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elwirax's reviews
479 reviews
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
I know this book heavily draws on real historical events such as the Nanjing Massacre. By 'heavily draws' I mean, it is completely lifted from history and placed in a fantasty element. Therefore, it was very hard for me to reconcile these atrocities with a plot following drug-addled teenagers who made poor decisions. I understand they are meant to symbolise the fighting spirit of those who suffered and their deep resentment of those responsible for war crimes. However, the way this characterisation was portrayed just didn't work with the overall conflicts of the book nor did the real suffering of individuals any justice. I am aware this is not a history book but if you are to directly lift from history, it has to be done with a certain sensitivity and caution.
Aside from this, the pacing was awful and the jump from the slow (and arguably better) Part I to Part II was shocking to say the least. There was no real build up to the war described in Part II and really all the lessons the reader sat through in Part I were just an excuse for worldbuilding info dumping.
All the characters were deeply unlikeable and due to the considerable focus on world building, they felt undeveloped. I found it hard to care for their motives or their reasonings for committing atrocities themselves.
There was some good philosophical commentary but a lot of it was lost on the actual plot. In general, the writing didn't do much for me and I found the the use of phrases like 'tiger's tits' and 'great tortoise' quite juvenile (but that is really a nitpick).
Overall, unfortunately not my favourite. There were some interesting mythological elements and interesting themes (the horrors of war and addiction etc) but nothing else really worked for me. I have no intention to pick up the other books in this trilogy.
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
They were monsters!" Rin shrieked. "They were not human!"
"Have you ever considered" he said slowly "that that was exactly what they thought of us?
War doesn't determine who's right. War determines who remains.
I know this book heavily draws on real historical events such as the Nanjing Massacre. By 'heavily draws' I mean, it is completely lifted from history and placed in a fantasty element. Therefore, it was very hard for me to reconcile these atrocities with a plot following drug-addled teenagers who made poor decisions. I understand they are meant to symbolise the fighting spirit of those who suffered and their deep resentment of those responsible for war crimes. However, the way this characterisation was portrayed just didn't work with the overall conflicts of the book nor did the real suffering of individuals any justice. I am aware this is not a history book but if you are to directly lift from history, it has to be done with a certain sensitivity and caution.
Aside from this, the pacing was awful and the jump from the slow (and arguably better) Part I to Part II was shocking to say the least. There was no real build up to the war described in Part II and really all the lessons the reader sat through in Part I were just an excuse for worldbuilding info dumping.
All the characters were deeply unlikeable and due to the considerable focus on world building, they felt undeveloped. I found it hard to care for their motives or their reasonings for committing atrocities themselves.
There was some good philosophical commentary but a lot of it was lost on the actual plot. In general, the writing didn't do much for me and I found the the use of phrases like 'tiger's tits' and 'great tortoise' quite juvenile (but that is really a nitpick).
Overall, unfortunately not my favourite. There were some interesting mythological elements and interesting themes (the horrors of war and addiction etc) but nothing else really worked for me. I have no intention to pick up the other books in this trilogy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Gore, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Drug abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Forced institutionalization, and Colonisation
Minor: Self harm
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a really fun book and of course, I can never say no to a Queer Arthurian re-telling.
The writing was really enjoyable, it didn't read too young but still had that lightness that is to be expected from YA contemporary fantasies. I also really liked the action in this book, it delivers everything one would expect from a medieval set story: jousting, secret societies, war, and a smidge of political intrigue.
While I love some quality banter, I think it could have been toned down in this book to move the plot along faster. A lot of the serious action took place in the last 20% of the book. Having the fluffier aspects shortened would have made for a smoother transition into the more high stakes action and made the political intrigue stronger. There was also a lot of info dumping at the beginning that considerably slowed down the pace of the book.
Character wise, I really liked Arthur and Sydney, their friendship and banter was very entertaining. Gwen and Gabriel were solid characters albeit a bit underdeveloped in certain areas. I wish we got Gabriel's POV for a more nuanced understanding of his character. Where I was most dissapointed was with Bridget's character. She wasn't very present and felt very secondary despite being Gwen's love interest. I think the romances in this book were very shallow in general and I didn't really feel any of the yearning being described.
The ending was rather abrupt and again, I think that if the the start was shortened the focus could've been shifted to develop the ending a bit more.
Overall, this was a fun book. Could have perhaps focused more on robust character building but I did like aspects of the world building and the banter.
The writing was really enjoyable, it didn't read too young but still had that lightness that is to be expected from YA contemporary fantasies. I also really liked the action in this book, it delivers everything one would expect from a medieval set story: jousting, secret societies, war, and a smidge of political intrigue.
While I love some quality banter, I think it could have been toned down in this book to move the plot along faster. A lot of the serious action took place in the last 20% of the book. Having the fluffier aspects shortened would have made for a smoother transition into the more high stakes action and made the political intrigue stronger. There was also a lot of info dumping at the beginning that considerably slowed down the pace of the book.
Character wise, I really liked Arthur and Sydney, their friendship and banter was very entertaining. Gwen and Gabriel were solid characters albeit a bit underdeveloped in certain areas. I wish we got Gabriel's POV for a more nuanced understanding of his character. Where I was most dissapointed was with Bridget's character. She wasn't very present and felt very secondary despite being Gwen's love interest. I think the romances in this book were very shallow in general and I didn't really feel any of the yearning being described.
The ending was rather abrupt and again, I think that if the the start was shortened the focus could've been shifted to develop the ending a bit more.
Overall, this was a fun book. Could have perhaps focused more on robust character building but I did like aspects of the world building and the banter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Homophobia, Death of parent, and Alcohol
A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
2.5
This was a sweet book. I'd say it's more of a love letter to Vietnam, it's culture and food rather than a fully developed romance but still enjoyable.
I do think that it read a little young (even for a YA book) and tried to tackle too many issues in a short amount of pages which made certain aspects seems slightly shallow. Nevertheless, a quick, sapphic read with some great Vietnamese representation.
I do think that it read a little young (even for a YA book) and tried to tackle too many issues in a short amount of pages which made certain aspects seems slightly shallow. Nevertheless, a quick, sapphic read with some great Vietnamese representation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Racism, Blood, and War
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Before the Coffee gets Cold was an interesting blend of magical realism and at some points non-fiction. I really enjoyed the premise of this book and how each short story was connected to the last.
That being said, it's very clear that this was written by a man. Every story centred around smart women giving up their freedom in some regard to cater to mediocre men. Not once did a man choose to time travel, it was always the women going back to fix other people's problems.
The time traveling rules got repetitive and new rules kept being introduced in each story which made no sense. There were many contradictions and lazily presented exposition that didn't really go anywhere. I was left with many unanswered questions which made the book seem very shallow (e.g.what's the point of the ghost's curse if it has no real impact? How exactly does an individual get to a particular time or date? Etc etc)
The writing style also didn't do much for me. It was rather dry and matter of fact which made the characters seem very two-dimensional and rather uninteresting.
Overall, some good aspects and an interesting premise but hindered by its depiction of women and its dull writing.
That being said, it's very clear that this was written by a man. Every story centred around smart women giving up their freedom in some regard to cater to mediocre men. Not once did a man choose to time travel, it was always the women going back to fix other people's problems.
The time traveling rules got repetitive and new rules kept being introduced in each story which made no sense. There were many contradictions and lazily presented exposition that didn't really go anywhere. I was left with many unanswered questions which made the book seem very shallow (e.g.what's the point of the ghost's curse if it has no real impact? How exactly does an individual get to a particular time or date? Etc etc)
The writing style also didn't do much for me. It was rather dry and matter of fact which made the characters seem very two-dimensional and rather uninteresting.
Overall, some good aspects and an interesting premise but hindered by its depiction of women and its dull writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Dementia
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Death of parent
White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Honestly, the narrator very much reminds me of the modern archetype for those 20-something year old males who post about how "the good guys always finish last" while ocassionally teetering into incel-adjascent content and thinking they're the next best thing 'cause they read some philosophy books.
I wouldn't really call this a love story, more so a story of a lonely man who gets attached and deluded by an idealised version of someone who has happened to converse with him. The narrator being 26 and Nastenka (his love interest) being 17 coupled with the love bombing and manipulation made for an uncomfortable reading experience.
That's not to say that the narrator was wholly unlikeable, many of his traits could be interpreted as endearing despite his inherent flaws. He wears his heart on his sleeve and this level of vulnerability is refreshing to see expressed so earnestly in a world where men in particular are emotionally guarded. The hopeless romanticism and vivid daydreaming will resonate with those who also long for deep and meaningful connections with others but who are often their own worst obstacles.
The writing in this short story was poetic and beautiful, albeit a bit long winded at some points.
Overall, there was much to like in terms of characterisation and writing. However, plot-wise, it was not the most engaging and sometimes came off a wee bit melodramatic. It required the reader to suspend their disbelief at the pace of this supposed "romance".
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
'You ask yourself: where are your dreams now? And you shake your head and say how swiftly the years fly by! And you ask yourself again: what have you done with your best years, then? Where have you buried the best days of your life? Have you lived or not?'
Honestly, the narrator very much reminds me of the modern archetype for those 20-something year old males who post about how "the good guys always finish last" while ocassionally teetering into incel-adjascent content and thinking they're the next best thing 'cause they read some philosophy books.
I wouldn't really call this a love story, more so a story of a lonely man who gets attached and deluded by an idealised version of someone who has happened to converse with him. The narrator being 26 and Nastenka (his love interest) being 17 coupled with the love bombing and manipulation made for an uncomfortable reading experience.
That's not to say that the narrator was wholly unlikeable, many of his traits could be interpreted as endearing despite his inherent flaws. He wears his heart on his sleeve and this level of vulnerability is refreshing to see expressed so earnestly in a world where men in particular are emotionally guarded. The hopeless romanticism and vivid daydreaming will resonate with those who also long for deep and meaningful connections with others but who are often their own worst obstacles.
The writing in this short story was poetic and beautiful, albeit a bit long winded at some points.
Overall, there was much to like in terms of characterisation and writing. However, plot-wise, it was not the most engaging and sometimes came off a wee bit melodramatic. It required the reader to suspend their disbelief at the pace of this supposed "romance".
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
I adore Audre Lorde's writing, and her immense contribution to Black, lesbian and feminist writing is undeniable.
Sister Outsider is a powerful and forward-thinking collection of essay and speeches discussing intersectionality and oppression. Lorde's exploration of race, feminism, sexuality and gender remain relevant and I would have loved to see how her insights might have evolved in lights of the recognition of diverse identities since her passing. Lorde's work leaves the reader with much to analyse, ponder and debate.
informative
medium-paced
4.0
'What are the tyrannies you swallow day by day and attempt to make your own, until you will sicken and die of them, still in silence?'
'The white fathers told us: I think, therefore I am. The Black mother within each of us – the poet – whispers in our dreams: I feel, therefore I can be free.'
I adore Audre Lorde's writing, and her immense contribution to Black, lesbian and feminist writing is undeniable.
Sister Outsider is a powerful and forward-thinking collection of essay and speeches discussing intersectionality and oppression. Lorde's exploration of race, feminism, sexuality and gender remain relevant and I would have loved to see how her insights might have evolved in lights of the recognition of diverse identities since her passing. Lorde's work leaves the reader with much to analyse, ponder and debate.
Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
'Vile Bodies' is an interesting wee book with a refreshing, satirical yet foreboding writing style for its time. It reflects the changes in British society during the inter-war period and the erosion of tradition in light of modern attitudes and technologies. While I do not agree with Waugh's nostalgia for the past and rejection of modernity, the book offeres an intriguing insight into the post-war period and its uncertainties.
I particularly enjoyed its cynical portrayal of organised religion and its sharp critique of the hedonism and absurdity of the English upper classes. The role of the media as both criticising and elevating the lives of these people was also very interesting.
Nevertheless, being written in the 1930's it is no surprise that the novel contains attitudes regarding race and colonialism that are outdated and offensive by contemporary standards (CW for explicit use of the 'n' word and the 'y' word for Jewish people). Its portrayal of women is very shallow and while many of them are quite witty, they are often reduced to their romantic interests. The book also dealt with some heavy subjects such as suicide and death rather flippantly and without empathy. This detachment, I suppose may also be a reflection of the post war context.
Overall, an interesting book tonally and stylistically. Plot wise, it was not the most entertaining.
I particularly enjoyed its cynical portrayal of organised religion and its sharp critique of the hedonism and absurdity of the English upper classes. The role of the media as both criticising and elevating the lives of these people was also very interesting.
Nevertheless, being written in the 1930's it is no surprise that the novel contains attitudes regarding race and colonialism that are outdated and offensive by contemporary standards (CW for explicit use of the 'n' word and the 'y' word for Jewish people). Its portrayal of women is very shallow and while many of them are quite witty, they are often reduced to their romantic interests. The book also dealt with some heavy subjects such as suicide and death rather flippantly and without empathy. This detachment, I suppose may also be a reflection of the post war context.
Overall, an interesting book tonally and stylistically. Plot wise, it was not the most entertaining.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Death, Suicide, and Car accident
The Pallbearers Club by Paul Tremblay
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The book started off strongly, but as it progressed, the plot fell apart and morphed into something completely different- and arguably less enjoyable. The book had a stream of consciousness style, yet nothing significant seemed to happened. Art, as a character, wasn't interesting enough to follow; he constantly blamed Mercy for his shortcomings. I was more interested in her but her character was barely fleshed out.
The mixed media format was perhaps the most enjoyable part of this book.
The mixed media format was perhaps the most enjoyable part of this book.