emmaj_xo's reviews
83 reviews

Sexing The Cherry by Jeanette Winterson

challenging funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A novel that, much like poetry, demands rereading to appreciate its rich complexity. Again I am struck by Winterson’s masterful prose. I particularly loved the retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Set mostly in the 17th century, the novels weaves across time and between narrators. A feminist tale with a female character at its core who is equally compelling and repellent - and I can’t help but adore her. 

The Thorns Remain by J.J.A. Harwood

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

This was an enjoyable, quick read but the strengths of the book lied in the mundane. Simply put - the historical elements and characterisation were a strong highlight, though some of the dialogue read a little clumsy to me at times. 

I did enjoy the dedication to weave in creatures from Scottish folklore, though some were woven into the plot better than others. Others were mentioned in passing but didn’t have any particular role in the story so their inclusion felt a little cluttered.

When I picked up this book, the blurb and quotes from reviews seemed to indicate there would be a Romance plot, but that seems to be lacking. There is certainly mention of past loves, and sentiments are expressed or thought - but a love story doesn’t develop. I would avoid if that’s what piqued your interest in this book. In fact, without giving too much away, I was glad the Romance I thought was being hinted at didn’t happen because it made me feel uneasy. In the end that worked for the direction of the story, but it would have been disappointing if it’s what I had been seeking.

Overall, an enjoyable historical fantasy steeped in Scottish Fairy Folkore, though it perhaps fell too short in a few of areas for my tastes.

The Time Traveller's Guide to Regency Britain by Ian Mortimer

informative lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

A great introduction to the history of the Regency period - perfect for Ausenites and Bridgerton fans to gain some background knowledge. The audio is well read and made great background listening since I was familiar with most of the topics discussed. It’s difficult to give a fair rating because I think it does well at what it’s trying to be - it’s an entertaining overview. Although, for those who already have a good understanding of the period, there’s little new here to hook you. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

funny hopeful slow-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

4.0

What is there to be said that hasn’t been said? There’s something to the fact that however familiar I am to the ending, having read this before and watched adaptations, I still could not put the book down for the last 100+ pages in anxious expectation. 

Perhaps with future rereads I’ll develop an even deeper appreciation for the novel so many hold as a favourite. I cannot deny her unrivalled wit and clever sense of humour. 

Five Empresses: Court Life in Eighteenth-Century Russia by Evgenii V. Anisimov

informative medium-paced

3.5

This is an accessible and interesting overview of the five empresses that ruled Russia in the 18th century - and the coups and political scheming that kept them in power. There are detailed accounts of Russian Royals who met terrible fates - be they be murdered or imprisoned since childhood - and it’s the bloodier side of history that interested me as much as the scandals in Court. Anisimov’s conversational style whilst accessible can sometimes lean into more personal opinion and judgment than I’m comfortable reading in history. Let the facts speak for themselves, you don’t need to tell me an obviously morally bad action is bad. Overall I enjoyed this, and it’s introduced me to parts of Russian history I’m interested in reading more about.

Summer by Edith Wharton

emotional 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? It's complicated

4.0

This is my first Edith Wharton and I adored this. The short, Summery novella felt like the perfect pick up for a warm June weekend. I certainly got more than I expected in this Feminist tale about a woman’s choices (or lack thereof) and a wonderful, flawed character at its centre. I must read more from Wharton in the future. 

Jane Austen at Home: A Biography by Lucy Worsley

emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

An enchanting and enlightening biography about a literary hero. Grounded in the domesticity of her every day life, here we’re shown a nuanced picture that doesn’t attempt to mould Austen into one of her characters like some of her earlier biographers. Worsley brings in important political and social context to the letters between Jane and her family. I’m drawn to wanting to read Austen’s letters now, especially those between her and her beloved sister Cassandra. There is humour and the book is at times deeply moving. For the audio - Worsley reads only the Introduction and the Epilogue, but her witty and passionate voice shines through Ruth Redman’s reading. I think I’ll look out for a second hand print copy as I’m sure I’ll want to revisit this biography again. As I’m sure, future readings of Austen’s novels will be enriched by having read this. 

Alice's Adventures Under Ground: The Original Manuscript by Lewis Carroll

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Reading the original handwritten manuscript, with Carroll’s original illustrations, was such a delight. This manuscript, gifted to little Alice Liddell, is an earlier version of the story before it was edited and expanded for print. There’s no Mad Hatter yet, or pig baby, which seems remarkable given how iconic the tea party scene became. There is however a lovely, short epilogue about the real Alice and her sisters. The care taken in lovingly and carefully transcribing the work is evident too.

This particular British Library edition is complete with a wonderful introduction explaining the origin of the story and the transcript itself. I particularly enjoyed reading of the circumstances that lead to the little leather-bound book coming into the British Library’s collection. 

The Cleft by Doris Lessing

challenging reflective slow-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? No

3.0

This is my third Lessing (first in over 10 years) but it feels like a departure from her earlier work. This works more than a book light in both plot and character should, but it doesn’t quite deliver on its interesting premise. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Rape, and Violence

Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A bizarre folk horror tale. Not as shocking as it had been pitched to me, but i think that’s more a matter of taste - and I’ve a strong stomach.

Was an easy, fast pace read for me and i enjoyed the mysterious setting and strange cast of characters.

Enjoyed this enough to read more Moshfegh. I only come away feeling I need to read more folk horror (a genre I love in film) as it fell short of fully scratching that itch.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Death, Rape, and Cannibalism

Moderate: Gore