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williamgideon's reviews
166 reviews
Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The experience of reading Thérèse Raquin wasn't my favorite. My main problem was the writing. In an effort of being objective and realistic, it comes across as dull and boring. I had a hard time getting through the novel, mainly because of the writing and pacing. However, I did really like the story. It's dark, challenging and quite disgusting at times, but also weirdly ironic and tragi-comical. While it did drag on for quite a while in the middle, the end left my jaw on the floor. The sheer stupidity of the two main characters is both funny and devastating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, Domestic abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Gore
Minor: Miscarriage
Dubliners by James Joyce
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
When it comes to the genre of "ordinary people living out their everyday lives", I am a fan of the concept, but more often than not, not a fan of reading it. You see, when you decide to have 0 plot, I need that to be compensated for by character, emotion or reflection. And to me, Dubliners doesn't really have any of that. It doesn't mean that it's a bad book, it just means that I'm easily bored by this type of book.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Maurice by E.M. Forster
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I had seen the film adaptation a billion times, since it's one of my all time favourites, so I was very excited to read the source material. And I was not disappointed either! The writing style is beautiful yet very comprehensible, the pacing is perfect, but my favourite part is the characters. Forster has really captured the complexeties that come with queerness, the different attitudes people have towards their own queerness. He does this through a dynamic set of characters with Maurice at the forefront, his journey from childhood to adulthood, from shame and disgust to liberation and happiness. What I really appreciate and what makes this story my favourite, is Maurice's growth. The end, where he is able to stand up to Clive, to assert himself and his needs is so powerful and such a contrast to the earlier parts of the novel. I'm so happy Maurice got what he deserved. The terminal note from Forster was also really great. I usually don't read those but it really added a lot for me this time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Suicidal thoughts
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
The Transgender Issue: An Argument for Justice by Shon Faye
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
This book was so much fun!!
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
emotional
funny
fast-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
3.5
I really liked this book! The characters are so sweet I could die. Me and who honestly. I loved the discussion of mental health and how to deal with that within a relationship.
The last third of the book felt like it dragged on tbh, a lot of the conflict felt forced, but other than that it was a really fun read.
The last third of the book felt like it dragged on tbh, a lot of the conflict felt forced, but other than that it was a really fun read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Sexual harassment
Sleepwalking by Meg Wolitzer
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
This book wasn't at all what I expected: a book about a trio of girls at a university who love poetry. It was more a about one of those girls and her childhood trauma and relationship with her parents. And I loved it. At first you may think it to be a classic "depressed mysterious not like other girls" book with flat characters and tired tropes, but the author breaks through that surface and seriously dissects the main characters life. This book tackles mother-daughter relationships and how grief affects and shapes a person throughout their life, as well as how to move away from that. It's a coming of age story and so much more and I absolutely loved it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicide, Terminal illness, and Suicide attempt