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elsphippard's reviews
132 reviews
Children of Paradise by Camilla Grudova
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Wall by Marlen Haushofer
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
The Stepdaughter by Caroline Blackwood
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
Wow, wow!! I loved this as much as I hoped I would. The Hounding follows multiple people from an 18th century village (Little Nettlebed) with growing hysteria as 5 sisters are rumoured to be turning into a pack of dogs. This stunning writing perfectly blended the uncanny with the human and I loved the atmospheric descriptions of nature. The ending was absolutely perfect.
Rest Stop by Nat Cassidy
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved this!! After reading Mary in November I wanted to jump straight into more of Nat Cassidy’s work and I was not disappointed. This is perfect one-sitting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat
She's Always Hungry by Eliza Clark
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I looooved this
Mystery Lights by Lena Valencia
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
I loved the mundane, subtle eeriness to these stories. ‘Dogs’ and ‘trogloxene‘ were my favourites but I can’t rate this any higher as I really didn’t click with some of them.
Mary: An Awakening of Terror by Nat Cassidy
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had no idea Nat Cassidy was a man until the afterword😂😯 this definitely could’ve been a lot shorter as parts did feel repetitive but it was a really fun ride overall and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class by Rob Henderson
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
As a psychology graduate who now
works with vulnerable children from somewhat similar upbringings to Rob, I absolutely loved this. It brought me hope to read a memoir written by someone who managed to escape a broken system and find stability in his life. I see why the last quarter of the book is controversial but I found it fascinating to see how Henderson’s life experiences shaped his current views on class etc.
works with vulnerable children from somewhat similar upbringings to Rob, I absolutely loved this. It brought me hope to read a memoir written by someone who managed to escape a broken system and find stability in his life. I see why the last quarter of the book is controversial but I found it fascinating to see how Henderson’s life experiences shaped his current views on class etc.
“When adults let children down, children learn to let themselves down”.