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lollybee's reviews
164 reviews
The Memory Library by Kate Storey
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ella and her mum Sally's relationship is strained after Ella moved to live and work in Australia more than twenty years ago following a bitter argument.
When Ella receives a phone call from Sally's neighbour to say that she has had an accident she reluctantly returns to the UK.
As Ella begins to rebuild her relationship with her mum -who has added a book for Ella to her bookshelf on Ella's birthday ever year - she starts to question her understanding of the events that resulted in their estrangement.
This was a lovely story about family, friendship and the power of books.
When Ella receives a phone call from Sally's neighbour to say that she has had an accident she reluctantly returns to the UK.
As Ella begins to rebuild her relationship with her mum -who has added a book for Ella to her bookshelf on Ella's birthday ever year - she starts to question her understanding of the events that resulted in their estrangement.
This was a lovely story about family, friendship and the power of books.
One Moment in Time by Shari Low
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I am the first to admit that Chick-Lit' is not my go-to choice of reading material but occasionally I like to dip my toe into the water and am sometimes pleasantly surprised.
However on this occasion I was disappointed: the story felt too contrived and unbelievable in parts. I don't care how old your daughter is, I don't believe any mother would encourage them to stay in Vegas with a man they had only met two days before instead of returning to the UK with the rest of their family.
The 'Big Secret' that ran throughout the book, once revealed, wasn't really that big and I found the characters frustrating and annoying.
However on this occasion I was disappointed: the story felt too contrived and unbelievable in parts. I don't care how old your daughter is, I don't believe any mother would encourage them to stay in Vegas with a man they had only met two days before instead of returning to the UK with the rest of their family.
The 'Big Secret' that ran throughout the book, once revealed, wasn't really that big and I found the characters frustrating and annoying.
Mum & Dad by Joanna Trollope
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
For over twenty-five years, Gus and Monica have lived in Spain running a vineyard but becoming distanced from the three children who live in the UK.
When Gus has a stroke the three adult children rush to Spain in an attempt to organise their parents' lives.
It isn't long before hidden resentments begin to rise to the surface, causing tension and challenges, as everyone tries to find a resolution to the situation they find themselves in.
When Gus has a stroke the three adult children rush to Spain in an attempt to organise their parents' lives.
It isn't long before hidden resentments begin to rise to the surface, causing tension and challenges, as everyone tries to find a resolution to the situation they find themselves in.
The Potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.0
Ikey Solomon, - who some say was the inspiration for Dickens' character Fagin - is a counterfeiter and thief in the underbelly of early nineteenth century London.
When Ikey, his wife Hannah and mistress Mary Abacus, find themselves on the wrong side of the law for various reasons, they are all shipped out to the island 'Van Diemans Land', later renamed Tasmania.
Life in the penal colony is brutal and all three characters must find their own ways to survive.
This book, although uncomfortable to read at times, was interesting and compelling.
When Ikey, his wife Hannah and mistress Mary Abacus, find themselves on the wrong side of the law for various reasons, they are all shipped out to the island 'Van Diemans Land', later renamed Tasmania.
Life in the penal colony is brutal and all three characters must find their own ways to survive.
This book, although uncomfortable to read at times, was interesting and compelling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Racism
The Stalker by Alex Gray
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
3.0
In Alex Gray's The Stalker, DS Lorimer has two murders, that could be linked, on his hands. Meanwhile, his wife Maggie has written a children's book and is embarking on a promotional tour during the Easter holidays (she is a teacher by profession).
She begins to receive strange telephone calls and messages, but doesn't want to worry her husband by telling him about them.
This was an enjoyable whodunnit (book 16 in the Lorimer series) although, Maggie's tendancy to trust everyone and take everything at face value didn't ring true, especially with her being married to the head of the murder unit.
She begins to receive strange telephone calls and messages, but doesn't want to worry her husband by telling him about them.
This was an enjoyable whodunnit (book 16 in the Lorimer series) although, Maggie's tendancy to trust everyone and take everything at face value didn't ring true, especially with her being married to the head of the murder unit.
The Clockwork Girl by Anna Mazzola
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In The Clockwork Girl, Anna Mazzola takes 'The Vanishing Children of Paris of 1750' and creates a historical, gothic tale of three women from different backgrounds -
Madeleine, daughter of a vicious brothel keeper.
Veronique, who has recently returned home (to her father, the city 's famous clockmaker) from a harsh convent education
Jeanne (Madame Pompadour), mistress to King Louis XV
- and the lengths they will go to for the freedom to take control of their own lives.
Madeleine, daughter of a vicious brothel keeper.
Veronique, who has recently returned home (to her father, the city 's famous clockmaker) from a harsh convent education
Jeanne (Madame Pompadour), mistress to King Louis XV
- and the lengths they will go to for the freedom to take control of their own lives.
The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Set during the First World War, the Bookbinder of Jericho tells the story of Peggy and her twin sister Maude.
Working in the bindery section of Oxford University Press, Peggy aspires to complete her education and become a scholar at Oxford.
Set against the backdrop of the havoc of war, Spanish Flu and the restrictions upon the lives of women, Peggy struggles with doing what is right for her against the obligation she feels towards those around her.
As with her previous book, The Dictionary of Lost Words, Pip Williams weaves a fascinating story of social injustice and the struggle of women in a world where the rules are made by men.
Working in the bindery section of Oxford University Press, Peggy aspires to complete her education and become a scholar at Oxford.
Set against the backdrop of the havoc of war, Spanish Flu and the restrictions upon the lives of women, Peggy struggles with doing what is right for her against the obligation she feels towards those around her.
As with her previous book, The Dictionary of Lost Words, Pip Williams weaves a fascinating story of social injustice and the struggle of women in a world where the rules are made by men.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-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
A gentle, heart-warming story of friendship, family and the lengths people (and an octopus) go to to help each other.
I never thought I would find myself connecting with an octopus: Marcellus was indeed a 'remarkably bright creature'.
I never thought I would find myself connecting with an octopus: Marcellus was indeed a 'remarkably bright creature'.
Last Secret Of The Deverills by Santa Montefiore, Santa Montefiore
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Secrets are revealed, relationships tested to the limits and friendships restored in book three if the Deverill Chronicles.
This really enjoyable read.
This really enjoyable read.
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's an awful thing to miss someone who is still there.
This is the story of a grandson and grandfather and how their love for each other helps them to navigate the lost memories and confusion caused by dementia.
A beautiful novella that brought a tear to my eye and a lump to my throat.
A beautiful novella that brought a tear to my eye and a lump to my throat.