rgoth's reviews
365 reviews

This novel is set in the charming region of South Wales, specifically in Cwmbran, which made it all the more enjoyable for me as I recognized many of the local places mentioned throughout the story. It was delightful to see familiar spots come to life on the pages, further grounding the narrative in a locale I am so familiar with. 

From a writing standpoint, the book is reasonably well-crafted, and I found the premise of the story to be intriguing. The idea of time travel presented here felt fresh and innovative, sparking my imagination and inviting me to consider the possibilities of such a concept. The author definitely had a clever angle that made me think about how this unique form of time travel could feasibly exist within the realms of reality and fiction alike.

Despite my appreciation for the concept, I struggled to engage with the story on a deeper level, which was disappointing. As I read, I started to notice a certain repetitiveness in the plot—not in the sense of revisiting the same day, which is naturally part of the time travel theme, but rather in the emotional and thematic undertones that felt somewhat stagnant. There seemed to be a critical element missing from the overarching narrative that prevented it from fully drawing me in. 

Additionally, I found the characters lacking in depth, particularly Eric Meek, who came across as quite one-dimensional. I wished for more insight into his motivations and emotional landscape, as I feel this would have added significant weight to the story and allowed me to better empathize with him. The lack of character development left me feeling somewhat disconnected from the narrative, which impacted my overall enjoyment.

Another point worth mentioning is the presence of typos scattered throughout, and it was clear that the manuscript could have benefited from a more thorough editing process. A careful review might not only have helped polish the writing but also streamlined the plot, making the story flow more cohesively.

In summary, while the book showcases several commendable elements and hints at the potential for a truly brilliant narrative, it fell short of my expectations. I sincerely enjoyed the opportunity to read about a local area and explore the theme of time travel from a fresh perspective, even though the execution didn’t fully engage me as I had hoped. 

I want to thank the author for providing me with an ebook as part of a book club in return for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to immerse myself in this tale.

This novel has become my favourite among McFadden's works to date. The suspense was palpable throughout the story, and the writing was impressively intricate. I found myself utterly convinced that Ethan was somehow involved in the unfolding events. I was drawn into the plot so effectively that I fell right into the author's trap; as a result, the twists took me completely by surprise. 

As for the characters, I must admit that I found them all to be quite detestable. Each one seemed to embody traits that were shallow, self-centred, and narcissistic, making it difficult for me to connect with any of them on a deeper level. The exception, however, was Luke. He stood out as the only character who exhibited any redeeming qualities, and I found myself genuinely rooting for him amidst the chaos.

Overall, this story offered a fast-paced and thrilling ride that kept me engaged from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it, despite my disdain for most of the characters involved. 

Sometimes, there is a book that gets under your skin and you just can't get rid of the thought of it. This is one of those rare gems.

The two protagonists are intricately crafted, their flaws rendering them profoundly relatable. At times, I felt an overwhelming surge of empathy for their struggles; at others, I found myself grappling with feelings of disappointment and frustration with their selfishness and actions. This complex portrayal made them feel incredibly real, and I genuinely found myself rooting for both of their successes.

What captivated me most was the dynamic of their relationship. There were moments so beautifully rendered that you could almost sense the deep, unspoken affection simmering beneath the surface, despite the absence of a conventional romantic connection. Their bond was a rich tapestry of emotions, woven with threads of understanding and unacknowledged love.

Initially, I thought I was left wanting more with the conclusion, feeling a slight twinge of disappointment. However, upon deeper reflection, I realised that anything else could have felt contrived and forced, detracting from the authenticity of their journey.

Ultimately, this story resonated with me on many levels, and I know its echoes will accompany me for a long time to come.

This book presents a peculiar experience. While Kelly's writing is undeniably captivating and showcases her remarkable talent, I found the characters to be disappointingly weak and somewhat tedious. I particularly struggled with the relationship dynamics between Louisa and Paul; their interaction often felt uncomfortable and even unsettling, bordering on the realm of child abuse, especially given Paul's vulnerability. This made it challenging to empathize with either character. Additionally, the ending left much to be desired—it felt rushed and unsatisfying, failing to provide the resolution or depth that the story warranted. Overall, I was left feeling disheartened by the potential of the narrative that ultimately fell flat.

This book is, for lack of a better term, quite peculiar.

While it features a reasonably engaging plot and the writing is undeniably strong, I couldn't shake the feeling that something essential was lacking. I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters; they felt rather flat and one-dimensional. Take Charlie and Tripp, for instance: they are on the brink of getting married, yet there are significant gaps in their knowledge about each other’s pasts. It struck me as odd that Charlie, who seems either excessively naive or, more likely, quite self-absorbed, doesn't feel compelled to inquire about Tripp's previous relationship or even ask for a photo that might reveal more about his past. 

Additionally, I grappled with grasping the motivations behind several of the major themes woven throughout the story. It left me pondering the deeper significance of the narrative, as the character development and relational dynamics felt insufficient to support the weight of the themes being explored. Overall, while there are certainly commendable aspects to the book, the lack of depth in both characters and their interactions made for a less fulfilling reading experience.

I am truly impressed by Taylor Jenkins Reid's talent as a writer. Going into the book, I had high expectations, especially after thoroughly enjoying The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book exceeded my initial hopes. The storyline captivated me from the beginning, and I found myself deeply invested in the evolution of the characters, particularly the four siblings at the heart of the narrative.

Each character is crafted with such depth and nuance, showcasing their unique beauty and complexity. They are flawed yet utterly lovable, which makes them feel incredibly relatable. Among them, I was especially drawn to the two sisters, Nina and Kit. Nina stands out as a true saint; her kindness and strength are palpable throughout the story. I must admit, I found myself shedding tears toward the emotional climax of the book, as her journey resonated with me deeply.

One of the brilliant themes Reid explores is the idea that found families can be just as valid and profound as those connected by blood. She poignantly illustrates that sharing genetics does not automatically equate to deserving love and support. Throughout the story, it becomes painfully clear that some people, regardless of familial ties, can be downright toxic.

As I finished reading, I felt a sense of sadness. Reid has an extraordinary way of weaving stories that linger in your heart and mind long after the last page is turned.

3.75⭐ rounded up.

This book is a profoundly insightful exploration that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Palestinian experience and the intricate realities of being a refugee. 

As an academic work, it is meticulously researched and eloquently written; however, its scholarly nature can make certain sections feel a bit dry and occasionally repetitive. Despite this, the book remains a worthwhile read.

I found myself particularly interested in the chapters that delve into the normalisation of life within a refugee camp, even when situated in one’s own homeland. The author sheds light on the Palestinian situation in a manner that is often overlooked, especially from a Western perspective.

One aspect I found somewhat lacking was the author’s reliance on her experiences from a decade before the book's publication. While her research is undoubtedly thorough, and it’s evident that Gren possesses a deep understanding of the subject matter, I would have appreciated more acknowledgement of the potential changes that could have occurred over that time. Shifting dynamics within the society and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine could have enriched the narrative.

Gren spent over a year immersing herself in the camp, and it’s clear that she and her field assistants dedicated themselves to engaging with a diverse range of individuals throughout that period. Nevertheless, her frequent references to her host family, while understandable given their close relationship, could have been complemented by a broader array of voices from other residents. This would have provided a more panoramic view of life within the camp.

Another point of consideration is that this work is authored by a Westerner who approached the camp as an outsider. I would love to see similar research conducted by Palestinian scholars, as their perspectives would offer invaluable insights.

Overall, this book is an eye-opening and enlightening read, and I feel fortunate to have discovered it in tiny ndependent bookstore!

This dark, eerie classic was an utterly captivating experience. After my somewhat disappointing read of "The Haunting of Hill House," I approached this book with a hint of scepticism wondering if it would meet my expectations. To my delight, it exceeded them in every way.

The story revolves around two sisters whose lives are shrouded in a strange, unsettling aura that keeps you enthralled from the very first page. Their peculiar dynamic and the bizarre circumstances surrounding them drew me in, making it impossible to look away. The author's rich use of gothic tones enhances the atmosphere of the narrative; there's a palpable sense of dread that lingers throughout, even in the absence of graphic horror or bloody scenes. This undercurrent of suspense keeps you on edge, making the reading experience feel both haunting and compelling.

While the narrative twist is not particularly shocking and might be anticipated by seasoned readers, I found it intriguing nonetheless. The predictability did not detract from my enjoyment—rather, it allowed me to sasavour the unfolding of events, relishing every moment and detail.

Moreover, the surrounding characters add layers of complexity to the story. Each one is portrayed as uniquely strange and dark, often evoking an unsettling mix of disdain and curiosity. Their eccentricities contribute to the overall atmosphere, yet I found myself surprisingly empathetic towards the sisters, rooting for them despite their flaws and oddities.

Overall, this book is a perfect, quick read that you can easily power through in one sitting. Its gripping narrative, rich character portrayals, and eerie ambience make it a standout piece of literature that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.

I found it quite challenging to assign a rating to this book because I am still grappling with my overall feelings about it. There are several aspects of the story that I genuinely enjoyed, particularly the clever twists and the gradual build-up to the climactic moments at the end, which left me on the edge of my seat.

One character who really stood out to me was Kat. I found myself rooting for her throughout the story, as she navigated various challenges and complexities in her life. I was invested in her journey and truly wanted her to achieve the resolutions and happiness she rightfully deserved by the conclusion of the narrative.

Some revelations about Kat's father took me by surprise and added an unexpected layer of depth to the story. These twists regarding his character were not only shocking but also prompted me to reevaluate the dynamics of Kat's family relationships, which were intricately woven into the plot.

However, there were moments when the narrative felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of subplots and character arcs. This abundance sometimes detracted from the overall believability of the story, as I found it challenging to keep track of everything happening. For instance, one particularly humorous moment was when Kat logged into a dating app, only to be greeted by the sight of her ex-partner among the first profiles she encountered. Really?! 

I also wasn't keen on the repeated use of the term "transvestite." While I don’t consider it homophobic in itself, I find that the term is outdated and somewhat insensitive by contemporary standards. Every time it appeared in the text, I felt a sense of cringe, as it detracted from my overall enjoyment of the narrative. On the other hand, Aqua emerged as a truly remarkable character—her presence was not only integral to the storyline but also added a rich complexity that I greatly appreciated.