In brief: Maite’s life revolves around music and romance comics. Elvis is part of a secret gang to bringdown student protests. When they both get involved with a missing student, it makes things way more dramatic. The good: I didn’t know a lot about the politics of Mexico City in the 70s before this. The... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
In brief: Kya is left to fend for herself as a child living in the marsh of North Carolina. She grows up with a deep knowledge of the world around her, but that won’t help when people are against her. The good: Some beautiful scenes of the birds and other life in the marshland. The... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
In brief: Elwood is a Black boy growing up in 1960s Florida when a simple mistake sends him to reform school. The Nickel Academy is corrupt and brutal, but Elwood is determined to get through it despite his naivety. The good: Always an excellent story from Colson Whitehead. The not-so-good: Absolutely heartbreaking in parts. Why... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
In brief: Noemi’s cousin isn’t sounding herself in her new marriage, so Noemi is sent to investigate. What she discovers at the remote High Place will scare anyone’s socks off. The good: Moreno-Garcia is so skilled at telling a captivating story! The not-so-good: A bit scary with a touch of the fantastical. Why I chose... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre by Natasha Lester
In brief: Alix has landed her dream job working for new designer Dior in Paris after World War II. But she is haunted by her experiences during the war and is determined to bring her informant to justice. The good: I loved the descriptions of Dior’s designs! The not-so-good: I was a little confused at... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson
In brief: The story of the Coker family as numerous people try to usurp their London nightclub empire. The good: A big cast with a lot of detail. The not-so-good: Due to the large cast, it’s hard to get into all the character’s heads. Why I chose it: Love Kate Atkinson’s novels! Year: 2022 Pages:... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Mothering Sunday by Graham Swift
In brief: Jane reflects on the events of Mothering Sunday 1924, a day that changed her life from servant to writer. The good: As always, Swift writes beautifully. The not-so-good: It’s a slim read. Why I chose it: I hadn’t read it and I really should have. Year: 2016 Pages: 149 Publisher: Scribner (Simon &... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Riviera House by Natasha Lester
In brief: In World War II Paris, Eliane is working with the Nazis by day and the Resistance by night to save Paris’s priceless artworks. In the present day, Remy finds that the painting she’s known since childhood was stolen by the Germans during the war. How did she end up with it? The good:... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin
In brief: Ava is a librarian sent to Lisbon during World War II to gather foreign publications to help the U.S. war effort. She notices a code in a French Resistance newspaper, set by Elaine who is doing all she can for France and her friends. The good: Interesting to read about Portugal, who was... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: This is Gonna End in Tears by Liza Klaussmann
In brief: Over the course of a 1980s summer in the holiday town of Wonderland, the lives of many of the townspeople will change forever. Secrets are discovered, bonds are formed and somewhere, there’s a giant movie whale… The good: Lots of characters with a lot going on. The not-so-good: The ending for a few... Continue Reading →