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goblinhearted's reviews
76 reviews
Pedro Páramo by Juan Rulfo
4.0
Pedro Páramo is a beautifully dark and dreamlike read, perfect for setting the tone as the Halloween season begins. Rulfo crafts a haunting tale of tormented souls, all bound to the oppressive legacy of the bullish patriarch, Pedro Páramo.
The narrative is fragmented but deeply layered, interwoven with rich Catholic imagery and symbolism. It unfolds in spirals, creating a disorienting, weightless atmosphere that mirrors the perspective of the lost souls that wander in the spectral gaps between death and life. It touches upon themes such as oppression of women, power, mortality, and revenge.
This is a novel that would benefit from multiple readings. It would also benefit from being read in its native Spanish—something I hope to do when my language skills improve.
The narrative is fragmented but deeply layered, interwoven with rich Catholic imagery and symbolism. It unfolds in spirals, creating a disorienting, weightless atmosphere that mirrors the perspective of the lost souls that wander in the spectral gaps between death and life. It touches upon themes such as oppression of women, power, mortality, and revenge.
This is a novel that would benefit from multiple readings. It would also benefit from being read in its native Spanish—something I hope to do when my language skills improve.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
3.0
The blurb for this novel feels a bit misleading. It correctly sets up the initial premise—a young woman, Agnieszka, is taken from her village by a bitter, centuries-old wizard known as the Dragon—but it doesn’t quite capture the rest of the novel, which is where my issues with the book begin. It feels like Uprooted is unsure of what it wants to be. The first part is character-driven and explores the tense, compelling dynamic between Agnieszka and the Dragon, and I loved this section for a lot of reasons. The prose is immersive, the vibes are immaculate, and it reads like a dark fairy tale set in haunted, enchanted woods. The imagery is strong and consistent, painting a vivid picture of a simple valley of farmers and woodcutters. There’s a lovely attention to detail which reinforces the book’s rustic aesthetic.
A little before the halfway point, the story shifts. It shifts focus from the dark fairy tale aesthetic and the dynamic between Agnieszka and the Dragon, moving into a political subplot as Agnieszka navigates a court of the rich and powerful. This is where my interest started to wane. The book strays from its initial concept, and becomes more about court intrigue, which feels dry and disconnected from the story’s earlier magic. The Dragon, who I felt was one of the more compelling characters, fades completely to the background, which was a disappointment.
The third part of the book turns into an extended battle sequence. I’m not a big fan of action scenes, and seeing one stretch out for multiple chapters was difficult to push through. Everything becomes very external, with events simply happening one after another, making it feel mechanical and disengaged.There’s also a sex scene near the end that felt completely out of left field.
I did enjoy the final chapters, where the story finally returns to its fairy tale roots, drawing heavily on the theme of Baba Jaga. If more of the book had followed this tone, it could have been one of my favorites. I adored the concept of a haunted wood and the way Baba Jaga mythology was woven into the plot. The magic system, though less developed than typical fantasy fare, didn’t bother me at all. I loved the little flourishes, like how Agnieszka’s unconventional magic mirrors her messy, spontaneous nature. Her friend Kasia was another highlight—one of the coolest, most badass characters in the book—but it felt like she was sidelined as a mere plot device rather than being given the fleshed-out role she deserved.
The relationship between Agnieszka and the Dragon would have captivated a younger me, trained on enemies-to-lovers fanfiction. As of now, I didn’t mind it terribly. Many readers are uncomfortable with how borderline abusive the Dragon is toward Agnieszka, but I felt this added some tension and left room for character growth—though, unfortunately, that growth never really materialized. When I am forced to read romance, I prefer that romance feels earned, and while this dynamic had the potential for that, it fell flat in the end.
This isn’t the type of book I usually gravitate toward. I tend to avoid YA, as it often isn’t my style, but Uprooted surprised me with its more mature prose that felt like adult fiction. I also shy away from romance, and thankfully, less than 10% of this book could be considered romantic.
All said, I really liked about 25% of this book. It stirred enough conflicting feelings in me that I’ve clearly written more than I expected, and in a way, I appreciate that. I want books to make me feel something, even if it’s frustration or conflicted admiration. Uprooted certainly did that.
A little before the halfway point, the story shifts. It shifts focus from the dark fairy tale aesthetic and the dynamic between Agnieszka and the Dragon, moving into a political subplot as Agnieszka navigates a court of the rich and powerful. This is where my interest started to wane. The book strays from its initial concept, and becomes more about court intrigue, which feels dry and disconnected from the story’s earlier magic. The Dragon, who I felt was one of the more compelling characters, fades completely to the background, which was a disappointment.
The third part of the book turns into an extended battle sequence. I’m not a big fan of action scenes, and seeing one stretch out for multiple chapters was difficult to push through. Everything becomes very external, with events simply happening one after another, making it feel mechanical and disengaged.
I did enjoy the final chapters, where the story finally returns to its fairy tale roots, drawing heavily on the theme of Baba Jaga. If more of the book had followed this tone, it could have been one of my favorites. I adored the concept of a haunted wood and the way Baba Jaga mythology was woven into the plot. The magic system, though less developed than typical fantasy fare, didn’t bother me at all. I loved the little flourishes, like how Agnieszka’s unconventional magic mirrors her messy, spontaneous nature. Her friend Kasia was another highlight—one of the coolest, most badass characters in the book—but it felt like she was sidelined as a mere plot device rather than being given the fleshed-out role she deserved.
The relationship between Agnieszka and the Dragon would have captivated a younger me, trained on enemies-to-lovers fanfiction. As of now, I didn’t mind it terribly. Many readers are uncomfortable with how borderline abusive the Dragon is toward Agnieszka, but I felt this added some tension and left room for character growth—though, unfortunately, that growth never really materialized. When I am forced to read romance, I prefer that romance feels earned, and while this dynamic had the potential for that, it fell flat in the end.
This isn’t the type of book I usually gravitate toward. I tend to avoid YA, as it often isn’t my style, but Uprooted surprised me with its more mature prose that felt like adult fiction. I also shy away from romance, and thankfully, less than 10% of this book could be considered romantic.
All said, I really liked about 25% of this book. It stirred enough conflicting feelings in me that I’ve clearly written more than I expected, and in a way, I appreciate that. I want books to make me feel something, even if it’s frustration or conflicted admiration. Uprooted certainly did that.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
5.0
Rebecca is a genre-defying gothic novel that tells the story of a woman haunted by her husband’s first wife.
Du Maurier crafts such a compelling, well-paced, atmospheric, and suspenseful story. Every part of it felt so complete. It reignited my love for what we call the “classics” of literature. As a former English major, I am absolutely betrayed by myself to have not read this one sooner.
I feel like any review I write could never do this book justice, so I’ll just say this: if you enjoy gothic literature, like Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights and if you crave dark, spooky, atmospheric novels with mysterious and thrilling secrets to unfold, then this book is for you.
Du Maurier crafts such a compelling, well-paced, atmospheric, and suspenseful story. Every part of it felt so complete. It reignited my love for what we call the “classics” of literature. As a former English major, I am absolutely betrayed by myself to have not read this one sooner.
I feel like any review I write could never do this book justice, so I’ll just say this: if you enjoy gothic literature, like Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights and if you crave dark, spooky, atmospheric novels with mysterious and thrilling secrets to unfold, then this book is for you.
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
3.0
The Lathe of Heaven offers a compelling and original premise: a man whose dreams have the ability to alter reality, including the history of the world itself. This man, George Orr, finds himself at the mercy of a psychiatrist who specializes in dream research– and who is determined to reshape the world accordion to his own vision.
The novel explores profound themes of power, philosophy, the ethics of playing God, and the inherent dangers of tampering with the natural order of things.
While the concept is undeniably original, I found the execution uneven at times. George Orr, our dreamer, comes across as passive and forgettable, while Dr. Haber, the manipulative psychiatrist, feels somewhat one-dimensional. The novel’s psychedelic and confusing ending left me wanting more clarity.
As a big fan of Le Guin’s work, I’m still glad I read this. Despite its flaws, it showcases her skill as a writer and storyteller. However, in my opinion, The Lathe of Heaven is one of her weaker works.
The novel explores profound themes of power, philosophy, the ethics of playing God, and the inherent dangers of tampering with the natural order of things.
While the concept is undeniably original, I found the execution uneven at times. George Orr, our dreamer, comes across as passive and forgettable, while Dr. Haber, the manipulative psychiatrist, feels somewhat one-dimensional. The novel’s psychedelic and confusing ending left me wanting more clarity.
As a big fan of Le Guin’s work, I’m still glad I read this. Despite its flaws, it showcases her skill as a writer and storyteller. However, in my opinion, The Lathe of Heaven is one of her weaker works.
Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
4.0
Cat’s Eye is a coming-of-age story that deals with female friendships, bullying, trauma, and the experience of being haunted by these events, all set against the backdrop of gentrification and a changing world. It is a deeply introspective novel that follows the life of Elaine, a woman reflecting on her journey from childhood to adulthood.
Elaine, who grows up with an unconventional childhood, desperately wants to become friends with other girls. She gets her wish, and becomes sucked into the volatile feminine politics of ‘friendship’. We follow her throughout life as she grapples with the trauma of these early experiences, while navigating the rapidly gentrifying landscape of Toronto.
While reading, I paused a few times to marvel at how Atwood constructed such a detailed and real fictional life. Experiencing the world through Elaine’s eyes felt compelling and familiar, capturing the universal struggle of clumsily and painfully finding one’s place in the world after trauma.
This was my first Atwood read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s one of those slow-paced, introspective novels that I love. Though the narrative shifts between Elaine’s childhood and her present life, I was content to let the story wash over me and enjoy the journey. Atwood’s writing style is crisp, cutting, and truly inspiring– especially from the perspective of an aspiring writer.
Elaine, who grows up with an unconventional childhood, desperately wants to become friends with other girls. She gets her wish, and becomes sucked into the volatile feminine politics of ‘friendship’. We follow her throughout life as she grapples with the trauma of these early experiences, while navigating the rapidly gentrifying landscape of Toronto.
While reading, I paused a few times to marvel at how Atwood constructed such a detailed and real fictional life. Experiencing the world through Elaine’s eyes felt compelling and familiar, capturing the universal struggle of clumsily and painfully finding one’s place in the world after trauma.
This was my first Atwood read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s one of those slow-paced, introspective novels that I love. Though the narrative shifts between Elaine’s childhood and her present life, I was content to let the story wash over me and enjoy the journey. Atwood’s writing style is crisp, cutting, and truly inspiring– especially from the perspective of an aspiring writer.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
3.0
The Vegetarian is the story of a woman, Yeong-hye, told from three different perspectives. The first part is told by her husband, the second part by her sister's husband, and the final part by her sister.
This was a quick but disturbing read.
It's been a few days but I'm still unsure how I feel about it. By the end of the book, I was looking for some sort of resolution or some closure - even the tiniest bit.
I would have really liked to hear Yeong-hye's perspective, but the fact that we didn't get that is kind of the point. I'm not sure I'd recommend this one.
This was a quick but disturbing read.
It's been a few days but I'm still unsure how I feel about it. By the end of the book, I was looking for some sort of resolution or some closure - even the tiniest bit.
I would have really liked to hear Yeong-hye's perspective, but the fact that we didn't get that is kind of the point. I'm not sure I'd recommend this one.
The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin
A physicist born and raised on an anarchist planet travels to a capitalist planet for his work and experiences the culture shock of a lifetime.
This is quite honestly one of my favorite books of all time. That being said, it is incredibly intimidating to write a review that I feel could possibly do this book justice - so I’ll keep it basic.
Annares is a planet with a society without the concept of ownership or possession, a society which discourages excess.
Shevek’s work as a physicist leads him to attempt to visit Annares’ “twin moon”, known as Urras. On Urras, society values not only property and ownership but gratuitous excess to an extent that results in sharp economic inequality.
I enjoyed every last chapter of this book. While Annares is the so-called “utopia”, Le Guin approaches this concept more on the side of realism than idealism. I saw so much of Earth in Urras.
Like always, Le Guin creates multifaceted and nuanced characters set against rich backdrops. Everything I have read by her has been, at least in some way, a very real and sharp reflection of the human experience - and this novel is certainly no exception.
This is an amazing pick for a book club. It will foster lively discussion and spark complex interpretations about the various events that unfold within.
With certainty, I will return to this book again in the future for a re-read.
5.0
[I]f no direction is taken, if one goes nowhere, no change will occur. One’s freedom to choose and to change will be unused, exactly as if one were in jail, a jail of one’s own building, a maze in which no one way is better than any other.
A physicist born and raised on an anarchist planet travels to a capitalist planet for his work and experiences the culture shock of a lifetime.
This is quite honestly one of my favorite books of all time. That being said, it is incredibly intimidating to write a review that I feel could possibly do this book justice - so I’ll keep it basic.
Annares is a planet with a society without the concept of ownership or possession, a society which discourages excess.
“Excess is exrement. Excrement retained in the body is a poison.”
Shevek’s work as a physicist leads him to attempt to visit Annares’ “twin moon”, known as Urras. On Urras, society values not only property and ownership but gratuitous excess to an extent that results in sharp economic inequality.
I enjoyed every last chapter of this book. While Annares is the so-called “utopia”, Le Guin approaches this concept more on the side of realism than idealism. I saw so much of Earth in Urras.
Like always, Le Guin creates multifaceted and nuanced characters set against rich backdrops. Everything I have read by her has been, at least in some way, a very real and sharp reflection of the human experience - and this novel is certainly no exception.
This is an amazing pick for a book club. It will foster lively discussion and spark complex interpretations about the various events that unfold within.
What drives people crazy is trying to live outside reality. Reality is terrible. It can kill you. Given time, it will certainly kill you. The reality is pain– you said that! But it’s the lies, the evasions of reality, that drive you crazy. It’s the lies that make you want to kill yourself.
With certainty, I will return to this book again in the future for a re-read.