Scan barcode
camiandkitread's reviews
301 reviews
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.
I could not care less about any of the characters in either time period.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Charlotte Brontë’s atmospheric novel “Jane Eyre” explores themes of social criticism, personal growth, and romance through the story of its titular heroine. The novel begins with Jane's childhood, which were marked by cruelty and neglect as an orphan under the care of her cruel aunt and cousins. Despite the bleakness of her situation, Jane's resilience shines, setting the stage for her transformation. Her fortunes improve when she secures a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets the enigmatic Mr. Edward Rochester. Their initial interactions are fraught with tension until affection slowly blooms between them. However, societal expectations create significant obstacles for their budding romance.
The relationship between Jane and Rochester is further complicated by the revelation of dark, long-hidden secrets that threaten the life they hope to build together. This twist adds suspense and drama, as Jane must confront her own values and make a difficult choice. Brontë skillfully balances elements of mystery and romance with broader themes of social inequality and moral integrity. Jane’s journey is not only about finding love, but also about navigating Victorian social structures and personal dilemmas.
Jane Eyre is a particularly fascinating character due to her morose and introspective personality, which provides her with remarkable depth and complexity. Her life is marked by significant hardships that result in constant self-reflection and character growth. The first-person narration allows readers to intimately experience Jane’s internal struggles, her search for self-worth, and her unwavering commitment to her moral principles. Despite enduring various forms of abuse—both physical and emotional—Jane remains steadfast in her pursuit of authenticity and justice. Her ability to rise above continual adversity makes her a character of enduring relevance, as readers continue to resonate with her personal trials and triumphs. Since its publication in 1847, “Jane Eyre” has remained an influential work, largely due to introspective, melancholic personality.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Royal Doulton Figures. Produced at Burslem, Staff: Produced at Burlem, Staffordshire 1892-1994 by Desmond Eyles
informative
fast-paced
5.0
The book provides a good overview of Royal Doulton figures produced to the early-1990s when the book was published. There are a few interesting chapters at the beginning, which give some insight into the history of the company and the primary artists, as well as a look into the process of creating the enchanting figures.
The main “point” of the book is to show color photos of the figures that were created and give information about each one. Of particular interest to me were the photos of the color variants of some of the figures.
There were many figures without photos and color variants were missing—the author acknowledged this at the beginning of the book. While disappointing, this is still an excellent resource for new collectors or those looking for a quick reference guide.
A very special thank you to my family for allowing me to keep my late great grandmother’s treasured collection of “pretty ladies” and piquing my interest in learning more. Without Grammy, I never would have read this book.
The main “point” of the book is to show color photos of the figures that were created and give information about each one. Of particular interest to me were the photos of the color variants of some of the figures.
There were many figures without photos and color variants were missing—the author acknowledged this at the beginning of the book. While disappointing, this is still an excellent resource for new collectors or those looking for a quick reference guide.
A very special thank you to my family for allowing me to keep my late great grandmother’s treasured collection of “pretty ladies” and piquing my interest in learning more. Without Grammy, I never would have read this book.
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Ann Jacobs
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Ashley Poston has a true gift for writing. “A Novel Love Story” is another quirky, heart-wrenching romance.
Poston adds a splash of magic, like she has with her other romances, and incorporates it in such a clever way. Even using the tried and true tropes of countless authors before her, Poston’s story feels fresh and new.
Poston adds a splash of magic, like she has with her other romances, and incorporates it in such a clever way. Even using the tried and true tropes of countless authors before her, Poston’s story feels fresh and new.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Car accident
Minor: Vomit and Alcohol
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5