Natasha

I usually connect novels set in India with magic, colour and vibrancy. This book certainly started out that way, but as you read further a new gritty image of the country appears. It is dark and it is desperate. Balram is mostly a likable character (albeit a murderer) whose situation as a mistreated and unappreciated servant sees him spiral out of the “Darkness” and into the “Light.” Is it social justice though? What is the price of freedom?

An intriguing and interesting glimpse into the infamous love affair between Henry and Anne Boleyn. And yes, I know it's a work of fiction, but with writing and characters as believable as these, who really cares. Enjoy the ride.

Half way through this book I was sure I was only going to give it 1 or 2 stars, but I must admit, the end gripped me and thus the extra star was earned.

I really wanted to like this book, but it failed to impress me. This is probably because I know absolutely nothing about surfing, and have never had any real interest in it. That said, I did find the characters compelling, and mostly disturbing and disturbed.

I think a fanatic surfer would love this novel.

Not a hugr fan of Jodi Picoult, I find her books quite repetitive (granted, I have only read 4). They always seem to involve some form of child abuse. Perfect Match was an ok read, and while the book's subject breaks my heart, I struggled to identify with any of the characters.

March tells the story of the largely absent father from Alcott's ‘Little Women'. His is a journey that transports the reader into a time of civil war and gross abuse of human rights, especially those of slaves.

I enjoyed reading a book about a fight for liberty through the eyes of a pre-existing, yet little known literary character. I particularly enjoyed (although that probably isn't the right word considering the atrocities that occur there) the part of the novel set in Oak's Landing.

This is the second ‘Brooks' book I have read, and thought “March” was much better then “Year of Wonders.” Her style is effortless and character's believable.

The only part of this book that I actually enjoyed was the chapter on names, otherwise I found the book rather dull and most of the theories just common sense. Having said that, I do not usually read ‘business' or ‘economic' books - so am not familiar with the genre. My husband, on the other hand loves economics, and he raved about this book.

I always enjoy a good Shakespearean tragedy and in this book Wroblewski delivers Hamlet for the twenty first century.

While I enjoyed this aspect of the book, I found the beginning especially to be rather long-winded and all the descriptions of dog-training a little unnecessary.

However, being a dog-lover, I enjoyed Almondine's narrative -it was beautifully written and quite unconventional.

Absolutely horrific portrayal of a ‘dystopia', where human rights are completely disregarded and quaility of life is non-existant.

I found it particularly disturbing that children can easily betray their parents or that a ‘wanderer' wearing the wrong shoes can be vapourised.

The Party's control over language and history enables its absolute dominance over society. If they control memory; they control history - if they control language; they control thoughts.

A thought-provoking read, and though you may be depressed after reading it - at least you will have the option and the right to read whatever you want.

Big Brother is watching you!

Elizabeth and Darcy must be my favourite literary couple.

This book makes you appreciate the freedoms we enjoy. Being able to work, to laugh in public, to dance. Wonderful story - i enjoyed it more then The Kite Runner.

I loved Fermin (almost, but still not as much as Prabaker in Shantaram). The story is really an ode to books and avid readers. Enjoyable.

It was ok. Light and entertaining, but nothing ground-breaking. I wish Fforde had focused a little more on the actual Eyre Affair - I kept waiting for the story to begin, and by the time it did, it was almost the end of the novel.

Has a bad reputation due to just about everyone having to study it in school, but I think it is absolutely wonderful!

A brilliantly stunning novel! It takes time to get into the story, but the reward for this perseverance is breath-taking.

Very disappointing ending, and it had so much potential to be a great summer read. It did slightly irritate me that half the book was set in the US. Come on... this is Shakespeare... lets keep him in England where he belongs.

Reread in 2023 - almost 20 years since I first read this, and I can see some problems with it now. Although keeping my original rating for posterity sake (haha)

Easy to see how this book became a classic. It deserves all the praise. Loved it!

Splendid! I felt like shaking Stevens and yelling “show some real human emotion old chap!” But obviously his inaction throughout the novel is the point. Class constraints and duty make it impossible for him to express his real thoughts and feelings.

Not my favourite Atwood novel, but still, she can do no wrong. A vivid and compelling insight into chldhood bullying.

Why does Bella always have to be saved? It irritates me that she can't walk down a gravelled lane without someone holding her hand. Can't she look after herself for a change? If it's not Edward plucking her out of death's way for the umpteenth time, then its Jacob (who she seriously leads on) pulling a bike off her, or saving her from drowning.

Also, what type of message is she sending to the impessionable teens who are reading this? Boys will like you if you are weak and get into trouble a lot. Grow a backbone girl

The only book I have read twice, so much better then the movie! Now dying to read Edge of Reason again.

Though nothing particularly exciting happens to Holden, I couldn't put this book down. I loved it!

Prabaker is probably one of my favourite literary characters. Really enjoyed this book!

Very disappointing, i felt like it was a chore to finish the book.

While i quite enjoyed the pace and plot of the book, I found Bella and Edward's relationship to be unhealthy and way too obsessive. It worries me that countless 13 year olds are reading this and aspiring to this kind of ‘love'.

Case in point: it doesn't bother Bella that Edward (at that stage a virtual stranger) has been sneaking into her room at night to watch her sleep. Um, 911 we have a stalker in our midst!

I did however, enjoy the explainations of the myth of the vampire. Carlisle and Alice are by far the most likable characters in the book and I feel more pages should have been dedicated to their stories.

I loved that every chapter was its own mini story, and each story so beautifully written and engrossing. I cried at the end.