Natasha
2.5 stars. This really is for fans of The Starless Sea - because just like that book I didn't know what the hell was going on half the time. The imagery was unsettling and strangely beautiful- and I enjoyed the dark fairytales interwoven amongst the main plot. But it was too absurd for me. It will definitely find its audience though.
Memory is on death row in Harare, Zimbabwe for killing her guardian - who bought her from her poor parents when she was a child.
I find it difficult to rate this book. The first third was very frustrating - there were no definitive plot points, just hints and inferences to the major drama that lead Memory to her current situation. It felt like a slice of life from the prison and her childhood. It was very disjointed and difficult to follow.
The the last two sections really took off. We learnt about Memory - she grew as a character and the plot points finally fell into place. It was tragic, shocking and insightful.
I adored My Best Friend's Exorcism, so I couldn't wait to get my horror-loving hands on this. It certainly did not disappoint. It shines a light on a housewife in the 90's as she begins to suspect one of her neighbours of being a vampire. It had gore and humour and surprises - and it touches on some very important social issues of racism, sexism and a housewife's role in society (which is mostly overlooked and belittled). Grady Hendrix said he wanted to pay homage to the wives and mothers who fight everyday for their families and their communities without any appreciation or recognition.
What I loved most was the friendship and camaraderie between a group of middle aged women, and how fierce and powerful they can be when they support each other.
“And I have sung of the women, the women in the shadows. I have sung of the forgotten, the ignored, the untold... I have celebrated them in song because they have waited long enough.”
Haynes has written an extraordinary retelling of The Iliad and The Odyssey from the perspective of the much overlooked women. Their voices were brave and moving and funny and intelligent. (Penelope was one of my favourite). This is definitely one of my most loved books of the year so far. Everyone should read it.
While I always enjoy an author giving voice and agency to a marginalised unheard historical figure - I was disappointed with the lack of depth and development of Granville's Elizabeth MacArthur. I didn't feel the connection- and while I admired her tenacity and drive in the face of a completely male dominated society- I wish Granville explored more of her inner workings - her fears, joy and sorrow. I wanted to know her better.
Disturbingly dark and twisted - just the way I like my thrillers. Just when you think you've figured it out - guess what - you haven't! With characters you love to hate (and there are some vile ones!) and everyone a potential suspect this book is gripping and incredibly hard to put down.
The audiobook was great - the unknown narrator has their voice distorted, and it is jarring and so creepy. Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, I love that you do audiobooks now. They are quickly becoming my favourite medium.
3.5 stars. Last year, The Whisper Man was everywhere. Everywhere! I went into it with sky high expectations and well, it fell kind of flat to be honest. So, my relationship with Alex North was over... until I read the synopsis of The Shadows and decided we could try again.
The Shadows pays homage to IT era Stephen King (well that was the vibe I got anyway). It tells the dark tale of four friends and the events that lead up to the brutal murder of one of their classmates. At the same time there is this sinister supernatural character, Red Hands, hovering around the periphery. There are two time lines - and mysteries that extend through both.
It's a spooky, dark, mind bending novel and while it doesn't quite match the coming-of-age feeling of IT, it gives it a red hands go.
Unfortunately I think this is a case of ‘it's not you it's me'. I was not in the right head space for this - easily distracted, anxious (aren't we all) and generally sad with the state of the world. It was beautifully written with important messages around refugees and immigrants- but I couldn't connect- or maybe couldn't allow myself to connect.
With its low ratings and some scathing reviews I expected to find this painful. Instead I found myself laughing out loud, wiping tears away and feeling engaged and interested in the lives of nine perfect strangers. Moriarty brings the characters to life and the story was light, but held enough gravity to be poignant at times.
A thrilling debut. Struggling actress, Emily, is offered a dream job working for a wealthy family on their estate in France. She loves her job and quickly befriends the glamorous and beguiling Nina. But this paradise hides secrets.
Anna Downes weaves gorgeous descriptions of the French peninsular and mansion with ominous and mysterious undertones creeping through at unexpected moments. There's sexual chemistry, a sinister caretaker, a troubled child and a house with secret rooms and no escape. All elements that make for a fun and twisty read. Throughly enjoyable.
