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_marco_'s reviews
42 reviews
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
L'Etranger by Albert Camus
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Disturbing, yet fascinating foray into Camus’ existentialist philosophy.
Anna Karenin by Leo Tolstoy
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A 600 page response to the eternal question: ‘where can one find happiness?’
A monument of psychological literature.
A monument of psychological literature.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs
The version I had read contained a singular use of a slur
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Words cannot describe the utter anguish one feels after having read this book. I can attempt to explain it away, but there is no way I can possibly do it justice.
All Quiet on the Western Front is A very difficult read, in the sense of its content, however I do believe that it is a necessary one. Set in the Eastern Front of WWI, the story follows a group of young German soldiers as they experience the man-made horrors of war. Themes of loss, fear, courage, humanity, and love are explored in extreme depth and detail. After finishing, amidst tears I was left with complete despair and a renewed reverence for human life and all that makes it sacred. This read will definitely stay with me long after I’ve placed the book back on the shelf.
All Quiet on the Western Front is A very difficult read, in the sense of its content, however I do believe that it is a necessary one. Set in the Eastern Front of WWI, the story follows a group of young German soldiers as they experience the man-made horrors of war. Themes of loss, fear, courage, humanity, and love are explored in extreme depth and detail. After finishing, amidst tears I was left with complete despair and a renewed reverence for human life and all that makes it sacred. This read will definitely stay with me long after I’ve placed the book back on the shelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Baudolino by Umberto Eco
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Baudolino is an incredible story tainted with fantasy, yet still rapt the very real passions that drive humans on any endeavour, whether it be the pursuit of love or of a quasi-fictional far away kingdom.
Additionally, this book provides an incredibly nuanced commentary, fuelled by Eco’s rich prose, on the accuracy of the historical record and on the skepticism with which we must regard it.
Additionally, this book provides an incredibly nuanced commentary, fuelled by Eco’s rich prose, on the accuracy of the historical record and on the skepticism with which we must regard it.
The Overstory by Richard Powers
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A psychological analysis of the frivolity and pomp of the ailing 18th century French aristocracy and told by the characters themselves via a series of letters.
In the Shadow of Man by Jane Goodall
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
I had always loved and respected Jane Goodall as the scientist and environmentalist she is and all the work she has done for protecting the chimpanzees of Eastern Africa. My esteem for her only grows upon discovering the rich prose in which she describes the individual personalities of the chimps and their lives.
I also must note the fascinating commentary on human nature present in this book. Goodall transcends the stale delivery of fact associated with science writing and instead gives us a prosaic and reflective interpretation of her studies. Incredible.
I also must note the fascinating commentary on human nature present in this book. Goodall transcends the stale delivery of fact associated with science writing and instead gives us a prosaic and reflective interpretation of her studies. Incredible.
Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo by Stephanie Storey
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was an incredibly interesting and riveting exploration of the biographies of two of Florence’s most famous artists, and how their paths crossed.
My only contention with this book is that, in covering some philosophical issues often encountered by artists, the language of the book did not display the poeticism it could have. Psychology was described in a very matter-of-fact way, and lacks those metaphorical embellishments I’ve grown to love.
My only contention with this book is that, in covering some philosophical issues often encountered by artists, the language of the book did not display the poeticism it could have. Psychology was described in a very matter-of-fact way, and lacks those metaphorical embellishments I’ve grown to love.