nathiddles_106's reviews
227 reviews

Reading this book feels like watching a fast paced Korean action movie. Its about political intrigue and the cat and mouse chase between between operatives as well as the classic standoffs between North Korea, South Korea and America (they are always in the center of everything) but its main themes revolves around the sense of belonging as well as identity.

The ending is especially bittersweet

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Ghostroots by ‘Pemi Aguda

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Sagittarius by Natalia Ginzburg

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

the sobs tore themselves out of her from the depths of her heart bringing with them a surge of self- pity in which there was no sweetness at all, a self-pity that was utterly desolate and as black as night.

- Sagittarius, p. 111

At first this book was a bit slow for me and I didn't find the character, the mother, likeable sort of character and had to pause the book until I pick it up again and read. The story starts to pick up pace when Barbara enters the story and by the end of the novella, you just feels like staring into the wall for a little bit. I feel the despair this poor family experienced especially when

the mother realised that she's been swindled out of her savings by someone she truly consides a friend

. The gradual changed of the mother from being domineering and self assured to a pitiful worn woman is just sad.

Content Warnings

Bed and Breakfast by A. M. Kherbash

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

I read this book through netgalley.
It's about this couple who stays at this B&B for a vacation. However, this bed and breakfast establishment has been taken over by a new management and this new owner has something up her sleeve.
The novella, while short, immediately established the couples backstory and reason why they are having this staycation at the B & B. The author is really good at describing the creepy and unsettling atmosphere of the place and situation, it feels like I can visualize the unfolding storyline on my mind. The pacing is great especially at the second act.

The ending was really satisfying despite the open-endedness. However, the mystery is not resolved. Who is Leah and what actually happened to the previous owner?

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