29/9/2018 0 Comments Review: French Exit
My Review: I was very keen to read French Exit. I loved DeWitt's The Sisters Brothers (about to be released as a film starring John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix as the eponymous brothers).
Noun. French exit (plural French exits) (offensive) A hasty exit made without saying farewells to anybody. DeWitt has a perfect turn of phrase. And the story is pure farce, it was a joy to read. However, it's quite possible I didn't actually like any of the characters, as the story shines a light on human behaviour at its most honest, but that didn't stop me enjoying the page-turner. The ending was the perfect embodiment of the title - a French Exit. A refreshing and enjoyable read. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review.
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8/7/2018 0 Comments Review: Ivy and Abe
My Review: IVY AND ABE was my next book to read. I try to read books in order of publication date - as it happens the e-book was published in February and the publication date of 28 June 2018 is actually the date for the paperbook.
I remember seeing a quote declaring IVY AND ABE was "THE romance of the year”. But when the epigraph mentions Stephen Hawkins, and a quote from It’s a Wonderful life, and the first chapter opens in 2026 - woah, what is going on?! I went back to the book blurb - got it. Let’s begin... An amazing and heartfelt story of the lives and lives of Abe and Ivy. I was fully engaged from the get-go and as the first section ended I was holding back the tears. Not only was the story an emotional rollercoaster, it included a multitude of stories from travelling in the UK and around the world which sparked my own wanderlust. And with the different eras it offers both a historical and a contemporary story. With books like this, the substance of the story and the quality of the writing has to outweigh the novelty of the premise, which is why The Time Traveler's Wife holds the bar so high. I'm glad to report that this book does both and is an incredible read. A timely reminder of love in all its glory. And I have to agree - it is the romance of the year! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review.
My Review: This book is being raved about; it is THE book to read this year. When I received a copy I was thrilled and after just a few chapters it was easy to see why.
It did those first chapters to get into the Tori's story, mainly because it was too honest and raw, the uncomfortable neurosis of self-image on and off social media is detrimental and Tori's inner-thoughts showed the hate/hate association and obsession with getting 'likes' on Facebook et al. Had I been in a bad relationship when reading this book, I would have packed by bags, and not looked back. It's that powerful. It's an empowering and inspiring piece of literature and even though it's fiction and not a self-help book, I will buy a copy for any friend having a tough time in a relationship. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review. 7/6/2018 0 Comments Review: Swan Song
My Review:From the opening of the first chapter I was hooked. It was the Bank Holiday Monday and I wanted the day to continue until I had finished Ms Greenberg-Jephcott's debut novel. The book is beautifully written; the words are sumptuous and culminate in satisfying sentences, leaving a delightful afternoon cocktail-infused aftertaste.
In the autumn of Truman Capote's life, there is an almighty sadness when he hangs his 'swans' out to dry. From chapter-to-chapter, I found myself searching the internet to find the real version of events, only to humbled by the detailed research and truth in the Swan Song story. Truth is stranger than fiction. The gossip of the novel is infectious, every page leaves you wanting to know more. It's incredibly difficult not to be excited for Ms Greenburg-Jephcott's next offering. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 31/5/2018 0 Comments Review: Florida
My ReviewI like all stories, but there is something that stops me at buying short story anthologies. Having said that - David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas felt more like a collection of short stories than a novel. And after reading this book, I can't help but wonder where all other other short story compendiums are? If Florida was not by the acclaimed new literature it girl - Lauren Groff - would I have noticed it? Probably not.
I enjoyed all but one of these stories, and the theme of Florida was ever present without feeling forced. Ms Groff is an exceptional writer and her words and sentences are beautiful and leave you wanting more. The really lovely thing about this book of short stories is bedtime reading consisted of indulging in one entire story each night, resulting in a sense of completion before turning off the light. Utter bliss. I look forward to her next writing in whichever form. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a complimentary e-copy of Florida in exchange for my honest review. |
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