Amalia Gkavea

‘'When I was young, lying in bed [...] I used to believe that Tuscar was a man and the Blackwater Lightship was a woman and they were both sending signals to each other and to other lighthouses, like mating calls.''

Colm Toibin entered my top-5 squad of contemporary writers with his haunting rendition of the Atreides tragedy House of Names. I wanted to start my research of his work with a number of his earlier novels before I move on to Brooklyn and The Blackwater Lightship came my way. It was one of the best books I've read this year and it showcases how simple stories can cause a major impact on the reader when they're well-written. And Colm Toibin definitely knows his Art...

The story is set in Ireland during the mid-90s, in Blackwater, in County Wexford, not very far from Dublin and close to the sea. Helen, a bright mind, the youngest school principal in the country, is happily married to Hugh and has succeeded in finding the balance between her career and the raising of two sons. Everything changes when she receives the news that her younger brother, Declan, is seriously ill, infected with HIV. So, she's forced to reunite with Lily, her cruel mother, under the roof of Dora, her grandmother. A number of people has to come together for Declan's sake and this is where the memories and faults of the past return to haunt Helen.

It is a simple story, a familiar ordeal during the 80s and the 90s when AIDS was at its peak, but great writers know how to create works of Art out of daily life. Toibin brings to focus the implications of the disease without a hint of melodrama but, most importantly, he centres his story around the complexity of human relationships that grow within a family and never let go. He writes about motherhood and the fragile, delicate balance between the three women of the family and I loved the way he depicted Helen's fears and her struggle not to become the kind of mother Lily has been to her. He illustrates the dynamics in a problematic family and the implications of a mother's actions and choices in direct, evocative prose that contains many moments of haunting beauty.

There are a number of elements that make this sad story such a beautiful thing to read. The setting is magical, the community by the water, the lighthouse that gives its light in Dora's house during the evenings, the fact that most of the interactions take place at night. He creates a beautiful metaphor by using the lighthouse that once stood proudly and the name Blackwater to refer to the events of the story. Tuskar, the remaining, lonely lighthouse, dimly sheds its rays in the evening of Declan's life and creates a haunting, foreboding atmosphere. The bleakness of the landscape is further emphasized by the lyrics of the Irish songs and the fact that Death is everywhere. The shadow of a loved one now long lost and the death that awaits in the doorstep to snatch a younger soul. The stages of grief are beautifully described in a sequence of striking scenes about the aftermath of loss, as are the omens associated with Death in the Irish culture.

Toibin transports us to the place and time with his references to politics and religious issues. I appreciated the reference to Mary Robinson -one of my favourite politicians- and the fact that he presents an extremely balanced view of the impact of Religion in the Irish community. Τhe shelter and comfort that it provides during the moments of agony and the restrictions that often come by abiding to Catholic traditions are perfectly depicted throughout the course of the story.

And then, we have the characters. Quite an oppressive family for Helen, to be honest, especially the mother. Lily simply refuses to accept what is different and tries to alter everything that doesn't conform to the'' family history'' and her ideas of propriety. At the same time, Lily can do everything she wants just because she thinks she's entitled to. A truly infuriating woman...Had I been Helen, well, let's just say that I would have considered myself to be motherless, as cruel as it may sound. No amount of pain is an excuse for her cruelty, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. Helen, Declan and Paul are all wonderful, realistic characters. Declan is such a brave, brave man and Paul is loyal and considerate to the extreme. Larry is absolutely useless but for me, the character who shares the spotlight with Helen is Dora. I ended up appreciating her deeply and I thought she was a much better mother to Helen than Lily ever was. This is the kind of story where the characters take a step back to let the past and the interactions speak for themselves and it works.

Through the descriptions of the daily life in a small Irish community, the religious and social expectations and prejudices, the aspirations of the characters and the dynamics within a family, Toibin weaves a story that is beautiful and poignant in its calm, underlying sadness. Above all, it is the way a determined, intelligent woman and a brave man fight against those who wanted to chain them to the ground. And Toibin proves, once again, why he is considered a powerhouse in today's Literature.

Στους φίλους από Ελλάδα οι οποίοι θα διαβάσουν το παραπάνω κείμενο, οφείλω να πώ μακριά από την μετάφραση του Gutenberg. Είναι φρικτή. Λάθη στα τοπωνύμια, λάθη στην απόδοση των εκφράσεων, λεξιλόγιο πεζοδρομίου. Πραγματικά, αδυνατώ να καταλάβω ποιες λέξεις μετέφραζε η κυρία Δημητριάδου με τον τρόπο που τις απέδιδε στα Ελληνικά...Μάλλον η ‘'μεταφράστρια'' εμπνεύστηκε από Ελληνικές σειρές επιπέδου...ελληνικού. Δεν περίμενα βέβαια και τίποτα καλύτερο...

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'Real dyed-in-the-wool readers can't lie. Our faces always give us away. A raised brow or a curled lip means that it's a poor excuse for a book, and the clever customers ask for recommendation instead, whereupon we frog-march them over to a particular volume and command them to read it.''

Following an exciting April, I chose to start May with a focus on more contemporary, approachable reads that are simple but rich in themes focusing on the relationships within a family, within the members of small communities. One of these choices was a a book with the striking title The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Now, this work and yours truly have been through a stormy relationship. Ever since it came out, I've included it in my list only to dismiss it again and again. It just didn't look like something I'd choose to read. However, I recently watched a documentary about the Channel Islands and I took it as a sign. And I am very happy to tell you that it is a delightful, meaningful novel.

Even though I'm not an admirer of novels written in the epistolary form, this is the kind of book that benefits from the style. It protects the reader from awkward dialogue and repetition. So. The story in a nutshell. Juliet is a rather successful writer who desires to finally write something that will be fulfilling to her aspirations. A letter of chance by Dawsey, a resident of Guernsey, brings the literary society with the astonishing name and the special background to her attention and what was meant to be a simple research becomes a journey of self-discovery.

I love the way the setting and the era come alive through the pages of this book. We are in 1946 and the island is trying to recover from the consequences of the German occupation. Juliet is going through a similar situation. She fights against dark memories, against prejudices and discriminations and bossy men who think she is incapable of producing a serious work just because she is a woman.The islanders want to be taken seriously. They're not there to be laughed at or to be pitied. So, Juliet and Guernsey have much in common. Their thoughts and feelings are vividly shown and the reader has the chance to feel a part of both stories.

‘'The bright day is done and we are for the dark'' Anthony and Cleopatra, William Shakespeare

I appreciated the way Shaffer chose to focus on human relationships. People so different and yet so similar, brought together by the primal need to survive and the unique love for reading. A society that starts as an excuse to fool the Kommandantur becomes a haven, a shelter for the islanders who derive strength from heroes and heroines of tales. Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Secret Garden, The Bronte sisters, Dickens, Wilkie Collins, the Bell siblings and, naturally, the One, the Greatest of the greats. William Shakespeare. The process of how people who had little to no association with books become dedicated readers was a joy to witness. And the fights, the antagonist, the passions that are inevitable in a small community where tensions have amounted for too long are always exciting...

I didn't believe that in an epistolary novel there would be space enough for the characters to develop but I was wrong. We have the sympathetic ones and those who suffocate the others because of their beliefs and their ego. And, of course, we have Juliet who is such a fascinating heroine, full of life and endless determination. I loved her from the very first letter. So, if character development is one of your concerns regarding this novel, fear not. You will come to know quite a few exciting people, you will love them while others will give you some trouble. Just as in real life.

I didn't come to think of this novel as a ‘'feel-good'' story. What is this term, anyway? For me, there aren't ‘'feel good'' or ‘'feel bad'' stories. There are well-written stories and badly written ones and many times, the most poignant tales are the ones that spring from togetherness and coincidences. They are told in a simple manner, in beautiful, quirky and sometimes sad prose. What could be more memorable than that? No pseudo-philosophical gimmicks or cheap sentimentalism but reality.

...plus there's a plethora of references to Wuthering Heights and yes, I'm completely biased..

‘'I didn't like Wuthering Heights at first, but the minute that spectre Cathy scratched her bony fingers on the windowpane- I was grasped by the throat and not let go. With that Emily I could hear Heathcliff's pitiful cries upon the moors.''

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'Νο, the Arctic does not yield its secret for the price of a ship's ticket. You must live through the long night, the storms, and the destruction of human pride. You must have gazed in the deadness of all things to grasp their livingness. In the return of light, in the magic of the ice, in the life-truths of animals obsessed in the wilderness...lies the secret of the Arctic and the overpowering beauty of its lands.''

I live in a country where the sun always finds a way to shine its light on us, even during the bleakest wintry days. Most normal people consider this a blessing. Me, on the other hand, being the weirdo that I am, I hate it with a vengeance. I just can't stand sunshine and heat. When I had the opportunity to visit Finland a few years ago, I experienced the winter night and it was one of the most fascinating and happiest moments of my life. I mean, give me darkness and cold and I am a happy camper. I am also mad, but that's okay. Still, nothing and noone can possibly prepare you for the circumstances Christiane Ritter describes in her beautiful book.

What a striking title...A beautiful cover and a fascinating woman who, despite all the odds, defied conventions, ignored every risk and followed her husband to an expedition in Svalbard, right in the heart of the Arctic. Christiane Ritter, an Austrian painter who died in 2000 at the age of 103, travelled to Norway in 1934 and found a land of immense beauty, silent and primal. Her account of the year she spent in Svalbard is a beautiful homage to the special landscape of the Arctic, a land that I often call ‘'a planet within a planet''.

‘'The conflict between the weakening light of day and the triumphing light of the moon creates bewildering contrasts in the very clear, violently bleak landscape. New scenes appear whenever the sky lightens.''

This book contains treasure found in each page. Chrissie's descriptions of the preparations for the coming winter, the hunting, the animals that used to be completely unknown to her, the magnificence of the fjords are fascinating but nothing compares to the chapters dedicated to the fortvilelse of the polar night, the enchantment, the bewildering and threatening glory of the night that never ends. She describes the last moment before the sun sets and the waiting for the darkness that will last for months in a chilling way, so vivid and almost ominous that brought chills even in a rather warm and humid Athenian May evening. The smoke that clinged on the floor and walls of the hut, the black landscape lit only by the whimsical starlight, Karl's songs in the silence of the everlasting night...What setting could be more striking?

‘'Don't go for walks alone'', says Karl. ‘'It's a dangerous time. Seven weeks before Christmas the graves in Svalband open.''

It is to be expected that my favourite parts are the ones dedicated to the beautiful, mystical Norwegian folklore. Ritter narrates Karl's stories and the legends told by the sailormen and it is no surprise that most of them are related to death and the spirits of the dead. What kind of stories could be born in a land where the long night reigns, where the shadows acquire an otherworldly colour under the glorious veil of the Aurora Borealis...

This is a haunting, beautiful account. It's not a dry log book. Far from it. Ritter included dialogues which made the reading experience even more interesting and direct and I felt I was reading a novel of the finest quality. It is a calm, grounded narration from an immensely brave, considerate, determined woman, a striking personality who fell in love with the most beautiful spot of our planet. It is a pity she wasn't allowed to return there...If you aren't already in love with the Arctic and its enchantments, then this book will definitely help you come a little closer to the never-ending magic of the polar nights...

‘'...the world out-of-doors falls into deepest night. The mountains are no more than white shadows, the sea no more than a black shadow- until that too dissolves away. And then everything is dead.''

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'In a way, two worlds face each other at this place- the modern city skylines and ancient Mannahatta that I could see, smell and hear right in this bay between Brooklyn and Queens.''

This is a visually stunning log book to the Archipelago of New York and the islands that retain a different image than the one we've all come to know so well, the glorious mega-metropolis with the beauty that never sleeps. Embellished with beautiful photos, full of the sky and the sea, rich in blue and gray colours, it gives us the opportunity to dive into the history of the small communities and the past of one of the most fascinating cities of our planet. Unfortunately, in my opinion, we don't dive deep enough.

Halaczinsky doesn't use complex terms about navigation, so it is easy for someone -like myself- who knows absolutely nothing on the subject to appreciate the travel, the challenges and the dangers. In my opinion, the problem is that the writing isn't as engaging as I expected and the references to the local history are only skin deep. The way I see it, he could have dedicated more time to background information and less space to commentary on world politics. I wasn't satisfied with the spirit and the focus of the writing. I didn't choose this book to read commentaries on U.S. foreign policy or the writer's offensive remarks about the Aegean Sea and the immigration crisis. Forgive me for being blunt but on the unlikely occasion that I will ever be interested in these issues, I will make sure to choose a proper non-fiction book, not a guide...It goes without saying that this is my personal opinion but it was a problem that started in the first few pages and continued until the end.

Difficult to rate this one. 5 stars for the photos and the interesting tidbits of information and 2 stars for the disappointing writing. New York always manages to bring out the generous person in me so 4 stars it is. After all, my pet peeves may not be your pet peeves and the aesthetic part of the book is beyond beautiful. Speaking strictly for me, though, I won't ever choose to read another work by this author.

Many thanks to Schiffer Publishing and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

‘'...and that's all that matters, isn't it? What people believe. It doesn't matter what's the truth; what people believe becomes the truth.''

I finally found the time to read Jessie Burton's sophomore novel and I am very glad to conclude a wonderful reading month with a beautiful work of Fiction. The Miniaturist is among my 10 all-time favourite novels and while The Muse wasn't as magical and haunting, it was no less exciting and complex.

The novel opens with Odelle, a young woman from Trinidad, who tries to find a better life and a chance to follow her love for poetry in London during the swinging ‘60s. The narration is often transferred to Spain, in the area of Arazuelo during the late ‘30s, and the birthplace of an enigmatic painting that finds itself in the gallery where Odelle works. Through Olive's eyes we witness the political and social upheaval in the Iberian Peninsula and a woman's fight to find a voice and a place of her own in the world of Art.

So, the dual timeline trope is present in The Muse and is masterfully executed. The sense of time and place is tangible and precise. The depiction of London and the beautifully frenetic era of the ‘60s is so vivid you can actually ‘'see'' the colours of the clothes and the pop-art and listen to the songs that marked one of the most fascinating eras in History. Through Odelle's memories of Trinidad, the writing acquires a fresh, sultry and sad Caribbean aura that is quite unique and perfectly balanced with the London atmosphere. What is interesting is the way Burton manages to create a darker feeling each time the narration moves under the shadow of the Andalusian sun. Despite the sunny hills, the aroma of the fruit and the luxurious background of Olive's terribly dysfunctional family, the threat of the civil war is present everywhere. Hypocrisy is mixed with suspicion and the chances for a woman to be acknowledged for her skills and intelligence and not for her father's walet are slim. Even people who claim to be fighting for equality (...and act in a completely opposite manner...) look upon women as feeble creatures who only act on a whim, devoid of feelings and thoughts.

‘'Women can't do it, you see. They haven't got the vision, although last time I checked they had eyes and hands, and hearts and souls. I'd have lost before I'd even had a chance.''

The lives of Odelle and Olive are interlocked and it is clear that not many things have changed through the years. Olive isn't allowed to pursue her dream and Odelle is considered an Other, an exotic bird that only half-belongs (if at all...) in her new surroundings. Lies and obsession are two major themes in the novel because truth is dangerous. It can destroy a life's work along with Love. The men of the story aren't exactly exemplary creations of their sex, they're unable to love, hiding behind the curtain of a utopian society (utopian for them and an anarchy for everyone else...) and the utter motive of personal gain. If women are naive enough, they fall into the trap and the consequences are terrible.

This brings me to my only complaint regarding The Muse. Although I try not to compare books written by the same author, it is my impression that The Muse lacked the unique characters of The Miniaturist. Odelle and Olive are quite interesting and their voice is clearly heard but they're not heroines we haven't seen before. I found I anticipated Odelle's chapters more than Olive's because the latter's love affair with Isaac was irritating and too melodramatic for my liking. Isaac is an utterly loathsome creature, in my opinion. A brute with brutal ideas, a coward who tries to act like a revolutionary but is neck-deep in lies, deceit and views that serve savagery and anarchy. His sister is a much better character, quite enigmatic but not enough to attract my interest in the Arazuelo storyline. So, while London's narrative was quite exciting, the action set in Spain was far less satisfying for me.

Although The Muse isn't as atmospheric, mystical and haunting as The Miniaturist, it is an excellent work of Historical Fiction. With a number of twists and rich in beautiful imagery and evocative prose, it is one more reason -for me, at least- to anticipate that Jessie Burton will go on giving us wonderful novels for many years to come.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

”If a colour could deliver hope, does it follow that it could also bring despair?”

Blue, blå, blauw, bleu, blau, κυανό, azzurro, azul, sinij, modra, blár..... a colour that carries powerful imagery, thoughts and memories...

Maggie Nelson is a writer I've always wanted to know more about and a beautiful review by my good friend Hannah convinced me that the time had finally come. It was a deeply poignant, haunting, almost transcendental reading experience.

In this book, we have the writer's musings on the colour blue and its various aspects. It is interesting that our societies associate blue with masculinity, imposing it on the infants (even in our progressive era) and with life. The majority of the flags of our countries contain a shade of blue. It is everywhere, the sky, the sea...A significant percentage- myself included- considers blue eyes as being the most attractive. They can be mesmerizing but they can also appear cold, soulless, threatening. Baby blue and indigo blue are utter opposites. The more I come to think of it, the more I believe that no other colour has so many facades and identities. Here, Nelson associates blue with love, loss, suffering and despair.

”And what kind of madness is it anyway, to be in love with something constitutionally incapable of loving you back?”

These are heartfelt confessions on a deep, dark abyss of a love that has been betrayed, a hope that is lost. Blue accompanies loneliness and, at times, a feeling of surrendering fully to the pain that comes when you are unable to anything to prevent disaster. I admit that I was touched by the despair that permeated the short entries of this book and the deep sadness. It almost made me feel uncomfortable as if I were an unknown by-stander watching the moment of utter emotional collapse. However, don't be discouraged. The writing is so rich and evocative. It is raw and powerful, giving voice to feelings that we have all experienced at least once in our lives. There is a distinctive aura of sensuality in the language and the theme of sexuality and its implications is central and communicated in a very realistic manner.

There are very interesting entries with true gems of information. To give you a tiny example, I was particularly fascinated by the habit of the bowerbird that clutters his domain with blue objects to attract the attention of the female. There are references to cultural icons from Thoreau, to Emerson, Goethe and Stein, to Leonard Cohen and Billie Holiday. There are parallels and narratives related to History, Mythology, stories of saints, sacred places and sinners...

This is a very special book, difficult to label. Is it a memoir? A re-imagined reality? A poetic confession? To me, it felt like poetry from a bleak place, heavy laden with the ache of an unfulfilled hope. I can't see how can anyone read Bluets and not be haunted by it...And if you find yourselves fascinated with Blue and the mysteries it hides, it is only natural...

”I have been trying for some time to find dignity in my loneliness. I have been finding this hard to do.”

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'I am excluded even from the excluded, she thought.''

Tracy Chevalier is one of those writers who have contributed in the development of Historical Fiction as we know it today. Her writing contains beautiful metaphors and a successful combination of a fresh, modern feeling and a kind of dialogue that is faithful to the depicted era. Girl With A Pearl Earring managed to bring the Netherlands to focus and started a whole array of books set during the 17th century, inspired by the magnificent painters of this beautiful country. The Last Runaway is equally successful. I dare say that, at times, it is even better...

Ohio, 1850s. The tension between the cities of the North and the cities of the South regarding the abolition of slavery is brewing. The communities are divided over the issue and over their own religious beliefs, The Quakers are considered weird but they are supposed to be honest and supporters of equality. Does this ‘'equality'' extent to salves? It depends...In the midst of it all, we find Honor. A young Englishwoman whose life changes drastically the moment she set foot in the New World. Her relationships with an array of interesting characters and her convictions compose a beautiful, sad, poignant story.

‘'Well, there you go. We're all from somewhere else. That's how Ohio is.''

The community Chevalier depicts is a mix of opposites. Ohio is a stop on the way North or on the way South. The residents are torn between sympathy and fear. The story is built on the notion of antithesis. Antithesis between our faith and our actions. Between love and duty. Between obligations and wishes. Honor has been brought up to be honest no matter what but there are things she can't even admit to herself. Donovan is torn between his twisted notion of duty and the demands of his heart. To what extent can we disregard our social and familial duties in order to do what we think is right and just? Do we give in and betray our principles? These are the questions Honor has to face while trying to forge a life in a place that is an amalgam of clashing convictions and troubled souls.

The writing is exceptional. I could go on about all the vivid details, the beautiful imagery, the dialogue. There is an underlying tenderness and softness in the prose even if the subject itself is difficult and harsh. Τhe daily life and customs are masterfully described and the themes that Chevalier uses to compose her story are always relevant to any era. The tone isn't didactic or preachy but simple, direct and calm like Honor herself.

The characters are major contributors to a successful novel and in this one we have quite a few memorable ones. Honor is a delight in the sense that she's realistic, determined and persistent. I didn't think of her as naive. On the contrary, I admired her bravery because she had to face the prejudices of a whole community and the horrible manners of her mother-in-law. Now, I will become controversial here and admit that I would choose a different path and obey my true wishes regarding marriage and family but I understand her motives given the era and the circumstances. This brings us to Donovan, one of the most interesting characters I've recently come across. He is complex, almost tragic in his choices, his inner battle. Belle is also exceptional as are Virginie and Mrs Reed. The Haymakers? I definitely could have done without those idiots...

There is an interesting theme permeating the novel. The notion of looking and thinking forward instead of dwelling in misfortune. The American Way. Honor questions this. She considers it a mistake because not remembering leads to the same mistakes over and over again. Judging by the way our world works, I cannot help thinking that she is right. Slavery, war, atrocities committed against the people whose land was stolen by the settlers... Within such a context, future can only become better through togetherness. The end is satisfying but it is clear that Honor isn't convinced. And she's right, in my opinion. Noone can speak of equality and continue dividing people into categories. And once more, I cannot help thinking that every successful Historical Fiction novel acts as the clearest mirror reflecting our problematic societies...

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'But in my country the people are warriors even in death. Our ghosts are not shadow and air, but walking flesh. They wield their weapons with as much strength as they did in life, and more bravely, for they have nothing left to fear.''

Iceland, 11th century. Life is harsh and the people are even harsher. The Viking age has come to an end and Gunnar, a warrior and a family man, has adjusted to the conditions of an inhospitable but magnificent land. Kjaran, a poet, a bard that lives on the hospitality of others, is his loyal friend. When the two men find themselves in a web of deceit and treachery that has nothing to do with them, a feud with unpredictable consequences begins.

This is a book that pays homage to the Historical Fiction genre with excellent results. It is a hymn to the beauty of Iceland, the culture and convictions of a bygone era that still continues to fascinate us, providing an endless source of inspiration for stories like the one Tim Leach created. Smile of the Wolf is rich in imagery and intriguing characters, enriched with an exciting plot written in beautiful, haunting prose worthy of the setting.

‘'There is comfort in darkness.''
‘'The loneliness of an Icelandic night- how would I speak of it to one who was not of our people?''

The long haunting and haunted Nordic winter nights are everywhere. The darkness, the silence, the endless waiting for whatever is lurking in the shadows. These elements are characters in their own right, guiding the choices of the heroes, guiding their fate. The brief intervals of the summer nights with their soft blue light, the sparkling stars and the promise of life and hope they carry with them are few and far between. And when they come, they bring only death...

‘'Let me tell you of a day in winter.''

Winter lies at the heart of the story. It makes life harsher but it also provides security. The cold and the darkness protect the families from threats coming from people whose lust for power and love for falsehood blind them to a bitter purpose. The Nordic winter is unlike any other. This is why the stories that are born in these lands are incomparable to the rest. They are made of a harsh, earthly beauty.

Leach weaves a story of injustice, exile, revenge. Of loyalty, the dream of love, the hope for a better life, the desire to create something you're allowed to call your own. It is a tale of a dying era of brave and violent and cruel deeds, a tale of a new way of life that leaves a lot of people in uncertainty and doubt. A story of two religions that are complete opposites. One welcomes death, the other speaks of rebirth. Where the past sings of battle, the present speak of love and sacrifice. The Norse deities are slowly retreating and Christianity becomes more powerful. But the followers of these religions do not obey their respective gods.

A story of such strength can only stand if the characters are equally strong. And they are, rest assured. The brave, unyielding Gunnar. The dreamer, sensitive, naive Kjaran. The cryptic Thoris, the torn Olaf. Brave, strong women, good and evil, stand by their side. Dalla, loyal, fierce and as unyielding as Gunnar. Sigrid, naive, headstrong, hardened by a hard life. Vigdis, cruel, scheming, desperate, corrupted by a strange notion of love and retribution. These are characters born and forged by the land that rules over their lives. They are people of their era but so contemporary in their struggles and aspirations. They're not ‘'heroes'' of silly TV series and films. They're human beings of a time that was much more difficult and darker than our own but of an era when circumstances forced you to become a hero or die a coward.

I thought I'd never find another book that would communicate the wonder that is Iceland so well after reading Kent's Burial Rites. I was wrong. Kjaran's song to the land is a hymn composed in the same way that Leach chose to ‘'sing'' about the country. A song whose lyrics are made of beautiful quotes and exquisite descriptions of the daily life, the gatherings, the struggle against the forces of nature in a place that is as beautiful as it is cruel. A song whose music is the wind, the murmur of the sea, the sound of the clashing swords...

‘'Harder to sharpen a spear that to use it, easier to kill a beast than to skin it, easier to kill a man that to bury him.''

Many thanks to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'Remember about the albatrosses? We got one on our trail now. I didn't know what it was when I saw it. It was too big to be anything real. I keep thinking about them carrying dead sailors around them.''


I am ashamed to say that I was completely ignorant of the existence of this book. It wasn't included in any of the recommending reading lists I receive and I hadn't read any review of it on Goodreads. I had the luck to become aware of it after a suggestion by the wonderful Jen Campbell in one of her lovely videos that contain treasure for the lovers of haunting fiction. And I searched high and low until I found it. And when I read it, I knew I was suddenly holding one of the best books I've read this year.

This is a collection of short stories by Daisy Johnson connected by the theme of desire, loss and the Otherness in every shape and form and the way we experience these notions particularly during our teenage and early adult years. Here, we have a girl that transforms herself into an eel. Three alluring female vampires are in trouble when they start acting like their unfortunate, highly edible victims. A house comes alive out of jealousy and vindictiveness. A young man returns to his wife. The problem is that he was dead...A sailor's pregnant wife reaches her limits surrounded by the fisherman's superstitions. A mother with a strange and very familiar offspring who wishes to take unto himself the sins of the world. Three siblings share a dark, twisted fate that would put the Lannister House to shame. A woman reminisces on her life while waiting her blind date. A lighthouse keeper is obsessed with a sea creature. These are some of the stories included in this haunting collection. My favourites are: Starving, Blood Rites, Language, The Superstition of Albatross, A Heavy Devotion, The Scattering

My first question was why ‘'Fen''? Why naming the book ‘'Fen''? What is the symbolism? So, I did my homework and connected my limited knowledge on the subject to new information and everything made a lot more sense. I knew that Fensalir was the dwelling of Frigg, the Norse goddess of Wisdom and Foresight. A domain of bogs, marshes and springs. And, naturally, most of us know Fenrir, Loki's monstrous offspring that tries to exact revenge for its mistreatment. And then, I discovered that the beautiful fen is associated with water and mists. The Fens landscape, extending from Cambridge to Lincolnshire, is a marshland interrupted by tiny communities of fishermen. It's a land steeped in legends and stories of the paranormal. The Will o' the Wisp, the Black Hound called the Black Shuck...Think of The Hound of the Baskervilles and you'll get the picture.

Τherefore, Folk elements exist throughout the stories. And fens are everywhere. There is obsession, sexual passion, the notion of virginity, the desire to be different, the trouble of being a teenager. The writing is exceptional. Cryptic, poetic, haunting. There is a distinct haziness, as if a mist is hovering over the stories, everything is blurry and grey. The reader needs to read between the lines, see behind the sentences and try to decipher any conclusion that may be there. And this is exactly the kind of quality that makes Fen such a mesmerizing, uniquely beautiful book. It definitely reminded me of Jen Campbell's The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night but in a darker and much more twisted, almost sinister, way.

Is this a book for everyone? No, it isn't. It requires us to suspend all disbelief, to be attracted to bleak, twisted, dark choices. But if you want to experience a unique way of writing and if you love short stories with characters that could easily be protagonists in their novels, then Fen is right there for you. And, in my humble opinion, it's a masterpiece of the genre.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'Could it be the void itself which fascinates us, since it's possible to fill it with the notion that what is missing might be something crucial, perfect, incomparable?''

One of the most fascinating - and sometimes disappointing - ‘'what if'' in the reading community has to do with the books that were once written but never saw the ‘'light'' of publication. Books that were destroyed, lost, forgotten. The great tragedians wrote hundreds of plays and what actually survives of their work is a tiny minuscule portion. Imagine the potential plays of Shakespeare that didn't survive. How richer and, dare I say, more beautiful reading experiences would have been ours had those creations survived...

Now, in this extremely interesting and excellently written book, Giorgio Van Straten presents the adventure of 8 books by authors who have sealed the course of World Literature. Books that were written under special circumstances and were lost soon after. ‘'Lost'' may not be the proper verb, though. Works by writers such as Gogol, Plath, Hemingway, Byron. A book is destroyed to protect a marriage, another is thrown away to salvage the reputation of an influential man. A lost suitcase containing the juvenalia of one of the greatest writers causes discord between a husband and a wife. A poet is a potential suspect for his wife's lost unfinished manuscript, two books become one of the millions of victims of the Nazi nightmare. A Russian Divine Comedy never comes to fruition, a writer succumbs to alcohol and causes a devastating fire. Human feelings become the motive for destruction, unfortunate coincidences, secrets, fear of the past and of the future, the need for perfection, the uncertainty of success in a melancholic literary journey from Florence to London, from Paris to Russia and from beautiful British Columbia to Prague.

Van Straten writes in a very direct, elegantly conversational style and often refers to his personal sources and to the views of writers contemporary to each respective author. He comes across as an extremely professional researcher, dedicated and fully respectful of the work and the life of 8 writers who have given us masterpieces. How much more some of them had to offer but fell victims to life's troubling whims....

Many thanks to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'They span time, the globe, socioeconomic situations, sexual and gender identities, and races. They are queens, scientists, athletes, politicians, spies, warriors, peacemakers, criminals and scoundrels. They are trendsetters, barrier breakers, innovators, and rebels.''

Outstanding, brilliantly beautiful work by Mackenzi Lee. I cannot begin to tell you how much I loved this book in which she presents 52 women who deserve to be much more famous than they are. Women from all over the world, women of every race and social status that achieved miniscule things such as overthrowing dictators, curing diseases, resisting oppression, doubting and crushing every gender stereotypes of a male-dominated world.

Lee writes in a comprehensive, direct and concise way, presenting the facts in engaging, fun language. The humorous tidbits are tasteful and delightful without becoming sarcastic or rude. Having in mind that a number of these glorious women's lives are a mix of fact, fiction and hear-say, Lee's task becomes even more demanding but sha passes the test with flying colours. She doesn't build ‘'loud'' pedestals but composes short, comprehensive biographies of women who vary from heroines, to leaders, to athletes, to criminals. Intelligent, dangerous, brave, alluring but, most importantly, fiercely determined to earn the right to live according to their rules, resisting and breaking the bars of patriarchy and prejudice.

The 52 women are all marvelous, but here are my absolute favourites:

Empress Xi Ling Shi, the woman who discovered sericulture and invented the silk loom, creating the legendary Silk Road that still continues to excite our imagination. She became a Chinese deity for her efforts. Not bad...

Hatshepsut, the first female Pharaoh, who took the throne after her husband's death- because she could- and ruled her people in prosperity for 22 years.

Agnodice, the woman who disguised herlself as a man to practice medicine in Ancient Athens. And guess what? She succeeded in the end because Athenian women are made of wonders.

Arawelo, a legendary queen of Somalia, who discarded every gender stereotype by creating a government consisting entirely of women. At the same time, she and her awesome cabinet showed the men what taking care of a household truly demands.

Queen Christina of Sweden. Naturally, Sweden would have one of the coolest monarchs ever. Peacemaker, protector of the Arts, advocate of religious equality, hater of matrimony and all-around awesome person. No surprise really given her homeland.

Mariya Oktyabrskaya, an extraordinary woman from Russia who blew the guts of many Nazi scums to pieces while inside her very own tank, aptly named Fighting Girlfriend. She took part in the Battle of Kursk, enough said.

Irena Sendler, a Polish nurse who fought against religious discrimination from an early age and saved more than 2,500 Jewish children from the nightmare of the ghetto during WWII.

Azucena Villaflor, an Argentinian mother, who organised the first demonstrations against the ‘'disappearances'' ( the desaparecidos) of young people who were deemed ‘'rebels'' by the military dictatorship of the country during the 70s. And we all know what it means to ‘'disappear'' when fascists are in power, don't we?

Petra Eriksson has created 52 absolutely beautiful portraits of each woman,painted in bold colours in a style combining pop art and poster illustrations. Fabulous!

Can you tell that I fell utterly in love with this book? I think you can and I urge you to read it, keep it in your collection as one of the jewels of your bookcase, a treasure of courage, empowerment and the fervent, everlasting fight and determination of women who succeeded on their own terms and became pioneers in their fields.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'There was no sound tonight from the owls in the copse, over to the left of the cottage, no stirring in the trees themselves.''

This was a very difficult review to write. Even if the words were dictated via a miraculous media, they would still feel shallow and inadequate to describe my feelings for a novel that made me numb and sad and you know that I am not a sentimental person at all. And how can I relate to the dark moment of losing the one person with whom you decided to share your life? When death tears down the construction that two people built with joy, hope,love and trust? My purpose with this review is to pay a small homage to one of the most quietly powerful novels I've ever read.

Ruth is a young woman living in a quaint English town. Her husband, Ben, dies in a horrible accident and her world crumbles to pieces. She experiences the feeling of absolute emptiness and numbness in her own way and her only comfort is her assurance that Ben is always with her. However, her grief doesn't meet the standards of Ben's family or the residents of the village. She's not loud enough or sad enough of devastated enough. The only person who stands on her side is Jo, Ben's younger brother, a sensitive and wise teenager.

Hill succeeds in creating a moving story without resorting to melodrama or cheap sentimentality. She narrates the numbness of loss, the despair of staying behind, the strange feeling that there is nothing ahead in evocative, poetic, haunting prose. In this novel, the reader will find a number of immensely beautiful descriptions of the natural environment, the cottage, the picturesque rural England. I could feel as if I were there from the very first pages. Susan Hill creates so many vivid scenes. The Good Friday evening with the decoration of the graves, the Easter Sunday, the spring nights, the autumn days are written in a language full of quiet beauty. For me, the most intense moment was the most poetic, tragically beautiful description of a death premonition, of the foreboding of sudden loss I've ever read. How can I not be moved by such powerful writing? On a side note here, I never, ever comment on other reviewers' opinions but I read a single sentence ‘'review'' by a user who wrote that she/he wanted to cut her/his neck after reading this novel. Well, I say that there's an idiot in every corner these days, eh? You will allow me the remark because not liking something is one thing and absolutely respectable. Calling names and being disrespectful as f— is an issue I can't be silent about.

I loved Ruth's character. Even though I've not been through a similar experience, I could relate to and understand her pain. A young couple living in a beautiful corner of the country suddenly torn apart by death. What could be more tragic and unjust? Ruth has a deep inner strength apparent even in the moments when despair takes over. Her dignity and quiet pain lend a haunting beauty to her character. However, I feel that the real jewel of the novel is Jo. A sensitive boy, wise beyond his years, trying to cope with a highly dysfunctional family. A horrible, egoistic mother, a coward father, a selfish sister. Ruth and nature are his sole shelters and he has to turn from a child to a man after Ben's death.

This isn't a book that needs many words of praise. Give it a chance and experience a quiet, beautiful study of the most humane of feelings, the feeling of despair and the dawning of hope. Forget melodramatic writers who write novels as if they're Hallmark screenplays and let yourselves enjoy the power of Susan Hill's writing.

‘'Τhey used to say that the birds all stopped singing, for those three hours. That everything went quiet, except for the wind.''

My reviews can also be found on: https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'Well, here we are again''..., I started, ‘'...to share tales of the macabre, stories of ghostly happenings and narratives of things dark and beyond the grave.''

This is a beautiful quote included in the first story of the collection. ‘'Good'', I thought, ‘'we're in for a spooky experience.'' And I began to read and for the first four-five stories, I was delighted, And then, I began to slowly but steadily realize that this choice was a clear case in which the outstanding cover and the title fooled my reading instinct....

In this collection, the setting of the tales changes from England to Ireland to the USA. Variety is always nice. We meet with spectres of faithful animals, werewolves with a humane side, cults dedicated to nature and the gods of old, angels worried over the fate of the human race, ghosts that don't know they're dead(...''I see dead people...''), philosophers and scientists who search for a deeper truth, living people who are tormented by the sins of the past, shapeshifters on an everlasting hunt...Fascinating, isn't it? Well, it could have been. There is a focus on pagan traditions that is evident in the majority of the stories and it adds an interesting dimension. The nightly descriptions are beautiful, the natural environment throughout the stories reads like a mysterious canvas. If only the execution of the tales and the dialogue were as successful...

First of all, I must stress the fact that the choice to include scenes and chapters in the stories is very clever and adds to the ‘'scenery'' of the work. However, many of the stories were predictable in a rather blunt, stale manner and some of them were plainly, intolerably bad. Even for an avid fan of ghost stories like myself. I skimmed through a few tales and I felt quite a bit frustrated upon reaching the end of others. Almost every character is naive or stupid. Ghosts and human beings alike...Methinks, this is an achievement. Furthermore, the vampires and werewolves seemed inspired by the current pop versions for teenagers and what was all the focus on Isis for? And let us not forget the Nephilim...

I'm not even finished yet...In my opinion, there was no need for so much swearing and vulgarity, especially given the period setting and I'm not sure I appreciated his jokes on the expense of Greek philosophers. I failed to see what was so hilarious about them. Also, when someone wants to include Alexander's life (yes, THE Alexander) in one of their stories, they'd better do their homework before they presume to occupy themselves with such a larger-than-life historical figure. For many reasons, the overall writing was, in my opinion, disappointing. The ‘'O...kay'' (yes, exactly as I wrote it!) exclamation drove me mad! This ‘'word'' is generously used throughout the stories even when the setting is the 19th century of the early 20th century. Have you watched the BBC abomination ‘'Troy:Fall of a City''? If you haven't, God has bless you. If you have -like the masochist yours truly- you may remember Paris using the phrase ‘'It's okay'' to console Hecuba following Hector's tragic death and abuse in the hands of Achilles. I mean, excuse me but where has Miss Sanity gone and who can bring her back to us?

If you read my reviews, you'll have noticed by now that I read quite a lot of ghost stories and that Short Stories is one of my favourite genres. I'm afraid that I found this book utterly disappointing on all levels....

‘'The English language is such a wonderful thing and you really should let me introduce you to it sometime as I'm sure that (...) the two of you may never become the best of friends.''

I mean, read the above quote. Does it look natural and flowing to you? I don't know, perhaps the writer should follow his ‘'own'' advice....

Many thanks to Troubadour Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

I think that most of us are attracted to controversial themes. After all, what is reading if not an opportunity to take a deeper look into issues that have shaped the world we live in? The issue of death penalty is one of the most discussed and divisive with strong opinions both in favour of and against this practice. I won't bore you with my views on the matter, nor is it anyone's business after all. However, this was the main reason The Last Suppers attracted my attention. The setting of New Orleans and the premise of the last supper before the execution of the convicted were factors that increased my curiosity. As it is, The Last Suppers was a rather interesting story with much potential but the writing and the overdone melodrama didn't meet my personal standards and prevented me from connecting to the plot and to the characters.

The story takes place in New Orleans, primarily during the 50s although we are momentarily transferred to the 30s and the 40s to witness events that are strongly connected to the present narrative. Everything is seen through the eyes of Ginny, a young woman with a troubled past and a no less complicated present. Her work is one that few would envy. She is a cook in Greenmount State Penitentiary. Ginny has decided on a peculiar life mission. She prepares the last meals of those who are about to meet the justified or unjustified end. She wants to give them one last sweet memory by reminding them of beloved recipes, of happier moments at home with their families. Whether they deserve it or not is a continuous point of discussion throughout the novel. Continuous to the point of repetition but more on that later. The death of her father has been haunting her for most of her life and her relationship with his best friends doesn't make things easier.

So what did I like in this novel? First of all, the depiction of the era and the unique atmosphere of New Orleans are remarkable. The sultry days and nights, the harsh daily life are vivid and I was transported there from the get-go. Seen as a Historical Novel, the writer did a marvelous job there. The themes she tackles are varied, difficult and very demanding. The loss of a parent at a young age, the emotional distance between a mother and a daughter, the complicated relationship with an older man are themes related to the personal life of the characters. And then, we have the important social background of the era. The discrimination between residents of the same city, the nightmare of the Ku Klux Klan, the social narrow-mindedness regarding women, the complicated issue of the death penalty and the convicted men's former life provide plenty of material for an emotional and interesting discussion.

In my opinion, the problem is that the writing isn't intense enough to communicate everything properly. I don't know what this novel aspired to be. A Historical Fiction novel? A social critique against discriminations of any kind? A romance? All these together? Make of it what you will but there were times when I thought I was reading a sappy, melodramatic romance, full of hystericals and unrealistic, stale interactions. I'm not sure whether I am making any sense but in my opinion, the dialogue between the characters was sub-par as if it had sprung out of a low-quality movie. And the sad thing is that in those moments, the writing should have been rich in gravity and tension. The same complaint applies to the characters. Everyone -with the possible exception of Dot- seemed either naive or neurotic. Unengaging, blunt, frightfully unoriginal. Even Dot seemed a character that have seen in most examples of Southern Literature. Although Ginny started out quite well, she quickly became someone who couldn't see the obvious implications of her questionable actions. Too much hysterics, sorry...This kind of literature isn't for me. And I had seen the conclusion coming before I reached the halfway mark of the novel so no surprises there...

The most ‘'correct'' personal rating for this novel would have been 2 stars. However, I am fully aware that my tastes and standards are quite weird. When I occupy my time with dark, difficult themes, I expect the writing to reflect the situations, well, ‘'darkly''. I want realism, not a romantic ‘'will she, won't she''. In addition, I know that anything approaching sappy romance is a lost cause with me so I'd hate to be unjust because of my cold heart. There are many beloved GR friends who loved The Last Suppers. It just wasn't my cup of tea. In my eyes, it was a wasted opportunity.

Many thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

''May night is, as everyone knows, a chancy time of the year, the hinge between spring and summer, when all sorts of magic seep into our world from the Other. At that time it is possible to gather fern seed to make you invisible, you can even look upon the faces of those doomed to die in the following year-if you are brave enough.''

East Yorkshire is home to the beautiful chalk hills and the Yorkshire Wolds. A land invaded by the Romans, the Great Danish Army, the Normans. Populated with independent, razor-sharp people and rich in beautiful legends. The Yorkshire Wolds is a land of mystery and legends. Since it was a site of worship from the prehistoric times, it is loaded with vibrant energy. Fairies, strange animals, ghosts, heroic ancestors, brave and ill-fated warriors, powerful priests, dragons and magic structures are only a handful of the elements that call the Wolds home. I was looking forward to read more about the magic that takes place here but unfortunately, Barton chose to focus elsewhere...Oh well....

The folk tales are divided into six categories. Stories about animals, sea tales, fables of saints and scared figures, oddities, supernatural tales and legends about villains and heroes. Scattered among the pages are 30 vivid, black-and-white illustrations and a useful map of East Yorkshire with the settings of the stories. Handy notes at the end of each chapter are also provided. Make room as dragon-slayers, wise women, witches, thugs, ghostly ladies, Vikings, warlords, elves, mermaids and numerous strange and fascinating visitors would like to keep you company.

My favourite tales are The Three Roses from the Wolds, a ghostly tale of love and sorrow that reminded me of Poe's stories, and The Screaming Skull from Burton Agnes that makes use of the well-known legend of the skulls that are haunted by a wailing, demanding and frustrated ancestor. Now, while the selection of the tales is excellent and covers quite an extensive list of themes, I have to say that Barton's writing wasn't as satisfying. I don't know what happened because I've read and loved her work in North Yorkshire Folk Tales. In this collection, the language is repetitive and the scattered use of local dialect doesn't really help. Moreover- and this is strictly a personal opinion- I found her remarks on a particular religion offensive and inappropriate for a work that aims to win the interest of all audiences. As I often say, I will respect one's belief if they respect mine, otherwise I'm sorry, we're done. One-way relationships don't work and respect should be mutual. Anyway, this is supposed to be a book on Folk Tales, not a propaganda for New Age dogmas and what-not. Therefore, my experience with this book wasn't as enjoyable as I'd want.

I repeat that this is my personal opinion. I stand by certain views and I'm not ashamed to say so. Taken as a whole, this is a beautiful -if incomplete- showcase of the legends from the East Riding. The rest is for you to decide...

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'Brother, if you were a playing card what card would you be? Would you be an ace or a king, a spade or a heart?''

What a month this has been so far... Gearing up the scheduled readings for the coming Holy Week and the much-needed Easter holidays, I've spent March with a number of strange, memorable books that proved to be a rather demanding company. I am not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that Child 44 was the finest, darkest, most emotionally draining reading experience. This isn't merely a thriller or an excellent Historical Fiction novel. It is a deep dive to the rawest of emotions of the human soul. The fight to preserve and survive as opposed to the inclination of some to destroy all that is good and pure.

Before I continue, I must say that I will not engage in any discussion regarding political commentary or historical accuracy. I'm sure we're all educated, open-minded readers that have studied our fair share of Fiction and Non-Fiction on the nightmare that was the Soviet Era. Each one of us has an opinion but we're here to talk about books not international relations. Any relevant comments will be promptly deleted and dealt with.

And as a novel, Child 44 is brilliant, in my opinion. Leo is a high ranking officer of MGB but a personal quarrel with Vassili, another member of the State, leads him to forfeit the life he knew. His sole purpose becomes the discovery of the man who commits crimes beyond all reason. The murders and mutilations of children in the wintry forests across the country. Leo's only ally is Raisa, his wife, while both are keeping secrets from each other. So, everything comes down to a race against time and people whose false ideals demand absolute silence and blind obedience.

‘'Doing nothing is no guarantee we won't be arrested anyway- I've learnt that lesson.''

The world of Child 44 is a living nightmare and, obviously, one has only to read the basics of Stalin's reign of terror to feel that the descriptions are not only tangible. They are the Boschian History of a quite recent past. Tom Rob Smith writes without cheap sensationalism but with raw, razor-sharp language that is beautiful in its darkness. This is a time and place where anything can cause an arrest and anyone can be accused of treason. People are persecuted because their clients are Westerners. Others are persecuted on the basis of unheard prayers despite their age or sex. You pray therefore you want Stalin dead, off with you! You are guilty unless proven innocence. But if you're proven innocent, someone hasn't done their job right. You can't be innocent but you can be an abomination that the State has to throw up in a society where there is no crime...

‘'Is that how you're able to sleep at night, by blanking events from your mind?''

Leo and Raisa are masterfully crafted characters. They are flawed but sympathetic. They are controversial and ambiguous, a couple equally strong, determined, secretive and honest. As honest as they can be given the era and the circumstances. Smith succeeded in creating protagonists that are the driving forces of the story. They are realistic, brave and intelligent without seeming fake. Even Vassili and the culprit are believable. They aren't caricatures and they retain the reader's interest. This is what makes the difference between a proper villain and a cardboard figure.

I cannot say anything about the storyline, obviously, but I can tell you that the development of the mystery, the twists and implications as well as the conclusion compose a novel that is a work of Art in its genre. The references to the hardships that people had to face on a daily basis, the fate of the accused, the small details about the fight of the Russian people against the Nazis make the narration even more vivid and enrich the historical background. I particularly appreciated the reference to the Night Witches, the legendary female pilots who became the terror of the Nazi monsters during the Second World War. If you don't know their story, make sure to check it out.

I didn't know that this was the first book in a series and although I loved it to the point of losing my stop twice during my commute to work and back, I don't think I'll read the second installment soon. I need Child 44 to sink in and I doubt its follow-up will stand up to its predecessor.

‘'They listened to her cries. But there was nothing unusual about this kind of grief and people did not watch for long.''

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

“It's dusk, the heavy drapes drawn back. Outside, through the window, there is a crepuscular Saint Petersburg, early evening on snowy streets; a sleigh pulled by a courser silently whooshes by—who's rushing, and where? To the theater? To a romantic rendezvous?”

We all know the contribution of the Russian writers to the literary world. Most of us are sworn avid readers of the classics. Speaking strictly for me, I discovered the beauty and vastness of Russian Literature through the much-loved, nearly crumbled paperback editions of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky's masterpieces that belonged to my father. He initiated me to the snowy, haunting landscapes of this mystical, vast country which extents in two continents. Then came Pushkin, Gogol, Pasternak and so many others. But what about our times? What is the contemporary approach to writing in Russia? Well, it seems to me that the great tradition of beautiful language that offers a poignant journey to thoughts and feelings is strong and undiminished...

These stories, some derived from Tolstaya's personal experiences, some glorious works of fiction are a fascinating example of the everlasting beauty of Russian Literature. Aetherial Worlds open with a powerful introduction where the writer juxtaposes her experience of a myopia operation to the writing of her first short story. These are some of the highlights of the collection.

“And if you feel like senselessly crying, do it now, while nobody can see you.”
Aspic: The preparation of a formal dinner. The obligation of the hostess to put on a mask in front of her guests.

“Life is but smoke and shadows.”
Smoke and Shadows: To say this story was shocking would be an understatement.What starts as the musings of a love affair doomed by cultural differences becomes a tale of obsession. Fantastic!

There: A story of socks lost in the washing machine and domestic goblins. The disappearing socks provide a simile for the people who used to simply disappear during the nightmare of the Soviet era.

“Was she happy? Did she see from her window the white night outside, the alleyways covered with transparent haze and twilight-colored bushes? Whom does she love? Who loves her? And me, whom do I love?
A Young Lady in Bloom: A lively story about a summer job in a post-office during the 1970s. A beautiful, strangely sad journey to Saint Petersburg delivering telegrams...

Father: An ode to the paternal figure through the writer's memories of her now deceased father. A beautiful, tenderly haunting text that brought tears to my eyes...

The Square: A beautiful text on the great Kazimir Malevich and the sacred literary figure of Leo Tolstoy.

“Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining, I'll corner you and eat your brains for breakfast.”
Aetherial Worlds: Apart from the fact that this quote is me in a nutshell, the story that lends its title to the collection is a moving, thoughtful piece about cultural shock and the will to understand each other, no matter how difficult it may be. Tolstaya's pen is sad, nostalgic, funny as a new house becomes the metaphor for a new life.
P.S. I never stop marveling at the stupidity of a certain type of students....

See the Reverse: A beautiful text on the marvel that is Ravenna, a moving elegy for the writer's father and the finest closure for a shuttering, tender and meaningful collection.

In these beautiful, funny and sometimes tragic passages, Tolstaya has poured her heart and soul to speak to the reader. We should listen....One small complain, though. I think the writer had the Mycenaeans and the Minoans awfully confused.....

‘'I don't know its geography, its mountains, or its seas; it's so vast, it must be limitless. Or perhaps it's not simply one world—perhaps there are many. They are unpredictable: they can show themselves to you, or not. Some days they may not let you inside: Sorry, the doors are locked, we're on holiday. But to the patient and the devoted, they will in the end always yield. The doors will open, and you won't know what you will come across until you enter.”

Many thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'When a lie repeats for a long time, people begin to believe.''

This collection is an ode to the values of Literature. An opportunity to contemplate, to feel, to reflect. A beautiful, haunting symphony composed of religion, philosophy, folklore, living History. A work that places the human being, naked and feeble as we are, at the heart of every story. Our fears, our fickleness, our virtues and vices, our ability to create only to destroy. Our desire to rebuild and then tear down everything and everyone. Our search for knowledge and love to an unknown end...These are some of the most beautiful, poignant stories you'll ever read....

‘'I offer you knowledge and the desert.''
Simon Magus: A story set after the Resurrection of Christ. Simon is a man who doesn't believe, fed up by the large number of disciples, irritated by the new belief. He wants to prove that there isn't only one truth in the world but a multitude of personal ‘'truths''. He encounters Peter and accepts a challenge. Well, he should have known better...Gnosticism is a major influence in this poignant tale whose conclusion is open to many interpretations.

‘'It was a beautiful gray November evening with streetlamps flickering in the mist.''
Last Respects: The death of a prostitute provides the ground for an act of rebellion as people whom society has pushed to the margins strip the graves off their flowers to cover the last residence of poor Mariette. Set in Hamburg during the early 20th century, full of images of a cruel and yet strangely romantic era...

‘'In that distant year of 1929, one approached Belgrade via the Sava Bridge, probably with the same joy of arrival as one feels today.''
The Encyclopedia of the Dead: A woman, who has recently lost her father, travels to Stockholm. In the Royal Library, she discovers the volumes of an encyclopedia whose entries are dedicated to every ordinary human being. As she starts reading about her father, we follow her thoughts and perhaps begin to contemplate on the significance of all of us. Most of us will remain unknown after our death. No entry in any encyclopedia will be dedicated to us. And yet, aren't ordinary people the ones who lead History to her eternal circle? What would the ones in power do if it weren't for their simple, common followers? What if we come to think of the story as a parable for a troubled past, a fragile present and an uncertain future?

‘'Was that, too, a dream?''
The Legend of the Sleepers: This story is based on the legend of the 7 Sleepers, the Roman noblemen who converted to Christianity while in the court of Decius, an emperor of pagan beliefs.

‘'This story does not begin abruptly, in medias res, but gradually, as when night falls in the woods.''
The Mirror of the Unknown: For me, this is the jewel of the collection. The youngest girl of a Jewish family in Hungary during the 19th century witnesses a tragic moment of the future through a looking glass bought from a gypsy. A heartbreaking story loaded with political, historical and social connotations.

‘'If I understood correctly, there is nothing left.''
The Story of the Master and the Disciple: A tale set in Prague with reference to Kabbalah and Mysticism and with the ingratitude of a mediocre disciple towards his gifted master.

‘'At that moment, as if by command, the drums began to beat, as sinister and monotonous as rain.''
Pro Patria Mori: Most of us are taught that we are obliged to die to defend our country. To what end? In our story, a young delusional aristocrat awaits his execution. His mother's sole purpose is to save appearances. A tragic fable on the futility of politics, ambitions and the eternal shedding of innocent blood for some ‘'higher'' purpose that constantly changes...

‘'We hear terrified cries for help, then a few isolated shots finishing off one of the children. And then the heavy silence of the Siberian night.''
The Book of Kings and Fools: A harrowing story of religion, revolution, propaganda. Of atrocities, despair and the never ending idiocy of humans to believe everything they're told to, to live according to their prejudice...

‘'But I do not matter, I do not matter in the least.''
Red Stamps with Lenin's Head: An unnamed woman claims to be the lover of a famous deceased poet and condemns all critics of his work through a letter to his biographer.

A collection about deception, misconception, futility, violence and the darkness we sadistically created in ourselves and in the lives of those we love. A writer that was taken too soon....

‘'History is written by the victors. Traditions are woven by the people. Writers fantasize. Only death is certain.''

...and in these four sentences lies the whole essence of the blood-crazed world we've created through centuries....

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

''She's not a real girl. She's a ghost.''
''Then why can we see her?''
''We can see them. It's humans who can't.''

Sometimes we discover little gems out of nowhere. We, obsessed readers as we are, have experienced this countless times. It is one of the greatest joys of reading. So, three nights ago as I was waiting for the L.A.Clippers game to start, I started browsing Edelweiss and the title ‘‘The Ghost, The Owl'' caught my eye. Yes, well, obviously. Ghosts, owls....This had my name written all over. The only thing that made me hesitate was the fact that comics don't seem particularly appealing to me but the few times I've tried my luck with the genre haven't disappointed me. This beautiful work was no exception.

''...people don't voluntarily help others.''

The ghost of a young girl comes in a swamp. She can't remember anything from her time among the living and a young owl decides to help her discover the reason that caused her death. Naturally, they come across pure, kind-hearted people and despicable human beings who want to destroy everything and everyone that resist their vile advances. The decision of the owl is a violation of the law that forbids any kind of intervention in the lives of the humans and thus, an unusual, beautiful journey begins.

I was surprised by how poignant the plot of this comic was. Fellowship, hope, loss, the chance to survive, to defeat the evils in our life, to start again. The notion that, sometimes, you have to cross certain boundaries and ignore restrictions, otherwise you will lose yourself. I was moved and impressed by the beautiful illustrations by Sara Richard. I think they were extremely vivid- almost too vivid- and the dialogue was quite satisfying. There was a modern Gothic touch that brought the whole effort together and created a thoughtful, skillfully artistic comic. 

Irrelevant Point n.1 : I was so impressed by this that I felt confident enough to try my luck with another comic titled ‘‘The Lost Path'', a story set in a strange forest. Bring all the Gothic comics to this metalhead.🤘🤘🤘

Irrelevant Point n.2 : This is the review where I disclose my favourite NBA team. Utterly useless information but I feel talkative today.🏀🏀

Many thanks to Action Lab Entertainment and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

“My father lost me to The Beast at cards.”

I knew I was going to love it and my expectations were justifiably high. 10 exceptional short stories paying homage to classic fairy tales and especially to Charles Perrault. From ‘‘Bluebeard'' and ‘‘The Beauty and the Beast'' to ‘‘Puss -in- Boots'' and ‘‘The Snow Child'' written in a unique, sensual, dark language.

The Bloody Chamber :In my opinion, the jewel of the collection. This is a story based on “Bluebeard”, one of my favourite fairy tales because I'm weird and I like it:) Seriously, though, this is a beautiful showcase of Carter's immense talent. She inserts elements from the dawning of Gothic Fiction and crafts a perfect story. The legend of Dracula, Carmilla, the Iron Maiden. As a young woman, who finds herself amidst the journey of marriage to a strange count, discovers sexual liberation, perversion and death. I loved the language in this one, full of underlying sensuality and the blurred line between pleasure and despair.

The Courtship of Mr Lyon : A story based on “Beauty and the Beast”. Carter kept the most well known features of the tale intact. Sometimes, the best retellings are the ones that stay close to the original source and this was definitely the case here.

The Tiger's Bride : The second story based on “Beauty and the Beast”. A young woman of aristocratic origin travels from Russia to Italy. The Beast becomes a tiger in a tale full of weird twists that make the ending shocking and powerful. Carter shows that finding your identity is essential for both sexes and the descriptions are poetic and vivid. A story of winter and spring...

Puss-in-Boots : A tale based on the story by Giovanni Francesco Straparola. “Puss in Boots” had never been among my favourite fairy tales but Carter manages to combine it with Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Figaro is turned into a genius, cynic and all-around spectacular feline. An entertaining story that reads like a true opera buffa.

The Erl-King : Reminiscent of Goethe, the Grimm brothers and the legend of the King of Fairies in Scandinavian folklore. The tale starts with a beautiful description of an autumnal forest, haunting and colourful, full of smells and visions. It is the most sexually charged tale of the collection with beautiful erotic descriptions and a constant battle between innocence and awareness. Love isn't a blinding force in this story. The maiden doesn't saintly surrender to her fate. She changes it and prevails.

The Snow Child : There are many versions of this fairy tale. Carter chooses the most shocking, violent, dark variant, a twisted vision of a tormented Snow White. It is a short tale that strikes at the heart with its dark themes of necrophilia, abuse and lethal jealousy.

The Lady of the House of Love :“A girl who is both death and the maiden.” Carter combines the tale of “The Sleeping Beauty”, the legend of Elizabeth Bathory and the tale of Dracula to create a story set in the Carpathian region during the turn of the previous century that is nothing short of a masterpiece.

The Werewolf : It makes me sad that in our current times, books of dubious (to put it mildly) quality have transformed such haunting and fascinating creatures into a fad of a horrible pop culture. Thankfully, writers like Carter do not refuse them the position that centuries of lore have granted to these tortured creatures of the night. A tale based on “Little Red Riding Hood”, enriched with folklore from Walpurgisnacht and with an interesting heroine of dubious motives.

The Company of Wolves“The wolfsong is the sound of the rending you will suffer, in itself a murdering.” A second story based on “Little Red Riding Hood”. The wolf is the protagonist. The beauty, the agility, the danger. Carter makes use of the legends and fables about the werewolf juxtaposed with the innocence of the children and the allure of the forbidden. A story that is open to many interpretations...

Wolf-Alice This is the third story based on “Little Red Riding Hood” and the one fully demonstrating society's obsession to have us all the same, denying us the right to be what we want to be. A young woman defies religious and social rules and discovers that compassion and companionship are sometimes waiting where we least expect them.

The stories are rich in visual scenes, faithful to the spirit of their original sources and composed of themes that are difficult and demanding. Carter speaks of female emancipation, sexual liberation, the heavy chains of patriarchy and society's expectations of women. Carter defies the stereotypes and clearly demonstrates the desire for the identity of the heroine who saves herself instead of waiting for the Knight. Even when she falters, it's by her own choice and she accepts the consequences. What are the canonical fairy tales, in any case? Didactic parables of the notion that “transgressions” turn people into monsters. Anything that doesn't meet the common expectations of appearance and behavior is considered demonic. But we, as women, don't need to read tales to discover there are monsters in the world. We've seen them. We have been facing them for centuries. We still fight against them. We always will...

It is my sincerest conviction that fairy tales, especially retellings such as these, can reveal more about the human nature than any “serious” novel or philosophical work. Carter's tales couldn't have been more meaningful, more relevant to our current times, mirroring issues that concern us constantly. That is if we are willing to look deeper and search for them. These tales are written in beautiful language but this is merely a “technical” issue. What matters is what they try to tell us and show us. This is beyond labels such as “Horror” or “Gothic” or “Literary Fiction”. It is about ourselves and our identities.

“The lamb must learn to run with the tigers”

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'And that's why we look back on that time so fondly from the dimmer years to come. Remembering the days when we were like Greek gods. Mighty and idiotic.''

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier remains one of my most memorable and beloved reads after tons and tons of books. For me, this novel is the measure by which I rate every book set during the Civil War. Unlike a popular tearjerker melodrama full of spoiled characters, Cold Mountain won me over with its poetic language and gritty reality. I'm pleased to say that Nightwoods is another beautiful example of Frazier's talent.

The story is set in the 1950s, a time of change and transformation for the society in the USA. In North Carolina, in the haunting, mystical, rough Appalachian, Luce lives alone in an old lodge whose owner has died. Her life changes-once again- when two children are handed over to her. A boy and a girl that can only be characterised as ‘'eerie'' but in truth, they have survived an unthinkable experience. Two men, Stubblefield and Bud, manage to make the once peaceful life of Luce even more turbulent.

This is all I can say about the plot because Frazier has created a story that is anything but simple. The premise may sound common, but the way the past and the present are intertwined affecting Luce's life is so complex and the development of the story is brought about by unpredictable factors. The characters' actions and past life are revealed layer by layer and the chapters often begin with new background information and revelations that leave you staring in shock. God knows how many times I sat up on my seat in the Tube to re-read what I had already read in disbelief....

Frazier's writing is extremely powerful. In a story that is bleak and agonizing and full of cruel injustice done to those whom society considers as the weakest links (and of course, I'm talking about women and children) there are bright moments of beauty. The serenity of nature and seclusion. The little daily snippets that give life to the narrative. The description of the operators' night shift.The beautiful Appalachian nature is a presence that influences the development of the characters and the plot. The passage where Frazier has Luce describing the changing of the seasons is one of the most beautiful paragraphs I've ever read. I could hear the crackling of the woodfire, I could smell the newborn flowers. I could feel the sultry summer evenings. I could see the changing pumpkins and the apples until the coming of winter when everything start again. I saw myself and my feelings as a teacher in two short passages that you will allow me to insert here:

‘'A teacher has six hours a day for nine months of one year. And thirty children to deal with at a time. You do your best and you expect the same from them. Then you pass them to the next grade and hope to do better with another bunch.''‘'First day of school every year, even now, I look out at those little faces, every one needing something from me, and I start feeling like I can't breath thinking about the hundred and eight days ahead. I've learned to remember there will be good days and bad days. For me and for them. Many rivers to cross between fall and spring.''

A good book doesn't win you by plot and characters exclusively. It wins your heart when you can feel and see certain parts of yourself reflected in the process. This is what distinguishes the books that are just ‘'good'' from the books that stay with you.

Frazier knows how to create characters to support his plan and attract the readers' attention and sympathy. Or anger. In my opinion, the central characters are the two children whose eerie and dark, watchful eyes speak volumes. Luce is a fascinating heroine. Her fight to live her life according to her rules against the oppression of patriarchy, the bravery in front of hardship and malice, the honest way of facing everything and everyone. Stubblefield is an excellent counterpart. A man of the world, as brave as Luce and a little bit naive which makes him all the more realistic. Bud is not a cardboard villain. Far from it. Frazier gives voice to the man's troubled thoughts as he tries to understand the terrible course his life has followed. He is one of those ‘'bad guys'' whose chapters you anticipate with a mix of dread and excitement, struggling to understand the darkness. For me, the real ‘'bad guy'' of the story was Luce's mother, Lola. One of the most despicable characters you'll ever come across. And, naturally, the men of the law, the ones who are supposed to protect society, once more demonstrate the certainty of having the mental capacity of an amoeba. At least, amoebas are useful in something...

Frazier's talent is such that manages to turn an old radio playing jazz songs in the darkness into a character. Enough said...The way I see it, Nightwoods is a modern American classic...

‘'A cool November day, blue sky and sunlight thin and angling, even at noon. Leaves entirely off most trees, but still hanging tough and reddish brown on the oaks.''

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

''I've learned to prefer the starkest of truths to the most comforting of lies.''

In my opinion, there is only one city whose gritty historical background can be compared to London's and, naturally, I'm referring to New York. The diversity of the population, the vast gap between the upper and lower classes compose a fascinating scenery of a city that was trying to find its identity at the time. I think that Simpson succeeded in all levels with this mystery novel.

The setting is in New York during the late 19th century and in London, Jack the Ripper has brought terror in the Londoners' hearts. In New York, young women who work as maids for wealthy families are murdered in a horrible manner that echoes the crimes in Whitechapel. The authorities of the city believe there is a copycat of Jack the Ripper walking among the respectable citizens. Geoffrey Hunter, a former Pinkerton, is the owner of an investigative law firm. Prudence MacKenzie, a young heiress, is his right hand and the major brain of his enterprise.

I have the weird habit of beginning a mystery series with the second of even third book. I find that it gives me better insight into the development of a character and, many times, I don't waste time on background information since the important events of the past will always find themselves in the narration. I wanted to start The Gilded Age series for quite some time and I wasn't disappointed. Both the premise and the execution were satisfying. Simpson depicts a realistic image of New York, fully delving into the bleak scenery and some of the darkest of themes. She uses the issues of bigotry and religious fundamentalism in a clever way, along with the prejudices and the stereotypes that forced the classes to engage in a battle that led nowhere. Add certain hints of sexual perversion, illegal abortions and the marginalization of the immigrants and the mix gets quite interesting.

Prudence and Geoffrey are very interesting, well-drawn characters that support the story and make you care for them. The dialogue is quite good and faithful of the era and the descriptions are vivid although I could do with a little less repetition.

As a super fan of ‘‘Ripper Street'' and ‘‘The Alienist'', I cannot but recommend this wholeheartedly.

Many thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'Sometimes, at night, I would light houses on fire. But noone particularly cared.''

I thoroughly enjoy the power that Dystopian Fiction has acquired of late. The vast majority of the books under this category are exemplary and even the few duds have something to offer. I cannot help but firmly believe that when all else fades, books can show us the way and through the influence of quality Literature we'll come to hear the tolling bells a little more clearly. However, there are times when a book like this one terrifies me. And the reason is simple. There are stories that are highly relevant to our times. If we subtract the speculative factor, we'll discover that the situations described can apply to any society in humanitarian, financial or social crisis. This is when the implications become brutally honest and the thoughts terrifyingly alarming. This is Barnes' The City Where We Once Lived.

‘'Nothing grows here'', I finally say. ‘'Nothing grows at all.''

The time and place of our story aren't clear. In fact, they're irrelevant. The future doesn't seem distant at all, the setting could be anywhere. The USA, the UK, Russia, Germany, it doesn't matter. We know that a devastating climate change is currently at large. The weather has become a murderer. Tornadoes and violent storms cause thousands of fatalities on a daily basis. Trees are scarce, the soil is sterile. Nature has started taking revenge for all the rapes inflicted on her by the human race. And a man lies at the centre of the story, trying to find a way either to change the inevitable or simply to survive.

‘'If you wanted to be a part of the world, why would you be here?''

The land has been divided into the North and the South End. The North End is a ghost territory, a place forgotten, neglected, a corner that the state would prefer vanquished. The government, along with the majority of the population, have moved South and only two thousand people have chosen to remain. Our main character is a journalist without a name, struggling to retain some traits of the world he knew using pen, paper and an old camera. His story is one of tragedy and loss as he tries to fight on and survive. He discovers that newcomers have started inhabiting the once abandoned sectors and, gradually, refugees from the South End arrive and the narrator's will for personal survival becomes a fight to keep the North End alive and safe.

‘'They should know what was done to people like us. And they should never forget that either.''

Along with the journalist, we meet a gardener, a minister, scavengers and a mysterious young woman with her son. Her presence is a source of light and hope, a glimpse of a possible future. Each character does his best to exorcise the demons as more issues begin to threaten whatever stability they have formed in their present lives. The fear of civil unrest is tense. Security tests fill the ghost city with the nightmarish sound of the air raid sirens. The South End is plagued by mass hysteria and in the North End teenagers are turned into thugs.

The writing is exceptional and the questions Barnes poses are hard. What do we accept as ‘'normal''? What are the limits and boundaries we are willing to surpass and break in order to survive? To what extent can we grow accustomed to a form of life that actually resembles a prison? How do we react when apathy culminates in violence fueled by injustice and discrimination? Barnes is undoubtedly talented. The narration is strangely beautiful, in a style that I find hard to describe accurately. While I was reading, I had the feeling of a world covered in mists, its veil momentarily lifted to reveal glimpses of a life that once was or to give way to a harrowing spree of desperation. You have to dig deep into the layers of this story. Don't expect ‘'action'' in the traditional sense of the word, you won't find it here.

Yet, hope still remains after all the pain and anger. It's just that there are certain wounds that are impossible for anyone to heal....

‘'Maybe they can make a new life. A new self. A new world in which all is different. All is better. But I'm not sure.''

Many thanks to Arcade Publishing and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'Alas, we players are unaware that the curtain goes up the minute we take our first gulps of air; the screams of rage our only hopeless comments on being born onto such a barren stage.'

This novel was a severe case of ‘I fell in love with the cover and I regret nothing.' Instant love. When I read the blurb, I thought this was a great opportunity to renew my relationship with Historical Fiction works set in the 18th century, an era when seduction, decadence, and the joie-de-vivre- way of life were at their height, an era where reforms and political unrest shaped the future of the world. Before I say anything more, I must tell you that I found this novel to an extremely interesting, memorable read. Those who consider this an ‘'erotica'' novel really need to check their facts, I'm sorry. Yes, there are graphic sexual scenes but first and foremost there is a plot and an intriguing story to be told. I admit that I wouldn't be caught dead with a book of the aforementioned ‘'genre'' (?) but what I can tell you is that even those passages are written in a distinctive quality of language that reminded me of the 18th century memoir Fanny Hill by John Cleland. This is Historical Fiction, plain and simple. Nothing vulgar or dirty.

‘'So let me start, sir, before the clock runs out of hours.''

Tully's story begins like any good old memoir. In a prison where she is awaiting the day of judgement. And not just any prison. She's in Newgate. It is from a cell that Tully begins our journey from her childhood under the control of a despicable man to the refuge of a ‘'fairy house''. A story of a transformation from rugs to riches but whose ‘'riches'' really? Can a prostitute actually have any claim on property and wealth? And what of her feelings or a change to an honest way of living? These are the questions that Tully often asks herself.

‘'Is it breeding that makes us who we are, or the muck we are born into, be that of a stable or a palace?''

The way Gardner presents her story is very vivid, straightforward and the language is a faithful example of the 18th century English collocations. The descriptions are lavish, detailed, from the clothes to the furniture to the daily life of the upper and low classes. Most importantly, the depiction of the prejudices and the stereotypes imposed on women by their fathers and their husbands is brutally honest. This is a world where a woman has to use her body as a merchandise in order to retain or to gain some form of dignity and self-respect, to acquire the necessary means to live her life in some form of freedom, however controversial. The magical realism element is successfully woven into the story, adding an aura of mystery to Tully's character. The only problem is that I felt it was overused in certain parts and there were moments when I just couldn't take it seriously. Still, it created a feeling of anticipation and dread. And as for the racy scenes? Well, this is the 18th century and our main character is a night butterfly, so that's that. In any case, you can easily skip them if they bother you.

Tully is an engaging main character. Naive, sincere, brave and unafraid of her sexuality. She tries to make her life better, using the means that are accessible at the given moment and I don't think that the readers should judge her. We all struggle to live our lives as best as we can given the era, the circumstances and all the unpredictable factors. I refuse to judge her choices but I can definitely say that I followed Tully's adventures with interest and curiosity.

‘'Our days are measured too often in woes and too seldom in humour, which is a pity, for what is this world if not a farce, a comedy of follies performed without rehearsal, a stage waiting for a strumpet to tell her tale?''

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com

‘'How can a place be a home if no one wants you there?''

I've always had a weird relationship with Ahern's books. I've never been particularly intrigued by the stories presented in her novels, until ‘'The Marble Collector'' attracted my attention. I loved it, even though I faced certain issues with the construction of the characters and the dialogue. ‘'Lyrebird'' won me over with its beautiful front cover and with the blurb that reminded me of the film ‘'Nel'' with Jodie Foster and Liam Neeson. I thought I'd find a haunting novel of secrets and feelings. Unfortunately, the result was quite different....

Solomon comes across Laura in a forest in the south-west of Ireland. The young woman has a unique ability to produce sounds as if they're recorded inside her, mirroring her feelings and the thoughts of others. His girlfriend, Bo, is a filmmaker and when she becomes interested in Laura, she carries her to Dublin. This is when the shocking experience of living in the metropolis tears everything down.

Now, this may sound interesting and it is. Believe me. The story had so much potential and Laura is a satisfying heroine. The problem is that the way the narrative was developed seemed to me quite fickle, even amateurish. The descriptive passages had a few moments of beauty but, for the most part, they read as a mediocre example of chic-lit of dubious quality. Now, I don't read much of that genre so I'm not the best judge. However, I know the elements that constitute an example of fine writing and Ahern disappointed me. Too much repetition and hysterics and unnecessary drama. What I thought would be a poignant story about the difficult transition from a rural environment to the modern city and a young woman's journey of self-discovery, quickly became a soap-opera. I am not interested in the backstage drama of reality TV and talent shows. I find them loathsome, disgusting and tokens of the lowest levels a human being can reach. I don't want a dialogue that contains an unnecessary (and I stretch the adjective ‘'unnecessary'' because I am quite a potty mouth myself) f-bomb every other line.

Another problem I faced had to do with the characters. Laura is quite well-structured. Ethereal, clever and kind. I could understand her motives to escape her seclusion even though she betrayed her principles, so this was a success on the writer's part. Solomon was quite sympathetic but a bit meek. Bo, though...I don't know what Ahern had in mind. She is practically abominable. Irritating, insensitive, rude, a woman of the lowest possible quality. Ahern was unable to redeem her, in my opinion. I fully agree with a reviewer who stated that it was almost as if she tried her best to create such an awful character. The same applies to Rory. These 2 characters were an utter waste and terrible examples of inconsistent writing.

There were a few successful parts, though. The doubts and expectations of Laura were well- portrayed. The way the media swallowed her and tore her to pieces was realistic, raw and plausible. I also found the romantic relationship in the story balanced and realistic and yes, I do believe in love at first sight, thank you very much.

I had trouble rating ‘'Lyrebird'', I must admit this. I still don't know. My heart says 2 stars, my minds demands 3. Despite the numerous problems, the story kept my interest until the end and this is always a positive sign. In addition, this novel had the unfortunate fate of finding itself in the middle of exciting, unique reads and although I always try to isolate my mind from one book to the next, ‘'Lyrebird'' paled in comparison. I'd hate to be unfair and I know that many will like this book. However, my demanding nature couldn't connect with the writing.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com