quiteliterary's reviews
124 reviews

Longbourn by Jo Baker

hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

2.75

Even though the romance was prominent in this novel, it almost reads like general historical fiction. I enjoy reading about the working class in historical periods. What more when it is set in JA’s Pride & Prejudice? If you’re a hardcore P&P fan, I’d advise reading this as a fanfic, rather than a “spin-off”. The Bennets feel a little OOC sometimes. This was a bittersweet read about the mundane lives of the working class, and what they can or cannot have and what they might have to lose. It got a little draggy in the later parts, but it was still heartwarming to follow their—especially Sarah’s and James’s, individual journeys. I’d have loved to read more about Polly after Sarah left though. 

Persuasion by Jane Austen
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.

Me every 5 secs: *googles Persuasion by Jane Austen in Simple English*

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow

hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

This was unnecessarily lengthy. First 150 or so pages are literally just events that took place before and during P&P from Mary’s POV. I am a firm believer that you should not force yourself to finish a book you aren’t enjoying but I was curious about Mary so I decided to give this a chance (or more) and pressured myself in trying not to DNF… 

And you might want to make yourself real comfortable if you choose to do the same because it takes forever for us to get to her character development. Yes, it exists but you’ll find your patience wearing thin. From the speed, length, Mary’s insecurities to the people around her. What pushed me to finish was that, we do witness her journey and gradual growth in every part. I was locked in by the mid of part three. 

Reading the way people, especially her family, treated Mary makes you want to fling the book across the room. You find yourself wanting to shake them, especially Mr Bennet or Lizzy, awake when you realise that her isolation and disinterest stemmed from the love and kindness she never received, and yet still yearned for years later. While the length of this book gnawed at my brain, I also find myself growing fond of Mary. Most times confused with pity. I wanted so badly for her to find happiness and connection. I was cheering on her to get away from everyone that she knew. 

The Gardiner family was like the missing puzzle piece she needed to find. Mr and Mrs Gardiner were everything her parents were not. The scenes between Mary and the family were a breath of fresh air. Especially ones with Mrs Gardiner. She bloomed and grew so much in their presence, care and love. The romance was a joy (and frustration) to follow. From being told by her mother and others that she will remain spinster her whole life to finding herself in a love triangle. 

While Mary does stay true to herself throughout the whole story, you eventually forget that Mary was ever the timid and plain person she once was when we first met her. You forget that she is the plain and quiet Bennet sister we all know from Jane Austen’s novel. 

A Folly of Youth: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Amy D'Orazio

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I’m on a mission to read all of the author’s novels and this is my second novel. I didn’t love this as much as I loved A Wilful Misunderstanding, but I was eating up the angst. Seeing Darcy become regretful and pathetic had me kicking my feet. I’ve never really been a fan of enemies to lovers because most of the time, you can just tell that their marriage would end in a divorce off page. But this wasn’t the case. They went from enemies to friends to lovers so it was so nice to witness their love bloom. I wish we got to see more scenes of them as lovers though. 

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

The way this would serve on screen. White tears, white feminism, everything white. This book was obviously written to piss you off and make you burst into rage. If it didn’t, maybe think about why. Everything was so on the nail, you’d think this was an actual memoir written by a white woman. How did RF Kuang do it?!?!?!?

A Wilful Misunderstanding: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Amy D'Orazio

emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

5.0

Now THIS is how you write grovelling. The most satisfying romance fiction I’ve ever read from start to finish. The regret, the yearning, the tension. I ate it all up. 

Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.

Just couldn’t connect to MC at all. 

Friends Like These by Meg Rosoff

reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated

Not one likeable character on sight. Everyone’s just pathetic and miserable. 

Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.

In the name of writing complex female characters, they just ended up having no depth with a side of emotional constipation. If I wanted to hear about boring relationships, I could just talk to couples I know in real life. 

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Plot twist didn’t seem necessary to me. Felt like it was for the dramatic effect. I think the story would have still been okay (or maybe better) if things were predictable. Some parts fell flat and the ending seemed a little rushed even though I think every question I had was answered, but the book wasn’t too bad of a read overall. While description of events aren’t too graphic, they are still heavy so heed warnings.