e11en's reviews
946 reviews

An Isolated Incident by Emily Maguire

Go to review page

challenging emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

3.5

Content Warnings

Grey Dog by Elliott Gish

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense

3.0

Content Warnings

The End We Start from by Megan Hunter

Go to review page

reflective slow-paced

3.5

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Go to review page

3.5

The Rehearsal by Eleanor Catton

Go to review page

challenging reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This book is legitimately laugh-out-loud funny, and I was so busy chuckling through the first half that I didn’t notice the story becoming increasingly somber and serious between the jokes. The stylised prose ensures it stays fast-paced and gripping. It’s very well done. I think Eleanor Catton may be a genius. I’ve now read all three of her novels this year and am eager for more ASAP.

Obviously there’s a CW for adult/minor relationship and grooming as this is the central theme of the book. And though the tone remains light, there’s a lot of other confronting themes (which I won’t spoil), so go gently.

But I should also warn there are a few ableist and homophobic slurs and some truly awful jokes. Most of the characters are teens and their colloquial dialogue can be quite offensive and ignorant, which is often jarring (even if it’s an accurate representation).

Content Warnings

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

Go to review page

dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

5.0

Women I Know by Katerina Gibson

Go to review page

medium-paced

3.75

Content Warnings

Idol, Burning by 宇佐見りん, Rin Usami

Go to review page

3.25

James by Percival Everett

Go to review page

challenging dark funny reflective sad fast-paced

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

5.0

Content Warnings

Small Joys by Elvin James Mensah

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings