nicole_bookmarked's reviews
1020 reviews

This book takes you on a journey from Granville to Paris in 1895, inspired by a real train crash. The story is packed with over 30 characters from all walks of life—a knitter, a revolutionary with a bomb, a medical student, and more. It’s an interesting mix, and the setting really brings the time period to life.

But honestly, there were just too many characters for me to keep track of. I couldn’t tell who I was supposed to focus on, and some of the details—like how steam trains work—felt unnecessary. By the halfway point, I was a little overwhelmed.

That said, if you enjoy historical fiction with lots of perspectives, you might like this one. The premise is fascinating, even if the story felt a bit crowded to me. 

Curtis Sittenfeld proves once again why she’s one of my favorite short story writers. These stories focus on everyday life, with characters so relatable you might cringe a little—or laugh out loud. They’re smart, funny, and thought-provoking, with that perfect balance of depth and subtlety.

If you love stories that make you think, laugh, and maybe even wince in recognition, I can’t recommend this collection enough! 

Alice Feeney does it again! Beautiful Ugly is a chilling, atmospheric thriller set on a remote and stunning Scottish island. Known as the "Queen of Twists," Feeney lives up to her title—I was certain I had the ending figured out at 75%, but I was completely wrong. The story is packed with unreliable narrators, revenge, and blame, all wrapped in an eerie, feminist narrative. This is my third Feeney read, and it’s hands down my favorite so far. Impossible to predict and impossible to put down!