sarahs_bookish_life's review against another edition
4.0
From the blurb on this book I don't think I had realised the full potential of what this story is about.
Being a big fan of Egypt and having been there numerous times, as soon as Cairo was mentioned in the book it had my attention straight away. Not much of the book is actually set there though, the story actually alternates between Di's present life and to different parts of her past. Even though it does flick between different timelines, it is very easy to keep up with and didn't spoil the flow of the story at all.
Di is actually a wonderful character but her start in life hasn't been one of the easiest. It is obvious right from the start she is quite a troubled soul. It does take a while for the story to unfold as to the reasoning of why Di is so troubled and I honestly had know clue until the author revealed it to me.
This is very much a story of finding yourself and being happy with who you are. It is very expertly told by the author and I have to say this story is quite unique to me as I haven't read any other books on the same topic.
A book that certainly broadens your mind and one I would certainly recommend.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Being a big fan of Egypt and having been there numerous times, as soon as Cairo was mentioned in the book it had my attention straight away. Not much of the book is actually set there though, the story actually alternates between Di's present life and to different parts of her past. Even though it does flick between different timelines, it is very easy to keep up with and didn't spoil the flow of the story at all.
Di is actually a wonderful character but her start in life hasn't been one of the easiest. It is obvious right from the start she is quite a troubled soul. It does take a while for the story to unfold as to the reasoning of why Di is so troubled and I honestly had know clue until the author revealed it to me.
This is very much a story of finding yourself and being happy with who you are. It is very expertly told by the author and I have to say this story is quite unique to me as I haven't read any other books on the same topic.
A book that certainly broadens your mind and one I would certainly recommend.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
marjma2014's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first book I’ve read from Anne Goodwin. Sugar and Snails is her debut novel and what an impressive story it is. Anne draws upon her psychiatric knowledge to write a narrative which is absorbing, poignant and intriguing.
To begin with we are introduced to Diana a 40 something Professor living a life of solitude with her much loved cat Marmaduke (who almost takes on the role of a life partner – she can’t bare to part with him.) Diana begins looking for love and hopes to find it with Simon.
But Simon doesn’t know her secret…
As the story progresses we learn that there is so much more to this novel – discovering Diana’s past and her decision at the tender age of 15 to change gender. So this is both a coming-of-age story as well as an exploration of mid-life and gender issues. There are shifting time periods and settings in different cultures: (Cairo, Egypt and North Derbyshire, and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, in England,) which interweave the story in a confident way.
The characters of Diana’s mother and in particular her father are also carefully and brilliantly crafted.
My recommendation: Highly recommended. You will love this story if you enjoy thoughtful stories about gender, family relationships, psychiatric/mental health/self-harm issues, secrets and regrets and the search for love and acceptance.
Thank you so much to the author for a complimentary copy which I was pleased to receive. I happily give my unbiased opinion.
My rating: 5 stars.
To begin with we are introduced to Diana a 40 something Professor living a life of solitude with her much loved cat Marmaduke (who almost takes on the role of a life partner – she can’t bare to part with him.) Diana begins looking for love and hopes to find it with Simon.
But Simon doesn’t know her secret…
As the story progresses we learn that there is so much more to this novel – discovering Diana’s past and her decision at the tender age of 15 to change gender. So this is both a coming-of-age story as well as an exploration of mid-life and gender issues. There are shifting time periods and settings in different cultures: (Cairo, Egypt and North Derbyshire, and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, in England,) which interweave the story in a confident way.
The characters of Diana’s mother and in particular her father are also carefully and brilliantly crafted.
My recommendation: Highly recommended. You will love this story if you enjoy thoughtful stories about gender, family relationships, psychiatric/mental health/self-harm issues, secrets and regrets and the search for love and acceptance.
Thank you so much to the author for a complimentary copy which I was pleased to receive. I happily give my unbiased opinion.
My rating: 5 stars.
linzhere's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story of a woman and her past is gradually revealed through this wonderfully crafted book. Each chapter has multiple time lines with the threads cleverly interwoven. I particularly liked the way that all the different time frames were included in each chapter without headings signposting the time period.
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