melc's reviews
1191 reviews

What Writers Read: 35 Writers on Their Favourite Book by Pandora Sykes

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informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

4.0

The Beach by Alex Garland

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

England is Mine by Nicolas Padamsee

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challenging dark emotional informative sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Harrowingly brilliant! This was such an intelligent interrogation of racial identity in the UK and a hugely convincing account of a journey into radicalisation. Completely gripping as the book leads you towards it's devastating conclusion. An incredible debut!

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

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dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This is a well-written psychological thriller which keeps you turning the pages right up to the end. This double mystery weaves two timelines together about the community surrounding a summer camp. Told from multiple perspectives this clever novel interrogates themes of misogyny, agency, coercion and class. Twisty and intelligent - a good summer literary thriller.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.

Parts of this I found really engaging and moving - I especially liked Ben's narrative. But I was bored for big chunks and found the prose convoluted.

Gallant by V.E. Schwab

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced