Scan barcode
elsphippard's reviews
132 reviews
The White Book by Han Kang
reflective
5.0
This is possibly my new favourite book of all time. Grief is one of my favourite themes in books and it was handled in such an impressive and unique way here. This was so delicate yet complex, I wish I could read this in its original language. I wanted to highlight every sentence.
Lives Other than My Own: A Memoir by Emmanuel Carrère
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Absolutely adored this book! This is a tribute to anyone who has lost people they love and withstood the loss through the richness of human connection. This tells the story of 2 families who are shattered and restored and how Carrere finds consolation as he immerses himself in the lives of others.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Of Cattle and Men by Ana Paula Maia
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
“They are all men of blood, those who kill and those who eat. No one goes unpunished”.
This made me wanna be vegetarian
This made me wanna be vegetarian
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Atmospheric, tense and beautiful. Unfortunately I just found it a little too vague and there wasn’t quite enough to fall in love with here.. that may have been due to the writing though. I defo want to give the second book a read regardless!
Modern Times by Cathy Sweeney
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
3.0
Strange and wonderful micro stories.. although maybe too micro to make a lasting impact. It’s definitely a fun read if you want something you can get through in one evening but a fair few are forgettable.
The Color of Blood by Mona Kabbani
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Absolutely LOVED this!!! Which isn’t surprising because I loved ‘the Bell Chime’ by this author too. This one is utterly unique which is so refreshing in the horror genre. kabbani’s writing is stunning and I’m setting the bar high for 2025 reads with this one!