Scan barcode
beriboo's reviews
378 reviews
Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth
3.0
Review: Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I'm not entirely sure what I just read with Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth, but it certainly left an impression. I avoided content warnings after seeing a review that said they gave away the ending, and yeh, did not see that coming!
The main character is deeply unlikeable, and I'm still unsure if that's part of the point. The narrative is fairly easy to read, though it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting when I picked it up. Despite the character's off-putting nature, the story kept me engaged enough to keep going.
The book is described as a horror, and it does have some graphic bits, but it's not the traditional sort of horror story I was expecting. The unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension are more prominent than outright scares, making it a different kind of horror experience.
The last 50 pages were an experience in themselves. I was lying in bed feeling a bit sleepy when I reached this part, but I quickly bolted upright, had to double-check what I was reading was real, and then stayed up thinking about it long after I'd finished. The ending hit me out of nowhere and left me pondering the entire book.
Overall, Motherthing is a strange, intriguing read that keeps you guessing. It's not perfect, but if you're in the mood for something different that will leave you thinking, it might just be worth picking up.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I'm not entirely sure what I just read with Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth, but it certainly left an impression. I avoided content warnings after seeing a review that said they gave away the ending, and yeh, did not see that coming!
The main character is deeply unlikeable, and I'm still unsure if that's part of the point. The narrative is fairly easy to read, though it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting when I picked it up. Despite the character's off-putting nature, the story kept me engaged enough to keep going.
The book is described as a horror, and it does have some graphic bits, but it's not the traditional sort of horror story I was expecting. The unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension are more prominent than outright scares, making it a different kind of horror experience.
The last 50 pages were an experience in themselves. I was lying in bed feeling a bit sleepy when I reached this part, but I quickly bolted upright, had to double-check what I was reading was real, and then stayed up thinking about it long after I'd finished. The ending hit me out of nowhere and left me pondering the entire book.
Overall, Motherthing is a strange, intriguing read that keeps you guessing. It's not perfect, but if you're in the mood for something different that will leave you thinking, it might just be worth picking up.
The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie
4.0
Review: The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie
Rating: ★★★★☆
As a devoted Agatha Christie fan (one of my cats is even named after her!), The A.B.C. Murders holds a special place in my heart. This re-read brought back a flood of memories, as it was the first "adult" book I picked out for myself as an 11-year-old in the new school library.
Christie's ingenious plot and masterful storytelling are on full display in this classic Hercule Poirot mystery. The methodical and suspenseful unravelling of the A.B.C. murders kept me just as engaged now as it did all those years ago. Poirot's clever deductions and the unique structure of the crimes make for a thrilling and satisfying read.
The nostalgic connection I have with this book only adds to its charm. Revisiting it reminded me why I fell in love with Christie's work in the first place. The characters are well-drawn, and the interplay between Poirot and Hastings is as delightful as ever.
While I might be a bit sentimental, The A.B.C. Murders genuinely deserves its accolades. It's a testament to Christie's enduring genius and her ability to craft a mystery that remains compelling through the years. If you're a fan of classic whodunits, this one is a must-read.
Rating: ★★★★☆
As a devoted Agatha Christie fan (one of my cats is even named after her!), The A.B.C. Murders holds a special place in my heart. This re-read brought back a flood of memories, as it was the first "adult" book I picked out for myself as an 11-year-old in the new school library.
Christie's ingenious plot and masterful storytelling are on full display in this classic Hercule Poirot mystery. The methodical and suspenseful unravelling of the A.B.C. murders kept me just as engaged now as it did all those years ago. Poirot's clever deductions and the unique structure of the crimes make for a thrilling and satisfying read.
The nostalgic connection I have with this book only adds to its charm. Revisiting it reminded me why I fell in love with Christie's work in the first place. The characters are well-drawn, and the interplay between Poirot and Hastings is as delightful as ever.
While I might be a bit sentimental, The A.B.C. Murders genuinely deserves its accolades. It's a testament to Christie's enduring genius and her ability to craft a mystery that remains compelling through the years. If you're a fan of classic whodunits, this one is a must-read.
Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
2.0
Review: Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
I recently finished Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson, and I have to say, it was a bit of a letdown for me. I'd give it 2 stars.
While Nelson's prose is undeniably beautiful and rhythmic, it often leads to a lot of repetitiveness. The meticulous attention to detail and the need to describe everything in such depth made the narrative feel bogged down at times. This focus on description came at the expense of character development, which left me feeling disconnected from the story.
I struggled to get to know the characters on a deeper level. Despite the rich, lyrical language, they remained distant and somewhat flat. The emotional connection that I was hoping for just never materialised, making it hard to fully invest in their journeys.
Overall, Small Worlds is a book that shines in its use of language but falls short in creating engaging, well-developed characters. If you're a fan of poetic prose, you might appreciate this one more than I did. However, if character depth and development are what you're after, this book might not hit the mark.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
I recently finished Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson, and I have to say, it was a bit of a letdown for me. I'd give it 2 stars.
While Nelson's prose is undeniably beautiful and rhythmic, it often leads to a lot of repetitiveness. The meticulous attention to detail and the need to describe everything in such depth made the narrative feel bogged down at times. This focus on description came at the expense of character development, which left me feeling disconnected from the story.
I struggled to get to know the characters on a deeper level. Despite the rich, lyrical language, they remained distant and somewhat flat. The emotional connection that I was hoping for just never materialised, making it hard to fully invest in their journeys.
Overall, Small Worlds is a book that shines in its use of language but falls short in creating engaging, well-developed characters. If you're a fan of poetic prose, you might appreciate this one more than I did. However, if character depth and development are what you're after, this book might not hit the mark.
Mrs Sidhu's 'Dead and Scone' by Suk Pannu
3.0
Review: Mrs Sidhu's 'Dead and Scone' by Suk Pannu
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I recently read Mrs Sidhu's 'Dead and Scone' by Suk Pannu and I'd give it a solid 3 stars. Although I hadn't heard of Mrs Sidhu before picking up this book, I ended up enjoying both the character and the story.
The plot is filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing, and I was often wrong with my predictions, (but then so were Mrs Sidhu's!!) which made the mystery all the more engaging. The guessing game added an element of fun, even though some of the twists felt a bit contrived at times.
Mrs Sidhu is a delightful character. Her wit, charm, and unique approach to solving mysteries made the book a pleasurable read. Pannu has created a memorable protagonist who stands out in the crowded field of amateur sleuths.
While the story had its ups and downs, and some parts felt a bit predictable, overall it was an enjoyable read. If Suk Pannu decides to write more Mrs Sidhu adventures, I'd definitely be interested in following her escapades. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a light, entertaining mystery with a charismatic lead.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I recently read Mrs Sidhu's 'Dead and Scone' by Suk Pannu and I'd give it a solid 3 stars. Although I hadn't heard of Mrs Sidhu before picking up this book, I ended up enjoying both the character and the story.
The plot is filled with twists and turns that kept me guessing, and I was often wrong with my predictions, (but then so were Mrs Sidhu's!!) which made the mystery all the more engaging. The guessing game added an element of fun, even though some of the twists felt a bit contrived at times.
Mrs Sidhu is a delightful character. Her wit, charm, and unique approach to solving mysteries made the book a pleasurable read. Pannu has created a memorable protagonist who stands out in the crowded field of amateur sleuths.
While the story had its ups and downs, and some parts felt a bit predictable, overall it was an enjoyable read. If Suk Pannu decides to write more Mrs Sidhu adventures, I'd definitely be interested in following her escapades. This book is perfect for anyone looking for a light, entertaining mystery with a charismatic lead.
Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively
1.0
Review: Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
I recently finished Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively, and I have to say, it was a major disappointment for me. I’d give it just 1 star.
The narrative structure was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the story. The constant shifts in time and perspective felt more like a gimmick than a meaningful literary technique, and it left me feeling disconnected from the characters and their experiences.
Speaking of the characters, I found them hard to relate to and unengaging. The protagonist, in particular, came across as aloof and unlikable, making it challenging to invest in her journey or care about her outcomes. The emotional moments that were supposed to resonate fell flat because I simply didn't care enough about the people involved.
The writing style, while occasionally beautiful, often felt pretentious and overdone. It seemed like the author was more focused on showcasing her prose than on telling a compelling story. As a result, the book felt more like a chore to read than an enjoyable experience.
Overall, Moon Tiger didn’t work for me at all. It lacked the narrative drive and character depth that I look for in a good novel. If you’re considering picking it up, I’d recommend looking elsewhere for a more satisfying read.
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
I recently finished Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively, and I have to say, it was a major disappointment for me. I’d give it just 1 star.
The narrative structure was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow the story. The constant shifts in time and perspective felt more like a gimmick than a meaningful literary technique, and it left me feeling disconnected from the characters and their experiences.
Speaking of the characters, I found them hard to relate to and unengaging. The protagonist, in particular, came across as aloof and unlikable, making it challenging to invest in her journey or care about her outcomes. The emotional moments that were supposed to resonate fell flat because I simply didn't care enough about the people involved.
The writing style, while occasionally beautiful, often felt pretentious and overdone. It seemed like the author was more focused on showcasing her prose than on telling a compelling story. As a result, the book felt more like a chore to read than an enjoyable experience.
Overall, Moon Tiger didn’t work for me at all. It lacked the narrative drive and character depth that I look for in a good novel. If you’re considering picking it up, I’d recommend looking elsewhere for a more satisfying read.
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
4.0
Review: The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
Rating: ★★★★☆
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman is a fantastic read that left me deeply moved, earning it a well-deserved 4 stars. This book not only kept me engaged from start to finish but also managed to bring me to tears, which is no small feat.
Osman’s writing is as sharp and witty as ever, with a plot that twists and turns in all the right places. The characters are richly developed, each with their own quirks and depths that make them feel incredibly real. The mystery at the heart of the story is compelling and kept me guessing, but it's the emotional undertones that really set this book apart.
The moments of genuine human connection and the exploration of loss and resilience hit home in a way that few books manage. There’s a depth to the storytelling that goes beyond the typical mystery novel, making it a truly memorable read.
While it has its lighter, humorous moments, The Last Devil to Die doesn’t shy away from the heavier themes, and it’s this balance that makes it so powerful. If you're a fan of well-crafted mysteries with a heart, this one is definitely worth picking up. Just keep some tissues handy—you might need them!
Rating: ★★★★☆
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman is a fantastic read that left me deeply moved, earning it a well-deserved 4 stars. This book not only kept me engaged from start to finish but also managed to bring me to tears, which is no small feat.
Osman’s writing is as sharp and witty as ever, with a plot that twists and turns in all the right places. The characters are richly developed, each with their own quirks and depths that make them feel incredibly real. The mystery at the heart of the story is compelling and kept me guessing, but it's the emotional undertones that really set this book apart.
The moments of genuine human connection and the exploration of loss and resilience hit home in a way that few books manage. There’s a depth to the storytelling that goes beyond the typical mystery novel, making it a truly memorable read.
While it has its lighter, humorous moments, The Last Devil to Die doesn’t shy away from the heavier themes, and it’s this balance that makes it so powerful. If you're a fan of well-crafted mysteries with a heart, this one is definitely worth picking up. Just keep some tissues handy—you might need them!
The Flower Girls by Alice Clark-Platts
3.0
Review: The Flower Girls by Alice Clark-Platts
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I recently finished The Flower Girls by Alice Clark-Platts in just two days, and I’d give it a solid 3 stars. This book was a nice brain refresher after tackling a much heavier read, offering a quick escape into a gripping thriller.
The story moves at a good pace, making it easy to get through in a short amount of time. While I saw some of the twists coming, not all of them were predictable. The final twist, in particular, caught me off guard and had me sit up straight in surprise!
Overall, The Flower Girls is an engaging read with enough suspense to keep you hooked. It’s not the most groundbreaking thriller out there, but it's perfect if you’re looking for something lighter to cleanse your reading palate.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
I recently finished The Flower Girls by Alice Clark-Platts in just two days, and I’d give it a solid 3 stars. This book was a nice brain refresher after tackling a much heavier read, offering a quick escape into a gripping thriller.
The story moves at a good pace, making it easy to get through in a short amount of time. While I saw some of the twists coming, not all of them were predictable. The final twist, in particular, caught me off guard and had me sit up straight in surprise!
Overall, The Flower Girls is an engaging read with enough suspense to keep you hooked. It’s not the most groundbreaking thriller out there, but it's perfect if you’re looking for something lighter to cleanse your reading palate.
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
3.0
Review: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch is a tough one for me to rate. On one hand, I didn't enjoy reading it, yet I can't seem to stop thinking about it. This book left me feeling torn between recognising a subtle intelligence and wondering if we're giving the author too much credit.
Let's start with the writing style. I found it downright awful. The modern trend of not using punctuation feels like the literary world's version of modern art—often frustrating and pretentious. The long, neverending paragraphs were horrendous, making the text feel like an uphill battle. However, switching to the audiobook was a game-changer. The narration brought clarity and flow, making me wonder if the narrator had special notes from the author on how to present it.
The main character, unfortunately, didn't win me over. She's incredibly annoying and, despite being portrayed as intelligent, seems utterly incapable of making decisions. Her lack of survival instincts had me internally screaming "GET OUT, WOMAN!" numerous times. Yet, this might be where Lynch's subtlety shines. We're all demanding she escapes, but where to? This reflects the harsh reality faced by displaced people and refugees, highlighting our often limited empathy and understanding of their plight.
Setting the story in Ireland, rather than a more typically "othered" location, was a bold and smart choice. It challenges readers to confront their biases and consider global issues from a more personal perspective. This aspect of the book is commendable and thought-provoking.
Despite my struggles with Prophet Song, it's a book that sticks with you, prompting reflection long after you've finished it. While I can't say I enjoyed it, I do appreciate its impact and the conversations it sparks. If you can push through the challenging writing style, there's a depth to this book that makes it worth considering.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch is a tough one for me to rate. On one hand, I didn't enjoy reading it, yet I can't seem to stop thinking about it. This book left me feeling torn between recognising a subtle intelligence and wondering if we're giving the author too much credit.
Let's start with the writing style. I found it downright awful. The modern trend of not using punctuation feels like the literary world's version of modern art—often frustrating and pretentious. The long, neverending paragraphs were horrendous, making the text feel like an uphill battle. However, switching to the audiobook was a game-changer. The narration brought clarity and flow, making me wonder if the narrator had special notes from the author on how to present it.
The main character, unfortunately, didn't win me over. She's incredibly annoying and, despite being portrayed as intelligent, seems utterly incapable of making decisions. Her lack of survival instincts had me internally screaming "GET OUT, WOMAN!" numerous times. Yet, this might be where Lynch's subtlety shines. We're all demanding she escapes, but where to? This reflects the harsh reality faced by displaced people and refugees, highlighting our often limited empathy and understanding of their plight.
Setting the story in Ireland, rather than a more typically "othered" location, was a bold and smart choice. It challenges readers to confront their biases and consider global issues from a more personal perspective. This aspect of the book is commendable and thought-provoking.
Despite my struggles with Prophet Song, it's a book that sticks with you, prompting reflection long after you've finished it. While I can't say I enjoyed it, I do appreciate its impact and the conversations it sparks. If you can push through the challenging writing style, there's a depth to this book that makes it worth considering.
The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn
3.5
Review: The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn
Rating: ★★★☆☆☆
I recently finished The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn, and I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, with a beginning that drew me in and an ending that truly broke my heart.
The story starts off strong, introducing us to a captivating world filled with richly drawn characters and an intriguing premise. Quinn’s writing is evocative, and the early chapters are both engaging and immersive. I found myself quickly invested in the lives of the characters and their journey.
However, the middle part of the book stalls a bit. The pacing slows down, and some plot points felt less compelling. This part of the story lacked the same energy and drive that made the beginning so gripping. Additionally, certain aspects of the plot stretched believability, making it hard to stay fully immersed at times.
That said, the ending more than makes up for it. The final chapters are powerful and deeply moving, bringing the story to a heart-wrenching conclusion. I was genuinely moved to tears by the emotional depth and the poignant resolution of the characters’ arcs.
Despite its flaws, The Whalebone Theatre is a recommended read. Joanna Quinn’s ability to craft a story that elicits such strong emotions is commendable. If you enjoy books that take you on an emotional journey, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Rating: ★★★☆☆☆
I recently finished The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn, and I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, with a beginning that drew me in and an ending that truly broke my heart.
The story starts off strong, introducing us to a captivating world filled with richly drawn characters and an intriguing premise. Quinn’s writing is evocative, and the early chapters are both engaging and immersive. I found myself quickly invested in the lives of the characters and their journey.
However, the middle part of the book stalls a bit. The pacing slows down, and some plot points felt less compelling. This part of the story lacked the same energy and drive that made the beginning so gripping. Additionally, certain aspects of the plot stretched believability, making it hard to stay fully immersed at times.
That said, the ending more than makes up for it. The final chapters are powerful and deeply moving, bringing the story to a heart-wrenching conclusion. I was genuinely moved to tears by the emotional depth and the poignant resolution of the characters’ arcs.
Despite its flaws, The Whalebone Theatre is a recommended read. Joanna Quinn’s ability to craft a story that elicits such strong emotions is commendable. If you enjoy books that take you on an emotional journey, this one is definitely worth picking up.