Scan barcode
kba76's reviews
3043 reviews
The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Salome is an interesting character, forever known for her dance of the seven veils and her request for the head of John the Baptist as reward. She is the focus of this novel, albeit in the form of a subject of a Hollywood movie, where our key focus is the drama taking place behind the scenes.
It's the 1950's and our director is desperate to bring to the screen the story of Salome. Many actresses are desperate to get their hands on the role, so it is something of a shock when the director decided to cast unknown Mexican actress Vera Larios in the role. Moreno-Garcia focuses on Nancy, the bit part actress determined she will make it some day even though her career has stalled of late; Vera, the young actress who is far more clever than she is expected to be and Salome, the young girl playing a dangerous game in a time where she is not expected to have her say.
The action cuts between the three characters. It's clear that this was meticulously researched and I did find it interesting to see the way Hollywood was brought to life. While we are often struck by the glamour of the big screen, the reality is often a more sordid picture, and in our two young actresses we are given the opportunity to see the constraints placed on them by a male-dominated world. At times I bristled at the casual racism and misogyny that was in place, but I felt that we were given opportunity to see beneath the surface in Vera's case and to see just what she could have offered a world that wasn't quite ready for her.
The shifting viewpoints worked well here, allowing us to get under the skin of each of our characters, creating sympathy in Vera's case and inciting rage at Nancy's callous behaviour. I found myself wondering just how the story would play out. It certainly didn't disappoint!
It's the 1950's and our director is desperate to bring to the screen the story of Salome. Many actresses are desperate to get their hands on the role, so it is something of a shock when the director decided to cast unknown Mexican actress Vera Larios in the role. Moreno-Garcia focuses on Nancy, the bit part actress determined she will make it some day even though her career has stalled of late; Vera, the young actress who is far more clever than she is expected to be and Salome, the young girl playing a dangerous game in a time where she is not expected to have her say.
The action cuts between the three characters. It's clear that this was meticulously researched and I did find it interesting to see the way Hollywood was brought to life. While we are often struck by the glamour of the big screen, the reality is often a more sordid picture, and in our two young actresses we are given the opportunity to see the constraints placed on them by a male-dominated world. At times I bristled at the casual racism and misogyny that was in place, but I felt that we were given opportunity to see beneath the surface in Vera's case and to see just what she could have offered a world that wasn't quite ready for her.
The shifting viewpoints worked well here, allowing us to get under the skin of each of our characters, creating sympathy in Vera's case and inciting rage at Nancy's callous behaviour. I found myself wondering just how the story would play out. It certainly didn't disappoint!
Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The systematic abuse of the native children forcibly taken from their families and sent to residential schools is something that people involved with should be trying very hard to atone for their involvement with. It's bad enough the way the children were ripped from their families, often with no further contact allowed, but the abuse and neglect they often endured is shocking. Based on accounts from some of the survivors, Five Little Indians presents us with five characters and shows us a little of what they went through during their time in the school and afterwards.
This is very much the kind of book that should be read. It's uncomfortable. It's harrowing. But there is also a sense of hope and optimism that runs throughout the book, reminding us that these five characters are more than their school experience.
From Kenny and Lucy, whose childish infatuation is maintained into adulthood, to Howie, who is imprisoned after beating the Father who abused him and many other students, it's hard not to be affected by what we see happen to these characters. The neglect and abuse during the school years is unpleasant, but I was appalled by the neglect shown to them as adults simply because of their ethnic origin. It's a shocking story, and I'm sure the author has only skimmed the surface of some of what she could have told us.
This is very much the kind of book that should be read. It's uncomfortable. It's harrowing. But there is also a sense of hope and optimism that runs throughout the book, reminding us that these five characters are more than their school experience.
From Kenny and Lucy, whose childish infatuation is maintained into adulthood, to Howie, who is imprisoned after beating the Father who abused him and many other students, it's hard not to be affected by what we see happen to these characters. The neglect and abuse during the school years is unpleasant, but I was appalled by the neglect shown to them as adults simply because of their ethnic origin. It's a shocking story, and I'm sure the author has only skimmed the surface of some of what she could have told us.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A short yet emotional read.
The story, such as it is, focuses on Bill Furlong. A coal merchant with five daughters, he’s well-known in the village. He goes about his business, trying to do the right thing.
One morning he’s delivering coal to the convent when he comes across a sight few are meant to see - the young girls hidden away due to their situation (usually pregnancy). Though warned not to start trouble with the nuns, Bill wants to do the right thing so he takes one of the young girls home to try and offer her a better life.
Someone doing the right thing at a time when it would have been too easy to look the other way.
The story, such as it is, focuses on Bill Furlong. A coal merchant with five daughters, he’s well-known in the village. He goes about his business, trying to do the right thing.
One morning he’s delivering coal to the convent when he comes across a sight few are meant to see - the young girls hidden away due to their situation (usually pregnancy). Though warned not to start trouble with the nuns, Bill wants to do the right thing so he takes one of the young girls home to try and offer her a better life.
Someone doing the right thing at a time when it would have been too easy to look the other way.
The Nightingale's Castle: A Novel of Erzabeth Báthory by Sonia Velton
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The Nightingale’s Castle is an absorbing tale, its fascination only heightened when you look further into the real-life character on which this is based.
The story begins with our key character, a young girl called Boroka, having to leave the care of the doctor who rescued her as a baby as villagers are talking. Rumours about the doctor and his charge are circulating, and though it pains him to do so the doctor arranges for Boroka to go into service.
Boroka is terrified at the prospect of leaving the only home she has known. Particularly when she realises she is to go into service to the Countess Bathory. Rumours abound about the Countess and the high number of servants she appears to get through, with many young girls dying in her service. But Boroka has no choice if she is to survive.
Life under the Countess is hard. Vindictive head-servants punish the girls for their supposed misdemeanours yet the girls are fed and cared for, and some are even taken under the wing of the Countess. Boroka herself comes to the attention of the Countess for her ability to read and write, and she is asked to stand-in for the Countess during a portrait sitting.
As the book progresses little details are noted that suggest Boroka may have ties to the Countess that she is unaware of. There are physical similarities between them, and Boroka is captivated by a mysterious rosewood box that seems to contain a book holding details of her past.
I found the story riveting, particularly when we see the moves taken to bring down the Countess. I knew nothing of the character on which this story is based, but the historical details appear to be painted in a more nuanced light creating some sympathy for the Countess and those loyal to her.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
The story begins with our key character, a young girl called Boroka, having to leave the care of the doctor who rescued her as a baby as villagers are talking. Rumours about the doctor and his charge are circulating, and though it pains him to do so the doctor arranges for Boroka to go into service.
Boroka is terrified at the prospect of leaving the only home she has known. Particularly when she realises she is to go into service to the Countess Bathory. Rumours abound about the Countess and the high number of servants she appears to get through, with many young girls dying in her service. But Boroka has no choice if she is to survive.
Life under the Countess is hard. Vindictive head-servants punish the girls for their supposed misdemeanours yet the girls are fed and cared for, and some are even taken under the wing of the Countess. Boroka herself comes to the attention of the Countess for her ability to read and write, and she is asked to stand-in for the Countess during a portrait sitting.
As the book progresses little details are noted that suggest Boroka may have ties to the Countess that she is unaware of. There are physical similarities between them, and Boroka is captivated by a mysterious rosewood box that seems to contain a book holding details of her past.
I found the story riveting, particularly when we see the moves taken to bring down the Countess. I knew nothing of the character on which this story is based, but the historical details appear to be painted in a more nuanced light creating some sympathy for the Countess and those loyal to her.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
Girls Who Burn by MK Pagano
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A page-turner, full of twists and solid entertainment.
Our main character, Addie, is struggling with guilt because the last words she said to her sister before she was found dead at the bottom of the ravine near their home were unpleasant ones. In the year since Fiona's body was discovered Addie has hassled the police to continue their investigation. They believe Fiona's death was a suicide, though many in town believe Addie may have pushed her. Addie herself believes Fiona's boyfriend Thatcher knows more than he's let on...and the argument she witnessed earlier that evening may have been a spur for him to murder Fiona.
We're given this information pretty early on, and it's hard to know what to make of it. Then, almost a year to the day Fiona's body was found, Thatcher is also killed. Again, the police think it may have been a suicide, but Addie and Thatcher's cousin, Seth, were in the woods on the night it happened...and they heard Thatcher cry out, which they take as evidence of someone pushing him.
The police question those linked to Thatcher. There are still questions about the events of the year before. Someone knows more than they're telling, and Addie is determined to find out the truth...no matter how dangerous.
Our main character, Addie, is struggling with guilt because the last words she said to her sister before she was found dead at the bottom of the ravine near their home were unpleasant ones. In the year since Fiona's body was discovered Addie has hassled the police to continue their investigation. They believe Fiona's death was a suicide, though many in town believe Addie may have pushed her. Addie herself believes Fiona's boyfriend Thatcher knows more than he's let on...and the argument she witnessed earlier that evening may have been a spur for him to murder Fiona.
We're given this information pretty early on, and it's hard to know what to make of it. Then, almost a year to the day Fiona's body was found, Thatcher is also killed. Again, the police think it may have been a suicide, but Addie and Thatcher's cousin, Seth, were in the woods on the night it happened...and they heard Thatcher cry out, which they take as evidence of someone pushing him.
The police question those linked to Thatcher. There are still questions about the events of the year before. Someone knows more than they're telling, and Addie is determined to find out the truth...no matter how dangerous.
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Bee Sting is a sprawling tale focusing on the Barnes family and their lives. Our focus is, primarily, Dickie, Imelda, Cass and PJ but we also learn about other family members as we see them going about their daily lives.
The book is told in separate parts, initially narrated by each family member. We learn that their business - a garage - is in trouble and see the consequences this has for each of the family members.
Twelve year old PJ is not really aware of exactly what is going. He is embarrassed by his growing feet, hiding the bloodied socks to cover up the fact that his new shoes are already too small. He obsesses over completing a particular level on a video game, and when a local thug beats him up because of some bad work done at his father’s garage he tries to sell all his possessions to get the money he needs to pay him.
Cass is a clever young woman, academically able, and just about to sit her final exams. Her best friend, Elaine, seems to be growing apart from her so Cass finds herself spending the run-up to exams drinking. Convinced she’s failed her exams, Cass hides herself at home awaiting her results. Then we see her following in her father’s footsteps as she heads to Dublin to study.
The toughest section to read was Imelda’s because of the lack of punctuation. The stream of consciousness became easier to follow, but it was somewhat inane as we followed her attempts to escape her home life and start again with local footballing hero Frank Barnes. Pretty, but lacking in intelligence, Imelda made the best of her situation…deciding to marry Dickie when his brother is killed in a car crash. As an adult she’s pawning jewellery but has little chance to meaningfully impact the fortunes of her family. Her sole recourse is to get in touch with her father-in-law to ask for help.
When it comes to Dickie’s story is when Murray really fleshes the characters out for us. He has his secrets, and it is these that come back to haunt him in the present. We follow him up to Dublin and are given the opportunity to understand him in more detail. It was hard - for so many reasons - not to feel sympathy for this character, even though he makes some appalling decisions. The present-day Dickie appeared to be suffering a breakdown, running round in the woods preparing for Doomsday. I really wasn’t sure of the significance of all this…and then we move into our final section.
This part of the book frustrated and captivated me in equal measure. We were privy to the thoughts of each of our key characters, and the way it was organised hinted heavily at something significant. I felt the noose tightening round certain characters, and was convinced that we were going to have to witness something awful. But then it ended, with us left none the wiser as to the outcome for each character. A bold move, but rather frustrating!
The book is told in separate parts, initially narrated by each family member. We learn that their business - a garage - is in trouble and see the consequences this has for each of the family members.
Twelve year old PJ is not really aware of exactly what is going. He is embarrassed by his growing feet, hiding the bloodied socks to cover up the fact that his new shoes are already too small. He obsesses over completing a particular level on a video game, and when a local thug beats him up because of some bad work done at his father’s garage he tries to sell all his possessions to get the money he needs to pay him.
Cass is a clever young woman, academically able, and just about to sit her final exams. Her best friend, Elaine, seems to be growing apart from her so Cass finds herself spending the run-up to exams drinking. Convinced she’s failed her exams, Cass hides herself at home awaiting her results. Then we see her following in her father’s footsteps as she heads to Dublin to study.
The toughest section to read was Imelda’s because of the lack of punctuation. The stream of consciousness became easier to follow, but it was somewhat inane as we followed her attempts to escape her home life and start again with local footballing hero Frank Barnes. Pretty, but lacking in intelligence, Imelda made the best of her situation…deciding to marry Dickie when his brother is killed in a car crash. As an adult she’s pawning jewellery but has little chance to meaningfully impact the fortunes of her family. Her sole recourse is to get in touch with her father-in-law to ask for help.
When it comes to Dickie’s story is when Murray really fleshes the characters out for us. He has his secrets, and it is these that come back to haunt him in the present. We follow him up to Dublin and are given the opportunity to understand him in more detail. It was hard - for so many reasons - not to feel sympathy for this character, even though he makes some appalling decisions. The present-day Dickie appeared to be suffering a breakdown, running round in the woods preparing for Doomsday. I really wasn’t sure of the significance of all this…and then we move into our final section.
This part of the book frustrated and captivated me in equal measure. We were privy to the thoughts of each of our key characters, and the way it was organised hinted heavily at something significant. I felt the noose tightening round certain characters, and was convinced that we were going to have to witness something awful. But then it ended, with us left none the wiser as to the outcome for each character. A bold move, but rather frustrating!
Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A new series, taking characters from the Marvel Universe and exploring their lives in the present. It was a strange experience reading this as someone who knew next to nothing about the character Jessica Jones, but it was still an entertaining story.
Jessica is traumatised from an experience in her past, where someone took control of her mind and forced her to become complicit in terrible things. When she is contacted by a concerned mother to investigate her teenage children it’s hard to know what to make of things. After visiting their father in England the twins look perfect and appear changed in personality. Their mother asks Jessica to find out more, and this starts an incredible bizarre story.
As expected, there’s something very odd going on.
Interspersed with Jessica’s investigation we get details from other characters who are part of this sordid situation. There are links to the decades-old murders of three homeless men, a man with an unhealthy fascination with blood, a woman determined to make her mark on the world with her beauty products and a tech genius who’s pushing the boundaries of AI. You genuinely could not predict where this story takes us, so I suggest buckling up and enjoying the ride.
Jessica is traumatised from an experience in her past, where someone took control of her mind and forced her to become complicit in terrible things. When she is contacted by a concerned mother to investigate her teenage children it’s hard to know what to make of things. After visiting their father in England the twins look perfect and appear changed in personality. Their mother asks Jessica to find out more, and this starts an incredible bizarre story.
As expected, there’s something very odd going on.
Interspersed with Jessica’s investigation we get details from other characters who are part of this sordid situation. There are links to the decades-old murders of three homeless men, a man with an unhealthy fascination with blood, a woman determined to make her mark on the world with her beauty products and a tech genius who’s pushing the boundaries of AI. You genuinely could not predict where this story takes us, so I suggest buckling up and enjoying the ride.
Better Left Buried by Mary E. Roach
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication. Better Left Buried takes two sparky characters and plunges them headlong into a murder mystery that has its roots in the past.
Starting off on her way to stay with her dad for spring break, our main character is fed up when her mum announces a detour to a town she’s never heard of to help an old friend that’s never been mentioned. Unfortunately, when they arrive at the scheduled meeting place they discover the body of the man they’ve come to meet. Lucy sees someone in the woods and is convinced they know more than they’re letting on.
It takes a bit of time to establish who’s who - mainly because Lucy has to be introduced to them all and told about them - but it’s clear that her mum has been hiding things about their past. Audrey, the young girl seen in the woods, has her own reasons for being there.
As Lucy and Audrey team up we follow the ongoing murder investigation, but they also unearth family secrets and root out those guilty of crimes long passed. Perhaps an unlikely ending, but guilt does strange things to people!
Starting off on her way to stay with her dad for spring break, our main character is fed up when her mum announces a detour to a town she’s never heard of to help an old friend that’s never been mentioned. Unfortunately, when they arrive at the scheduled meeting place they discover the body of the man they’ve come to meet. Lucy sees someone in the woods and is convinced they know more than they’re letting on.
It takes a bit of time to establish who’s who - mainly because Lucy has to be introduced to them all and told about them - but it’s clear that her mum has been hiding things about their past. Audrey, the young girl seen in the woods, has her own reasons for being there.
As Lucy and Audrey team up we follow the ongoing murder investigation, but they also unearth family secrets and root out those guilty of crimes long passed. Perhaps an unlikely ending, but guilt does strange things to people!
Touching My Father's Soul: A Sherpa's Journey to the Top of Everest by Jamling T. Norgay
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Everest…a place I am never likely to see with my own eyes. I am in awe of the skill and bravery needed to successfully navigate this climb, and I am all too aware of the dangers faced by anyone trying to make it. The main image I have of Everest now is of a mountain that has come to be seen as something to conquer, a mountain where climbers stand in line as they try to summit, and a mountain somewhat destroyed by mankind’s desire to leave his mark.
This account of the 1996 expedition to retrace Hillary’s steps was a fascinating read.
Not only do we get invaluable insight into the preparation needed to make a successful climb, but I was fascinated by the spiritual relationship our narrator (and his father before him) has with the mountain and its area. It felt a real privilege to be able to share his reflections.
This account of the 1996 expedition to retrace Hillary’s steps was a fascinating read.
Not only do we get invaluable insight into the preparation needed to make a successful climb, but I was fascinated by the spiritual relationship our narrator (and his father before him) has with the mountain and its area. It felt a real privilege to be able to share his reflections.
The Reader on the 6.27 by Jean-Paul Didierlaurent
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This definitely falls under the category of books I’ve read that seem to make no sense, until the end when things slot into place and there’s a satisfying sense of fulfilment to be had. Nothing much happens, but the ending felt so charming and hopeful that I couldn’t help but get rather emotional.
Our main character is the lonely Guylain Vignolles. The only thing he feels he has in his life is a goldfish - the fifth of its type. He spends his day pulping books (not sure why) and for someone who loves reading this is a horrendous torture. So Guylain rescues random pages and spends his commute to work reading extracts aloud.
Initially, we get to see how Guylain’s actions impact those who travel with him. They seem to love this experience, which I’m not sure is wholly accurate for a morning commute. Still, it offers him some interest to start the day.
One day he discovers a USB stick, on which appear to be the writings of a lonely young woman called Julie. Through his reading of her musings we learn a little of her daily life and experience, and get to know about her character. Taken in isolation we might see this as another story, but with the help of a friend Guylain tries to find Julie.
By the end I was quite intrigued to see what would happen. I still don’t feel it is an easy book to talk to people about, but it’s certainly one I’d recommend.
Our main character is the lonely Guylain Vignolles. The only thing he feels he has in his life is a goldfish - the fifth of its type. He spends his day pulping books (not sure why) and for someone who loves reading this is a horrendous torture. So Guylain rescues random pages and spends his commute to work reading extracts aloud.
Initially, we get to see how Guylain’s actions impact those who travel with him. They seem to love this experience, which I’m not sure is wholly accurate for a morning commute. Still, it offers him some interest to start the day.
One day he discovers a USB stick, on which appear to be the writings of a lonely young woman called Julie. Through his reading of her musings we learn a little of her daily life and experience, and get to know about her character. Taken in isolation we might see this as another story, but with the help of a friend Guylain tries to find Julie.
By the end I was quite intrigued to see what would happen. I still don’t feel it is an easy book to talk to people about, but it’s certainly one I’d recommend.