sophronisba's reviews
2467 reviews

William Pitt the Younger by William Hague

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informative medium-paced

4.5

An unexpectedly riveting account of the life and career of William Pitt the Younger, who turned out to be absolutely fascinating. Well-written, and the author succeeds in providing enough background on the social and political issues and figures of the time, so you won't be lost if you know nothing about eighteenth-century Britain.
For the Love of Mars: A Human History of the Red Planet by Matthew Shindell

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challenging informative reflective

3.5

Found the beginning boring but once we got to the twentieth century my interest was piqued. Honestly would have preferred an article to a book. 
Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner

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

3.5

I'm a huge fan of Kushner's work but in this case the main character simply didn't work for me. Read The Flamethrowers instead.
Monet: The Restless Vision by Jackie Wullschläger

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

Fascinating portrait of Monet and, especially, his two wives Camille and Alice. Made me long to visit Giverny.
Ask Me Again by Clare Sestanovich

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

3.25

Somewhat reminiscent of an American Sally Rooney but (it must be said) not as good.
The Howe Dynasty: The Untold Story of a Military Family and the Women Behind Britain's Wars for America by Julie Flavell

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informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

I read this book for Charlotte, Caroline, and Juliana -- and I enjoyed the chapters dealing with their lives and political machinations very much. The chapters about the military history, on the other hand -- well, my eyes glazed over a bit, although I do now feel a little more sympathetic to the Howe brothers than I might have previously.
The Missing Thread: A Women's History of the Ancient World by Daisy Dunn

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challenging informative medium-paced

3.0

I regret that this book did not work for me. From the title I expected a womancentric social/cultural history, but this book mostly retells the already well-known political/military history of the Greco-Roman ancient world, while emphasizing any women (usually the wives, mothers, and daughters of the men driving the events) who were somehow connected. 
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I guessed where this book was going fairly early on, so that may have spoiled some of the impact. But I found it beautiful and delicate and haunting nonetheless.
Colored Television by Danzy Senna

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challenging funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed this book quite a bit despite not liking any of the characters very much. Excellent skewering of Hollywood, at the very least.
John Lewis: A Life by David Greenberg

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Five days after the dreadful election, this biography was an inspiring balm for the soul.