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jedore's reviews
499 reviews
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
“Many of them seem past caring what is true or not, only desperate for some reason, some order to the rearrangement of their lives, even if it is brought about by a lie.”
Despite having an inherently predictable witch hunt storyline (weak, psychopathic men and women getting rid of the women they can’t control), this book about witch trials in Norway in the 1600s, totally held my interest.
It’s the first historical fiction I’ve ever read about Norway (and it’s indigenous population (the Samí people), which made it intriguing. I learned a lot about how the people living in this part of the world managed to survive in an extremely harsh environment. The characters also had depth and were either very relatable or totally detestable.
This was the author’s first adult book…I think she nailed it! I look forward to reading more.
Highly recommend this book to historical fiction lovers…and, of course, it’s a must read for all my fellow witches (AKA uncontrollable, walk-to-the-beat-of-their-own-drum non-Christians)!
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Abandonment
Moderate: Physical abuse, Lesbophobia, and Classism
Minor: Animal death, Homophobia, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Love doesn't conquer everything. And whoever thinks it does is a fool.
Another book from the very beginning of my TBR list that I started more than a couple of decades ago.
There was a moment in the beginning where I almost put the book down…during a hyper-intellectual scene that required knowledge of Greek history to fully comprehend. I decided to power through it despite my lack of core knowledge and made it to the end.
While I’m ultimately glad I did, it wasn’t an easy read by any means. First, there is not a single likable character in the entire book. Everyone was some combination of entitled, narcissistic, addictive, cold-hearted, delusional and psychopathic. Second, it’s an incredibly slow read…the story could have been told in half the amount of words. Finally, it’s pitch dark…nothing uplifting or hopeful on these pages. While situations were presented as conundrums, they definitely wouldn’t be for most people.
Yet, somehow, it was a compelling read. I can’t say it never felt like a chore to pick up, but I remained determined to finish it after that initial Greek scene. As I closed the back cover, I definitely felt a sense of accomplishment.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, and Classism
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Incest and Sexual assault
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“Well, then, my philosophy is that what you think of and plan for day by day, in spite of yourself, so to speak —you will get. You will get it more or less. That is, unless you are one of those people who get nothing in this world. I have lived too much in mining works and construction camps not to know that.”
What a strange little book. Another one I added to my list over 20 years ago…I’m pretty sure just because I had watched a Willa Cather movie and wanted more of her.
On the surface, this would seem to be a story I would have wanted to read about a strong woman in a time where it was extremely challenging to be strong. Nope. In fact, the center of the story, the wife of a railroad engineer, was quite annoying and unlikeable. And, the story wasn’t even told from her perspective, but from that of a young man who admires her while growing up. (And he becomes as disgusted with her as I did.)
The characters weren’t developed enough for this story to really get meaty and interesting, either from a historical or emotional perspective. And, it’s not really an older classic that stands the test of time as much as others. There are so many others that do out there that I would hesitate to recommend this one to anyone other than those particularly interested in the railroad expansion throughout the U.S., and even then I would caution them that this aspect of the story is pretty glossed over.
This is one of those books that might be better appreciated if discussed in detail by a lit professor.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Infidelity, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Death and Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal cruelty and Racial slurs
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“Every time you take one path, you must live with the memory of the other: of a life left unchosen. Decide as seems best, one course or the other; each way will have its bitter with its sweet.”
Disclaimer: I’m not a fan of fantasies or series.
So, why would I read the second book in this series about medieval Russia that is a mix of fantasy and reality?
Because the main character is a witch, of course. And, because I liked the first book (The Bear and the Nightingale) well enough to read the second.
I don’t know what it was (or wasn’t) about this book…it was yet another one that had all the elements I usually love (history, a strong female lead, good writing), but I just couldn’t get into it. My theory is that Russian history and culture just isn’t my thing. It might also be that I find it annoying when the main character is immature and constantly messes shit up. 😆
Honestly, if all things Russian and pagan float your boat, I’d recommend this to you!
Now that I’ve read two of the three books in the series, of course, I have to read the third…after some time passes, so my attitude improves 😄
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, and Classism
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
“You know, my dear child, that one cannot find peace in work or in pleasure, in the world or in a convent, but only in one’s soul.”
Another book from the start of my TBR list more than two decades ago. Loved it!
It had all the ingredients I treasure…history, a fascinating location, complex characters, shades of grey instead of black and white, emotional depth, women’s empowerment, and a reasonably unpredictable storyline. And, despite being a “classic,” it was a very easy and quick read. Right after I finish this review, I’m going to add more W. Somerset Maugham books to my list!
Watching the film adaptation with Ed Norton and Naomi Watts on Netflix now and it’s also good!
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, Pregnancy, Colonisation, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Sexism, Medical content, and Abandonment
Minor: Drug use and Classism
3.0
“I am reminded again that everything in the jungle demands attention, however small and insignificant it may seem.”
This book is from my “Books About Panamá” reading list. Although I didn’t love it, it’s one of the more relevant and interesting ones I’ve read from this stack of eclectic books.
This is a non-fiction book by a woman who traveled throughout Panamá (and Colombia) in search of the harpy eagle in the wild. I loved reading about places I’ve been, or are familiar with, and about many of the animals I encounter on a regular basis around my home in Panamá.
In typical British style, the “self discovery” thing is overstated. I was hoping for more…the only meaty self discovery I encountered was in the epilogue. It was really just a nature-heavy travelogue…not a bad thing, but not quite what I was expecting from a female author.
A couple of warnings…
It’s very “birdy”…so if you’re a birder, you’ll likely enjoy it more than me. As one who appreciates, but is not obsessed with birds, I got bored by all the bird naming. I also found the writing annoyingly heavy on adjectives. I just feel like descriptive words shouldn’t be constantly shoving you out of the story.
If you’re interested in Panamá or an expat like me, definitely read this book…the positives outweigh the shortcomings!
Moderate: Colonisation
- 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
3.75
…the irrefragable truth is each person in his heart believes his beliefs is best. Fact is, down deep, no man’s democratic. We’re closer anarchists, I’d wager.”
This was another book I added to my TBR list more than two decades ago…no idea why. And, it’s another interesting surprise!
It’s the story of a black man that stows away on a slave ship rather than be forced to marry a woman he likes, but who puts a damper on his lust for irresponsibility.
As the story evolves, we learn that there are far worse men than him, several of whom are on the ship. The journey turns tragic and our protagonist turns philosophical.
It’s a quick, educational, insightful and quirky read. Another must for an anti-racist reading list.
Graphic: Death, Racism, Slavery, and Trafficking
Moderate: Cannibalism
Minor: Death of parent
4.0
“When is someone in this family going to break free and live?”
My interest in the royals doesn’t run deep. I read a lot of historical fiction about Britain so I have a decent grasp of royal history, I thought Diana was an amazing human and was horrifically mistreated by the family (and the paparazzi, of course), and I’ve watched every season of The Crown. That’s pretty much it. But, it’s enough for me to know that if I was forced to pick a team, I’d definitely be on Team Harry (which, by the way, would be Team Diana-Harry were she still alive).
Harry took a lot of flack in my online book groups when the book was released…and, now that I’ve finished it, my suspicions are confirmed. Harry isn’t a stellar writer, so he doesn’t always convey his totally justifiable feelings in the most ideal possible way. I believe those who viciously criticized him lack empathy, a basic grasp of psychology, and are very likely the ones who keep the paparazzi in business by reading and believing their trash.
Speaking from firsthand experience, I can confirm 100% that money and privilege do not excuse ANY human being from the emotional repercussions of a lack of love and abuse. Love is in very short supply in the royal family…that’s clear in every single thing I’ve ever read or watched about them, not just from Harry’s story. Appearances, power, pettiness, and manipulation totally trump love and that creates pain for those who value love more. The paparazzi is beyond abusive and unbelievably racist. What they do is not a price anyone should EVER have to pay. I feel deeply for Harry and Meghan and am SO glad that they were brave enough to break free and live.
Despite there being a lot more pages of the book dedicated to Harry’s military experiences than I expected, I totally enjoyed spending the last few days with him. If we’re in a relationship, whether we’re male or female, may we all be so lucky to have a partner that is willing to do whatever it takes to protect us. Harry is a good man. I hope that he is able to build a better and safer life for his family…and I hope karma works it’s magic on a few particular members of his family.
Graphic: Bullying, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Animal death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Car accident
Minor: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, and Pregnancy
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Folks didn’t like to see women and money close together. It made them nervous, I guess. It made them think of ruination.”
Lately I’ve been reading books from the very beginning of my TBR list, which I started more than two decades ago. This was first in line.
It was poetic with a little magic…like Toni Morrison.
Character development was incredible…like Fannie Flagg.
The story, the people, and the setting was palpable…like John Steinbeck.
The story begins in 1913, and is centered around women. Two friends, one white and one black, both poor, are at the heart of it. This is a time when life was brutally tough…especially so for poor women and all black people. So much emotional disconnection and fending for oneself! It’s a peek into the life of my grandparents…and explains A LOT.
Despite the overall upward trajectory of the two main characters’ lives across the span of 20 years, my heart ached from cover to cover. There were definitely tears. So…much…loss. I couldn’t help but think about the massive difference between the lives of the poor and the wealthy at this time in history…it’s just WRONG.
So glad I found this touching and insightful treasure! I have no idea how this book ended up on my list, but it was a brilliant addition. It’s a must for any anti-racist reading list!
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racism, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal death, Infidelity, and War
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
“These were simple people: when someone told them they had nothing to fear, they knew that they were in trouble.”
Had I known that this was about a woman facing accusations of witchcraft when I picked it off my bookshelf, I would have postponed reading it as I just finished Weyward, which had the same theme. But the power that be wanted me to read another story of one of her maligned daughters.
The challenge with tackling this subject is creating enough of a captivating story to overcome the built-in predictability created by history. There’s always the strong, independent healer/midwife who is some level of outcast in her community, the jealous women who want to destroy, and the awful men who are equally enthralled and repelled by her and driven by their fears, insecurities, and thirst for power.
Philippa did a decent job with Tidelands. Although it was somewhat predictable, but there were enough potential twists to keep me interested. It helped a lot that she added to the intrigue by weaving in real historical events and people into the story. The drama surrounding King Charles, a Catholic king who caused a civil war by fighting against Parliament, was interesting.
Unfortunately the ending was super rushed. It felt like Philippa decided she was done so she wrapped it up as quickly as she could. This was totally different from the medium pace of the rest of the book. The details also felt forced and unrealistic given the previous development of one of the characters involved.
Although Philippa has a formula for her books, I do love that they are always centered around a strong woman and educate me about history. They are always good, solid reads and that applies to this one for sure.
Graphic: Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, War, and Classism
Minor: Sexual content and Abortion