pollyflorence's reviews
323 reviews

A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf

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inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin

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emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.5

Content Warnings

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

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dark emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

The Woman in the Purple Skirt by Natsuko Imamura

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dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Elektra by Jennifer Saint

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adventurous dark reflective sad

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

4.5

I’m not especially well versed in Greek mythology, but I do tend to end up loving any reimagining or retelling of these classic stories and Elektra was no exception. The prose is so beautifully atmospheric and very carefully considered, you can feel the passion that Saint has for these characters and the work that’s clearly gone into to narrating their stories, flowing from the pages.

I especially loved how the complex mother and daughter dynamic and complicated bond was explored through the character’s relationships with one another. Any book that considers this relationship in such a realistic and varied way is one I’m bound to end up loving. I thought that it was expertly done through the multiple POVs and switching between them and how each one propels and builds the story towards the tragic final act, really captivated me— I didn’t want to put it down.

I would definitely recommend Elektra, if it’s not already on your TBR, I can see this book being loved by fans of Greek mythology and people looking for a place to start with the world of reimagined and retold classics.

Content Warnings

Between a Wolf and a Dog by Georgia Blain

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dark emotional reflective

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher

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dark funny reflective

3.0

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Caste: The Lies that Divide Us by Isabel Wilkerson

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emotional informative reflective

4.5

Content Warnings

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

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adventurous dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

3.5

Content Warnings

Persuasion by Jane Austen

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4.25