three but I am sure this will remain a favorite.
5*
111RidgewayGirl
>109 Simone2: I was impressed by Nolan's earlier novel, Acts of Desperation. I'll have to read this one, it sounds great.
112Simone2
>111 RidgewayGirl: Please do, it is even better I think.
113Simone2
40 - Vengeance is Mine by Marie NDiaye
Basically everyone and everything is falling apart in this slim novel. I couldn’t really make sense of it. Maitre Susane represents a man who she thinks she knows from her childhood. The man’s wife killed their three children. Maitre Susanes mother doesn’t remember the man her daughter keeps talking about. And then there’s an ex, a cleaning lady and some more people who I don’t know what to think of.
2.5*
Basically everyone and everything is falling apart in this slim novel. I couldn’t really make sense of it. Maitre Susane represents a man who she thinks she knows from her childhood. The man’s wife killed their three children. Maitre Susanes mother doesn’t remember the man her daughter keeps talking about. And then there’s an ex, a cleaning lady and some more people who I don’t know what to think of.
2.5*
114kjuliff
>113 Simone2: Thank god I’m not alone on this one. I was very disappointed with this book and was beginning to think I may have been missing something.
115Simone2
>114 kjuliff: Glad too we’re in this together! Although I haven’t read many reviews of it, so no raving ones either!
116Simone2
41 - Hangman by Maya Binyam
What have I just read and why? I was willing too dive into the estranging world of Hangman, where an African man after two decennia of exile returns to his homeland. It didn’t make much sense to me though, the stories told by the people he met upon his return.
My least favorite of the #womenprize longlist so far.
2*
What have I just read and why? I was willing too dive into the estranging world of Hangman, where an African man after two decennia of exile returns to his homeland. It didn’t make much sense to me though, the stories told by the people he met upon his return.
My least favorite of the #womenprize longlist so far.
2*
117kjuliff
>115 Simone2: The New Yorker magazine raved about it, naming it as one of the top novels of 2023. I reread their review after I finished Vengeance is Mine and it made no sense to me - just like the book. See New Yorker review
118dchaikin
>116 Simone2: huh. Interesting
119rv1988
>116 Simone2: I recently read Maya Binyam's profile of Percival Everett in The New Yorker, which I liked. I'm sorry to hear her fiction isn't up to the mark.
120kjuliff
>119 rv1988: The New Yorker is promoting or at minimum over-encouraging, some women writers lately who appear to be populist rather than serious novelists. Sorry for the clumsy sentence but I’m feeling poorly this morning.
121Simone2
>117 kjuliff: Thanks for sharing that article! I hope you are feeling better.
>119 rv1988: That’s such a coincidence. I happen to love Percival Everett!
>119 rv1988: That’s such a coincidence. I happen to love Percival Everett!
122Simone2
42 - Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
Palestinian actress Sonia has been living in London for years but returns to Palestine to escape from some personal issues and to stay with her sister who lives in Haifa. She joins a local production of Hamlet and participates in daily life with the exhausting day-to-day struggles for Palestines in Israel.
The ending is one that will stick with me
A dense, beautiful and timely read.
3.5*
Palestinian actress Sonia has been living in London for years but returns to Palestine to escape from some personal issues and to stay with her sister who lives in Haifa. She joins a local production of Hamlet and participates in daily life with the exhausting day-to-day struggles for Palestines in Israel.
The ending is one that will stick with me
A dense, beautiful and timely read.
3.5*
123kjuliff
>122 Simone2: Thanks. I’ve seen mention of this and now have put it on my list
124Simone2
43 - The List by Yomi Adegoke
On Twitter appears a list of men accused of abusing women. Michael is on it. He and Ola are about to get married but she wants proof of his innocence first. Reading about both sides of possible abuse and the rollercoaster of #metoo on the internet has been executed very good. I was surprised though by the reaction of some of the characters. The total lack of communication between Ola and Michael for example, why didn’t they stay in contact? And why had most people such a bold opinion and no doubts about it? That felt a bit unreal to me. However, an interesting read that’ll keep me thinking for a while.
3*
On Twitter appears a list of men accused of abusing women. Michael is on it. He and Ola are about to get married but she wants proof of his innocence first. Reading about both sides of possible abuse and the rollercoaster of #metoo on the internet has been executed very good. I was surprised though by the reaction of some of the characters. The total lack of communication between Ola and Michael for example, why didn’t they stay in contact? And why had most people such a bold opinion and no doubts about it? That felt a bit unreal to me. However, an interesting read that’ll keep me thinking for a while.
3*
125dchaikin
>124 Simone2: sounds interesting if the author pulled it off well.
126Simone2
44 - Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
The narrator doesn’t recognize herself in the woman’s she used to be before she became a fulltime mother. It drives her mad but she’s also madly in love with her little son Sailor. Her husband is worthless, doing nothing to share the responsibilities for their baby, he is just working and living his life. And loving her. But is it enough?
A very recognizable read about the struggles and the rewards of motherhood.
4*
The narrator doesn’t recognize herself in the woman’s she used to be before she became a fulltime mother. It drives her mad but she’s also madly in love with her little son Sailor. Her husband is worthless, doing nothing to share the responsibilities for their baby, he is just working and living his life. And loving her. But is it enough?
A very recognizable read about the struggles and the rewards of motherhood.
4*
127Simone2
45 - See You in Paradise by J Robert Lennon
This is an okay short story collection. Some speculative stories, some horror, some surprising. My favorite one is “Total humiliation in 1987” but overall the stories won’t make a lasting impression.
3*
This is an okay short story collection. Some speculative stories, some horror, some surprising. My favorite one is “Total humiliation in 1987” but overall the stories won’t make a lasting impression.
3*
128Simone2
46 - What I’d Rather Not Think About by Jente Posthuma
This is my first book from the International Booker longlist. It is a Dutch one so an easy one for me to purchase and read. It’s a book about a brother and sister, identical twins. He commits suicide in his thirties. This is no spoiler, the book is about how, despite their closeness, she can’t protect him from his depression, he can’t protect her from missing him. It is a sad book, written lightly, which adds to the impact.
3.5*
This is my first book from the International Booker longlist. It is a Dutch one so an easy one for me to purchase and read. It’s a book about a brother and sister, identical twins. He commits suicide in his thirties. This is no spoiler, the book is about how, despite their closeness, she can’t protect him from his depression, he can’t protect her from missing him. It is a sad book, written lightly, which adds to the impact.
3.5*
129kjuliff
>128 Simone2: Sounds interesting. I’m a bit intrigued by the sad book written lightly
130Simone2
>129 kjuliff: I hope you know what I mean!
131Simone2
47 - What Have We Done by Alex Finlay
What Have We Done brings the past alive for three people who as kids lived together for a while in a foster house. They’ve shared a secret ever since but now someone seems to knows about it and brings them back together.
Another fast-paced thriller by Finlay, in fact so fast that I got confused at times and found it difficult to follow along. I am glad I finished it though, the ending is great, but didn’t love it as much his other two books.
3.5*
What Have We Done brings the past alive for three people who as kids lived together for a while in a foster house. They’ve shared a secret ever since but now someone seems to knows about it and brings them back together.
Another fast-paced thriller by Finlay, in fact so fast that I got confused at times and found it difficult to follow along. I am glad I finished it though, the ending is great, but didn’t love it as much his other two books.
3.5*
132kjuliff
>131 Simone2: I haven’t read anything by Findlay. As What Have We Done is not his best, what would you recommend as a first book of his to read?
133Simone2
>132 kjuliff: I’d start with Every Last Fear which I can highly recommend as a thriller. I hope you’ll like it if you decide to read it!
134Simone2
48 - Bijna niets gebeurt toevallig (Dutch) by Tamar Bot & Fanny van de Reijt
I’ve listened to this book while driving or when I couldn’t sleep and enjoyed the short stories of two women who work as editors for daily talkshows. There’s a lot to do at the moment about the atmosphere behind the scenes of those productions, think #metoo, sexism, long hours, unfair employment contracts etc. The authors write about their experiences with wit and humor. Without getting sarcastic they nail the subject.
3.5*
I’ve listened to this book while driving or when I couldn’t sleep and enjoyed the short stories of two women who work as editors for daily talkshows. There’s a lot to do at the moment about the atmosphere behind the scenes of those productions, think #metoo, sexism, long hours, unfair employment contracts etc. The authors write about their experiences with wit and humor. Without getting sarcastic they nail the subject.
3.5*
135dchaikin
>128 Simone2: “written lightly, which adds to the impact.” - interesting. I have a library loan e copy What I’d Rather Not Think About. I don’t think i’ll have time to read it before it’s due, but I’m hoping to sample it a bit.
136Simone2
>134 Simone2: It is a slim book and a fast read. Who knows, you might be able to finish it!
137Simone2
49 - Brotherless Night by VV Ganeshananthan
What a beatiful book. I loved the narrator’s journey between the different points of view on the war between the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan government and the people caught in between. She shows there is so much grey between black and white and I learned a lot. Besides that VV Ganeshananthan relates wonderful human characters, who she no doubt met and knew in real life. A great read.
4*
What a beatiful book. I loved the narrator’s journey between the different points of view on the war between the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan government and the people caught in between. She shows there is so much grey between black and white and I learned a lot. Besides that VV Ganeshananthan relates wonderful human characters, who she no doubt met and knew in real life. A great read.
4*
138kjuliff
>137 Simone2: Yes I loved this book too. I read it earlier this year. It was really good the way she criticized all military sides and showed the plights of all the civilians caught up in the civil war. There was no hiding from it except to leave the country and this was well nigh impossible.
It was a compassionate and fair book. I too learned a lot. I’m glad you too enjoyed it. I had similar reactions to the book..
It was a compassionate and fair book. I too learned a lot. I’m glad you too enjoyed it. I had similar reactions to the book..
139Simone2
>138 kjuliff: you express yourself so much better that I can! Glad we’re loving the same books!
140Simone2
150 - The Maiden by Kate Foster
An interesting story, based on a true one, which for me always adds a bit to a book. Christian was too wild for the times she lived in and that caused her downfall.
I feel like the book could have used some editing ( the story took endless to pick up speed) and though I liked it, I wonder why it is on the #WomenPrize longlist.
3*
An interesting story, based on a true one, which for me always adds a bit to a book. Christian was too wild for the times she lived in and that caused her downfall.
I feel like the book could have used some editing ( the story took endless to pick up speed) and though I liked it, I wonder why it is on the #WomenPrize longlist.
3*
141kjuliff
>139 Simone2: Thanks for the compliment but I don’t deserve it. But yes we have similar tastes in books.
One thing that I forgot to mention in my review of Brotherless Night was that it showed how such conflicts lead to secrecy, with people being scared to tell even members of their own immediate family, how they feel or what the are doing. I’m reminded of Stasiland about the secret police in pre-unification eastern Germany. Not that the Sri Lankan government sank to the extent of the FDR, but secrecy was an issue that Ganeshanathan describes so well, and an issue that’s often neglected in novels about civil wars.
I enjoy your thread Simone, and check it regularly especially when looking for a book to read.
One thing that I forgot to mention in my review of Brotherless Night was that it showed how such conflicts lead to secrecy, with people being scared to tell even members of their own immediate family, how they feel or what the are doing. I’m reminded of Stasiland about the secret police in pre-unification eastern Germany. Not that the Sri Lankan government sank to the extent of the FDR, but secrecy was an issue that Ganeshanathan describes so well, and an issue that’s often neglected in novels about civil wars.
I enjoy your thread Simone, and check it regularly especially when looking for a book to read.
142kjuliff
>140 Simone2: I often wonder why books make it to women-only lists. The subject matter of Maiden looks interesting and probably could have done better. There have been plenty of good books for the committee to have chosen from.
I recently read Mantel Pieces by the excellent historical fiction writer, Hilary Mantel. It’s a collection of her personal experiences and essays, some of which are pretty scathing about some historical fiction writers,
I recently read Mantel Pieces by the excellent historical fiction writer, Hilary Mantel. It’s a collection of her personal experiences and essays, some of which are pretty scathing about some historical fiction writers,
143kidzdoc
Interesting comments about What I'd Rather Not Think About. I found out today that the electronic copy of it that I had requested is now available from the Free Library of Philadelphia, so I'll probably get to it in the next week or two, although I'll read The Details and possibly Kairos and The House on Via Gemito first.
144Simone2
>143 kidzdoc: I am looking forward to The House on Via Gemito too. I read Kairos earlier this year and it’s good but won’t be my favorite.
145Simone2
>141 kjuliff: I’ll check out Stasiland, thank you for the suggestion. there’s always so much more to the stories you read or hear about in the news.
146Simone2
51 - The Vacation by John Marrs
Although it is definitely not his best (it’s one of his earliest thrillers, re-edited and renamed a few years afters its publication) I still enjoyed John Marrs’s book about travelers from all over the world meeting each other in a rundown LA hostel. All carry secrets from their past and the book is full of plot lines and twists. I couldn’t stop reading!
3.5*
Although it is definitely not his best (it’s one of his earliest thrillers, re-edited and renamed a few years afters its publication) I still enjoyed John Marrs’s book about travelers from all over the world meeting each other in a rundown LA hostel. All carry secrets from their past and the book is full of plot lines and twists. I couldn’t stop reading!
3.5*
147labfs39
>137 Simone2: I keep hearing such good things about Brotherless Night. I'll look for it.
148Simone2
52 - Mrs S by K Patrick
An Australian “matron” works at a posh English boarding school for girls and becomes obsessed with Mrs S, the headmaster’s wife. The book is slowly building up towards a summer of queer love and seduction, the love between the narrator and Mrs S a forbidden one. And one that could not last. I was curious how the book would end and was glad with the way it did!
3*
An Australian “matron” works at a posh English boarding school for girls and becomes obsessed with Mrs S, the headmaster’s wife. The book is slowly building up towards a summer of queer love and seduction, the love between the narrator and Mrs S a forbidden one. And one that could not last. I was curious how the book would end and was glad with the way it did!
3*
149kjuliff
>148 Simone2: I wonder why this Scottish writer made the matron character Australian? Sounds like an interesting book. I notice it’s not very popular on LT. For some reason you have me intrigued by this book.
150Simone2
>149 kjuliff: It gets very mixed reviews indeed but I did enjoy it. And why the matron is Australian, that’s a good question!
151Simone2
53 - Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie
Two Ghanaian cousins have shared years together growing up but experienced them completely different. Akorfa is the rich and smart one who leaves Ghana for an education in the US. Her story felt too long and lightweight to me.
Selasi stays in Ghana and owns a restaurant. Her story is different. Lots of tough topics come by but now the story felt hurried and lacked depth.
So no favorite of mine for the Women Prize.
2.5*
Two Ghanaian cousins have shared years together growing up but experienced them completely different. Akorfa is the rich and smart one who leaves Ghana for an education in the US. Her story felt too long and lightweight to me.
Selasi stays in Ghana and owns a restaurant. Her story is different. Lots of tough topics come by but now the story felt hurried and lacked depth.
So no favorite of mine for the Women Prize.
2.5*
152kjuliff
>150 Simone2: I think the writer wanted to make her unlikeable but didn’t want to make her Scottish so chose Australian.
153Simone2
>152 kjuliff: I’m not sure because she’s not unlikeable. Maybe so she could observe boarding school life as an outsider.
154Simone2
54 - A Trace of Sun by Pam Williams
This is a powerful read. Cilla leaves her homeland Grenada to make money in the UK. She leaves her son Raef behind and it takes 7 years before she can afford his ticket and for him to reunite with his family. Things don’t go well however and Cilla blames herself. Told by mother and son alternately the book packs a punch.
4*
This is a powerful read. Cilla leaves her homeland Grenada to make money in the UK. She leaves her son Raef behind and it takes 7 years before she can afford his ticket and for him to reunite with his family. Things don’t go well however and Cilla blames herself. Told by mother and son alternately the book packs a punch.
4*
155Simone2
55 - Christ on a Bike by Orla Owen
Cetus inherited a significant fortune from a total stranger but she is legally unable to share it with anyone else. This is a reality with which she has to deal while enjoying her inheritance. It’s a compelling setup and the book raises so many questions about greed and wealth and happiness. Quite an original plot!
4^
Cetus inherited a significant fortune from a total stranger but she is legally unable to share it with anyone else. This is a reality with which she has to deal while enjoying her inheritance. It’s a compelling setup and the book raises so many questions about greed and wealth and happiness. Quite an original plot!
4^
156Simone2
56 - The Wild Laughter by Caoilinn Hughes
I can't get invested in this book and am putting it aside for now. The language, the fact that nothing much happens in the first 100 pages.. I call it quits for now.
I can't get invested in this book and am putting it aside for now. The language, the fact that nothing much happens in the first 100 pages.. I call it quits for now.
157labfs39
>155 Simone2: The title is eye catching.
>156 Simone2: Good for you for setting aside the book. I still have a hard time doing this, but I intend to practice!
>156 Simone2: Good for you for setting aside the book. I still have a hard time doing this, but I intend to practice!
158mabith
Definitely putting Brotherless Night on my to-read list, and it's a subject I'm not sure I've read anything about before.
159Simone2
>157 labfs39: It is quite an original read, fitting the title. I can recommend it!
I have just now bailed on another book… since a few years I am allowing this myself lol!
I have just now bailed on another book… since a few years I am allowing this myself lol!
160Simone2
>158 mabith: You’ll learn a lot about the Sri Lankan war and especially that there are always two sides to every story and that feels very timely.
161Simone2
57 - The Wren, the Wren by Anne Enright
Another bail.. I have a hard time concentrating on books (am very busy at work) and this one just didn’t make sense to me. Great writing, great scenes but they lacked connection I think and I had not really an idea what or whom I was reading about. Maybe I’ll give it another try when I am a bit more relaxed.
Another bail.. I have a hard time concentrating on books (am very busy at work) and this one just didn’t make sense to me. Great writing, great scenes but they lacked connection I think and I had not really an idea what or whom I was reading about. Maybe I’ll give it another try when I am a bit more relaxed.
162Simone2
58 - River East River West by Aube Rey Lescure
It took some time getting into this book but then it gave me all the feels. I rooted for Lu Fang throughout the book, the Chinese man who falls in love with an American woman living in China. Her daughter Alva, who’s coming to age is another storyline, I found extremely annoying: how many wrong choices can a 15-year old make? Set in China from the 80s until 2009 makes for an interesting setting. I knew so little about China after Mao.
4*
It took some time getting into this book but then it gave me all the feels. I rooted for Lu Fang throughout the book, the Chinese man who falls in love with an American woman living in China. Her daughter Alva, who’s coming to age is another storyline, I found extremely annoying: how many wrong choices can a 15-year old make? Set in China from the 80s until 2009 makes for an interesting setting. I knew so little about China after Mao.
4*
163Simone2
59 - The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean
A super addictive read about a Vietnamese refugee held hostage by a man in the UK. They are even married but he controls every move she makes and she wants out. So scary and pageturning! It gave me The Collector vibes. The ending felt a bit hurried but I spent some pretty intense hours with this book. Recommended!
4*
A super addictive read about a Vietnamese refugee held hostage by a man in the UK. They are even married but he controls every move she makes and she wants out. So scary and pageturning! It gave me The Collector vibes. The ending felt a bit hurried but I spent some pretty intense hours with this book. Recommended!
4*
164Simone2
60 - Luister (Dutch) by Sacha Bronwasser
“Listen” is a Dutch book that has won many literary prizes. It’s about a Dutch girl who becomes an au-pair in Paris in the early ‘90s. We also know it’s a story about 2015, the year Paris was shook up by the Charlie Hebdo attack at the beginning of the year and suicide bombers in November. We know this but not what’s the connection between them. An engaging read, I hope it will be translated!
3.5*
“Listen” is a Dutch book that has won many literary prizes. It’s about a Dutch girl who becomes an au-pair in Paris in the early ‘90s. We also know it’s a story about 2015, the year Paris was shook up by the Charlie Hebdo attack at the beginning of the year and suicide bombers in November. We know this but not what’s the connection between them. An engaging read, I hope it will be translated!
3.5*
165kjuliff
>163 Simone2: Looks interesting and scary. Thanks, I need something page-turning.
166Simone2
61 - And Then She Fell by Alicia Elliott
When I started this book I thought it would be a personal favorite, but it isn’t. I have very mixed feelings about it. I love how Alicia Elliott makes me feel (contrary to others I did like Steve and I think he really loved Alice and she just didn’t talk! He couldn’t know half of the things that she was thinking of and if they made sense. Does that make me naive or even racist? I certainly don’t hope so but the author is messing with my mind.) But I didn’t enjoy the second part, the magical realism took over and I lost track and wanted it to be over.
3*
When I started this book I thought it would be a personal favorite, but it isn’t. I have very mixed feelings about it. I love how Alicia Elliott makes me feel (contrary to others I did like Steve and I think he really loved Alice and she just didn’t talk! He couldn’t know half of the things that she was thinking of and if they made sense. Does that make me naive or even racist? I certainly don’t hope so but the author is messing with my mind.) But I didn’t enjoy the second part, the magical realism took over and I lost track and wanted it to be over.
3*
167Simone2
62 - The Future by Catherine Leroux
I don’t think I’ve ever bailed on so many books as this month. This is another one that started out great (a woman looking for her two granddaughters who went missing after their mother was murdered). Unfortunately it turned into a mix of dystopia, fantasy, and magical realism.
It was an audioread and maybe my English isn’t good enough but I completely lost track of the storyline and frankly, I didn’t bother, I just wanted it to be over.
DNF
I don’t think I’ve ever bailed on so many books as this month. This is another one that started out great (a woman looking for her two granddaughters who went missing after their mother was murdered). Unfortunately it turned into a mix of dystopia, fantasy, and magical realism.
It was an audioread and maybe my English isn’t good enough but I completely lost track of the storyline and frankly, I didn’t bother, I just wanted it to be over.
DNF
168kjuliff
>167 Simone2: Looks like you’re glad to put The Future. Into the past 😊
169Simone2
>168 kjuliff: Lol 🤣
170Simone2
63 - What’s Left of me Is Yours by Stephanie Scott
An interesting story about a “wakaresaseya”, a person hired by a spouse to seduce their partner to gain grounds for a divorce. The setting in Japan added much to the book. I think the book could have done with some editing and a hundred pages less but it is still an engaging read.
3*
An interesting story about a “wakaresaseya”, a person hired by a spouse to seduce their partner to gain grounds for a divorce. The setting in Japan added much to the book. I think the book could have done with some editing and a hundred pages less but it is still an engaging read.
3*
171Simone2
64 - Mrs Caliban by Rachel Ingalls
A magical tale of a suburban housewife’s affair with a frogman, Larry.
Is he real or just her imagination, her escape from a bleak reality in which she is mourning the death of her child and has become estranged from her husband?
I guess this is exactly what Rachel Ingall wants us to wonder about and maybe
It doesn’t really matter: she starts questioning her life and the world.
What an impressive novella. One that will stick with me. That ending…
4*
A magical tale of a suburban housewife’s affair with a frogman, Larry.
Is he real or just her imagination, her escape from a bleak reality in which she is mourning the death of her child and has become estranged from her husband?
I guess this is exactly what Rachel Ingall wants us to wonder about and maybe
It doesn’t really matter: she starts questioning her life and the world.
What an impressive novella. One that will stick with me. That ending…
4*
172Simone2
65 - Restless Dolly Maunders by Kate Grenville
Dolly’s was the transition generation. Dolly Maunders is born at the end of the 19th century, just when things were starting to change for women and their possibilities in life. Dolly wants to grasp them all, there’s always something better, somewhere. Her restlessness is understandable but has its bad sides. She’s never quite happy with what she has and it makes her a rather cold, dominating mother.
This is an interesting portrait of a real woman but the story in itself is a bit repetitive and except for Dolly all other characters have not really been worked out which seems a missed opportunity.
3*
Dolly’s was the transition generation. Dolly Maunders is born at the end of the 19th century, just when things were starting to change for women and their possibilities in life. Dolly wants to grasp them all, there’s always something better, somewhere. Her restlessness is understandable but has its bad sides. She’s never quite happy with what she has and it makes her a rather cold, dominating mother.
This is an interesting portrait of a real woman but the story in itself is a bit repetitive and except for Dolly all other characters have not really been worked out which seems a missed opportunity.
3*
173Simone2
66 - Bitter Herbs by Marga Minco
On a podcast they were talking about this book, a Dutch classic back in the days. I read it in high school because it is slim. I reread it now and it blew me away. Published in 1957 it is ste story of a girl who loses her complete family during WWII. She misses them but she lives her life during the war, surviving and expecting them to come back, because why not? The innocence…. With our knowledge now and the times we’re living in this book broke my heart in just 90 pages.
5*
On a podcast they were talking about this book, a Dutch classic back in the days. I read it in high school because it is slim. I reread it now and it blew me away. Published in 1957 it is ste story of a girl who loses her complete family during WWII. She misses them but she lives her life during the war, surviving and expecting them to come back, because why not? The innocence…. With our knowledge now and the times we’re living in this book broke my heart in just 90 pages.
5*
174labfs39
>173 Simone2: I rushed off to put this on my wishlist, and it was already there thanks to JustJoey (now Trifolia). Shows how long it has languished there. Thank you for reminding me that I want to read this.
ETA: There isn't a copy in the state of Maine that's available to borrow, and I couldn't find a copy to buy on bookfinder.com. This may be harder than I thought...
ETA: There isn't a copy in the state of Maine that's available to borrow, and I couldn't find a copy to buy on bookfinder.com. This may be harder than I thought...
175Simone2
>174 labfs39: Ow I am sorry to hear that. I can imagine though, it is an oldie and probably not really in swing anymore. It is so good though, I hope you will manage to find a copy!
176Simone2
67 - The Good Samaritan by John Marrs
Another delicious twisty thriller by John Marrs. Although the main characters sometimes act a bit too convenient for the sake of the book, I really couldn’t put it down.
Laura volunteers at a suicide helpline where she listens to callers and encourages them to end their lives.
3.5*
Another delicious twisty thriller by John Marrs. Although the main characters sometimes act a bit too convenient for the sake of the book, I really couldn’t put it down.
Laura volunteers at a suicide helpline where she listens to callers and encourages them to end their lives.
3.5*
177kjuliff
>176 Simone2: Sounds like a typical John Marrs book. He has such good ideas but he does tend, as you point out, make the main characters sometimes act a bit too convenient for the sake of the book.
178Simone2
>177 kjuliff: Thank you. I’m glad you agree. Yet I don’t mind too much, I keep turning those pages at an ever increasing pace 😀
179Simone2
68 - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
France, 1714. When Adeline LaRue has to marry someone she doesn’t want to, she begs for a life of freedom. Her wish comes true, but at a price. Addie will live forever, and is doomed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
She travels across continents and through centuries and learn to live an invisible life. Until someone remembers her. That changes everything.
It’s a sweet read. A bit too much so to my taste.
3*
France, 1714. When Adeline LaRue has to marry someone she doesn’t want to, she begs for a life of freedom. Her wish comes true, but at a price. Addie will live forever, and is doomed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
She travels across continents and through centuries and learn to live an invisible life. Until someone remembers her. That changes everything.
It’s a sweet read. A bit too much so to my taste.
3*
180Simone2
69 - Six Stories by Matt Wesolowski
Right up my alley, a book in the form of a true crime podcast, a cold case set in the woods and marshes of England. Throw in some magical realism and a great twist and you have a great read. At least I think so.
3.5*
Right up my alley, a book in the form of a true crime podcast, a cold case set in the woods and marshes of England. Throw in some magical realism and a great twist and you have a great read. At least I think so.
3.5*
181rocketjk
>174 labfs39: "I couldn't find a copy to buy on bookfinder.com. This may be harder than I thought..."
fyi, there are several copies for sale online at biblio.com.
fyi, there are several copies for sale online at biblio.com.
