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irina_sky's reviews
229 reviews
The Widow by Fiona Barton
3.0
I had some really high hopes for this thriller. Well, in fact, it had almost nothing to do with a thriller, since there was practically no suspense in it. I found it quite predictable. I kept waiting for some unexpected turn till the end, but no miracle happened.
However, bearing in mind that it was Fiona Barton's debut novel, probably we shouldn't be too critical after all.
However, bearing in mind that it was Fiona Barton's debut novel, probably we shouldn't be too critical after all.
Dear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward, Vi Keeland
3.0
When it comes to reading I can be pretty omnivore. I fancied some light romantic novel to gulp in a couple of days. It was my first experience with this type of genre and I guess my last one, because I didn't enjoy it at all. Sorry to those who like it, but it seemed too superfluous to me. I couldn't help cringing at numerous sassy moments.
Nevertheless, I know that this kind of literature has its devotees all over the world, and it's perfectly fine, depends on everyone's taste, but I'll just opt for something different I guess.
Nevertheless, I know that this kind of literature has its devotees all over the world, and it's perfectly fine, depends on everyone's taste, but I'll just opt for something different I guess.
My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
4.0
I liked this novel, even though it depressed the hell out of me.
The protagonist Lucy Barton is a shy, unconfident, sometimes submissive woman with lots of insecurities created by her family when she was a child, growing in a a very poor rural area. Her classmates mocked and bullied her for being poor and didn't want to even sit next to her.
Also, The mother/daughter relationship was so sad, I just felt Lucy's neverending loneliness and lack of parental love.
I liked Lucy and I felt so sorry for what she had to endure througout her life.
..................................................
The quote that I liked, which was somewhat uplifting and liberating, unlike other Lucy's thoughts:
"But really, the ruthlessness, I think, comes in grabbing onto myself, in saying: This is me, and I will not go where I can't bear to go - to Amgash, Illinois - and I will not stay in a marriage when I don't want to, and I will grab myself and hurl onward through like, blind as a bat, but on I go! This is the ruthlessness, I think."
The protagonist Lucy Barton is a shy, unconfident, sometimes submissive woman with lots of insecurities created by her family when she was a child, growing in a a very poor rural area. Her classmates mocked and bullied her for being poor and didn't want to even sit next to her.
Also, The mother/daughter relationship was so sad, I just felt Lucy's neverending loneliness and lack of parental love.
I liked Lucy and I felt so sorry for what she had to endure througout her life.
..................................................
The quote that I liked, which was somewhat uplifting and liberating, unlike other Lucy's thoughts:
"But really, the ruthlessness, I think, comes in grabbing onto myself, in saying: This is me, and I will not go where I can't bear to go - to Amgash, Illinois - and I will not stay in a marriage when I don't want to, and I will grab myself and hurl onward through like, blind as a bat, but on I go! This is the ruthlessness, I think."
Bag of Bones by Stephen King
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
Stephen King is undoubtedly one of the greatest contemporary writers, with a vivid style that often makes you forget you’re reading. In Bag of Bones, his portrayal of Mike Noonan’s romantic relationships—first with his late wife, Jo, and later with young Mattie Devore—offers a poignant glimpse into his thoughts on love and loss. King captures the depth of Mike’s bond with Jo through tender memories, illustrating how true love lingers long after a partner is gone. This sense of nostalgia resonates deeply, reflecting the profound impact of grief on the human heart. Conversely, Mike's developing relationship with Mattie introduces themes of healing and vulnerability. As they navigate their shared struggles, King explores how love can evolve even in the shadow of loss. This duality adds emotional depth to the narrative, showcasing love as both a sanctuary and a source of pain. Through these relationships, King masterfully illustrates the complexities of love, making Bag of Bones not just a ghost story but a powerful meditation on the enduring nature of human connections.
The Wife Between Us by Sarah Pekkanen, Greer Hendricks
3.0
I thought it would be much more interesting, gripping, suspenseful, but it didn´t live up to these expectations.
Just another novel about abusive and toxic relationships. I couldn´t understand the main protagonist Vanessa who created so much fuss and drama about a relationship she could handle in so many different ways. You should have just left him, GIRL! Instead of treating yourself like a victim, a martyr, a savior of other poor new women of your husband whom he might hurt just like you.
Come ON!
Just another novel about abusive and toxic relationships. I couldn´t understand the main protagonist Vanessa who created so much fuss and drama about a relationship she could handle in so many different ways. You should have just left him, GIRL! Instead of treating yourself like a victim, a martyr, a savior of other poor new women of your husband whom he might hurt just like you.
Come ON!
Educated by Tara Westover
3.0
I was really expecting much more from this book, due to all the hype it received last year, I was prepared for the best read of the year. To be honest, I wanted to like and enjoy this book more. I pondered on most of Tara's thoughts, views and beliefs, as well as those of her family members' and tried to elicit some sanity out of this whole story. It was too much for me.
The only thing I liked was the choice of words, the style, some metaphors. I know opening up to the entire world about your private life and your family takes a lot of guts. So it's also a big achievement of any memoir, not only this one.
In a nutshell, I'm glad I'm finished with it...
The only thing I liked was the choice of words, the style, some metaphors. I know opening up to the entire world about your private life and your family takes a lot of guts. So it's also a big achievement of any memoir, not only this one.
In a nutshell, I'm glad I'm finished with it...
Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger
3.0
For some peculiar reason it took me ages to finish this tiny short story by Salinger. It resulted rather tedious for me and I could only manage to finish 10-15 pages in one sitting without falling asleep. The topics discussed by the characters were a bit difficult to understand and to follow. Although I did enjoy Zooey's bathroom banter with his mother. And I pretty much liked Franny and her way of thinking. That's about it, I guess.
Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction by J.D. Salinger
4.0
"Marriage partners are to serve each other. Elevate, help, teach, strengthen each other, but above all, serve. Raise their children honorably, lovingly and with detachment. A child is a guest in the house, to be loved and respected — never possessed, since he belongs to God. How wonderful, how sane, how beautifully difficult, and therefore true. The joy of responsibility for the first time in my life."
— J. D. Salinger, Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction
— J. D. Salinger, Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction