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libraryoflanelle's reviews
697 reviews
Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker
4.5
‘Madwoman’ is a story told in the form of a letter from a traumatised and seemingly ‘reinvented’ adult daughter to her estranged mother.
As we read Clove’s words, we slowly, in fragments, begin to see her full, truest story come into view. Through the people in her life, both past and present—including past versions of herself—we get to know the Clove behind the perfect façade.
While the mystery element of this novel can certainly be described as a slow burn, I was absolutely entranced and could barely put the book down. Although I found some aspects of the mystery a little predictable, I can definitively say that this did not detract from my experience. If anything, it highlights the nuance in the storytelling. The fact that I, as a reader, was so deeply drawn into Clove’s world that I could anticipate many of her realisations reflects how all-encompassing this story is and how well-established each character is, no matter how small their role.
Chelsea Bieker's ‘Madwoman’ is an exemplary literary thriller, striking a perfect balance between intrigue and genuine character development. The novel explores heavy themes with sincerity and without inhibition, making it a truly remarkable read.
I would confidently recommend this book to readers of contemporary fiction, mysteries, and psychological fiction alike.
This was my first Chelsea Bieker novel, but by no means my last. I am in awe of the fluency and depth in her writing and am eager to meet more of her characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Terminal illness
The Beauty by Aliya Whiteley
1.0
I have had ‘The Beauty’ on my TBR for a while, so I was excited to receive an ARC of the 10th anniversary edition.
I’ll start by saying that the horror elements were enjoyable, and had it not been for the overall messaging of the book, I might have liked it more. Unfortunately, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this book.
‘The Beauty’ is around 100 pages long, which is why I read it in its entirety rather than just not finishing it. I was truly hoping that it would become more inclusive or take an unexpected turn. But alas, I was left disappointed.
I went into this book knowing very little, which is often how I approach horror and speculative fiction to avoid spoilers. Since finishing it, I have read a few other reviews that reflect my feelings.
Although the book is anything but predictable or 'classic' in its plot and surrealism, it employs a classic 'gender swap' approach. Due to this, many have praised its supposed 'feminist' messaging. The issue, however, is that there are not only two genders... Any perceived 'feminism' in this book is, by definition, Trans+ Exclusionary (aka it is TERFy). I have found little to suggest that this was the author's intent; it is likely a byproduct of the author being heterosexual and cisgender, and therefore not having thought to explore beyond her own worldview when the book was first published 10 years ago. I am particularly upset that this is an anniversary edition that somehow made it to being republished despite this harmful and exclusionary messaging.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
I’ll start by saying that the horror elements were enjoyable, and had it not been for the overall messaging of the book, I might have liked it more. Unfortunately, I cannot, in good conscience, recommend this book.
‘The Beauty’ is around 100 pages long, which is why I read it in its entirety rather than just not finishing it. I was truly hoping that it would become more inclusive or take an unexpected turn. But alas, I was left disappointed.
I went into this book knowing very little, which is often how I approach horror and speculative fiction to avoid spoilers. Since finishing it, I have read a few other reviews that reflect my feelings.
Although the book is anything but predictable or 'classic' in its plot and surrealism, it employs a classic 'gender swap' approach. Due to this, many have praised its supposed 'feminist' messaging. The issue, however, is that there are not only two genders... Any perceived 'feminism' in this book is, by definition, Trans+ Exclusionary (aka it is TERFy). I have found little to suggest that this was the author's intent; it is likely a byproduct of the author being heterosexual and cisgender, and therefore not having thought to explore beyond her own worldview when the book was first published 10 years ago. I am particularly upset that this is an anniversary edition that somehow made it to being republished despite this harmful and exclusionary messaging.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
Jellyfish Have No Ears by Adèle Rosenfeld
4.0
Upon finishing this book, I must admit I felt a little discombobulated—in the best way possible. While I may have missed some nuances that other readers may have an easier time picking up on, I personally feel that the confusion about what is real or imagined enhances the experience of connecting with the narrator.
‘Jellyfish Have No Ears’ by Adèle Rosenfeld, translated from French to English by Jeffrey Zuckerman, is a deeply lyrical and, at times, bemusing story. In the opening chapter, we join Louise at her latest appointment, where she learns that, as she suspected, she has lost a significant amount of her remaining hearing. This first chapter is one of the strongest I have ever read, and I was utterly astounded by how well it must have been translated—more on that later.
Throughout this short book, we follow Louise as she contemplates her next steps: whether to continue life with her familiar experience of hearing, continuing to find belonging, at least in part, within the deaf community, or to opt for an irreversible implant, which could potentially further ostracise her from that same community.
The reader quickly becomes deeply entrenched in Louise’s thoughts and her increasingly uncertain reality, leaving it up to us to discern what is most significant and what may be slightly more questionable.
The prose is incredibly lyrical and plays with language in the most beautiful and contextually relevant way. Much of this experimentation with language is employed in illustrating how Louise understands and interprets what others say. What makes this all the more impressive is that the novel is translated, yet it still manages to powerfully convey the experience of hearing loss and being deaf, likely due to both the author and translator being part of the deaf community.
Another aspect that stood out to me was the portrayal of Louise’s daily experiences of ableism and the sheer lack of accessibility and consideration she encounters in wider society and particularly within the workplace.
Whilst I did finish the book with some questions and uncertainties, I believe that Adèle Rosenfeld and Jeffrey Zuckerman accomplished exactly what they set out to do. I would recommend this book widely. Be prepared to feel a bit bewildered at times, but rest assured, the experience will draw you in and prove to be well worth it in the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.
Jellyfish Have No Ears is out now!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Medical content, Grief, and Gaslighting
Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Gore, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Animal death, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, and Cannibalism
Minor: Ableism
The Last Gifts of the Universe by Riley August
3.5
I'll admit, I initially requested this ARC based on the cover, but fortunately, I ended up enjoying the book too, though it did leave me wanting more.
‘The Last Gifts of the Universe’ follows Scout as they travel the universe with their brother and their cat, Pumpkin. The siblings traverse the universe in search of lost knowledge and answers to why and how multiple worlds and their civilisations died. Interspersed throughout Scout’s story are excerpts of messages recovered from an alien who may hold the answers they’re seeking.
I’m someone who loves a short book when it’s done well, but I strongly feel this book could have been more engrossing and thematically rich if it had been longer. Riley August manages to fit a lot of important plot points into this brief story, and while nothing was left unresolved, I found myself wanting more! I particularly enjoyed the themes of grief and belonging and would have loved a deeper exploration of these. Additionally, more insight into the alien species we hear from throughout the book would have been so interesting.
Overall, I had a fun time and would recommend it if you find the premise intriguing.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Murder, and Gaslighting
Minor: Ableism, Cannibalism, and Alcohol