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fandomsandfiction's reviews
576 reviews
Character Scan by Douglas Kruger
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
moral of the story: the greatest curse is being the eldest :')
(unless you meet an overdramatic welshman who does magic and refuses home stability)
(unless you meet an overdramatic welshman who does magic and refuses home stability)
The Haunting of Beatrix Greene: Vol. 1 by Ash Parsons, Rachel Hawkins, Vicky Alvear Shecter
Did not finish book. Stopped at 66%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 66%.
I'm almost done, but I just can't get myself through the last few chapters. I'm so uninterested in this story and these characters.
The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi
emotional
inspiring
medium-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
4.0
What a beautiful and sensuous experience! This book had me longing for the art galleries and cafés of France and dreaming about the vibrant lands of India where my grandparents and ancestors lived. Alka Joshi has an incredible way of writing that has you immersed within the pages of her work. I could almost smell every fragrance, see every colour, feel every texture, hear the sound of the music and laughter coming from kotha, and taste the sweetness and spiciness of the chai (I highly recommend reading this book with your own hot cup of chai to sip on!).
What I loved most about this book - besides the luscious sensory experience - was the way it tackled the universal struggles of womanhood, motherhood, relationships and identity. I am not a parent, but I could appreciate the way this story navigates questions and anxieties of parenting. I loved how the women in this book stood together. I loved being able to take this (MIND-BLOWING) step into the world of art and perfume. And I loved Radha, the main character! She is so warm and gentle and I want to protect her at costs!!!
I probably would have enjoyed this book a bit more if I had read the previous books. I was disappointed to find a number of the foreign words/terms (and there are many of them) not in the glossary. I don't mind foreign words in books, and I do think they enhance the reading experience, but I felt like the vast amount of both French and Hindi made this more of an active reading activity and the constant need to turn to the glossary slightly dampened the immersiveness.
Overall, quite a charming read and I can't wait to try out the delicious recipes shared at the end!
What I loved most about this book - besides the luscious sensory experience - was the way it tackled the universal struggles of womanhood, motherhood, relationships and identity. I am not a parent, but I could appreciate the way this story navigates questions and anxieties of parenting. I loved how the women in this book stood together. I loved being able to take this (MIND-BLOWING) step into the world of art and perfume. And I loved Radha, the main character! She is so warm and gentle and I want to protect her at costs!!!
I probably would have enjoyed this book a bit more if I had read the previous books. I was disappointed to find a number of the foreign words/terms (and there are many of them) not in the glossary. I don't mind foreign words in books, and I do think they enhance the reading experience, but I felt like the vast amount of both French and Hindi made this more of an active reading activity and the constant need to turn to the glossary slightly dampened the immersiveness.
Overall, quite a charming read and I can't wait to try out the delicious recipes shared at the end!
on an ebbing seafoam tide by Alannah Radburn
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I always find it difficult to rate and review poetry because it is such a deeply personal medium of art, usually born from trauma and/or pain. However, this collection was an easy 5 stars. Maybe it's the richness in the imagery or the emotions I could palpably feel from the page. Maybe it's the references to all the natural and mystical wonders of the world - something I find myself drawn towards in all art forms - or maybe it's the feeling of hope and healing that comes from completing this little, but powerful, book.
Is this a perfect poetry collection? No. But am I rating it 5 stars? Yes.
Because what is perfection? Especially in terms of poetry? Especially in terms of pain?
I do not know the answer to these questions, but what I do know is that this author has struggled and suffered and brought these poems to life from the suffocating brambles growing tightly around her heart. With all this emotion, all this expression, and all these beautiful words and metaphors that I love, how could I not rate it 5 stars?
Is this a perfect poetry collection? No. But am I rating it 5 stars? Yes.
Because what is perfection? Especially in terms of poetry? Especially in terms of pain?
I do not know the answer to these questions, but what I do know is that this author has struggled and suffered and brought these poems to life from the suffocating brambles growing tightly around her heart. With all this emotion, all this expression, and all these beautiful words and metaphors that I love, how could I not rate it 5 stars?