Amalia Gkavea

‘'With night descending the yellow glare of the street lamps lent it an air at once forlorn and promisingly sleazy.''

Anthony Quinn has always been a writer highly recommended by good friends of mine and his Freya has been on my TBR for quite some time. When I requested Eureka, I was mainly attracted by the whimsical, groovy cover and by the fact that the story is set during the late 60s,a period of time that I consider to be one of the most fascinating in History.I am glad my instinct was right because this has been a very interesting reading experience.

We follow the people involved in the making of a film called ‘'Eureka'' which is based on a script inspired by The Figure In The Carpet, a short story by Henry James. The man responsible for the screenplay is Nat, an Oscar winner that tries to regain fame and acceptance. The novel itself isn't action packed, it is rather a slow burner, but terribly interesting, in my opinion. Besides being allowed a glimpse in the process of filmmaking at the time, we come to live with the characters and understand them better through their choices and actions in their social, professional and private life.

The characters are rich and fully developed. Nat is eccentric -in many ways- but he is deeply sympathetic. He is charmingly vain and kind hearted and a bit naive in a childish, almost innocent way. Freya is a journalist, a modern woman full of wits, grace and charm, but with a rather complicated private life. Billie is a young aspiring actress who struggles to find her place in the acting professions and along with it, she tries to find the courage -aided by her family and Nat- to escape an abusive relationship with Jeff, who is someone I'd cut in half with a blunt chainsaw if I had the chance...Reiner is a German director with an interesting background story and Sonja is a German actress who tries to do her job as best as she could and in the same time be there for everyone. And of course, we have Vere, a legendary actor, who for some reason made me picture the great Derek Jacobi as I was reading. So you see? It is a rare case that we have such a fascinating cast of characters who are nicely introduced, fully fleshed-out and realistic without being irritating or superficial. I was really impressed on that ground.

However, in my opinion, the true attraction and asset of Quinn's novels isn't the story, not even the people who populate its pages, but the setting, both in terms of time and of place. I don't think I've read a better description of the swinging sixties, nor one as finely inserted in the story as this. The references to the music -the Beatles being the focus, obviously- the clothes, the outrageous parties, the new cinematic techniques and movements that were just starting, forming the experimental cinematography, were vivid and I felt as if I've been a child of the sixties. Furthermore, the whole setting has a strong, urban feeling which I really loved and felt familiar with. I would say that the descriptions of beautiful Munich with the urban, haunting atmosphere of Maximilianstrasse during the night (and those who have been to the wonderful Bavarian city will know what I'm talking about) were some of the best I've ever come across in a book. Equally beautiful, though a bit more common, were the images of the autumnal London during the dusk.

So, needless to say, Quinn's writing is very interesting. The dialogues echo the ‘'sound'' of the times and they feel natural and flowing. The film script that had the function of the story-within-the-story was a special feature that may seem irrelevant to some, but if we bother to look into it in depth (as we ought to, because we are readers after all), we'll understand that it serves in realising the characters' motives and prevents the writer from becoming too descriptive and repetitive. The story itself isn't so interesting, though. I felt, at times, that it was only a background, an excuse (in apositive way) for our portagonists'unfilding of their strengths and weaknesses.

Eureka is the kind of book that becomes memorable for its cast of characters and the successful depictions of one of the most beautiful and unique eras of our times. There is danger and debauchery and frivolity and joy and death. I don't know about you, but this is the kind of books that definitely make a lasting impression on me.

Many thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“The clatter of dishes from the kitchen...the sounds of people who have someone with them as they do their evening chores.All that had been taken from me.”

Disclaimer-Any kind of political comments will be deleted at once.

You live in a country that suffers, passing from the hands of one oppressor to the other.Armies come as liberators only to turn into tyrants.Then,the other tyrants arrive and remain in power for decades.In the midst of this nightmare,you are imprisoned within yourself, suffocated by a different kind of oppression.You try to be a good wife and in return you receive contempt and cruelty.And then, you happen to fall in love and risk your own life.Not only for the sake of your country but for a chance to live.To feel alive and wanted as a person,as a woman.

‘'I wait every day for the day when they come for me.”

This is the situation of Juudit,the main character in Sofi Oksanen's beautiful novel.The writer returns to Estonia and divides the narrative into two decades,the 40s and the 60s.We experience the time of the Nazi rising to authority in the country before the return of the Soviet Army who remained in power until the early 90s.The part of the story set in the 60s is mainly occupied with the struggle of the new generation,the desire of the young people and the university communities for a free,independent, modern Estonia.

This novel has the perfect balance of all Historical Fiction traits and a fully investigated character study of the main heroine,Juudit.In addition,there is a murder mystery- and the solution is revealed at the very end,leaving you shocked- and a research for the fate of an Estonian fighter who is full of secrets.In fact,everyone is full of secrets in this novel.It is an incredibly woven story with many twists and turns and revelations until the end.Do not be afraid of the dual narration.We move back and forth in time but it's not confusing at all.If anything,each part lends more light and a better understanding of the events taking place in each era.

I found the manner in which Oksanen places the action in chapter both captivating and touching.Estonia's name at the headlines changes depending on the current oppressor and there are stamps placed above the titles naming the years.The stamps presents images either related to the Nazis or the Soviets and I looked at them as sheer images of terror,their effect on me was certainly powerful.They're not graphic,not at all,but they carry the bleakest,most terrifying connotations and war doesn't have to be graphic in order to shock you.

The writing is calmer and gentler than Purge.The story itself is calmer but it's not as powerful and heart-gripping as its predecessor.It's a book that stays with you,though, not because of violence and darkness (although you'll find these elements to a certain extent) but because of a woman's struggle to find some meaning in her life.Whether she finds it in the right place is not for us to judge.I admit that the part set during the 60s wasn't so interesting.It dragged quite a bit with Prats' investigation and Evelin's live troubles,but it is necessary for the culmination of the story.

Apart from Juudit-whose character is bound to cause polarized opinions we have Roland, a brave patriot who needs to discover himself.Hellmut,the German officer who falls in love with Juudit and reminded me of Albrecht from Owen Sheers' Resistance. And then,we have Edgar who is despicable,vile,hideous and all sorts of horrible.At this point and after having read Oksanen's three novels translated in English,I feel the need to talk about my main problem with this book and my only issue with Oksanen's work in general.

The characters is the weakness in this novel.The only one that is interesting is Juudit,the others are indifferent and some aren't given enough “book” time to develop.So,I have come to notice that this is a common feature in her novels and especially in Norma.In all three books,there is one, maybe two characters on whose arcs the whole story is supported and the rest move in the periphery of the action being useless and wasting precious time.There's no worse thing than characters who leave you cold,whose name you cannot remember once a little time passes.Still,the stories and the themes Oksanen chooses to present are so strong and so skillfully woven into the action that-for the most part- I can overlook the lack of strong,memorable characters.

If you think that Purge might be too harsh and dark for you,then When The Doves Disappeared is a good equivalent and a suitable read in order to become familiar with Estonia's political situation at the time.To be absolutely frank,I can't verify how accurate the depiction of the era is and I don't really pay attention to that because I avoid politics like the plague and I know that History is far from objective.In the end,it doesn't matter,in my opinion.This is a book that offers a significant insight into the cravings of the human soul and the way some of us cope with oppression, neglect and the faults (?) of the past.

This wasn't good at all...It's a pity,because the premise was very interesting and the setting of the story in an era not much covered in Historical Fiction was promising, but the execution was quite inadequate. At times, it felt like a History lecture, most of the times it read like the cheapest romance. Poor writing, poor depiction of the era made worse by the main character's shallow, naive and flat out foolish behaviour. Too much glorification of certain historical characters for whom actual recorded History says otherwise. Perhaps, Historical Fiction isn't the suitable genre for the writer.

Two stars for the effort and because I'm feeling generous today....

“Care to receive a bullet through your brains” ,Jenny quipped to St.Clair, “or have you got plans for this evening?”

First things first.I feel the need to say from the start that I loved this book.I am an avid reader of everything that is raw and gritty and realistic,especially when it comes to Historical Fiction.However, I know that this novel isn't for everyone.If one is offended by the issue of prostitution,of abuse and if (very few) graphic sex scenes may disturb you, then this isn't a suitable read for you.If you consider these themes provocative, there are plenty of historical mysteries that will suit your tastes.But if you enjoy a combination of mystery and a brave glance to the extent a woman may act to save herself and try to correct the mistakes she has committed, if you look for a faithful representation of the USA during the 1870s, then give Frog Music a try.

The time is 1876, the place is San Francisco.Blanche, a French young woman, is a famous burlesque dancer and an occasional night butterfly for the upper society.Following her from Paris, we have Arthur, her dandee paramour and overall gigantic leech and Ernest who is Arthur's lackey,companion in just about everything and second leech in command.Oddly enough (or maybe not...) life seems agreeable to these three Bohemians until Blanche meets Jenny,a young woman who dresses herself in men's attire and catches frogs for a living.It is precisely this encounter that causes Blanche to rethink and reevaluate her life as it is.The sad thing is that it takes a murder for her to wake up,but who's the victim and who's the perpetrator?This is something you'll have to discover yourselves,waiting until the final chapter.The depiction of the setting and the era is marvellous.Do not expect poetic language.It is not this kind of story.There is an afterword by Donoghue in which she explains the basis of her story,the actual events that inspired the novel and the way she shaped them to fit her vision.

This book is vastly different from Room or The Wonder. Donoghue structures her mystery on a true crime case that remains unsolved and offers her own version of the events.I found this work just wonderful.Not only the mystery itself -which is guaranteed to have you guessing, then altering your opinion and then guessing again- but the way she inserts the themes of motherhood and independence in the centre of the story.Besides waiting anxiously for an explanation of the crime,I wanted to see how Blanche's fate would turn out.I won't hide the fact that I cared more for her than for the discovery of the guilty party and the motive.

So motherhood and independence.What constitutes a “suitable” mother?To what extent would a woman go to claim and protect her child? And independence.Blanche believes she is free just because she earns her living by herself -regardless of the manner in which she gains the daily bread- but cannot see the leeches drinking her blood before it's too late.Jenny dares to go against the “rules” of society and is punished for that.The bottom line is that to gain independence, you'll have to sacrifice a part of yourself.It's an eternal battle where strength and honesty are required and even then it may not be enough.

Donoghue creates powerful,often disturbing, stories and populates them with characters that may not be likeable or their actions may come in direct contrast with some of our principles, but they attract our attention.It doesn't matter whether we love or hate them.Blanche gathers a lot of hatred,judging from some of the reviews I've read.I can understand why,but I disagree utterly and completely (yeah for emphatic adverbs...)She may not be sympathetic per se, she may not be as clever as we'd like to see her, but I found her to be a realistic character and truthful to the era depicted.She reaches a point when she realises the futility of her way of living and tries to salvage what is good in her.Why doesn't she deserve a second chance?

rant warning

I'll tell you why.Because there are still some people who are afraid of a woman who's comfortable with her sexuality.And these people belong to both sexes.They utter the word “promiscuity” -which belongs to a bygone era- and retain a “holier-than-thou” attitude,pointing the finger.We are readers, we're supposed to be open-minded and accepting.Judging a character within the historical context and not by today's standards is a major “rule” in Historical Fiction,and yet somehow,there is a minority (thank God) who “seems” to forget this.Same goes with the critique on Jenny's character who is plainly brilliant and sassy and excellent.Well,of course, she needs to create a persona to live.This is the 19th century, any woman wearing trousers was arrested and put in prison.

This came out longer than expected,but there were some things I felt the need to state.As I said in the beginning, this book isn't for everyone.I can't recommend it to all readers because it isn't suitable to all.However, it should be ideal to brave souls who don't shy away from challenging, disturbing books that make us feel uncomfortable and yet remain Literature in the true meaning of the word.Think of it as a mix of Dickens, The Crimson Petal and the White and the brilliant TV series Ripper Street.Just a bit more gritty and dirty and more powerful...

“Had Ragnarok happened yet? Was it still to happen?I did not know then.I am not certain now.”

Disclaimer–Offensive comments regarding which country has the “best and most diverse mythology in the world” (yes, there were people actually writing about and fighting over that (!) or comments regarding religion in general will be immediately deleted and flagged. There's YouTube and Facebook if some want to engage in such nonsense as fighting over thin air....

Norse myths (aka Odin,Loki,Thor,Freya,the giants,the dwarves, etc.) + Neil Gaiman equals instant,certain, glorious success.This review will be short because what can I say that hasn't been said? And consider yourselves warned because I am going to sound like a major fangirl and I regret nothing:)

World mythologies can be tricky,in my opinion.They're alive,well-known,interesting by themselves.Choosing to use them as a retelling can become a boomerang in the hands of an incompetent author.Naturally,this isn't the case here.Neil Gaiman takes the Norse legends and transforms them into a sequence of tales that may be episodic but are linked to each other in a coherent way, written in a beautiful language that is contemporary and poetic.And most importantly, he approached his material with the utmost respect and wasn't influenced by recent popular teenage notions and Marvel abominations....(I hate those things,sorry....)

His introduction is a wonderful text in which Gaiman explains his deep fascination with the myths of the lands of the North.Let us not forget that in Mr.Wednesday,Gaiman has created a version of Odin that would have satisfied even Grimnir himself.Had he existed,of course.The journey starts with the tale of the creation of the world by Odin,Vili and Ve after the killing of the giant Ymir.Then,we come to know the importance of Yggdrasil,the sacred tree, and the way the Norns hover over the past,the present and the future.All the beloved myths are here.Loki's cute children, the building of the Wall, the marriage of the false Freya,Idunn's apples,the trials of Loki and Thor in the Hall of the Giant king,Frey's search for happiness and the tragic tale of Baldr and many other legends are given new life in Gaiman's masterful hands.And of course,the shadow of impending doom,the Ragnarok, is always present, every time Loki speaks,every time he works on his tricks.The chapter that talks about the Twilight of the Gods is the most chilling description of Ragnarok you will ever read....

The narration is smoothly divided between the major deities,even though the Big Three are the focus.Gaiman is the omniscient narrator and allows the reader to sit back, enjoy the tales and contemplate on their epicness.It is not dry or disengaged. It is storytelling in the good, old-fashioned way. Although I was very familiar with the vast majority of the myths, I felt as if I was reading them for the first time.The dialogues are beautiful,without being modernized and each God and goddess have their own distinctive voice.The spirituality that inevitably escorts every mythology of the world is present and the deities are portrayed as complex characters,unlike other recent attempts that tried to portray them as sarcastic,stupid archetypes.Gods are anything but archetypes. People's minds created them to invoke and communicate all the traits of mankind, the good and the bad, and I don't think mankind is supported on archetypes.We just have to look closely.After having read The Gospel of Loki, which was a major disappointment,Norse Mythology is more than fresh air.It is Mythology at its best.It is a creation as beautiful as its cover on which Thor's Mjøllnir invites us to enter a realm of beauty,strength and deceit.

“That's the joy of myths.The fun comes in telling them yourself something I warmly encourage you to do,you person reading this.Read the stories in this book,then make them your own, and in some dark and icy winter's evening, or on a summer night when the sun will not set,tell your friends what happened when Thor's hammer was stolen, or how Odin obtained the Mead of poetry for the gods....”
Neil Gaiman

Probably quickest DNF ever...I don't think there are words to describe how horrible this book is. Please, my good writers, I am desperate and I am begging you. If you feel the need to write a book about the Vikings, at least do a research on names, and the language of the era. This ‘‘thing'' is so bad it makes the dialogue in the TV series ‘‘Vikings'' sound Shakesperean....Just no! No stars -since I didn't finish it- it doesn't even worth the effort of a proper review. Goodbye book, you've been atrocious!

ARC from Unbound and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“A house is never still in darkness to those who listen intently;there is a whispering in distant chambers,an unearthly hand presses the snib of the window,the latch rises.Ghosts were created when the first man woke in the night.” J.M.BarrieWhen we think about countries with above average level of hauntings, then Britain and Ireland should be the first to cross our minds.Is it the history, the misty atmosphere?The rain?Whatever it is,the stories of true and not so true hauntings never fail to excite our imagination.In my visits in Britain and Ireland, I admit I've never experienced anything out of normal, but I've often felt strange.Naturally,when you read extensively about ghosts and weird occurrences,when you are very familiar with the history of the country,you cannot help being influenced and your mind decides to play its mighty tricks on you.There were two instances when I was really frightened, though. One was in Edinburgh, in the Vaults below the city and the second was in Ireland.We stayed in a hotel which was previously an asylum.This fact alone was enough to trigger quite a few images in my mind.I can't say I am a believer in the supernatural or a sceptic.I think I fall somewhere in between and this is the main reason I enjoyed Montgomery's book.He writes in a direct way, often using the present tense-which I love- and he narrates the stories and the legends associated with each place in an efficient, professional manner but never distant or with the desire to lecture and show offlecture.It feels as if you're talking to a friend.When he presents the facts of a haunting,he connects general questions about the paranormal and the supernatural to it and allows the readers to contemplate and,perhaps,reach their own conclusions.I find this honest and a token of a professional,trustworthy researcher.“The murdered do haunt their murderers, I believe.I know that ghosts have wandered the earth. Be with me always - take any form - drive me mad!'' Emily BronteI'm sure you'll come across many well-known places while reading Haunted Britain.Hever Castle, Queen Anne's family home.(Poor Anne, she seems to haunt everything in England....),Glastonbury,where you can truly feel the history and the sanctity of the place touching your shoulder.Tintagel Castle (do I need to say more about it?) The city of Edinburgh with its haunting beauty.The Bodmin Moors with the amazing landscape.The Jamaica Inn that inspired Du Maurier's masterpiece.The Enfield poltergeist case, the bloody history of Borley Rectory,the talking mongoose in the Isle of Man,the spectres in the London Underground,the Whitechapel area and Jack the Ripper.Montgomery doesn't limit his research to ghosts and hauntings only,but dedicates a chapter to other strange phenomena like time-slips and the Tall Man with the top hate.To put it simply, this is the best book I've read on the subject, next to Peter Ackroyd's [b:The English Ghost: Spectres Through Time 2301604 The English Ghost Spectres Through Time Peter Ackroyd https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328008586s/2301604.jpg 2308010] My only minor grip is that he kept confusing the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, thus referring to Cork or Dublin or Wicklow as part of the United Kingdom.I confess I found this troubling and a bit irritating, so minus one star for that....Many thanks to Schiffer Publishing and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.“Indians scattered on dawn's highway bleedingGhosts crowd the young child's fragile eggshell mind.” Jim MorrisonP.S. I need to stop watching Most Haunted at night.P.P.S. Thank God I don't have a staircase in my house.P.P.P.S.Being alone on the platform in the Tube makes me very uncomfortable and it's good to know I'm not alone in this.

‘'Didn't they know I had used the last of my paper on this work? The new paper I wanted, bought with money I'd never have, blew about my head, tumbling like leaves in a gale. I saw birds, caught in the storm, taken higher and higher, quills blown to the top of the sky.''

In one of my recent reviews, I wrote about debuts and how fortunate we readers are to live in a time that constantly gives us more and more examples of authors whose first forays to the world of Literature are exceptional. This novel by Guinevere Glasfurd is one more token of our wonderful, exciting reading era.

Helena is a young woman, living in the Netherlands, during the 17th century. She is quite different and quite ahead of her time. She craves knowledge and has taught herself to read and write. However, she is forced to travel to Amsterdam to become a maid in order to financially support her mother and finds herself in the enterprise of an English bookseller. One day, the famous René Descartes arrives as a temporary lodger and from that moment on, the book examines the difficult relationship between the Dutch girl and the French philosopher.

Glasfurd weaves the story around the love affair between the main characters, but the novel never becomes a romance, not even close. She has done a wonderful job with the characters and their interactions. In the heroine's portrayal, she has achieved the perfect balance because Helena tries to achieve independence and fulfillment of her thirst for a better life but -faithful to the context of the era- she never manages to escape the various social constraints. It is often that we see female characters in historical novels who aren't realistic and have turned out too modern. Here, this doesn't happen and fortunately so, because her point of view is our sole eyes to the story and her ideas are clearly in the foreground.

Descartes is a man of thought, coming to grips with reality with great difficulty. He is a loner, desperate to communicate his ideas, a man who doubts the established system. His relationship with Helena causes him to challenge his perspective, but there are limits. He has his mission but finds a new kind of fulfillment in Helena's presence. She challenges his world view up to a point and forces him to question all the beliefs he had taken for granted.

When the setting is the beautiful country of the Netherlands, then it becomes a character in itself.Here, our focus isn't just Amsterdam. We travel to Deventer, Leiden, Santpoort and Amersfoort. The descriptions are so vivid that I could picture the cities, I could smell the market odours, I could feel the crisp, wintry air. There is an absolutely stunning text where Descartes describes the snowflakes whose beauty and poetry drove away the heatwave we're currently experiencing in Athens.

The interactions are well-composed, the dialogues a successful mixture of clear language that balances daily speech and period speech. The voices of the characters are fully ‘'heard'', the details of the everyday life of the era create a beautiful background. The writer achieved to bring fact and fiction together in harmony and managed to highlight the issues of a woman's struggle to find her place in a world made by men for men, the search of knowledge, the responsibility and self-sacrifice of being a single parent, the eternal fight between Thought and Action.

I admit I am very fond of novels that are set in the Netherlands, but I can't help it. There is something in that particular setting that provides a distinctive aura to a novel. Glasfurd's book is as beautiful and fluid as the waters of Amstel in the dusk, as the flickering lights on its surface....

“How deep do the layers of deception go, I wondered one day.”

I wasn't aware of this novel,until I saw an advert for Sofia Coppola's recent film version,starring Colin Farrell. I didn't know there was a 1971 version either (and I wouldn't watch a Clint Eastwood film if my life depended on it). So, being a Colin fangirl, I thought “well, I'll read the book and then I'll watch the film and find all kinds of fault with it,because I am an unashamed purist.And the only thing I'll admire is Colin's brown eyes.” The problem is that after reading the book, I have no special desire to watch the story being unfold as it proved to be a rather problematic, irritating read, in my opinion.It's unfortunate since the start was very promising.

Southern Gothic and Americana have a distinctive aura that I've always found fascinating. The claustrophobic feeling born of the Southern sun,the strict morality (in appearance only), the lush and mysterious residences, the haunting plantations, the bloody history of the region, the turmoil and conflict are characteristics of the genre and present in Τhe Beguiled. A young man, a wounded soldier of the Union army, is found near the premises of the school run by Martha.A school for young girls who have remained in the region despite the ongoing war.It goes without saying that the presence of the young man there brings all sorts of conflicts and repressed feelings to surface and a game of secrets,sexuality and authority begins.

The setting of the story helps in creating an atmosphere that can be experienced by the reader.The hot air and the stiffness of the characters made me feel the claustrophobia of the place.It was so exciting,let me tell you.The action takes place in a few of the closed rooms of the estate and is told through the eyes of Martha, her sister, her servant and the adolescent students.It is interesting that McBurney isn't given a POV.It adds to the mystery of his character and provides a better perspective to the influence he exerts on the women of the house.Much of the action takes place during the night and I could “see�� the candle lit corridors and the women with their white nightgowns tiptoeing,moving like ghosts,trying to make sense of the changes inside and around them.

Cullinan's descriptions are excellent.They managed to keep my interest, even when the action of the book didn't.The language is raw and sensual where needed.The problems came from the dialogue and,majorly, from the characters.Each POV read the same,as if we had the same person speaking throughout the course of the action.In my opinion,Martha,Mettie,Edwina and the others wouldn't sound exactly the same.They wouldn't describe their feelings and thoughts in the same way.And this is what happens,with the slight exception of Mattie who uses a few colloquialisms here and there,just because.As it was, I felt the characters lacked originality, there was no personality in the vast majority of them.

This brings me to the issue of characterization.I've never had a problem with unlikable characters,I've said it before.I love them, I think they make every novel more interesting and challenging.BUT with the supposition that they are well-written.In this case, they aren't only unlikable, they're just plain stupid,devoid of any focal point.I'm aware of the hypocrisy of the past,naturally, and the young age of the girls, but this isn't an alibi for badly crafted heroines.I work with adolescents and I can verify to you that there is an incredible amount of “character” in them (in a positive or negative way,it doesn't matter),many times more than in any adult.This issue ended up making the narration too repetitive,especially during the 2nd half of the novel.There are endless lines of exhaustive, cringe-worthy dialogue on whether Johnny should leave or stay,chapter after chapter.In my opinion,the book would have been better if 70-80 pages had been cut and the dialogue dealt with.

Martha and Emily were the only interesting characters.Edwina had a few moments but she was too wishy-washy wishy for my liking.Harriett was useless,with the interest of a worn-out doormat,Amelia had some potential that was lost in the process,Alice was a Nickelodeon teenager in the worst sense of the word and McBurney was such an awful person,badly and unconvincingly written.Nevertheless,he deserved every bit of misery that came his way.The author presented every female character,apart from Martha and Emily,as sex-crazed harpies, as sexually starving fools who swoon over a handsome stranger who knows how to sweet-talk them into everything.This was irritating,at first.Then, it became troubling and bothersome.Naturally,the book is quite dated in this matter and probably influenced by misogynistic notions of the past decades.I don't know what Cullinan was trying to show.Perhaps that we lose our minds and good senses when we're sexually attracted to someone?Well,this may happen in real life but it doesn't help in creating interesting literature.I'm glad that this view is buried in literary history.I find it difficult to imagine that a contemporary writer would do that and call the attempt “serious” unless we're talking about a cheap romance.Reading McBurney's ridiculous attempts to beguile the women,feeding them his stories and watching them fall like flies to his call was beyond frustrating.

So, 3 stars for the haunting atmosphere and Martha's strength,although my heart wanted to hand 2.It was an interesting experience,I must admit.A Southern Gothic novel whose setting was excellent but the characters and the way the story became more than predictable broke the deal for me.Try it and see for yourselves.If nothing else, you'll come across some of the most stupid people in recent Literature.To quote Sherlock “It makes for too much stupid in the room....”

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

“Well,then,tomorrow is All Hallows Eve when the ghosts of dead men rise from their graves to walk among the living and witches ride the wind.Good people bolt their doors and keep the fire burning bright till morning.”

In 1992, 12 countries of the European continent gathered in beautiful Maastricht and signed the European Treaty that would officially establish the European Union as we know it today and most importantly, the European Citizenship.What had started several decades ago was now ripe and ready to lead the European citizens to a new reality of shared aspirations, leaving the atrocities of the two World Wars behind.

The years passed and the family acquired more members,reaching the number 28.This beautiful anthology by Maggie Pearson includes 28 tales,each one belonging to the tradition and lore of every EU member.So,let's start our journey...

“The Soldier's Bride” from Austria - A haunting version of the well-known legend of the dead fiancé.
“The Traveller from Paradise”from Belgium- Well, it's not that difficult to confuse Paradise with Paris....
“The Fish That Flew and the Hare That Swam”from Bulgaria- When the ones we regard as mad are actually the only people who know best.
“The White Wolf”from Croatia- A beautiful version of the Selkie myth.
“Why Dogs Hate Cats”from Cyprus- Or why cats are majestic and sassy....
“The Mandrake Child”from the Czech Republic - A tale that is a mix between Pinocchio and the plant from The Little Shop of Horrors and yes, it is as crazy fun as it sounds.
“Peter Bull”from Denmark- Or what happens when we try to play it smarter than we should.
“The Three Sneezes”from Estonia- The funniest tale of the anthology with a hypochondriac protagonist who lied down waiting to die....
“The Fox and the Bear”from Finland- A tale that makes use of the beautiful nature of Finland.
“The Pope' s Mule”from France- This tale takes us back in the era of the two Popes. As if one wasn't enough....
“Mannikin Spannalong”from Germany- A cozy tale that brings the theme of women's independence into focus.
“The House of the Cats”from Greece- Let me busk in a moment of national pride here,because this story lends its title to Pearson's collection.This tale shows clearly how much we Greeks adore cats.
“The Magical Fiddle”from Hungary- When one has the chance to listen to the distinctive sound of the Hungarian violins (preferably in a traditional inn in Budapest), then it is understood that its music comes from the violinist's heart.
“Munachar and Manachar”from Ireland- Or how the Irish spirit is always an effective way to overcome traps.
“A Very Expensive Omelette”from Italy- A tale that reminded me of Portia from Shakespeare's ‘'The Merchant Of Venice''
“Misery”from Latvia- Lovely Latvia sends a clever tale that talks about persistence and social inequality.
“The Amber Princess”from Lithuania- Beautiful Lithuania takes pride in the quality of its amber and rightfully so.This tale reminded me of Wilde's story ‘‘The Fisherman and His Soul.'‘
“Melusina”from Luxembourg- A sad,haunting version of the popular myth.
“The Happy Man”from Malta- A strange king who simply asked too much...
“Tyl Uilenspiegel, Painter”from the Netherlands- It's only natural to have a painter in focus when the tale comes from one of the most magical countries of Europe.
“The Glass Mountains”from Poland- Beautiful imagery in this lovely version of a famous tale.
“The River”from Portugal- A lovely,bittersweet myth.
“The Voice of Death”from Romania- An eerie,dark story.
“Violets in January”from Slovakia- The wintry story of the collection.With an evil stepmother nonetheless....
“The Most Beautiful Flower”from Slovenia- A beautiful tale that shows how spoiled princesses are taught a lesson of humility.
“Half-Chick”from Spain- An interesting story that explains the origins of the weathervane.
“Lars,my Lad”from Sweden- A Swedish kind of djinn that wasn't as clever as it should have been (unintentional rhyme success)....
“Tam Lin”from the United Kingdom - A tale of undying love and devotion that reminded me of ‘‘The Snow Queen''.


The motto of the European Union is “In Varietate Concordia”.There is a reason it was chosen to represent the members.The tales in the collection are diverse,each one bringing into focus certain characteristics of its homeland but without any traces of stereotypes.”Ode To Joy” became our anthem.But these tales aren't all happy.Some are dark,some sad, some funny, others a bit weird, but isn't this what happens in every family in the world?Diversity and shared dreams bring us together and I can think of no better way to demonstrate this than through fairy tales and tradition.

Still,every tale has its darkest moments.In 2016, a member of the family decided to walk away.No relationship of any kind is ever easy.There are moments full of difficulties and strife, moments when bitter words are unreasonably exchanged and yet, the strong bonds that keep us united have the tendency to hold no matter the temporary tensions.Or do they? If nothing else,many of these tales show us that one person alone isn't able to turn the tide.Is walking alone a solution? Time will tell and History has taught us that we can create something special through unity and acceptance, no matter how mundane and detrimental it may sound.So, until Lady History provides some kind of answer to the question,we have collections like this one to look upon as an album full of photographs that remind us of a time when the family was together in combined diversity and unity....

As you may have understood by now, I really love fairytales. I firmly believe that grown ups are able to grasp all the allegories and the underlying themes that children cannot (for the best, in my opinion). I love all kinds of fairytales, but dark stories and mysteries are right up my alley. I picked ‘'Deer Life'' because the synopsis promised darkness. Because the front cover was beautiful beyond description. Not to mention I love deer and I consider it a curse that I have yet to see any. Unfortunately, when I finished reading, my expectations were lying on the floor, thwarted like broken branches in the forest. (Negative reviews make me poetic...)

It's a pity because the story had every potential to be a blast. A young boy, living with his mother, makes a terrible mistake and awakens the rage of an alluring, dangerous woman who takes revenge in an old-fashioned but always effective manner. So far, so good, and I have to stress that the first 5-8 chapters were really good. However, once the major event took place, the story was transformed (failed pun intended) into an amateurish tale, unpolished, predictable and mediocre, at best.

The setting is a small countryside town. I got an English or Welsh or Irish vibe- since we're never actually told- and the descriptions of the place were beautiful. I could really picture it and feel its atmosphere and it drew me to the story immediately. The era must be inspired by the 40s or the 50s. Again we're not told, but I judge purely from the language used in the interactions. It was a fairly faithful depiction, even though the story wasn't probably meant to allude to any real place and time. Anyway, the cottages, the sleepiness and peace of the town provided an excellent setting which the author couldn't do justice to, in my opinion. At least, not fully.

It may seem as if I'm straining out a gnat, but I don't believe that just because a story is labeled as a ‘'fairy tale'', the reader should not be demanding. I'm willing to swallow the camel,if I have a good story and well-made dialogue in front of me. Here, the story was not original and was lacking in depth, in character and in motives. Nobody is evil ‘'just because'' anymore. We need a reason, an explanation. Also, the major factor that bothered me had to do with Maggie, the mother of our boy protagonist. I know that we are resilient and persistent in front of adversity and misfortune, but (-spoiler- I don't think that a widow whose only son is lost, presumably dead, would behave so calmly and care-free or form a relationship in a love-at-first-sight kind of way.) I mean, come on! Call me overacting, but this broke the whole deal for me and I am not narrow-minded or traditional at all. (I hope...)

I think that the author tried to pull off a Ransom Riggs kind of writing, especially regarding dialogue, but I don't believe it worked to his benefit. The villain is full of clichés and everything about her is predictable and irritating. Villains have so much potential. She could have been a fascinating, complex, mysterious character, but ended up wholly indifferent and shallow. Like the whole story. There was some potential and perhaps,in the hands of a more experienced and let's face it- able writer the result would have been better. As it is, even 2 stars for the effort seem quite generous to me.

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

‘'There are some tales not for telling, whether because they are too long, too precious, too laughable, too painful, too easy to need telling or too hard to explain.''

I feel that this quote describes the essence of Donoghue's book in a poignant and clear way. This isn't a collection of short stories in the traditional sense of the word. It is a series of tales closely linked to each other. The stories of women who loved, yearned, who were hurt by others, who sought revenge, justice, comfort. Each story is narrated by a woman to the female protagonist of the previous tale and the legends pass from one woman to another. If nothing else, this shows that those we have come to regard as the ‘'good'' or the ‘'bad'' characters of a tale are not very different from each other.

If you read my reviews, you'll notice that Emma Donoghue is a writer I swear by. I may sound as a fangirl, but she can do no wrong in my book. Everything I've read of her has left me speechless, has moved me beyond words. Her books are in my all-time top 10 and I hereby unashamedly admit I would read her shopping list. She is on a pedestal, along with Jeanette Winterson, Hannah Kent and a few selected others whose books I'd read even if they'd come without front cover, title or synopsis. ‘'Kissing the Witch'' is a book that contains the best retellings of the most well- known and beloved fairy tales of our childhood. Yes, in Donoghue's hands a story about 4-5 pages at most becomes better than major retellings struggling to come through out of an entire book of normal length. This is why there are authors who create sentences that enclose the world. The world Donoghue has chosen is the one of fairy tales passed down from generation to generation.

Each story bears the title ‘'The Kiss of...''. I found the choice of the word ‘'kiss'' particularly interesting. A kiss is an act of tenderness, affection and love. However, the kiss also carries the connotation of betrayal and treachery, bringing to mind Jesus' betrayal by Judas with a kiss. So,a kiss is a highly ambiguous symbol. In the book, there are many ‘'kisses''. The kiss of the Bird, the Rose (a beautiful reimagining of ‘'Beauty and the Beast''), the Apple, the Handkerchief, the Hair, the Brother, the Spinster, the Skin (a tale as disturbing and dark as it is beautiful), the Needle, the Voice. The story named simply ‘'The Kiss'' brings us full circle.

Cinderella, Beauty, Aurora, the Goose Girl, the Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, all the fairytales we grew up with are present in a volume that talks about Otherness and Alienation. Donoghue uses the legends of the past to show how society transformed women who refused to follow the norms and the rules of patriarchy into witches, monsters, creatures that must be exiled in order not to defile the others and, especially, the younger women. Women who love women and were regarded as ‘'anomalies of nature'', women who sought justice and revenge, equal opportunities to power and respect for their abilities, women who could heal and help others were brought to scorn, to persecution and, eventually, to a pyre or a noose because they were deemed too dangerous to the foundations of a world built by narrow mindedness and utter lack of education.

The way Donoghue writes is nothing short of astonishing. When I read one of her books, I recognise her voice in the text and yet, each one of her works is so different and so unique. ‘'Kissing the Witch'' falls into so many categories. Fantasy, Fairytales, LGBT Literature, Feminism. These are not just retellings of the stories of princesses and witches. There are themes under the allegories relevant to the discrepancies against women in the past and in the present. Because, let's face it. For some people, we'll never stop being the ‘'evil witches'' of their own little stories. Of course, they probably don't know that many of us would carry the title proudly knowing its true meaning...

‘'This is the story you asked for. I leave it in your mouth.''

This memoir is one of those cases when the title actually matches the book perfectly. And I mean it in the best way possible. It is a lovely creation, a memoir full of hilarious moments (and some really moving ones) and the most unique travel book I've ever read.

I tend to be cautious when I choose to read a memoir, because there were quite a few instances when self-indulgence took control of the writer and destroyed everything. Also, travel books can easily become boring, in my opinion. Here, Geraldine DeRuiter has created a delicious account of journeys that are of special importance and are related to key moments of her life. New York, Paris and Ireland are in a prominent position but the real star of the book is Italy. This is what made me love it even more since my family on my mother's side is Italian, coming from Napoli (Naples in English). We're talking Southern Italy here, a beautiful, wild, sunny place. You have been warned...

Geraldine comes across as a lovely person, but you will find no trace of self-indulgence. She apparently has unlimited resources of patience to deal with her mother, unlimited resources of love for her husband and, most importantly, unlimited resources of courage to overcome a very serious obstacle. I really enjoyed the way she narrates her experiences and the optimism that comes from her writing. I bet that she must be a wonderful travelling companion. She is quirky and weird and down-to-earth.

I'm not a fan of blogs outside of our book community but judging from this book, I should definitely start reading hers. If you want a memoir that balances humour, life experiences and adversities, along with beautiful descriptions of Italy, then ‘'All Over The Place'' should find a place in your reading schedule.

‘'Storytelling is from memory; for storytellers do not read out stories, which is a different pastime and skill. But stories need to be collected and the history of a people kept safe for those yet to be born. And to echo the voices of those now silent.''

I have many fond memories from County Wicklow where I had the blessing to spend a few days some years ago on a trip to beautiful Ireland. There is something very particular in its nature, its wind, its cozy, lively pubs, its lovely people. Even though it was raining for four days straight- even the rain is different, I think- we had the opportunity to witness many of its beauties and I admit that when I think of Ireland, my mind wanders in Wicklow and then in Dublin. For this special place one needs a special collection of tales.Brendan Nolan is the most suitable writer and creates a book of short stories full of the magic of Wicklow, the fierceness and wonder of the natural environment, but first of all, full of fascinating people, the ones who give life to the county.

This volume- a part of the Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland wonderful series- is different from the others in the sense that Nolan chooses humans as his focal point. So, we have people of flesh and bone loving, arguing, hoping, stealing, trying to live their lives or to make amends with the past. Yes, there are supernatural beings. A woman who becomes a bird, ghostly silhouettes haunting moonlit fields, the Good People always on the search to lure the weak mortals, magical animals, witches, mythical kings and queens, everything that makes Ireland such a unique land. However, they're not the ‘'stars'' here, they provide the context in which the men and women of our tales act. Some act violently, some foolishly, others honourably. They are farmers, criminals, monks, saints.

Nolan's writing is beautiful. He wrote a marvellous introduction on storytelling and the way in which storytellers create magic. Every tale is exciting, but the ones which impressed me most are ‘'A Hand in the Night'' in which ghosts are lurking in dark corners and ‘‘Surviving the Snow Storm'', a tale that showcases Nolan's talent with words. He describes the wintry days and nights in poetic, heart-breaking language.

These are tales of people like us.It doesn't matter that they belong to the past, the psyche of the human beings is a complex thing that doesn't change much as time goes by. If nothing else, it is enriched with experience. These are tales that can be told amidst laughter, the clinking of glasses filled with Guinness. Told with a low, almost whispery voice while the fiddle and the bodhrán can be heard in the background. Here's to the wind coming from the glens...

Which one will be our next stop? Shall we move south, to Wexford, or shall we cross the border to visit Armagh and Northern Ireland?

‘'For seeing is believing and hearing is definitive, but telling is best.''

‘'He who controls dreams, controls the world. He who controls hair, controls women.''Hair has always been one of the major features that attract attention in women and men. Beautiful locks, lovely bangs, sleek ponytails, highlights, volume, curls....This book puts hair in the centre of the story, albeit in a different light. It is an unusual novel, innovative, modern, disturbing, unique. Having previously read [b:Purge 7029668 Purge Sofi Oksanen https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328822631l/7029668.SX50.jpg 3426310] by Sofi Oksanen and with [b:When the Doves Disappeared 22318383 When the Doves Disappeared Sofi Oksanen https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1408925040l/22318383.SX50.jpg 21384967] on hold (I've recently started it,actually), I couldn't wait to be one of the first to read her new novel.The title attracted me at once. ‘'Norma'' - a beautiful name- reminded me of the famous opera by Vincenzo Bellini, although the young heroine in Oksanen's novel couldn't be more different than the fiery priestess who was jilted by her lover and father of her children. In our novel, Norma is born with an unusual gift (curse?). She is able to understand the feelings of everyone she meets, their illnesses, their aches in body and soul.Her own hair responds by acquiring a life of its own. I cannot write much more because the spoilers are lurking, but you have to admit that it cannot get more original than that in terms of premise. Oksanen's writing is raw and poetic, beautiful and full of secrets, not unlike ‘'Purge''. However, while ‘'Norma'' isn't an easy book and is quite high in the levels of disturbing and weird, it cannot be compared to the sheer horror that is ‘'Purge''. And this is a trait that shows how significant Oksanen's offerings to the Literature of our times are. 3 books, all of them different, but all equally engaging, unique, with thick plots and interesting characters. ‘'Norma'' is definitely heavy on the magical realism element- which I adore- so if you don't like this genre, this book may not be for you. However, the way the story has been put together is so precise and so meticulously structured that I promise you won't find it odd. And if you do, remember that odd means ‘'not boring''. Oksanen tackles many issues in this book. The crown goes to the importance of hair through the ages. No matter the century, the country, the culture, the social status, all women have always desired the most beautiful hair they could get. Here, we are shown the hair types and hairstyles that are admired most in different corners of the world, the different cultural perspectives. And what happens when people understand that there is a need and a great demand for a specific ‘'product''? Commerce begins. And what follows it? Black market, most likely. Yes, Oksanen creates a rather intricate web of ‘'hair-mafia'' (for lack of a better word) that mainly operates in the regions of Finland, Russia and Ukraine and extends to many other countries. Now, I had never heard of anything similar before and I cannot verify how ‘'realistic'' this is, but I don't actually care since the way it is presented is both believable and plausible. This is good enough for me.Another issue that the writer stresses is the craving for a child. She weaves ‘'baby factories'' and illegal adoptions into the story, so we have two parallel narratives that are more connected that it initially seems. Depression is also a major theme. Depression that stems from being different, from a society that labels you as a ‘'freak'' and tries either to destroy you or to use you to its own benefits. And it will destroy you afterwards. The end is the same, the route may change, but the closure is almost guaranteed.If I had to name the ‘'weakest link'' of this book that is no less than exceptional, I'd choose the characters. I felt that I never really got to know them fully. I liked Norma. She was clever and brave and vulnerable, carrying a heavy burden on her shoulders. Alvar was also very interesting. He was a perfect mix of dangerous and dashing and his interactions with Norma were brilliant. However, the other characters such as Anita, Marion or the mysterious Helena were nothing to write home about, in my opinion. They were necessary for the plot to advance and that's about it. Having read some comments, I feel the need to say that you should give this book a chance. If you enjoy weird stories, if you love a combination of Magical Realism and Contemporary Fiction, then ‘'Norma'' is waiting. And after all, it's Sofi Oksanen. Just give it time and care and full attention. Many thanks to Knopf and Edelweiss for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

‘'Tears that fall on barren land produce nothing- they're cried in vain.'' This is a beautiful and poignant quote, isn't it? It fully embodies the spirit of the book. As in [b:On the Other Hand: The Little Anthology of Big Questions 23304855 On the Other Hand The Little Anthology of Big Questions Renée Paule https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1412421468s/23304855.jpg 26652461], Renée doesn't provide answers or solutions, this isn't a ‘'self-help'' in the traditional form of the genre. This is a collection, a communication of thoughts and feelings, on past and current problems and the way they plague us as we are, admittedly, unwilling to let them go. ‘'Stepping Out of Time'' is a wonderful title. The way I perceive it, time can become our best assistant or our worst enemy and in our current, phrenetic era it is often the latter. However, time isn't only an assortment of seconds, minutes, hours. It is our past, our present and our future. It has significance, quality and the amazing power to dictate and be dictated - up to a certain degree- by our decisions and our actions. Are we free to control it? Are we able or even willing to? This is the main thought that frequented my mind as I was reading. I read the book in a day and a half but it took me a few days to start my review, there were so many thoughts in my mind. Renée writes an exciting chapter named ‘‘Hello World'' that is dedicated to the way a baby sees and perceives the world, something that I consider to be the biggest mystery in mankind and one (out of many) that we'll never be able to fully solve. The baby is slowly, gradually influenced by the behaviour of the family circle and this is the point where the first mistakes start taking place. ''Know Thyself'' is arguably one of the most reproduced, pinned and, in the end, misinterpreted phrases in history. Renée writes an analysis that I felt set things straight. In the chapter ''Relationships'', there is a striking sentence: ‘'When meeting people for the first time we pigeon hole them into categories''. I am definitely guilty of the crime and I confess I will remain so. Too much time spent daily as a commuter in the Tube in Athens can leave you permanently damaged. What I want to say is that the questions Renée poses are sincere, on the spot, and uncomfortable. They prompt you to think on many issues that are locked safely in our brains and we don't really wish to uncover them. The chapter ‘'Stepping Out of Time'' is dedicated to dreams and it is the one that really struck me. I have read a lot on dreams and the process of dreaming, but this text provided an imposing question. Does our world stop existing while we're asleep? The illustrations and the poems make the book an exciting experience and help lighten the mood a bit, because it is not an easy read. A successful ‘'self-help'' book doesn't hand you answers on a silver platter, in my opinion. The writers should let us into their private thoughts and it is our task to decide on whatever answers we can dig out of them. Renée does this to perfection. Many thanks to Renée Paule for giving me the opportunity to read this marvellous book.

‘'The world felt like it was cracking in pieces, like we'd gone through a shattered mirror into the fractured place inside, where nothing made sense, where our shields were down, our walls broken. In that place, there wasn't any reason to say no.''

This book was quite a departure from what I usually choose to read. It was all in the cover, to be honest. I saw the lovely couple's silhouettes and I said ‘'yeah, okay. Bye!'' Because romance, people. Not my style at all. But, then my brain processed the New York scenery in the blue background and the title that sounded bittersweet, sad and I said to myself I would pretend this wasn't a romance, but good old Contemporary Fiction. And I was right, thankfully. Yes, at the heart of the story lies the love and unbreakable bond between two people, but it was more complex than that. Family, choices, priorities, worries over an uncertain future are issues that are very prominent in this book, and reading it was a delight. And I confess, there were two-three times when I was really moved. And a little pissed-off at the characters' choices...

Many have claimed there's no plot in this book. I disagree. Not every novel can have mind-blowing moments, twists and turns. What about a story that touches upon daily, universal subjects and has a quiet beauty and characters one could actually meet in actual life? Sometimes, these are elements that are enough to satisfy a reader.So, we follow Lucy and Gabe's relationship through the years, starting in that nightmarish day of 2001 when terror struck New York and the world changed forever. Lucy and Gabe make some bad choices and their lives turn quite differently that they had planned. Still, the love they share is strong and so beautifully written that you cannot help feeling both touched and concerned over what the future has in store for them.

Do I believe in love at first sight? Definitely. I guarantee you it exists, and I am the least romantic person you'll ever find. In this novel, we witness a kind of love that starts as an obsession (and we all know how that feels when we are 20 years old) and becomes so strong that haunts the characters' lives and the lives of those who struggle to approach them. Now, such a bond is unique, almost rare and it must be hard for a writer to communicate it to the reader without resorting to clichés. Jill Santopolo succeeds in creating a kind of language that is both contemporary and beautiful, lyrical and raw where needed. As we witness life unfolding through Lucy's eyes, we are given a sense of her longing for Gabe, remembering their life together, and the way this pining is depicted is powerful, sincere, realistic, devoid of any drama.

I really, really liked Lucy. She has the strength to admit her own faults and stands for her choices, she has her head screwed together and her doubts are understandable. She isn't in the least bit selfish, to the point when I know I would have chosen differently. (But this is my personal opinion...)Gabe is complementing her perfectly, although they are two very different personalities. He had the power to make me really angry at times (often...) I mean, the guy was so wishy-washy and couldn't see further than the end of his own nose. His choices can be a matter of endless debate, but he is so well-written that he makes us look upon him as if he is that troubled friend or relative who always gets on our nerves -especially at family gatherings- but you cannot help loving him and caring for him. However, Darren...Bliah!!! Yikes!! I do hate him and I cannot lie. You can find me a dozen reasons that are supposed to make me sympathise with him and I'd still want to punch him. The man is a human soup - I hate soup, sorry:) - and I hate him. Truly! The way he constantly doubts Lucy and tries to patronize her is outrageous...

The theme in focus isn't love, in my opinion, but choices and priorities. The great ‘'what ifs''' that shape our lives. What do we want from life when we find ourselves at a point where we need to sacrifice something we love for something we feel equally strongly about? Do we wait? Do we compromise? Do we wonder what could have gone differently? Of course, we do. And these questions do not refer only to romantic feelings, but to anything related to future plans and human relationships. You see? This book is far from a simple romance...

I cannot recommend it enough. Read it for the descriptions of New York during terrifying times and times of prosperity and hope. Read it for a beautiful reference to a kind of love that is firmly rooted in the souls of two people. Read it to reflect or reminisce of the past. Perhaps a similar feeling once came your way. Read it because it is a very good book, not light, not heavy. Just realistic and attainable.
.........and did I mention I hate Darren?

‘'Should it matter when it happened?''I've always been interested in true and unresolved crimes cases and ever since I watched a documentary about the Borden murders, I try to read as much as possible about this strange, horrific crime. So, I eagerly started reading Sarah Schmidt's novel which was highly recommended and which I found to be every bit as haunting, mysterious, gritty as the real story.First of all, can I just say that we're living in blessed times for us readers, because the plethora of beautiful debuts, their quality and exciting writing is every reader's dream.I don't think there's ever been a time when most of the debuts have made such an impact on our community. For the last 5-6 years, we have experienced great literary moments by up and coming writers and this should give us hope for the future.Anyway, back to our book. We start our journey with a quite gruesome scene- but well-composed and intense- when the bodies of the Borden couple are discovered. From then on, we move back and forth in time and through the eyes of Lizzie, Emma, Bridget and Benjamin, we try to glue the pieces of a broken family together, to discover the events that led to the bloody epilogue. Now, this time technique is fascinating, but it also requires serious skills. Schmidt succeeds in this and presents the story in a way that makes you forget you actually know it. The book takes you with it and you cannot help but watching the events unfold with the same trepidation we'd have felt for any novel whose plot was unfamiliar to us.The writing reminded me of Hannah Kent's [b:Burial Rites 17333319 Burial Rites Hannah Kent https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1384207446s/17333319.jpg 21943144]. There is the same combination of darkness and a strange tranquility underneath. There are domestic scenes described in realistic detail, moments of family dynamics that are uncomfortable, wild. Bloody images that are never over the top. There is a distinctive aura of Gothic, gritty and primitive at times, but always poetically beautiful. It is difficult to describe it, actually. Imagine a mist that covers every chapter, every paragraph and we have to wait for it to dissolve in order to discover hidden feelings and motives. And believe me, it isn't easy and in certain moments, the mists remains still, unmoving.This novel is an example of beautiful writing and equally well-written characters. It doesn't matter whether they are likeable or not. (Frankly, ‘'likeable'' is boring. Most of the times...) They are interesting, they drive the plot, providing dark company, revealing their souls to us. Emma and Lizzie, the Borden sisters, couldn't be more different. Emma is the eldest, the sensible one, the daughter who wants to escape the family and yet is shuttered by the murders, because to her ‘'family is family'', despite the fact that her father was cruel and unloving. Lizzie is the revolutionary, the child that doubts her father's authority, the one who isn't willing to compromise, she want to to punish what she considers to be cruelty and injustice. She may come across as petulant, spoiled and selfish. Bridget is the young maid of the household, the one who witnesses everything but is unable to intervene. She understands how heavy the darkness in the house is and tries to break free from Abby's illogical, erratic behaviour. Abby and Andrew, the victims, the ‘parents', are awful people.Judging by the way they come across in the novel, I couldn't say that I felt any kind of pity for them, as harsh as it may sound. Benjamin, a man of ill repute, has his own father- caused traumas and his plans involve revenge, but they're no well thought-out.This is a beautiful, dark book. Attractive, gritty, exciting, emanating a deep sadness for a family that is destroyed by a tyrannical father and ill choices. I agree with a number of good friends in our community who said that this story isn't for everyone. You need to invest yourself in the novel, to be willing to think beyond the words you read, to be open-minded. I loved the way Schmidt chose to end the story, it was so well-constructed and powerful.One more brilliant debut by an Australian author, one more brilliant example of Historical Fiction.Many thanks to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don't have much to say about this short story collection. Critically aclaimed it may be, but it left me cold and indifferent. The first story, named'‘Antarctica'' and the story with the simple title ‘‘Sisters'' were the best, written in a foreboding voice, full of mystery. Especially, ‘‘Antarctica'' was on my mind for days. However, I found the writing to be repetitive and the themes of the stories tedious and too melodramatic and narrow. We have women who want to ‘‘try'' how it would have been if they hadn't made the choice they made, and after a while, I had the impression that each story was the same. ‘‘Passport Soup'' was a welcome change, it was disturbing and dark.I gave three stars because some of the characters had potential and the three aforementioned stories were marvellously written, but if I wanted to be completely accurate, I would grant 2- 2.5. I am not a fan of family drama and melodrama in general, so I couldn't appreciate this. However, I intend to try my luck with [b:Walk the Blue Fields: Stories 2524702 Walk the Blue Fields Stories Claire Keegan https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328822610s/2524702.jpg 1168396] and see how it goes. I hope I found the distinctive, haunting Irish writing that -for me, at least- was lacking here.

‘'Gods die. And when they truly die they are unmourned and unremembered. Ideas are more difficult to kill than people, but they can be killed in the end.''

Why do gods have to fight and die? Isn't there enough space in people's hearts to accommodate everyone, as in the old days? New gods and old gods, but it seems that they aren't all powerful as such. They need the mortals to believe in them, otherwise they simply cease to exist.

I initially thought I wouldn't write a review about Neil Gaiman's gloriously dark, strange and haunting classic. I mean, what can I say that hasn't been said? And then, I thought ‘'come on, it's an honour that you have the chance to write a review that will occupy a teeny tiny corner in this endless space that is Internet. (...too much Tech-boy influence...) So these are my two cents for a book that my review cannot do justice to.

It has been on my lists for years, right after I read ‘'Coraline'' and ‘'Stardust'', but the marvellous TV series made me started it sooner than I thought. I couldn't possibly wait to witness the conclusion in 3-4 years on the telly, when the book was on my shelf. And this gives me the opportunity to say that the spirit of the book was perfectly captured and transferred to the small screen (unlike other examples...) and the expanded parts made the essence of the book even more significant, at least to me. As Wednesday and Shadow start a road trip in preparation for the war that is coming- a fight between the old gods, the values that created the country and the new gods that bring corruption and progress built in sand (yes, that is my personal conclusion....) - we, the readers, find ourselves on a journey that gives us much to think of. Is the old world a better place? Are the values that bring hope and comfort to the people to be destroyed by media, technology and the new World? I believe that each one of us can draw their personal conclusions.

‘'We like to be big. Now, in these shabby days, we are small. The new gds rise and fall and rise again. But this is not a country that tolerates gods for long.''

Gaiman's writing is exceptional, obviously. There are so many beautiful quotes, so many dark moments of terrifying awe that clearly show why he's considered a master of his Art. The themes he relates to the people who shaped America -by force or by their own free will- the cultures and the gods that crossed the ocean to protect those who believed in them and ended up almost destitute, couldn't be more relevant to our current times. Gaiman doesn't take sides, in my opinion. He presents gods and goddesses from all pantheons with respect and a hint of bittersweet remembrance, perhaps, for the lost pedestals and the wasted sacrifices through the ages.

The parts that I consider the jewel of the book are all the ‘'Coming to America'' chapters that show how the real heroes of the story are the people,not the gods. My favourites are the story of Essie Tregowan, a young woman from Cornwall who tries to make her fortune by shady ways, the story of Wututu, a slave girl during the late 1700s and the story of Atsula, a prehistoric priestess. They are among the most moving literary pieces you'll ever read.

Not much can be said about the characters, they are gods and they crave love and devotion. Are they really that different to humans?I don't think so. Shadow I loved, I don't understand why many refer to him as being ‘'simple'' or even devoid of personality. Yes, of course, he is simple. A simple human being thrust in the middle of a fight between all mighty deities. He is loyal, clever and kind, a character at a loss and at a crossroads, one who the reader can understand and identify with, if that is possible.

The edition of my copy contains a short interview with Neil Gaiman and a novella, ‘'The Monarch of the Glen'', along with an essay by Gaiman called ‘'How Dare You?'' (I love that name!) All of the above are great reads. It is a book that shows much and hides even more. It wants us to contemplate on a number of themes that are larger than life,impossible to be answered, and yet they will be sought after by generations as long as mankind exists.Those who claim the opposite are simply lying to themselves. And thank the goddess of Literature for Neil Gaiman.

‘' ‘'Gods are great'', said Atsula, slowly, as if she were comprehending a great secret. ‘'But the heart is greater. For it is from our hearts they come, and to our hearts they shall return.''
...and perhaps, sometimes, we should listen to our hearts...

Disclaimer- I will not engage in any religious discussion of any form. If you belong to the clan of the very few ones that go around looking for a fight, turn around and go elsewhere. You will find no response here. It is my conviction that religious beliefs is the most personal of issues and I do not discuss anything religious or anything that has to do with politics. My religious beliefs are my own and concern noone. And I will not tolerate any aggressive comments towards specific religions or religion in general, towards atheism,atheists, non-believers and the like. You get the drill. Comments regarding religion of any kind will be deleted and flagged. Thankfully, there is space for everyone in this awful (?) world and respect is the thing.Thank you:)

Few symbols have had such an important part to play in the stories and traditions of our world. Think about it: the tree in Eden, the Yggdrasil of the Vikings,the Bodhi tree in Buddhism, Krishna's banyan tree in Hinduism, the belief that the trees are the homes of the dryads in Greek Mythology, the tree that provided the wood for the Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified, the list is endless. It goes without saying that in a country with such a great history, such a wealthy universe of folk tales, myths and legends, the trees would have a pretty significant place. I'm obviously talking about Ireland.

This book provides extensive information about each tree and its significance and influence not only on the myths and legends of the country, but also on the daily life of the past and the present. What I really enjoyed was the fact that Niall Mac Coitir doesn't limit the content only to the Irish traditions, but grasps the chance to refer to similar customs in other European countries. This is an indicant of a good research on the part of the author. Furthermore, he analyzes Ogham, the Celtic Tree Alphabet and the Celtic Calendar in a satisfying way. I've got two reservations, though. First, I don't think that this is a book for someone who has no relation to Celtic dialects whatsoever, it is quite difficult to understand a few parts which are not explained to the fullest. My second reservation has to do with references. The author constantly cites two sources -the names don't matter- and this seemed a little redundant and suspicious, to be honest. Why are these two people experts in the subject? Mac Coitir doesn't explain this either, so I was left wondering a bit.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Ireland and Folk tales in general. You just have to be patient and read it with a relaxed and clear mind, because some parts are too difficult for the common reader.

P.S. Bonus points because he often refers to Mad Sweeney stories and poems.
(Don't judge me, the tallest leprechaun from Gaiman's universe has infected my mind and I cannot lie...)

'This thing I've planned for so carefully: it has all gone drastically, horribly wrong.''

Well, this proved to be a very difficult review for me to write. Not because I didn't like the book, obviously. I didn't just ‘'like'' it, I enjoyed it so much that I started composing bits and pieces of my review at around 50% mark. The ‘'problem'' is that there are so many twists and turns and hidden secrets in the story that I was terrified I would slip up and spoil everything. So, this is going to be short.

We follow the story of Syd and Jack, a young couple who has just been offered a deal for a house that they've never believed would come to them. The house is an impressive building, in a beautiful London neighbourhood and it is as if it ‘'chose'' them for its owners. However, Jack has a feeling that there is something dodgy with the house and especially with the circumstances under which the previous owner left all of his belongings behind to start a new life in Australia following a woman he met online.

The writing style is something that I haven't seen recently and it is engaging and makes the book flow nicely. It is an exchange- in written form- between Syd and Jack, their experiences before they met each other, their life together, an attempt to clarify their thoughts and make sense of the things that have happened to them.Because of this technique, we don't have elaborate speeches and complex descriptions. We have clear interactions and everyday language, but given in a coherent way, as if we're eavesdropping the discussion between two people, as if we're reading their diaries.There is nothing pretentious and Simon Lelic has done a wonderful job.

To say anything about the characters is a risk, because I'm unable to refer to them without giving away parts of the plot. I'm just going to say that Syd and Jack are people you will care about and they will lead you safely throughout the story. Syd was especially interesting, a complex character that was well-matched to her more vulnerable, more thoughtful partner.Also, there are two ‘'fathers'' whose behaviour is going to a) make you furious, and b) give you nightmares.

The moments where the writer takes us back in time and lets us into the past of the characters are amazingly composed and they are integral to the whole story. They aren't just background information, they are linked to the troubles of the present. Here is where writers show their ability to go back and forth in time, all the while keeping the readers interested and invested in the plot. I'm saying this because one could risk a comparison between ‘'The House'' and ‘'The Upstairs Room''. And yet, these books couldn't have been more different. ‘'The House'' achieved everything ‘'The Upstairs Rooms'' tried to do and failed.

Simon Lelic has created a unique thriller. It starts with suspicions that something paranormal might have taken over the house, it has strong elements of domestic thriller and themes like violence, secrets, despair, the wish to right the wrong and learning to live with wounds that refuse to heal. It is a novel that will not disappoint you and thank God I concluded this review without any spoilers.

Many thanks to Penguin UK and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book tries to connect Shakespeare's works to masterpieces of Ancient Greek and Roman Theatre and to present the circumstances that became the influence and the context of his plays. Arguably, the research is there on the part of the author, but there is nothing new in this attempt. There is nothing we don't know, nothing we haven't read before in much better books through a vastly better writing.

The author's sarcastic humor regarding certain ancient Greek tragedies is hardly appropriate. A lame attempt to sound ‘'smart'', but all he succeeds in is to come across as disrespectful. At first, I thought this was some kind of aversion towards Classical Antiquity in general, but no. The same tone continues for the majority of the book and I felt as if I was reading an essay by a teenager under the influence of too much reprimanding talk who simply had had enough and decided to ditch everything, essays, projects and all.

There was nothing obscure, no dark secret, as the cover proclaims. Everybody knows the origin of phrases like ‘'The Scottish Play'' or ‘'Break a leg''. Everybody but the writer who needs to get his facts straight in one or two occasions...Even the supposedly haunting theaters that he mentions are far from ‘'obscure''.

It is one thing to feel the need to create a text that will be approachable to young people and another to resort to crude jokes and completely silly, amateurish assumptions. A frightfully disappointing read that didn't even worth the time...I finished it out of a sheer sadistic desire to see how far he would go to appear ‘'clever''...

ARC from Edelweiss

“Had you not been born,you would not know what it is like to be alive, and without life,death is impossible to understand.”

I admit I hadn't heard of Kevin Donohue before I came across this book.I didn't know he is an author of Horror books primarily.What appealed to me was the cover and the fact that I find puppets fascinating in a deliciously creepy way.I don't keep any at home,but I would read a story about them anytime.This is a haunting book,beautiful and sad.Terrifying,for some, but in a subdued,elegant manner.I'd say it is a version of Gaiman's “Coraline” for grown-ups.

The setting is contemporary Québec and our protagonists are Theo and Kay,a young artistic couple,closely bound to each other.Theo is a university professor and Kay is an acrobat in a travelling Cirque.One night,Kay simply vanishes and Theo,shuttered and terrified,begins a search for her that brings him to a world he'd never imagined possible.I cannot tell you more about the plot,because there are too many spoilers,but I can assure you that it is full of elements of magical realism,a genre that continues to fascinate me.

Theo and Kay are very sympathetic.Their relationship is tender and honest and it breaks your heart when they are separated in such a sudden way.I'd say,though,that the real stars of the book are the puppets.They are a spectacle of a cast,indeed.The Queen, the Clown,the Three Sisters,Noe and,of course, the Devil,my favourite.Along with the main narrative,we are shown snippets of the life of Eadeard Muybridge,an English photographer whose biography Theo is translating in the course of the story.

The word “Motion” isn't in the title accidentally.There are references to the early stages of motion picture and references to Aristotle's “On the Motion of Animals”.However,the strongest echoes in the story come from the beautiful Ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.Now,this carries certain connotations of love,loss,despair and the struggle against forces that surpass the human world in order to have a second chance with the person you love.And allow me to say that the world Kay finds herself into is worse than Hades' realm...

The writing is beautiful,both the dialogues and the descriptive parts, Donahue manages to create puppets with personalities and character development,human-like indeed.I loved the description of Theo's agony,without resorting to drama, I loved Kay's determination and ability to adapt into her new life.The descriptions of the days approaching Halloween and the decorated nightly streets of the Old Town were just chilling.Would I consider it a Horror story? It doesn't matter. “Horror” doesn't mean the same to everyone.To me,the creepy puppets are frightening,but the real “horror” of the book is the unjust ordeal the young couple has to go through.It is magical realism,a great effort to create a dark story,with beauty and sensitivity.I loved the fact that some threads were left loose.After all, I need to think from time to time and we are readers, we can make do with some open-ended questions:)

The end is....I don't know how to describe it...it left me staring into space,utterly speechless....Don't try to understand whether the story makes sense, it doesn't.It is a fairy-tale for adults, a myth of love and darkness.A nightmare where awakening isn't guaranteed.If you want a Horror novel,full of blood and guts and zombies,this isn't for you.If you're in a mood for some dark magic and a wonderful story about a deep love and a haunting parable,then you should give this book a chance.

‘'The silence at the beginning of a piece of music is always different from the silence at the end.''

The blurb of this beautiful book contained two words that won me over on the spot. ‘'Music'' and ‘'1980s''. I was born in 1985, so technically, I am a child of the 90s, but I think that these two decades share the same spirit of a certain kind of innocence, before the coming of the new millennium and all the ‘'gifts'' it brought (yeah, right...) I'm not a big fan of the music that conquered the 80s, but when I happen to listen to a chart-hit of the era, I travel back to my childhood and the parties when we were 9-10 years old.

Joyce pays homage to the beauty of the vinyls, the nostalgia that is connected with them, before the shiny CDs took over. Personally, I never liked cassettes, although God knows we had more than we could count. In this story, we find ourselves in London, during the last years of the 80s and in a music shop that sells vinyls exclusively. Frank, the owner, is surrounded by a quirky set of characters who aid him in his struggle to keep the spirit of the neighbourhood alive against modernity. One day, a lovely young woman, wearing a green coat and with her hands hidden in gloves, faints right outside his shop. And his life begins to change.

Now, the blurb may make us think that this is going to be a light, carefree read. Essentially, a romance. It isn't. Not entirely, at least. And most definitely, it is not a romance. It is a story that contains a heart-warming, tender, well-constructed relationship, but to call it a ‘''romance'' wouldn't do it justice. In my opinion, this is Contemporary Quirky Fiction at its best. (...I just made up a genre in order to justify my silly definition, but anway...) Each character, from Frank to Ilse, to the various customers who have been helped by him, is integral to the story. There are personal stories of sadness and pain, of hope and joy and remembrance, people trying to soothe their wounds and keep the memories alive through music. This is what Frank regards as his mission.

The characters of Frank and Ilse are the best example of how an author can create a romantic relationship that will touch even the sworn enemies of anything romance-related (...that is moi...) Frank is loyal to his job, somewhat a loner in the extreme, and perhaps a bit too empathetic and stuck to the past. A realistic protagonist that you wish you had as your friend back in that day. Ilse is sensitive, bright, kind and with a heavy dose of mystery trailing behind her.Initially, I thought there would have been an element of magical realism in her, that's how ethereal and mysterious she seemed. Father Anthony (loved him to piece, he is everything a priest is supposed to be), Kit and Maud consist Frank's ‘'gang'' and they are as sympathetic and weird as you can get. Maud wasn't much to my liking, I didn't have any sympathy for her attitude, but to each their own...I am a bit of a potty-mouth myself, but she seemed to be continually disrespectful

Joyce writes in a manner that is immediate, fresh and lyrical at the same time. She provides a treat for every lover of music. At the mention of every composer, every singer, every band, I could hear the notes partying (or waltzing or praying) in my head. I was reminded of all the extraordinary music creations the human mind has conceived. Even the quality pop-rock of the 1980s and the 90s...So it triggers a major level of nostalgia for an era when a singer didn't have to appear on stage, dressed only in the underwear or in a meat-dress in order to become famous or to make up for the lack of any talent. I give extra points for the reference to ‘'Beata Viscera'', my favourite hymn to the Virgin Mary. Also bonus points for what I consider the most beautiful piece to come from Iceland, ‘Heyr, Himna Smiður'.

For me, the major question of the novel has to do with the strength of our principles. Frank refuses to go with the flow, if it means betraying his ideals and all he is living for.Why should modern times demand of someone to become an altogether different person? Why should we offend what we don't agree with and look down on those we consider ‘'old school''? This is very relevant in our current times with politics, religion, society in general. Some of us stick to certain values. If others consider it ‘'Ancient History'' that's all very well, but respecting different opinions should be a bidirectional thing. So, as you see, this book definitely gives you plenty to think about.

This is a book that will appeal to practically everyone. The music lovers, the fans of the 80s, the followers of the vinyls, the Londonphiles, the readers who wish for a contemporary read with something to say and themes we can all relate to. I even forgave the somewhat ‘'cheesy'' ending:)

‘'I heard the things you told me. The birds and the storm and a dog barking. I heard a summer day.Thunder. I heard the wind. People slipping on ice, and then falling asleep by the fire.''

Many thanks to Random House and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.