Scan barcode
wingreads's reviews
314 reviews
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This cosy and delightful fantasy tells of a group of incidental friends who come together through their travels. We have a fortune teller, ex-mercenary, former thief, baker in training, donkey and a Cat.
The group go on an adventure which takes them all over the Kingdom, which is not always kind to those who look different. I really enjoyed the dialogue between the characters, the almost slice of life in their days and how they all developed feelings of protectiveness, care and respect for one and other. This was a story about gentle growth, found family and always having an adventure spirit. I also adored the details Julie Leong placed at the start of each chapter.
There were some slight peril elements during aspects of the groups adventure and there are scenes of discrimination, but it mostly light touch on these topics. Overall, it's not my usual story or pace, but i really enjoyed this and would recommend this as a YA.
The group go on an adventure which takes them all over the Kingdom, which is not always kind to those who look different. I really enjoyed the dialogue between the characters, the almost slice of life in their days and how they all developed feelings of protectiveness, care and respect for one and other. This was a story about gentle growth, found family and always having an adventure spirit. I also adored the details Julie Leong placed at the start of each chapter.
There were some slight peril elements during aspects of the groups adventure and there are scenes of discrimination, but it mostly light touch on these topics. Overall, it's not my usual story or pace, but i really enjoyed this and would recommend this as a YA.
The Restaurant of Lost Recipes by Hisashi Kashiwai
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
Taiwan Travelogue by 楊双子, Yáng Shuāng-zǐ
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
Although there was delicious mentions of food and the cultural backdrop was fascinating - the narrator is a Colonizer and I found her questions, requests and faux outrage very wearing.
Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder by Asako Yuzuki
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"If you scrimp on butter, your food will taste inferior"
The premise of this book is well known and needs no further introduction.
Rika's detailed reflections of the impact Manakos' reccomendations has had on her is a lesson in the way language enriches both the mind and the senses; I found the descriptions around food and the body almost intoxicating and unable to stop reading each chapter as the two women become closer and shared confidence in one and other.
Rika presents with the dilemmas of the modern day woman within a heavily patriarchal society focused on tradition and custom, with desire or the wish to be desireable underlining behaviour. Manako makes use of what is deemed desireable for her own desired outcomes. Although both women have different processes, their goals are similar and it has left me in a moral quandry during reading.
Rika grows in her attachment to Manako as she visits the Tokyo detention house, and as she continues her investigation there is blur between Rika's own childhood, life and the stories she absorbs from her situationship, Father, Mother and her best friend.
The analogy of butter is an interesting one, as butter can be flavoured and also takes on flavour. Butter is often an companion in many recipes, but rarely centred. This made me reflect on the positioning of women. How we consume food and in some respects, women are also seen as for consumption.
I find myself conflicted towards Manako as the story went on, her hard stand on body positivity was contrasted by her views on Woman serving /providing men with comforts as "their god given role".
The quote which gave me the most pause
"Men are seeking a profession...Women seek a lifelong partner"
This is a absolutely brilliant book; although it did take me a couple of reads to get into it, this will really suit readers who enjoy a fast paced character driven read.
Skyshade by Alex Aster
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Nightbane by Alex Aster
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Lightlark by Alex Aster
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Story of a Single Woman by Uno Chiyo
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
The unique and unflappable Uno Chiyo is retelling her life story; as a young woman ostracized and travelled extensively to Korea and Tokyo to find love. Within the context of the time (early 1900s) this was scandalous as she married three times during a time where strict social rules, laws and customs prohibit free love.
Narrated in the third person style, Kazue is in her seventies and reflecting dispassionately on her life. The introspective narration style is representative of a semi-autoiographical / literary fiction style called watakushi-shosetsu, and follows Kazue from childhood - her recollections of growing up alongside prestige, unquestioned norms and the gradual decline of her household. There are gaps in Kazues recall, but she seems to have a sense of acceptance that 'this was the way'. Perhaps we all think similarly when we look back.
Through the transformative use of makeup and reactions towards her, Kazue learns about the male gaze. I resonated with this slightly as a young woman trying to find her way in a white patriarchal world. Kazue is almost portryed in a dreamlike state, but don't mistaken this for a lack of agency.
This short story deserves to be part of the Pushkin classic publications, and part of a wider platform for the female perspective in early 1900's Japan.
Apartment Women by Gu Byeong-mo
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"A well timed smile acted as a bow on top"
Four families are living within the dream future pilot communal housing programme designed for twelve families in mind to encourage community; this is a story surrounding women in the complex, their interactions with their husbands and children, as governed by societal norms and customs.
Danhui, keen on organising and maintaining the community facade. Yojin, the breadwinner of her family. Hyonae, always working overnight and tends to keep away from communal activities. Impressive Gyowon who whips up homemade tantalising food at each family event.
I was fascinated by the degree of intrusion disguised as curiosity, upon the neighbours discovering more about the lifestyle choices made by those living around them. Although the communal living was to enhance community spirit, it actually recreated a microsystem mirror of wider societal issues and the limited recourse available to women.
The narrative style resembles a running stream of subconscious thoughts (which I love, but may not be to everyone's taste of you prefer more world building).
I picked this up straight away as I loved "the old woman with a knife" and knew I will be reading strong FMCs with a tension filled arc. Gu Byeong-mo will be my forever most buy author.
Four families are living within the dream future pilot communal housing programme designed for twelve families in mind to encourage community; this is a story surrounding women in the complex, their interactions with their husbands and children, as governed by societal norms and customs.
Danhui, keen on organising and maintaining the community facade. Yojin, the breadwinner of her family. Hyonae, always working overnight and tends to keep away from communal activities. Impressive Gyowon who whips up homemade tantalising food at each family event.
I was fascinated by the degree of intrusion disguised as curiosity, upon the neighbours discovering more about the lifestyle choices made by those living around them. Although the communal living was to enhance community spirit, it actually recreated a microsystem mirror of wider societal issues and the limited recourse available to women.
The narrative style resembles a running stream of subconscious thoughts (which I love, but may not be to everyone's taste of you prefer more world building).
I picked this up straight away as I loved "the old woman with a knife" and knew I will be reading strong FMCs with a tension filled arc. Gu Byeong-mo will be my forever most buy author.