Let’s Recommend | YA for Adult Readers

Let’s recommend some YA books for adult readers

I don’t pick up YA books all that often these days, but that’s not to say there aren’t some absolute gems out there. I think a major put-off for a lot of people who tend to steer away from it (especially older readers) is a worry that the stories will focus too much on angsty teenage romance, and shy away from more serious, real-world issues. With that in mind, here are some YA reads that do precisely the opposite, hence why I think adult and teenage readers alike should find something to relate to.

Asking For It by Louise O’Neill

Through the eyes of a teenage protagonist in a small town, O’Neill explores the terrible culture of victim blaming, and the poisonous attitude of slut shaming, that plague society when it comes to cases of sexual assault. The genius of the book lies in how flawed our heroine actually is, proving how easy it is for people to brand a ‘certain kind of girl’ with demoralising labels that can prove as damaging as the physical assault itself.

After Tomorrow by Gillian Cross

After Tomorrow flips the readers’ perception of the refugee crisis on its head by essentially forcing us to ask, ‘what if it was me?’. This speculative dystopian novel follows a British family as they flee through the Channel Tunnel in search of asylum on the continent, following economic disaster, food shortages, and mass rioting in the UK. It touches on many aspects of the migrant experience, including displacement, language barriers, borders being closed, families being separated, widespread mistrust, and the struggle to hold onto your national identity. It also features an entirely platonic male/female friendship between two teenagers, which was a refreshing touch in a YA read.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

This touching, universally relatable story is all about love, loss, and the transformative power of storytelling to help us deal with the hardships of life. Simple in prose, yet painfully real, it focuses on a young boy, whose mother is seriously ill. By night, he is visited by a strange monster that tells him stories, in exchange for the truth he is hiding from even himself. The moment that truth is revealed is devastatingly poignant. I highly recommend picking up an edition with Jim Kay’s wonderfully atmospheric illustrations if possible; I felt they added a whole other layer of depth and immersion.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Shining a light on an often-forgotten part of the war, Between Shades of Gray follows a 15-year-old Lithuanian girl, who, along with her mother and little brother, is seized under Stalin’s rule and sent to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. They must survive the brutality of both their captors and the horrendous conditions, whilst keeping the spark of hope alive amongst their peers, that they may live to see liberation.

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton

I read this years ago, but certain scenes, and the general tone of strange beauty and quiet heartbreak, have stayed with me ever since. This lyrical, magical story is a multi-generational family drama that focuses predominantly on a girl born with wings that sprout from her back. In her search for acceptance and normalcy, she will be both ridiculed and revered, in a tale that builds towards a devastating climax that is plagued by pain and loss, but tinged with hope.

***

Have you read any of these books? What YA books would you recommend for adult readers?

Recent Publications

The latest issue of Ellipsis Zine, which includes my story, The Lonely Mermaid.

I decided a little while ago to periodically share updates on my writing ventures. With that in mind, here are a couple of links to pieces I was lucky enough to get published recently. I’ve also included the first line of each piece, to hopefully whet your appetite.

The latest issue of Ellipsis Zine had a ‘creepy and unsettling’ theme, and was released nicely in time for the Halloween season. It includes my somewhat sinister take on The Little Mermaid, and is available to purchase in physical and digital form, here. (First line: ‘My story begins after ‘happily ever after’, with the truth your mother doesn’t want you to know: I loathe my prince.’)

Issue six of Cauldron Anthology had an LGBTQ+ theme. My short piece of fiction, Todd, drew inspiration from the lore of the androgynous Japanese figure, Inari Ōkami. It can be read online for free, here. (First line: ‘Fresh wounds intersect with old scars in a map of fear and loathing.’)

Many thanks to anyone who checks out either piece. Happy reading!

October Wrap Up

The books I read in October

I was very much in the mood to embrace the spirit of the season with my reading this month, and I did precisely that. As such, most of the 12 books I picked up were gothic or horror reads. Here are some thoughts on each of them, with links to my full reviews over on Goodreads.

Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] This collection of short stories isn’t about outright scares, focussing instead on a creeping sense of menace, and an eerie dream logic. A few flirt with the supernatural, but most explore the disturbed side of the human psyche; peeling back the facade of mundane everyday life to expose the darkness that lurks beneath polite society. Jackson is a master at building tension to its peak, before abandoning the reader in a state of bewilderment; the true horror left to our imagination.

The Upstairs Room by Kate Murray-Browne

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] This book markets itself as a ghostly thriller, but that sadly isn’t what it delivers. The haunting element of the story only ever feels like a sublot, shoehorned in as a metaphor for the book’s real theme, which is a woman who feels suffocated by her domestic situation. There are some interesting ideas at play, and it was very readable, but I felt it moved in circles too much, and didn’t offer up anywhere near enough chills.

Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] A gripping, first-person character study that reads like one extended monologue, King once again displays his skill at crafting a complex, captivating anti-heroine. Despite making clear the main outcome from the off, he still manages to create tension, intrigue, and emotional impact, whilst exploring the crippling effect of living with secrets, and asking us to ponder the ultimate moral question: can murder ever be justified?

Dracula by Bram Stoker

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] This is one of those classics that is so iconic, I thought I knew it before I’d even read it. In finally picking it up, it delivered so much more than I expected, in terms of both reading enjoyment and literary merit. Gothic, atmospheric, and transporting, its handling of gender and sexuality is fascinating; its structure highly effective in adding a sense of realism; and its insight into the birth of many horror conventions both fun and satisfying for a lover of the genre.

Autumn by Ali Smith

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] I wanted to break up the horror reads a little, but still opt for something seasonally appropriate, hence reaching for Autumn. I had a very odd reading experience with this one; equal parts wonderful and maddening. Smith’s prose is undoubtedly gorgeous; her evocation of the season wonderful, and her nuanced exploration of interesting ideas such as the power of art to capture a specific moment in time, and the concept of invisible boundaries that separate us, was very intriguing. However, I felt emotionally distant for much of the story, and it did veer into alienating psychobabble at times. I’m definitely eager to try more of Smith’s work.

An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

[ ⭐ ⭐ ] A fun and easy reading experience, but ultimately underwhelming, this is essentially a love letter to old-school locked-room mysteries, with a group of strangers trapped in a remote hotel, and the body count on the rise. With many tongue-in-cheek references to the golden era of crime, it had a cosy, nostalgic vibe, despite the sinister goings on. But a couple of tired clichés, an info-dumpy reveal, and a lack of climax stopped the book from wowing.

A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] As desperately sad as it is chilling, this is an ambitious, intelligent, and affecting novel. The plot follows a family who become the subject of a TV documentary when they suspect their eldest daughter’s increasingly strange behaviour may be caused by demonic possession. It soon becomes clear, however, that the real horror here is the demonization of mental health, and the moral depravity of a society obsessed with exploitation as a means of entertainment. Its use of perspective, and its critical look at the horror genre at large are also hugely successful.

The Monsters We Deserve by Marcus Sedgwick

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] Visited by the ghosts of Mary Shelley and her most famous characters, a writer broods on the relationship between art and artist; writer and reader. It’s thought-provoking, experimental, and very meta. Whilst I loved the philosophical questions it posed about creation and legacy, and its visceral evocation of a remote alpine setting, I found its sexist handling of Shelley and her work very problematic. As a think-piece on the power of writing and reading, it’s well worth a read; as a ‘celebration of the legacy of Frankenstein’, somewhat less so.

Unbury Carol by Josh Malerman

[ ⭐ ⭐ ] This twisted take on Sleeping Beauty is about a woman who slips into deathlike comas, and the wicked husband who plans to use her condition to bury her alive and steal her fortune. It’s fairy tale-meets-Western-meets-dark fantasy, and there’s no denying that Malerman both writes well, and knows how to tap into our primal fears. However, it’s hampered by a meandering pace, and though the author sets out to subvert classic tropes – like the damsel in distress and the disfigured villain – he never does so fully enough to avoid falling back on a sense of predictability, meaning that the book ultimately underwhelms.

Through the Woods by Emily Carroll

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] A rare re-read for me; I think I actually enjoyed these creepy graphic novel-style short stories a little more this time around. Carroll’s striking and unconventional use of colour and layout adds to the strange, eerie, and hypnotic atmosphere of these twisted tales. There are deeply unsettling moments and haunting images throughout, making it a great little read for this time of year.

The Old Nurse’s Story by Elizabeth Gaskell

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] The title story in this slim volume is a great Victorian chiller. Ghostly and gothic, it tells a full and satisfying story with plenty of intrigue and atmosphere. The accompanying story, Curious, if True, worked less well for me. It had an interesting, fun premise (a man stumbling upon a party full of fairy tale characters), but it wasn’t creepy, like I’d hoped, and I found the ending a little cliché. Still, I enjoyed Gaskell’s descriptive prose, and this was a nice little introduction to her work.

Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] Though I didn’t find this as gothic as its comparisons to du Maurier and Jackson would suggest, it was a surprisingly melancholic story about the toxicity of living with secrets, and the search for understanding – and I flew through it. The motif of façades is used well throughout the narrative to drive home the theme of repression, with each of the characters being flawed and richly drawn. They all seek penance in their own tragic ways, and I appreciated that Fuller could provide a satisfying conclusion without tying everything up too neatly in a bow.

***

There we have it! My reads for the year now total 108. My favourites this month were Dracula and A Head Full of Ghosts; what were yours?

The Coffee Book Tag

I was kindly tagged by Hadeer @ Cairene Librarian to do The Coffee Book Tag. Let’s just jump right in, shall we?

Black coffee: a series that’s tough to get into but has hardcore fans

I’m going to go with A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin (aka Game of Thrones). It certainly has a lot of hardcore fans, but many of them discovered the series through the TV adaptation, and are daunted by the hefty books that came before it.

Peppermint Mocha: a book that gets more popular during the winter or a festive time of year

I’m going to go with Harry Potter. Firstly, because it gets my generic HP answer out the way early, and secondly, because the inherent magic and nostalgia attached to the series have a lovely draw at that time of year.

Hot chocolate: a favorite children’s book

Huntress of the Sea

The first novel for children that I remember reading over and over again is Huntress of the Sea by Alan Temperley. I eventually met the author and got my battered old copy signed, and I still own it now.

Double shot of espresso: a book that kept you on the edge of your seat from start to finish

The Corset

A recent one that comes to mind is The Corset by Laura Purcell. It’s not a thriller, per se, but I felt so enthralled by the brutality of the world, and so invested in the life of the protagonist, that I was compelled to keep reading.

Starbucks: a book you see everywhere

The Heart’s Invisible Furies

I’m going to go a little unconventional here and say The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne. This book isn’t technically everywhere, but a lot of my online bookish friends have read (and adored) it, and I’ve been meaning to get to it for so long that by this point I feel like it pops up all the time; taunting me for still not having picked it up…

That hipster coffee shop: a book by an indie author (a shoutout)

The Naming of Cancer

The Naming of Cancer by Tracey S. Rosenberg is a slim collection of poems, published by the small indie press, Neon Books. Each piece focusses on a different perspective of cancer, to highlight the various ways it can affect a person’s life: be it the sufferers themselves; the spouses watching as doctors poke and prod their lovers; the colleague not sure what to say to the man who’s just lost his wife; or the cancerous cells themselves as they lament the destruction of their host. It’s powerful yet accessible, and beautiful yet urgent, with barely a superfluous word.

Oops, I accidentally got decaf: a book you were expecting more from

The Bear and the Nightingale

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. I’m still a little sad about this one; I even included it on my list of 5 star read predictions. The blurb makes it sound right up my street, and so many people rave about it, but I just didn’t click with it at all. I sometimes wonder if it was a case of right book, wrong time.

The perfect blend: a book or series that was both bitter and sweet, but ultimately satisfying

All We Shall Know

I feel like I mention this in tags almost as often as Harry Potter these days, but bitter, sweet, and satisfying is exactly how I’d describe All We Shall Know by Donal Ryan. It’s a gut punch in novel form, but the way Ryan brings everything together is masterful. At the turn of each page, he can break or mend your heart all over again.

Green tea: a book or series that is quietly beautiful

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa. Upon first glance, it would be really easy to write this off as a somewhat twee little read about a man and his cat, but it is remarkably human, subtly exploring what it means to find family, process grief, and make peace with the past.

Chai Latte: a book or series that makes you dream of far off places

Burial Rites

I associate Burial Rites by Hannah Kent so strongly with Iceland. Not only is it set there, with the landscape captured perfectly in all its raw and majestic beauty, but I read the book whilst visiting the country for the first time. The two will always go hand-in-hand for me.

Earl Grey: favorite classic

Rebecca

Ooh, I like a fair few classics. Tess of the D’Urbervilles is the first one I had to read for school that I loved, so even though it’s been years, I still think of it fondly. More recent favourites are Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, and Dracula by Bram Stoker. But my very favourite classic, and perhaps my favourite book in general (but don’t make me commit to it), is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.

***

There we have it! Thanks again to Hadeer for tagging me. I’ve done a few tags in recent times, so I’ll leave this one open to anyone who wants to get involved.

Macbeth | Theatre Review

Macbeth

Show: Macbeth
Venue: Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
Date: 25^th October 2018
Director: Rufus Norris
Composer: Orlando Gough
Principal cast: Michael Nardone (Macbeth), Kirsty Besterman (Lady Macbeth), Ross Waiton (Macduff), & Patrick Robinson (Banquo)

***

This was a unique and striking take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. With a story as iconic as they come, it can be difficult to create something that feels fresh, without deviating from the source material, but I think The National Theatre managed to do so here with aplomb. Though it very much honours the original script (of course, changing Shakespeare’s words would be tantamount to treason in most circles), the setting and timeframe have been completely reimagined. Forget sumptuous castles and sweeping heaths. This production is set in a bleak, modern, post-apocalyptic landscape that has been ravaged by civil war; cloaks and crowns ditched in favour of torn jeans and army fatigues; grand halls replaced by battered bunkers and whatever shabby supplies can be scraped together.

The first thing this does is add a heightened sense of desperation to the characters. The impression is that they are the figureheads of the decimated few that remain, making their insatiable hunger for power seem all the more frivolous and misguided. Strong performances from the lead cast allow this theme to really resonate. It’s a very visceral production, however, and it’s the sensory elements that become the real stars of the show. Imposing set design, great lighting, and a score that is at times unsettlingly eerie, all add real atmosphere; with haunting imagery and sound design during the witches’ scenes proving particularly effective.

Michael Nardone as Macbeth; the three witches; and Kirsty Besterman as Lady Macbeth. Pictures courtesy of National Theatre.

Some may find the contrast between archaic Shakespearean language and alarmingly modern visuals somewhat jarring, but to me it instantly highlighted how timeless the show’s themes of power, greed, and corruption in times of conflict truly are. By making the narrative feel more immediate and recognisable, it adds a layer of discomfort to the story, allowing it to hit a little closer to home. We live in a time of fear and paranoia; political point scoring, and angry border disputes. By reimagining Macbeth’s story in a world frighteningly like the one we’re descending into (the staging not unlike scenes unfolding in places like Syria), it takes on a new sense of urgency, and perhaps even poignancy; all without altering The Bard’s actual words. This is a Macbeth for the modern age; its cautionary message about the pitfalls of selfishly chasing supremacy more familiar than ever.

The show is currently touring the UK and Ireland with a new cast, following a sold-out run in London. Here’s a trailer of the original production to give you a flavour of what it’s like.

My Bad Reading Habits Tag

Let’s share our bad bookish habits…

I was kindly tagged by the lovely Marina @ Books of Magic to share some of my bookish bad habits. Let’s just jump right in, shall we?

Putting off longer reads

For some reason, it takes real willpower for me to pick up anything long, especially it it’s 500+ pages. Even if it’s a book I think sounds amazing; even if I’ve seen nothing but rave reviews for it; even if it’s written by an author I already adore; if it’s a hefty tome, chances are it will sit unread for considerably longer than its slimmer shelf-mates. I suspect this bad habit stems from my ever-growing TBR. The logical side of my brains says: ‘I could read 2-3 short/regular sized books in the time it would take me to read that big one’. And so, my desire to get to as many exciting reads as possible wins out more often than not, and I put off the longer books. It’s silly, given that there are some long reads I’ve been excited to try for ages (I’m looking at you, The Heart’s Invisible Furies and Jane Eyre), and I get through an objectively large number of books either way, yet I can’t seem to shake the habit.

Counting pages

When I put a book down of an evening, I always check how many pages I’ve read that day, with an inner monologue along the lines of: ‘Okay, I read 90 pages today. The book is about 360 pages long. If I read the same amount each day, I should finish the book in another 3 days.’ Why does it matter? I can’t know how much reading I will or won’t get done in the days that follow anyway, so it’s arbitrary. I know I should just read the damn thing, and I’ll finish it when I finish it. Alas, I can’t stop counting…

Not using the library

I’m a big believer in the wonder and importance of libraries, but I’m a hypocrite, because I never use them myself. Living in the countryside, the library closest to me is tiny. Especially given my eclectic reading tastes, and the sheer volume of books I get through (compared to the average person, that is), it just can’t cater to my personal reading needs. Not to mention the fact that I treasure books as physical objects, and so I love owning a vast collection of my own. Still, long live libraries!

Chasing pretty editions

When I’m particularly excited about a book, I can fall down an internet rabbit hole, spending a wholly disproportionate amount of time trying to hunt out different editions, all in search of the prettiest cover. And yes, I’ve been known to pay more, and wait longer for delivery, just to get the copy I think is nicest.

***

There we have it; a few of my bad reading habits. Thanks again to Marina for tagging me: You should definitely check out her excellent blog if you haven’t already. I’d be interested to know the bad reading habits of Rachel, Alex, and Ally (no pressure to take part though, of course), but if anyone else would also like to get involved, please feel free!

Book to Film | Frankenstein

Frankenstein’s book cover (left), and film poster (right).

There have, of course, been many screen adaptations of Frankenstein over the years, but the one I’m going to be talking about here in relation to the book is the 1994 version, directed by Kenneth Branagh.

This iteration seems to generally be considered the most faithful to the original novel, which is part of the reason I was keen to give it a go. I can absolutely see why it is regarded as so, as the main arc does indeed stick pretty close to Mary Shelley’s iconic story, albeit with a few extra bells and whistles to ramp up the drama. Unlike many other pop-culture versions of Frankenstein’s creation, I was glad to see that this one was as pitiable as he was monstrous; as indeed Shelley herself intended. This meant the integrity of the book’s core themes – like the moral ambiguity of pushing science too far; the risks of trying to overcome death; the destructive nature of blindly pursuing our obsessions; and the question over how we as a society truly make monsters – are all still largely intact.

All that said, there is something about the film that just never fully clicked for me. Though the story and themes are still there, the subtlety and nuance are gone. Everything feels a bit too extra, from the frantic direction to the overbearing soundtrack. This somewhat hectic feeling means that the emotional beats of the narrative can’t always resonate properly, as we are relentlessly rushed onto the next scene.

The film’s principal cast: Kenneth Branagh as Victor Frankenstein; Helena Bonham Carter as Elizabeth Lavenza; and Robert De Niro as The Creation.

Alongside the big names heading up the cast, there are a number of well-known actors in supporting roles – including Ian Holm, John Cleese, Celia Imrie, and Richard Briers. I can’t say anyone’s performance blew me away, but I suspect this was due in part to the film’s overall sense of erratic melodrama. De Niro is certainly charismatic as The Creation, able to evoke the tricky blend of pity and revulsion. Bonham Carter is also ethereally captivating in the film’s climax, when her character is given a fate more theatrical and disturbing than in the book, yet undoubtedly more visually haunting too.

Ambitious and aesthetically striking, I suspect Branagh simply tried to accomplish too much in a runtime of less than two hours. Still, it was enjoyable enough, and I was glad to see a version that tried hard to honour the intent of Shelley’s masterpiece, even if it wasn’t always entirely successful.

Let’s Recommend | Halloween Reads

Let’s recommend some Halloween reads!

Each year, as the build-up to Halloween begins, I like to recommend some creepy books for those who want to get into the spirit of the season. Without further ado, here are my picks for this year – and as always, I encourage you to share your own recommendations in the comments.

The Silence by Tim Lebbon

A thrilling, apocalyptic horror story that plays with the idea of sensory deprivation, this is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of Josh Malerman’s Bird Box, or the movie, A Quiet Place. A cave system that has been sealed off for millennia is excavated, unleashing a horde of deadly, prehistoric, bat-like creatures that hunt using sound. We follow a family (one of whom is deaf) who flee their home in search of somewhere safe to hunker down, as the plague spreads across Europe. Relying on the use of sign language to live in silence, with a mounting sense of panic and claustrophobia closing in, they must face threat from the creatures themselves, and people pushed to the brink. It’s not a perfect book, but I found it fast, fun, and a fresh take on a well saturated genre.

Carrie by Stephen King

Between the iconic status of both the book and the film, and the non-linear structure that gives us glimpses of the tragic outcome throughout, we always know that Carrie’s story will end in violence and bloodshed. Despite this sense of inevitability, the book still manages to be tense and gripping. King’s heroine is so well drawn, and so poorly treated, that despite the horror she unleashes, we can still feel pathos and sympathy for her. Indeed, the true evil in this story is found elsewhere, making this a tale about the monsters we create.

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

First off, if you’ve seen the Will Smith movie, know that the original book is very different, and in my opinion, significantly superior. We follow a man who fears he may be the last survivor following an outbreak that has seen the rest of the population turned into vampires. The physical danger posed by these blood-thirsty creatures is indeed horrifying, but is no less real to our hero than the looming threat of insanity, brought on by the paranoia, loneliness, grief, and alcohol addiction he must also wrestle with. As with my favourite sci-fi/horror, there’s an attempt to base everything in plausible logic and science, which makes the scenario feel all the more unsettling.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

This is a masterful tale of mounting tension, and a great example of the less-is-more approach to the horror genre. There are no cheap jump scares or gory scenes in sight, and yet it creeps beneath your skin and makes you question what is real, and which characters can be trusted. Not only are there some outright creepy moments in which Jackson builds a tangible sense of fear, but the whole book is suffused with an oppressive and ethereal atmosphere that suits the tone of the story perfectly. The plot itself sees four people visiting a notorious manor, determined to prove whether or not its rumoured haunting is real. It’s subtle and nuanced, and explores many interesting themes, but never to the detriment of its ability to unnerve.

Wytches by Scott Snyder

This graphic novel draws on the early mythology of witches to subvert many of the expectations you’d likely have going into a story about them. Forget cauldrons and pointy hats; the beings found herein are of far more monstrous and threatening stock. The accompanying artwork is striking, which serves to enhance the impact of the dark, intense, and disturbing story.

***

What reads would you recommend to get into the Halloween spirit?

September Wrap Up

The books I read in September

Another month; another wrap up. Throughout September I read 12 books, bringing my total for the year so far up to 96. Here are some brief thoughts on each, with links to my full reviews on Goodreads, in case you’d like to know more about the books themselves, or how I got on with them.

The Silence by Tim Lebbon

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] Given that this is a horror story centred around the idea of sensory deprivation, it gave me a lot of vibes of Bird Box and A Quiet Place, both of which I loved. Though admittedly not a perfect novel, it was a fun and thrilling read, with some genuinely chilling and breathless moments. The sense of mounting panic and claustrophobia as the threat closed in around the characters worked well, and I liked that the story included menace from both the plague of creatures wreaking havoc on humanity, and people pushed to the brink, desperate to survive.

The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] This is a subtle though surprisingly thought-provoking little read, which focusses on a young girl following the disappearance of her friend. The story itself is deceptively simple, but Vesaas incorporates a lot of metaphor to explore several themes, including the intoxication of youthful friendship, the letting go of guilt and grief, and the damaging effect of holding on to secrets. There’s also an undertone of queerness that runs throughout, adding another layer of interpretive meaning. The quirky nature of the prose reflects the sense of awe inspired by the book’s ethereal Norwegian setting, but also the youthful sense of wonder that lies on the knife-edge between childhood and adolescence.

Shockaholic by Carrie Fisher

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] This anecdotal memoir is at once brutally honesty and hilariously self-deprecating. Fisher moves deftly from poignant reminiscences about addiction struggles, electroconvulsive therapy, and the complex relationship she had with her father, to laugh-out-loud, stranger-than-fiction insights into the bizarre nature of Hollywood life and gossip culture. Another great read from Fisher that showed her evident skill as a raconteur.

N or M by Agatha Christie

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] I love seeing the progression of Tuppence (who is amazing) and Tommy throughout this series; the duo having grown from ambitious youngsters to middle-aged retirees. It allowed for a great thread throughout this book about society being dismissive of people’s worth as they age. The plot itself was as intricate and deftly handled as I’ve come to expect, with elements of political intrigue, war-time racial tension, action and excitement, and even some surprising pathos; topped off, of course, with a heavy dose of mystery. It was as clever and readable as ever, with well-placed twists, and an incredibly satisfying conclusion that made this a perfect case of cosy crime.

The Last Witch by Rona Munro

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] A brilliant, rousing, intelligent look at the struggle for power between the sexes; othering; and the inherent hypocrisy of misogyny. Munro packs a punch with this powerful and atmospheric dramatization of the story of the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland, in 1727. Our heroine is fascinating, complex, and skilfully constructed, with the level of ambiguity retained allowing for moments that are both unsettling and melancholic. I also saw an adaptation of the play on stage this month, which I reviewed here.

Skein Island by Aliya Whiteley

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] I adored The Beauty, also by Whiteley, and whilst this didn’t enthral me as much, I still found it very rich from a thematic point of view. The narrative – about an island that women can visit for a week in exchange for a story from their past – explores gender, storytelling, fate vs free will, and the various roles we inhabit throughout our lives. Drawing heavily on mythology, there is an element of mystery at the book’s core, but with such a heavy emphasis on imagery and deeper meaning, I found I was unable to lose myself fully in the story itself.

Womankind #17 edited by Antonia Case

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] I wouldn’t often include a magazine in a wrap up, but having a literary edge, being bulkier than average, and being completely ad-free, Womankind is packed with quality content. This issue was themed predominantly around Scotland and mythology, with short, easily digestible articles touching on the likes of history, culture, psychology, art, nature, and health. Aesthetically, the whole issue is beautifully put together, with the highlight for me being stunning full-page examples of Jessica Roux’s artwork. Though I enjoyed some articles more than others, the overall tone was peaceful, contemplative, and engaging.

The Corset by Laura Purcell

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] An intricately plotted and thematically rich gothic chiller; this was just the kind of read I was in the mood for. We follow Ruth Butterham, a young seamstress accused of murder, who claims to possess some kind of supernatural ability. Is she telling the truth; is she lying; or is she simply mad? Perhaps more importantly, if she is a killer, what could have driven her to it? At face value, this is a real page-turner, at equal turns poignant and horrifying, but it also explores the bleakness of poverty, and the notion of trauma and survivor’s guilt, whilst also criticising the class system and lack of female autonomy. Purcell maintains the perfect amount of ambiguity to leave the reader satisfied, without losing the sinister tone of the book at large.

And the Ocean Was Our Sky by Patrick Ness

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] This take on the story of Moby-Dick is an unashamedly strange little book that offers no apology for its frankly bizarre fantastical elements. I felt it was too short to allow proper adjustment to its oddity, and that it lacked the kind of emotional gut punch I have come to crave from Ness’ work. Still, it is a timely cautionary tale about the destructive power of hatred, and how rumour can birth the ugliest of truths. I admire Ness’ willingness to defy genre, and Rovina Cai’s dreamy illustrations worked well to enhance the timeless fairy tale-esque tone.

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

[ ⭐ ⭐ ] I’m very much in the minority here, but this one sadly didn’t work for me. Turton undoubtedly has some great ideas, and I flew through it despite its hefty size, so it’s certainly very readable. I felt, however, that there was just too much of everything; be it characters, plot threads, twists, or otherwise. This meant the whole thing became a bit of a tangled mess that stretched my suspension of disbelief too far. The elements that provided the greatest opportunity for plot or character development were glossed over, so that ultimately, I just couldn’t immerse myself in it the way I’d hoped.

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] This is an incredibly charming and heartfelt graphic novel about Prince Sebastian, who enlists the help of a talented seamstress so he can live out a double life as Lady Chrystallia. I love that it’s unapologetic in its embracing of queerness and freedom of expression, and yet not once are labels used to define any of the characters. It’s a wonderful story of friendship, loyalty, identity, gender fluidity, and love. Admittedly, things work out a little more neatly than they would have in real life, but we can all indulge in a ‘happily ever after’ every once in a while. Wang’s art is suitably delightful and expressive, capturing the vibrancy, colour, and decadence of aristocracy and high fashion in late 19th century Paris.

Sliver by Ira Levin

[ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ] My 4^th Levin novel, and another very satisfying read. This one follows a woman moving into a new apartment, unaware that it’s rigged with cameras, and someone is watching her every move. It’s a bit of a slow build at first, working to establish a creeping, seedy atmosphere befitting of the unsavoury subject matter, before reaching a breathless climax with some brilliantly sinister poetic justice. Given that we’re now in the age of social media and reality TV, the book’s themes of technology posing a threat to our privacy, and the addictive nature of voyeurism, have aged incredibly well. Its increasing relevance makes it all the more unsettling.

(On a side note, this was my choice of book when I won a giveaway hosted by Zuky – so big thanks to her! Do check out her blog, and her online book club over on Goodreads. They’re both excellent.)

***

There we have it! My favourite reads of the month were The Last Witch and The Corset; what were yours?

Sunshine Blogger Award

The Sunshine Blogger Award

I don’t always get around to awards/tag posts, but I’m always incredibly grateful to be included in them. When I saw Marina’s questions for The Sunshine Blogger Award, however, I couldn’t resist! (Marina’s blog is excellent, by the way; you should definitely check it out if you haven’t already). Let’s just jump right in!

1. What is the first novel you ever read?

The first proper novels I remember reading and loving as a child were Huntress of the Sea by Alan Temperley, and The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. I read the former so many times, and eventually met the author when my class at school went to a book fair he was attending. I still have my battered old copy that he kindly signed that day.

2. What is your favorite animal?

In terms of in artwork and stuff, I have a real thing for owls and foxes. As for pets, I have two cats and a dog, and though I’m much more a ‘cat person’ in personality, I love both.

3. What is your favorite graphic novel/comic?

I loved Skim by Mariko & Jillian Tamaki; a brilliant and quietly heart-breaking story about the unease of teenage life, and the daunting first experiences of love, grief, friendship, sexuality, and self-discovery. I also love the work of Isabel Greenberg, which is all about mythology and the beauty of storytelling.

4. What’s the worst book you’ve ever read and why?

Possibly Being a Beast by Charles Foster. It purports to be nature non-fiction, but it’s little more than exploitative tripe.

5. Have you ever tried reading in another language, and which one? 

I’ve read a few basic books in French, but I’m so out of practice I doubt I could do it now, which is a shame. My sister-in-law is French though, so maybe one day I’ll get back into it.

6. Your favorite holiday, a book and a movie related to it?

Christmas, hands down. The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher is an incredibly charming festive read that also has some great disability representation. As for movies, I love Elf, but feel most nostalgic about The Santa Clause.

7. You can choose one Deathly Hallow. Which one and why?

The invisibility cloak. Just think of all the awkward social situations you could avoid!

8. Cats or dogs? Or horses?

See my answer for question 2, haha.

9. Do you have a hobby and what is it? You better not say reading hahaha, that’s not a hobby, it’s a life calling.

A boring answer here, but the truth is… not really. My spare time really is spent reading.

10. Do you like art? If yes, who is your favorite illustrator/painter?

Oh, yes, very much so! My favourite artists include Leonora Carrington, Georgia O’Keeffe, Shaun Tan, Jessica Roux, Jim Kay, and Robert Ingpen.

11. Are you open to a variety of genres, or do you stick to only one?

My favourite genre is gothic, but I’ll try everything and anything! I love it most of all when a book can defy genre, blending elements of several different styles to create a unique and captivating reading experience.

***

A big thank you to Marina once again for nominating me. I’m going to nominate Rachel, Amalia, Chelsea, Zuky, Hannah, Ayunda, Marija, Jenna & Kristin.

There is, of course, no pressure to take part. Just think of it as my way of saying how much I’ve been loving your blogs recently. If you would like to take part, here are my 11 questions:

1. Which author that you haven’t read yet are you most excited to try?
2. What’s the best book you read before you started blogging?
3. What book do you most want to see as a movie/TV show?
4. Which genre do you want to explore more of?
5. Is the Hogwarts House you’d want to be in the same as the one you think you’d actually be sorted into?
6. Do you have any pets?
7. Are any of your ‘real life’ friends big readers?
8. What read has been your biggest pleasant surprise so far this year?
9. What’s been your most disappointing read of the year so far?
10. Who’s your favourite music artist?
11. If you could live in any country other than the one you live in now, which one would it be and why?