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emmaj_xo's reviews
91 reviews
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Undeniably beautifully written and this Librivox recording was beautifully read. The cold, snowy landscapes made this a fitting seasonal read. Whilst the story was bleak I personally found it very difficult to care at all for the protagonist. I’m not unable to empathise with flawed characters who make the wrong choices, but unfortunately Wharton didn’t make it work for me here. A shame, as I’d really enjoyed another novella of hers last year.
Witchcraft: A History in Thirteen Trials by Marion Gibson
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Probably the best book about the history of witch trails that I’ve read and one that I would recommend.
I didn’t know much about witch trails outside of Britain and North America so reading about how trials were used to persecute Sámi people was particularly eye-opening. As was discussion of witch trials in 20th century Africa and the impact of colonialism.
Each trial was an interesting read and common themes were brought together at the end in the discussion of modern day witch hunts. However, I would have appreciated more analysis throughout the rest of the text.
This book is undeniably well researched and wide in scope, a great introductory read for those curious about the topic.
I didn’t know much about witch trails outside of Britain and North America so reading about how trials were used to persecute Sámi people was particularly eye-opening. As was discussion of witch trials in 20th century Africa and the impact of colonialism.
Each trial was an interesting read and common themes were brought together at the end in the discussion of modern day witch hunts. However, I would have appreciated more analysis throughout the rest of the text.
This book is undeniably well researched and wide in scope, a great introductory read for those curious about the topic.
The Hidden People by Alison Littlewood
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is my third Littlewood/ Elwood and so far my favourite. I enjoyed the Victorian Yorkshire setting and the language felt fitting of the period, though there are repeated references to Wuthering Heights which only reminded me of Brontë’s superior Gothic tale.
The mystery was compelling, a true page-turner. It’s clear early on that the narrator is perhaps a poor judge of character, blinded by Victorian societal expectations. This makes him a potentially unreliable narrator and one fitting for the period given his repetitive insistence of seeing “reason.” However, some may him frustrating. I sometimes wished we could hear from one of the female character’s point of view.
The mystery was compelling, a true page-turner. It’s clear early on that the narrator is perhaps a poor judge of character, blinded by Victorian societal expectations. This makes him a potentially unreliable narrator and one fitting for the period given his repetitive insistence of seeing “reason.” However, some may him frustrating. I sometimes wished we could hear from one of the female character’s point of view.
The Green Man of Eshwood Hall by Jacob Kerr
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
3.0
An enjoyable read that I read in one sitting. Izzy as a character did capture my heart a little, I couldn’t help but feel for her against her tyrannical mother and oblivious father. Whilst the narrative was certainly unsettling at times, it didn’t quite pack the punch that it felt like it was aiming at. The ending in particular which should have been horrifying was ultimately mildly disturbing. Still a fun, quick read if you’re in the mood for folk horror - though this felt light on the horror and more in the realm of fairytale.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
“I always thought about rot when I came toward a row of stores; I thought about burning black painful rot that ate away from inside, hurting dreadfully. I wished it on the village.”
Two sisters and their uncle live together in an old estate, isolated from the rest of the village. Our narrator, Merricat, is the only member of the family that ventures out for the shopping, and the mutual disdain as well as fascination between the people of the villagers and the inhabitants of the house could not be more evident.
Merricat seems younger than her years and is always ritualistically burying objects. She taunts her neighbours, with her her elder sister saying only “silly Merricat” in response to strange behaviours. Constance herself is afraid of visitors, and performs the role of perfect housewife as she insists on the appearance of decency.
The narration is unsettling from the outset and readers will find themselves pulled in by the mysteries of what is left unsaid. I had read The Haunting of Hill House before and was disappointed that I wasn’t as enamoured by Jackson’s work as many other readers. We Have Always Lived in the Castle however is both eerie and darkly funny, and I’m glad I gave her work another chance. Whilst I haven’t fallen in love with her yet, I think this is a book that I could come to appreciate more after a future reread.
Two sisters and their uncle live together in an old estate, isolated from the rest of the village. Our narrator, Merricat, is the only member of the family that ventures out for the shopping, and the mutual disdain as well as fascination between the people of the villagers and the inhabitants of the house could not be more evident.
Merricat seems younger than her years and is always ritualistically burying objects. She taunts her neighbours, with her her elder sister saying only “silly Merricat” in response to strange behaviours. Constance herself is afraid of visitors, and performs the role of perfect housewife as she insists on the appearance of decency.
The narration is unsettling from the outset and readers will find themselves pulled in by the mysteries of what is left unsaid. I had read The Haunting of Hill House before and was disappointed that I wasn’t as enamoured by Jackson’s work as many other readers. We Have Always Lived in the Castle however is both eerie and darkly funny, and I’m glad I gave her work another chance. Whilst I haven’t fallen in love with her yet, I think this is a book that I could come to appreciate more after a future reread.
The Annotated Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
adventurous
medium-paced
5.0
(Review of annotated edition ed. Maria Tatar)
A brilliant, approachable scholarly edition. The notes are insightful and include reference to scholars, various rewrites of the original play, and Barrie’s own life. The companion essays are excellent introductions for new readers and life-long fans alike. Of particular note is the printing in full of ‘The Boy Castaways of Black Lake Island’ with the photographs of the Llewelyn-Davies boys enacting the tale. The edition also presents Barrie’s proposed treatment for a silent film which stresses that “[Hook] should be played with absolute seriousness and avoidance of trying to be funny.”
An essential edition for collectors.
A brilliant, approachable scholarly edition. The notes are insightful and include reference to scholars, various rewrites of the original play, and Barrie’s own life. The companion essays are excellent introductions for new readers and life-long fans alike. Of particular note is the printing in full of ‘The Boy Castaways of Black Lake Island’ with the photographs of the Llewelyn-Davies boys enacting the tale. The edition also presents Barrie’s proposed treatment for a silent film which stresses that “[Hook] should be played with absolute seriousness and avoidance of trying to be funny.”
An essential edition for collectors.
Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser
informative
slow-paced
4.0
The definitive, sympathetic Marie Antoinette biography, well-known as the inspiration for Sophia Coppola’s biopic. Dismantles the myths around Antoinette without infantilising the woman she became. Though a dense read, the writing is never inaccessible.
The Binding by Bridget Collins
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
When a character reads a book, or rather the bound memories of an individual, they find themselves fully immersed as if experiencing the events through their eyes. At times that’s how I felt when I was pulled into this book. The characters are messy and the love story that binds these flawed characters is compelling. The way the story dealt with trauma and the fear of perpetuating the cycle of abuse further was particularly moving.
Sexing The Cherry by Jeanette Winterson
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A novel that, much like poetry, demands rereading to appreciate its rich complexity. Again I am struck by Winterson’s masterful prose. I particularly loved the retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Set mostly in the 17th century, the novels weaves across time and between narrators. A feminist tale with a female character at its core who is equally compelling and repellent - and I can’t help but adore her.
The Thorns Remain by J.J.A. Harwood
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This was an enjoyable, quick read but the strengths of the book lied in the mundane. Simply put - the historical elements and characterisation were a strong highlight, though some of the dialogue read a little clumsy to me at times.
I did enjoy the dedication to weave in creatures from Scottish folklore, though some were woven into the plot better than others. Others were mentioned in passing but didn’t have any particular role in the story so their inclusion felt a little cluttered.
When I picked up this book, the blurb and quotes from reviews seemed to indicate there would be a Romance plot, but that seems to be lacking. There is certainly mention of past loves, and sentiments are expressed or thought - but a love story doesn’t develop. I would avoid if that’s what piqued your interest in this book. In fact, without giving too much away, I was glad the Romance I thought was being hinted at didn’t happen because it made me feel uneasy. In the end that worked for the direction of the story, but it would have been disappointing if it’s what I had been seeking.
Overall, an enjoyable historical fantasy steeped in Scottish Fairy Folkore, though it perhaps fell too short in a few of areas for my tastes.
I did enjoy the dedication to weave in creatures from Scottish folklore, though some were woven into the plot better than others. Others were mentioned in passing but didn’t have any particular role in the story so their inclusion felt a little cluttered.
When I picked up this book, the blurb and quotes from reviews seemed to indicate there would be a Romance plot, but that seems to be lacking. There is certainly mention of past loves, and sentiments are expressed or thought - but a love story doesn’t develop. I would avoid if that’s what piqued your interest in this book. In fact, without giving too much away, I was glad the Romance I thought was being hinted at didn’t happen because it made me feel uneasy. In the end that worked for the direction of the story, but it would have been disappointing if it’s what I had been seeking.
Overall, an enjoyable historical fantasy steeped in Scottish Fairy Folkore, though it perhaps fell too short in a few of areas for my tastes.