Reimagining the Great American Novel with Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

This great epic novel is a captivating coming-of-age story that delves deep into the transformative journey of a young boy as he navigates through the painful challenges of his life as he gradually transitions into a man. The narrative beautifully intertwines themes of love, compassion, and greatness, painting a vivid picture of the protagonist's growth and development amidst a backdrop of adversity. However, the novel dares to explore the darker aspects of human existence as well. It fearlessly depicts the debilitating effects of addiction, the harsh realities of poverty, and the profound pain that can accompany the pursuit of one's dreams. Through its poignant storytelling, this remarkable work of literature offers a nuanced exploration of the complexities of life, resonating with readers on a deeply emotional level.

We follow Demon, a resilient young boy, as he navigates the treacherous landscape of a brutal and unforgiving world. Despite his tender age, he possesses a remarkable strength that propels him forward in the face of adversity. His mother, a troubled soul trapped in the grip of addiction, grapples with an inner turmoil, torn between her love for her child and the seductive allure of the intoxicating high. Amidst the harsh backdrop, Demon finds solace in the company of his neighbors, the Peggots, whose humble abode becomes a sanctuary for him. Within the Peggot's worn walls, a flicker of hope and companionship burns brightly as Demon's best friend, Maggot, kindly resides.

But as Demon’s mother meets a new man, Stoner, his life falls appart and he is thrown into the world, with no hope but to survive it.

This book has captivated many hearts and mine is no indifferent to the adventures of the characters of this book. We follow many characters, them growing up, going away, and growing appart from each other. We see how the evolve and they love and hate. But what we also see is the a town, deep in ruin of the history that they have had tu suffer.

Addiction and poverty is what rules the town, not love, although that is everything Demon and the other struggling children want. In a world where durgs are passed on as easily as candy, and where pain demands it, Demon falls into the deep darkness of addiction. Oxytosin, Fentanyl, meth, heroin, all of those names are mentioned in this story, and not always as a passing thought.

Barbara Kingsolver, rewrites what is thought to be the great american novel by writing what America really is. Addiction, poverty and most of all, collective pain. And in there, we meet sweet but non-too perfect Demon. A kid who is only trying to survive a day at a time.

Although we suffer in this book alongside Demon, we also read through his most intoxicating friendships and romances. We see him with Maggot, a trubled misunderstood child who is discovering who he is in a world where people do not respect him. Angus, who is only trying to survive a world where her father just wants a boy. Or Emmy a beautiful shining girl who although has finally found her place in the world, sometimes she makes mistakes.

All these characters feel real, they are real between the pages in this book, and until the end, you live with them, along through their journeys. Most most imporantly, we follow Demon’s journey to the ocean, his ultimate dream.

I cannot express how captivating this book was, it hypnotised me into a dream-like experiences where everything I wanted to do was jump into their world and hug every character. Kingsolver has absolutely written the Great American Novel, showing the truth and not just what we want to hear. Her masterful storytelling evokes a vivid and often uncomfortable portrayal of the human condition, challenging conventional beliefs and forcing readers to confront the harsh realities that persist in our society. With a meticulous eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of human nature, Kingsolver crafts characters that are both relatable and deeply flawed, capturing the raw essence of the human experience. Through her powerful prose and thought-provoking themes, she unravels the layers of societal expectations and exposes the deep-rooted inequalities that still plague us. Her narrative not only entertains but also educates, encouraging readers to question their own assumptions and examine the world around them with a critical eye. Kingsolver's ability to blend literary excellence with compelling social commentary sets her apart as a true voice of our generation and leaves an indelible impact on her readers, long after they have turned the final page.

Why Yellowface by RF Kuang has taken over the internet

After reading Babel, I was hesitant to pick up RF Kuang's new book, as it left me somewhat disappointed. However, the buzz surrounding the new release and the diverse opinions being shared online eventually swayed me to give it a chance. Although I initially doubted whether I would enjoy it, I decided to dive into Yelloweface, intrigued by a review that presented it as a departure from Babel, offering a fresh and distinct experience. 

Yelloweface proved to be a departure from its predecessor in more ways than one. While Babel offered a serious and intense narrative, Yelloweface takes a different path, embracing a lighter tone. It's important to recognize that Yelloweface isn't trying to replicate Babel; instead, it stands as a unique work in its own right. This distinction is vital for readers to understand and appreciate the novel for what it truly is. Do not expect to go into Yellowface and get a Babel, you will be disappointed if you do. Take it as it is: a fun satirical short novel.  

At the surface, Yelloweface appears to be a book about race and the publishing industry. However, its true essence lies in the deeper, thought-provoking conversations it initiates. The novel serves as a commentary on human behavior and the prevalent cancel culture in today's society. By skillfully intertwining these topics, RF Kuang crafts a narrative that compels readers to reflect on their own attitudes and actions.  

Once I began reading Yelloweface, I found it impossible to put down. The narrative's captivating storytelling and well-crafted characters kept me hooked throughout. What sets this book apart is its unapologetic portrayal of deeply flawed individuals. None of the characters are inherently likable, and this decision challenges readers to grapple with their biases and judgments while navigating the story. 

Yelloweface tackles sensitive issues related to race in the publishing industry with an unfiltered and audacious approach. It confronts uncomfortable truths, shining a spotlight on the complexities and challenges faced by marginalized authors in the literary world as well as the way the industry works, sometimes in a shallow and unapologetic way. Through the lens of fiction, the book serves as a mirror to contemporary society, prompting readers to confront their preconceptions and prejudices. 

In the age of social media and instant judgments, cancel culture has become a prominent aspect of our society. Yelloweface explores the consequences and complexities of cancel culture in a nuanced manner. The novel presents various perspectives on the subject, encouraging readers to question the validity and fairness of this phenomenon. Through its characters' experiences, the book raises important discussions on forgiveness, redemption, and the potential for personal growth. However, you cannot be in anyone’s side. If you do, you become a racist or in the other hand, you become a sensitive exaggerating person.  

Yelloweface is a book that demands attention and introspection. While different from Babel, it showcases RF Kuang's versatility as a writer and her ability to tackle significant social issues with finesse. Through a cast of flawed characters and a satirical lens, the novel sheds light on race, the publishing industry, and cancel culture. By delving into conscious conversations, Yelloweface urges readers to reevaluate their own beliefs and specially their behaviors in a world that is increasingly interconnected and fraught with complexities. Whether you were a fan of Babel or not, Yelloweface offers a distinct and impactful reading experience that deserves recognition and appreciation.  

A good idea, a bad execution - The Emissary by Yoko Tawada

The Emissary, a short exploration into the “What Ifs” of the destruction of the world by climate change and human destruction of the world. So What if a whole country was closed down and had to become completely independent? Well, I still don’t know, but good question. The Emissary is not the book to get answers rather, it is the book to ask questions, and never to resolve them.

Japan, closed down from the rest of the world. Yoshiro, a very old man who never dies. Mumei, a young child too weak to take care of himself. And, a world too weak to survive much more time. A great set of characters and an amazing setting but Tawada, having this incredible idea, completely wastes this. She never goes deep enough to really explore the themes and the possible consequences of a world that is so broken that children grow with no strength.

Firstly, the characters. Maybe the biggest strength of the book, Yoshiro and Mumei’s differences make them stronger. Yoshiro is stuck in his time, trying to understand a new world where his great-great-grandchild is as weak as a flower. He becomes his solemn protection in a cruel and dangerous world. While the rest of the elderly people work for the young trying to stabilize life. Mumei, on the other hand, is happy with being alive. He is quite the opposite of what Yoshiro is. His positive character makes the entire book feel like a drop of optimism in a terrible world.

Secondly, the writing feels weak and unexplored. Constantly I was thrown into information that although interesting, it was a dump. A single train of through that the reader felt into without really realising. It felt like the author was making a terrible attempt into a multitude of ideas and a lazy attempt of throwing ideas.

In light of my thoughts and the experience of the book, I would not recommend it to a lot of people. Yes, the ideas were creative but, if such a short and lazy attempt is what is thrown into the book, it makes me rather hesitant to name it a piece of literature.

Where is the lying life of adults? - Elena Ferrante

Once upon a time a girl was called ugly by her own father. That changed everything for her. 

The lying life of adults follows our main character Giovanna a young girl who is struggling with growing up and becoming a young woman. Meanwhile, she is struggling with her parent’s struggling relationship, her bizarre friendship with her best friend and her sister and at the same time she is reconnecting with the evil but loving Vittoria, her aunt. 

Ferrante’s writing is truly a work of art. She can write the most disturbing things or the most real things with life and beauty. You could really feel Giovanna’s rage, disappointment, sadness and embarrassment on herself and her family. I felt everything that she was feeling and it felt so real that I felt along side her. 

Giovanna as a character is fantastically written. She truly comes form growing up as a woman in a world where being a woman can be so hard. How it is to grow up in societal standard and the male’s gaze as well as the men that exist around you. How unfortunately it is quite impossible 

Vittoria is another perfectly written character. She might be my favourite character. She is. She is wrong, ugly, angry, mean and terrible. But she is also wonderful and loving. She is the most complicated character I’ve ever read. She seems like she is one thing but she quickly turns around and is a totally different thing. She has layers to peel and that are slowly and carefully and with craft peeled through the book. But by the end of it you still don’t know what and who Vittoria is. Ferrante creates a hero and a villain all in one. 

The rest of the characters are also wonderfully crafted. Giovanna’s mother and father, friends and her parent’s friends. They’re all filled in depth and are crafted with a lot of care. 

The plot itself is complicated and although it doesn’t necessarily take us anywhere, it’s still filled with life. It takes us through a very important time in Giovanna’s life. When she grows up and when she discovers how adults are not perfect but rather children who are just a bit older than you. They lie, they make mistakes and they are sometimes terrible. 

I loved this book, I truly did, I fell in love with Giovanna’s story about growing up and sexuality and sex and family and love. And I wish this touches many others people’s hearts. 

A short wonderful book; Bonsai by Alejandro Zambra

When you find a book that blows your mind, you wonder why you haven’t seen it everywhere. Bonsai is one of those books.

A short story on love, loss and human connections. Zambra captures perfectly what it is to be human, what it is to be alive and what it is to meet someone and to connect with them. Although there isn’t much of a plot, his words are ones to remember.

Two Chilean students, Julio and Emilia, seek human connections, literature and sex. Julio’s story ends quickly, but he’s still alive, and Emilia’s story, although longer, still shorter than Julio’s. Both explore who they are side by side, drifting apart as life goes on.

This blew my mind because it captured the human mind differently. It is not trying to be too profound or complicated, it’s trying to show Emilia’s and Julio’s complicated identities and relationships through words that feel like each beat of the heart, life going on and on.

I want to share this book and I want more people to read it and to experience the beautiful words.

In conversation with Lolita - My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

Lolita by Nabokov is a book that everyone knows about. Everyone knows about Humbert Humbert and Lolita, but what about Dolores Haze? Dolores Haze is better known as Lolita, but that is what HH called her, but we just know what HH was narrating about. So, what about the story of Dolores? What about her narration? What about her experience? Well, the closer we can get to that is by reading My Dark Vanessa, the book written from the point of view of a Dolores Haze, the victim.

Vanessa is 15 when she enters a relationship with her English teacher, Shade, she thinks it’s love, that he treats her amazingly, cares for her, and loves her. Years later, another student from her school comes out with an accusation to the same English teacher. What does that mean? Is he an abuser? But that’s impossible, they had a perfect relationship, it was her first love, this girl must be lying. But, more and more accusations arise, and she still doesn’t understand how her first love could be accused of such horrible things.

My Dark Vanessa is placed in two-time frames, during her relationship with her teacher and years later, during the #metoo movement. As in Lolita by Nabokov, this is too an unreliable narration. Humbert Humbert told us about how much Lolita was for him, and Vanessa believes mostly the same things. Through the narrative, you understand that not everything is as Vanessa's things nor how Shade believes it happens.

Kate Elizabeth Russell writes incredible characters with layers and layers of pain and trauma. When you read Vanessa’s experience, you feel there is so much more to the story than she believes matters. Slowly, you start to understand her relationship with the fact that she had been abused by the person she had thought she had been loved by. And quickly enough, you start hating Shade.

Equally, Shade is a very well-written character. He also has layers to him, many of which we get to discover in the book and others that we assume are there. I hated him, he had me angry, sad and honestly terrified of how many might be out there.

Furthermore, the writing in this book infuriated me. Because it was so addictive, but equally disturbing. I wanted to keep on reading, and I couldn’t stop, but I was so angry at the story, of how it made me feel about what I had to experience.

Lolita, the book, is mentioned many times during the book, drawing a perfect parallel between that story and Vanessa’s as well as the experience of the abuser and the victim.

I am so thankful this book exists and I got to experience it after having had read Lolita. I am also this book exists for those who experience Lolita and believe that Dolores also deserves a book.

The Minotaur is depressed and smokes - Steven Sherril

‘The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break’ caught my eye the moment I set eyes on the cover. And when I read it, it did not disappoint. A realistic, almost disappointing life, of one of the greatest and most feared monsters in the world’s history, the Minotaur lives a normal life in today’s contemporary society.

From the very beginning, the Minotaur poses a lot of questions. What is he doing here? Why does he work in a restaurant? How is he accepted into every day places? Is he happy?

M lives a mundane, boring life. He wakes up, goes to work, where his entire life revolves, goes back to his trailer park and sometimes fixes his car. He literally doesn’t fit in anywhere, not only is he awkward, but he is also big with big horns, he can’t physically speak because of his anatomy and can’t see because of his animal head. His little communication comes from grunts and noises that he directs to some of his colleagues at the steak house or his neighbours. He acts like the other men in his life, pathetically, because he wants to fit in, he wants them to think he is cool and for that reason he says things he doesn’t believe in. That is still is not enough so M continually tries to join conversations after work, he watches and listens to the waiters’ conversations and grunts if he wants to be acknowledged, but then he finds himself unable to finish a sentence. He blurbs sexists or unfunny jokes to the boys who, consequently, laugh hard at him. However, the Minotaur doesn’t want to be like them. He doesn’t want to be sexist, he doesn’t want to comment on his colleague’s breasts, nor does he want to be like them. But loneliness can be hard to overcome, in the same thought he believes that he would be happier if he was like them.

In his trailer, he can’t read because of his head, nor does he watch TV, although he has tried, he doesn’t even fit through the door. He chooses to live there, he chooses to not fit in. He has dreams to leave. Likewise, he plans every day things, from what to buy at the shop to the things he has to do before going to work. Planning and planning and dreaming and dreaming without a goal. He knows what he wants, what he wants to say but, because of his lack of action, his lack of words, he stays in the same place, he chooses to stay and live through his loneliness.

He is seen also as someone who can’t speak and as a consequence, he is not listened to. Furthermore, he tries to say something, he is unable or not listened to. He is not seen as a normal human being, he is a monster to some, disgusted, a dumb fool to other or a harmless idiot. But his entire existence in modern society is complete contradiction. He is big, he is strong, he used to murder people in Ancient Greece, but M doesn’t remember that, Sherill reminds us that the Minotaur is unable to use that as an advantage when he is taken advantage of. He doesn’t take initiative, he is the one scared of the boyish men at work that use him. Not only that, but he is scared of life because he can’t be like the others.

Although the story is short in respect to the message, the plot doesn’t really matter. I learn from M, on what he feels and on what not to do. I felt seen, how sometimes you just want to fit in, that sometimes you see people being loud, and you think that they are happy, but maybe, in the inside, they are equally lonely.

This is a story of true loneliness, of not being able to see your own self-sabotage- a true story of everyone’s lives.

Why had I never heard of The House of Sleep? - Jonathan Coe

I love when booksellers recommend books. I love it because I know how important it is for them to do so. I also love book recommendations because the books are always very unexpected. I went into The House of Sleep completely blind knowing only that this book had “the best love story in literature ever”.

So the question is: is it “the best love story in literature”?

Firstly: what is it about? Sarah is a narcoleptic who doesn’t know when she is dreaming and when she isn’t, Terry loves his dreams and Robert has a very clear crush on Sarah. Ten years later, Sarah, a teacher, reconnects with the past, Terry doesn’t sleep and Robert… well we don’t know. Every chapter is in a different time: past or the present and slowly you start to realise why they are connected.

This books is addictive, funny and extremely entertaining. I laughed out loud, cried and loved this book with my entire heart. It has everything I loved connections, relationships and extremely carefully crafted characters who feel real and I wish I could meet.

Now, let’s get back to the question. Is it the best love story that I have ever encountered in literature? No. Absolutely no. That bookseller believed that it was but I think it’s because he has never read any other romance novels. I disagree with him but I still loved the book. The “love story” is just an obsession plot line that in my opinion, doesn’t seem to work.

However, the rest of the book is amazing. The connections made form past to present I loved. The characters, I loved. And finally, the writing I loved.

So, why didn’t I know about this book? I still have this question. Why is no one talking about it? Well, now I am. Thank you to that bookseller that introduced this fun book to me.

The Most Beautiful book you will ever read, Open water - Caleb Azumah Nelson

Open water takes you on a 140 page ride into the most beautiful narrated piece I have ever read. Every sentence is assembled with the most care and precision and fits perfectly well into the story of a young Black man in London falling in love with a Black woman.

The plot is very simple: boy falls in love with girl in London. But this book is so much more than that. It explores art and beauty and depression and love and family. The voice of the main character carefully describes these happenings with maturity and attention to even the smallest detail. I felt myself tearing up at every single book in this book not because of the sadness but at the utmost beauty that it holds.

Not only do we see the narration of a romantic love story but we also see a young Black man explore life in a modern London. It makes references to art, film and music by Black people that affect the protagonist as a Black man himself.

The mix between poetry and fiction narration really shows how Nelson is a master at the craft of writing. He uses the second-person narration with a perfection that I have never before encountered.

It is a short and concise book and although I wished it never ended, everything that needed to be said was said. Caleb Nelson has created a masterpiece, a work of art and my favourite book from now on. I will surely be checking out anything he puts out and I cannot wait how he grows as an artista and story teller.

How to Kill your Family is deadly boring - Bella Mackie

How to Kill your Family is a book that at some point I was really looking forward to. The title is immaculate and the ideas presented in the blurb were incredibly interesting to me. However, I was hugely disappointed when I actually got to read it. Let me tell you why.

I want to start off by saying that the book is not a bad book, I was just hugely disappointed and therefore it’s not a great book. I finished the book all throughout in what an adequate experience. However, I wish that there was more than just an adequate experience.

How to Kill Your Family tells the story of Grace, she has been imprisoned for a crime that she hasn’t committed but, she has killed the members of her family. We start off in prison and Grace is narrating in a journal how and why she manages to kill off her entire family (mostly). I have to say, this was interesting and a fun idea. Mackie is great at writing the murders, they’re exciting and well written. However, the rest of the book was not exciting. The author goes on and on about the family member’s history with the most boring writing. I found myself skim-reading most of the book because of this.

Grace as the narrator was interesting. I liked that she was sassy and sometimes “funny”. As the main character, I felt like she was lacking more depth. We get so much information on her. Her past and her present but still, it felt like I was still lacking so much about her character. I wish we could have gotten more exposition of her character in the scenes when she is murdering people. I think that would have given us a bit more insight into her and her emotions.

There were some good scenes in the book. I loved Kelly, I found her very predictable but I still found that her character gave something that was lacking to the story. All of the story that takes place in prison I found more interesting than the action in the past.

However, even if Kelly was very predictable, the ending still feels forced and it feels like the author wanted to write in a twist. It was also written in the worst way. As readers we don’t get enough (or any) clues throughout the book, there was no way for us to guess how the book might end (only Kelly, that again, predicable but still enjoyable). The “show-don’t-tell” saying was completely looked upon by the author by just writing a very long letter by a character we had no idea that might exist.

I know it sounds very negative but, I was really confused with this whole book. So many people were enjoying it and I can’t stop wondering why. It wasn’t a terrible book it just wasn’t one I will remember. If you have enjoyed it please don’t forget that this is only my opinion.

Why My Year of Rest and Relaxation is genius - Ottessa Moshfegh

I think this novel could be considered bad or just boring. Some people might even find it annoying or a “try-hard”, I think that is the genius of it. This book is about a young woman that decides that she is taking a year to sleep. A year to “hibernate” you might say. She takes pills to sleep and she barely leaves the house. It is funny and quirky but dark and depressing. I think the sassiness of the main character is what might drag people away. I however enjoyed every second of her character. She is obviously going through a really tough time, maybe because of her past or her relationships. We never find out why specifically she decided that was what she had to do. Sleeping could have been used by her to avoid her very real situation.

The scariest part is that she thinks she is doing the right thing. she alienates herself from the world, drugs herself, drinks and doesn’t eat much, and she thinks she is going to get better after a year. I think this novel should be a horror book. But I loved it. There is a very satisfying sense of “yes, I sometimes feel like I want to do this,” but, “I will never treat myself like this” because it’s a depressing story.

As terrifying as it is, the writing Moshfegh uses to handle the story is powerful. The sarcasm and dark comedy pushes the story further into a very straightforward and very approachable one for everyone.

The characters are deep and very well written, they convey emotion with everything they do. Reva is annoying but we still feel for her. Trevor we all hate. We hate the main character’s parents but we understand the suffering and we still feel bad for their death. I think this is where the novel is the most powerful. Going back on time to understand her suffering is depressing and hard. Sometimes I wished for her life to get better but I still found it very interesting that we got to understand a bit more of the bigger picture.

Some of my favourite parts of the book were when she was talking to Reva. It was extremely sassy and funny but still, it felt like it was a serious matter. Why was she still friends with her if she hated her so much? There are many discussions on bulimia and alcoholism so if you are triggered by these topics I would strongly advise against reading this as sometimes it felt like the main character (not the author) was taking the piss out of people with eating disorders. In reality, the author is very cleverly using these topics to show us how the main character sees the world, dark and insignificant.

The ending is where I get confused. Our main character has a massive redemption where she finally sees a point in life. Her last months in total hibernation are spent completely sleeping. But somehow after these 12 months of a very unhealthy lifestyle, she still comes out well and happy. To be completely honest, I felt like the ending was just a quick way to find a solution to everything. Really, it just felt like the author wanted to finish it and be like “So yeah, after all this time doing the worst for herself, she is totally fine and it works!”. I’m sure there is a very plausible explanation for this and I’m sure I am missing the point but, I wish there could be a moment when the character realises what she has done. Maybe she doesn’t realise that it was wrong but, that maybe she didn’t wish that feeling on anyone.

But, all in all, it was fantastic and I wish I could read the book again for the first time. Some of the sentences used were immaculate and filled with feelings I very much share. Her back story was somehow similar and very different from mine but I still felt understood on a very personal level that sometimes is hard to find.

A genius masterpiece I would talk about for days.

Why is Before the Coffee gets Cold so popular? - Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Four touching stories that take place in the same magic café. This book became popular because it was heartwarming, innovative and short. Before the Coffee Gets Cold tells a story of a café where you can travel through time if you follow their rules, one being that you must return before the coffee gets cold.

This story is essentially a fun way to show 4 different types of relationships with a fun twist being the coffee and the magic. It is short, around 210 pages and it has straightforward language which ends up making it easy to read in just a day.

These stories are all connected through the café and even the characters that are in that café, which I have always appreciated a lot. I love that you can come back to the same storyline but each chapter you get a different glimpse into the magic and their background stories.

Kawaguchi really does a good job with this book and its characters as you slowly fall in love with every single one of them. They are all lovely and really convincing, each having a unique personality and background.

However, this book cut short in one thing, the action or rather, the drama. I wish I could have gotten an extra few pages in each story for the story to be explored further. This eventually ended up being what made this book almost boring. I still enjoyed the stories and the characters but I felt like there was something missing. I wish that Kawaguchi could have added a 100 pages just to make these stories longer and more interesting. I am not saying that the stories by themselves were not touching but, they were lacking some more space to explore.

I do have to say that my favourite of all the stories was the second one. It made me sob hard as it was so beautifully written and full of emotion. I wish the rest of the stories could have been closer to this one.

This book is another collection to my Japanese shelf that I have enjoyed. However, I will not be reading the second part to the story any time soon as I think there are many other Japanese authors that I have enjoyed better.

Is Beautiful World, where are you, that Beautiful? - Sally Rooney

Beautiful World, where are you, follows two best friends who are separated and who communicate through emails. They are both in a journey to understand themselves and to find love. In this novel we explore politics, friendship, family and of course love. Alice, the main character, is a mirrored image of Sally, a writer with two book, rich and unhappy. She communicates with Eileen who is finding love with a childhood friend Simon. While Alice starts to fall in love with her Tinder match, Felix. This therefore is a double romance novel, trying to find love with both of the friends.

To answer my question, yes, it is beautiful. But I think that’s where it almost ends. Sally Rooney’s writing in her new novel is superb, she has managed to improve her writing style and bewitch me with her almost perfect narration and description of the natural world.

Finishing any of her novels I always feel like I cannot rate it more than a four star mark. This one was no different. Her novels are character based works but I still felt like the character of Simon was completely underdeveloped. I could almost say he was a boring and uninteresting character. When reading his story I felt like something made no sense and even I felt like he was a kind of creep.

Felix in the other hand I found extremely interesting. I am not saying I liked his character because I did not. But, he did have strong personality traits that really just pushed the story forward multiple times throughout the book. Felix is intrusive, sometimes mean and an overall exciting character. You never expect his next move and how he is going to react to Alice.

Eileen is an okay character. I never found her very interesting or an enjoyable character. All her character thinks about is Simon who, as I said, is not the most interesting so, eventually I felt like I was getting quite bored with their story.

Alice is of course a portrayal of Sally Rooney, she has many layers and depth and I have to recognise that the story between her and Felix felt more readable. She falls in love with him but he doesn’t react the best way. She a famous, very rich, like very, writer, (we get it Sally), who has published two books but feels like she can’t write anymore because she has no ideas.

Something that I enjoyed about both Normal People and Conversation with Friends was all the conversations that the different characters could have about politics or interesting every day debates. These were integrated in the story and felt natural to read. But we don’t see this in Beautiful World, where are you, we are just thrown into a rabbit hole of Rooney’s thoughts and ideologies.

The ending was not exciting, leaving my last hope in the middle of the book. This book was so overhyped that I felt like it would become a new classic or new favourite but it has just turned out to be just another contemporary novel. Overall, I still prefer Normal People over her new novel but I do have to agree that her writing is beautiful and I will continue to read her books.

Evelyn Hugo, a fake Celebrity in everyone’s hearts - Taylor Jenkins Reid

Tiktok and instagram have bombarded me with this book. I ended up accepting my fate and I bought the book. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has been a new modern classic in my little library since I finished reading it. It has captured my heart like many others before me and I can’t wait to share how I feel about Evelyn on this article.

Evelyn Hugo is a well-known celebrity in this world where our narrator lives. She gets to interview her and write her biography but, she can only release it once Evelyn dies. This book is not a love story for me it is rather a mystery where we find out why Monique, this young journalist, gets to be the one to write Evelyn Hugo. But the real mystery lies in front of our eyes; we have to find out who the real villain in Evelyn life is. We read Evelyn’s life story only to find out that she is the real villain in her own story. Taylor Jenkins Reid is true mystery writer. The clues lie in front of us when we read but the real truth is only revealed at the end.

We go through Evelyn Hugo’s life through the timeline of her husbands. We get to find out who the love of her life was and the reasons for all her dramas. The writing if full of emotion and it fast paced which leaves you with hunger after every word. We connect with the characters and we fall in love with her life stories as time goes own. This book explores themes of growing up, family and love through the lenses of one single person and we can’t seem to get enough of this fake celebrity.

Further on we read about other themes such as sexism, homophobia and domestic abuse. We get to see this through Evelyn, a strong woman who has to go through the prejudice of the whole world, which is a great example of what woman in her industry, and many others, have to go through every day.

The praise in this book is endless but I must say that it is not perfect. Even though I have enjoyed this book and I will continue to recommend it, I do have to say that some parts were less exciting than I expected. Taylor Jenkins Reid is exceedingly good at story telling but in some parts specially towards the start and the ending, I felt like there were some plot holes I couldn’t ignore. The start for me was dreadful and the ending felt uncohesive.

This book will now be a classic read that I will recommend to whoever loves to read. Taylor Jenkins Reid has been a new discovery and I can’t wait to see what her journey will bring.

A book everyone should read; Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo

Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 is a work of art that takes us through the very special life and adventure of Kim living in South Korea and exposes the difficulties she has to face living in a society run by men. The character might be any woman in society. It does not necessarily have to be about Kim Jiyoung, she is just the lens we use to understand and see this world some of us might experience similarly. But what makes this book a star is a fact that this whole story is through a therapist's eyes. The writer makes us believe that this story might change the therapist's perspective but it just ends up showing us that even though woman works hard to protect themselves they will always be oppressed if the rest of the public doesn’t change.

The writing is straightforward thus, accessible to all. This book has to be read by everyone. I not only show what Kim Jiyoung goes through but also what women have to experience daily. It is a powerful text. It seems informative rather than a fiction piece. Cho Nam-Joo even goes further with this experience as he actually uses real data in footnotes. This just not only shows how the story is real but it also makes the points stronger and hence possibly more influential to the readers and even the critics.

But this book is not only an informative novel but, also a heartwarming and entertaining story. Kim Jiyoung is building her life in a misogynistic society. We grow up with her, we go through all the stages of her life and hence all the different ways sexism can be portrayed. Kim Jiyoung is a powerful woman who is still affected by the sexism that she encountered. This is what changes her and what makes her go to a point when she can’t handle it and therefore she is not capable of keep on living this way.

This book has taught me a lot. Women in South Korea go through so much and they just have to cope with it and live with it. It is an educational feminist novel that is meant for both women and men to understand. The writer is capable of blending political and social views making an extremely convincing argument. It has captured many people, including me, and I can't wait for it to capture many more. It is most effective and Jiyoung is not a raging feminist and she does not voice her opinion, she is rather a passive and quiet individual who explodes.

It also shows us how sexism does not necessarily have to be violence or massive acts against women but the small things that build up against us behind the surface. Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 follows a normal story, one that many might be able to relate with, without having have noticed that might have affected them throughout time.

Cho Nam-Joo does not have to voice her opinion too loudly, her point comes across way stronger than maybe another type of text might have done. You understand and emphasise with her as you grow up next to her. You understand her pain and you want to help her through the pages. it is impossible and you are heartbroken but, you have learnt that there is so much pain within her and many other women. Cho Nam-Joo has broken your heart and you have fallen in love with this book. This is the effect that will make you understand why this book must be read.

Therefore, you must read this book to understand its powerful words. It’s not a feminist novel because it is showing the problems women face but, because it’s making a difference showing us that the problem is what we face and how society is dealing with it. It’s a feminist novel because you learn and you understand. It’s a feminist novel because it’s true.

The long Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Murakami

If you know me, you know how much I love Haruki Murakami’s work. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle did not disappoint. Like most of Murakami’s work, the story revolves around a simple character. Toru Okada, to whom the tale about takes us through his journey, and Murakami does a fantastic job at taking us through it through his excellent storytelling. Murakami uses the nonsense in the world, including individuals, governments, or even the nonsense nations may create, to create a story that confuses the reader in the best way possible. Murakami explores themes of isolation, loss and being lost of an individual and Japans history, the world left of World War II. This almost-boring character who seems to have no purpose except finding his cat and later on his wife is turned into a detective raising questions for the readers but which he is not as interested himself.

Toru Okada is a lost, passive main character. He doesn’t have massive motives in the story except maybe his wife. Toru’s lack of interest in the world might get repetitive at points as he spends most of the time raising more questions instead of answering the others. Murakami has created a mystery story where the detective is not interested in answering the reader's questions. This leaves us with unanswered questions at the end of the story that some readers might find annoying.

Murakami does carry the story to the point of repetitiveness. When Noboru spends time at the bottom of the well, I felt like those chapters were just used to further this story. Furthermore, when talking about the war, it might have felt too long even though it was exciting and helpful to the report; two or even three entire chapters of Lieutenant Mamiya’s story might be too much.

However, I do have to say that having some Japanese history was one of my favourite parts as when connected with the actual story it brought further my interest. This might be a consequence of the previous knowledge I had of Japan’s history and hence I found it easy to understand.

As mention before this story explores difficult themes of loss and identity. Toru doesn’t seem to need or want an identity, he does not look for answers and meaning of the bizarre occurrences that surround him. He rather conforms with everything. The rest of the characters are different however, they all look for their own identity and meaning of what to do and where to go. A great example of this is May Kasahara, the teenager who feels responsible for her boyfriend’s death. Even though she has lost her place in the world she still tries to look for a new place to go and be herself, a new identity she can actually understand. She goes to one of the most bizarre places, a wig factory, she is herself in isolation as she starts to answer her own identity questions.

Toru does not have a personal identity. Murakami explores his lack of identity by not answering the weirdest and bizarre questions being risen. He also explores as mentioned before Japan’s history and even comments on the wrongdoings of his own country questioning the reasons for these terrible happenings. The nonsense that surrounds us humans made by us individually, the governments we have and even our countries are used in the story to create this mesmerising mystery novel. But, Murakami creates even more nonsense with my favourite type of magical realism where he creates substories that make no sense but are never questioned.

What drives me more to Murakami’s worlds is his magical realism as he is one of the best writers to use dark themes that can be relatable to many people. But makes them more non-humanised by using magic and bizarre happenings and his superb writing to make them more relatable and hence more entertaining. He builds narrative tension for the reader to continue to read and thus, under the surface, to explore those dark themes which might be hard to talk about usually.

In summary, this might not have been my favourite Murakami book but, looking back on what I have learned and explored in this story, I am very grateful to have read it and I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Murakami or someone who enjoys Japan’s history in World War II.

I am shocked at how confused Conversation with Friends left me - Sally Rooney

After reading Normal People and loving it I knew that the next step was to read Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney. I thought it would be a similar style of story and similar characters just a different plot. However, Rooney’s debut novel left me confused. The style is similar but, something that I loved from Normal People was the third person narration and following each character through time and lives. She uses first-person narration in Conversation with Friends meaning we get closer to Frances, our main protagonist. Frances is weird, special but has a complex deep mind. Her thoughts and feelings left me confused and hence the title.

The word confused might sound negative but it is a compliment to the text. As with normal people, Sally Rooney has me starring at the ceiling at 3 am with no other reason than complete and utter awe. Frances is an interesting character to me, I hated her, for most of the star but, the way she is written brings my love to her character. She sees herself as an almost feelingless and inhuman person, but she thinks I could see her depth and complexity. When she is hurt she doesn’t display it the same way as Bobbi or Nick do. She is way more reserved and left outspoken but we can see how deep her trauma goes into. Even though Frances to me is someone I would not like to be friends with, on paper, she is perfect. Sally Rooney has created an extremely complex character and this is enhanced by the lack of communication Frances shares. Even in her mind, she does not share much and this might be for the lack of emotion but, for the lack of understanding of these basic feelings that she has. This is where her intricacy starts.

Nick is the love interest. I believe this character was meant to be the complex character that Frances is. He is supposed to be this two-faced character but, I see him like a meaningless almost dumb character that I hate. Yes, Frances is also part of this relationship but, the way Nick handles it with Melissa, his wife, is incredibly dull. I don’t like his character and there is no complexity behind this.

I missed a better story for Bobbi. She is incredible and I believe the book would have been better if Bobbi’s story and personality could have been explored further. Bobbi is a fun character. The fresh side of the depressing life that Frances is. She knows how to talk and how to communicate. I don’t believe that the book would have been better with Bobbi as the main character as Frances brings the complexity that makes Sally Rooney such a good character builder. Bobbi however could have been further developed into Frances story.

We can gather that Sally Rooney is how her stories are not plot-based but rather character-based. We do not learn from the story and we do not care about the path the story takes to develop. we rather care about how these characters grow and develop. We care about the thoughts these characters go through and what their development is. That’s why this book is so good. I think this book should be read by any lover of books.

Normal People is meant for normal people - Sally Rooney

The popular Sally Rooney novel has captivated me not only because of the writing but because of the raw organic story that she has created. Some people believe that her novels lack a story, something that is entertaining enough. I believe that what makes this book so special is the characters. Her books are not plot-based but rather character-based. The relationships built in Normal People makes you part of it. Marianne and Connell grow up together and you grow with them. Of course, this book takes place over many years but as you read on you feel like you learn new life lessons that they also learn.

The story begins in their last year of high school in Ireland. Marianne is the unpopular misunderstood girl in school while Connell is the popular football player. It starts as a typical high school romance novel. However, they start dating and sleeping together which starts raising questions about Connell’s morals. He is of course embarrassed by Marianne so they keep it a secret. What differentiates this story from others is the growth the characters go through. Once they arrive at uni, the roles change. Marianne is the beautiful popular girl and Connell is the shy misunderstood guy.

What I most enjoy about this is how both have separate lives but they always end up together. Every time they get separated they always find a way to get together. They are friends first and lover second which shows a real organic relationship between the two. This feeling of a normal love story with an internal character growth is what stays with a reader. Sally Rooney creates characters that you understand and sees yourself in even if the story itself is not similar to your own life story.

The time jumps were hard to get used to. She jumps from time to time and flashbacks in almost every chapel. It’s sometimes hard to keep up with these cups. The flashbacks only drive the point of a normal story. When you think you have thought jumps all the time. So, it was hard for me to get used to but once you do I believe it only brings the feeling of the organic sense even further.

Sally Rooney tends to use everyday discussions in her character’s conversations. It might not add anything to the story itself but it does make the character feel more from the everyday society we live in. We can see both sides of an argument usually and if those are not explored there are different opinions on everything. This enhances the idea of a normal story as it shows normal conversations that uni students might be having in today’s society. This also enhances the character’s growth throughout the story and the reader can learn more from them. This novel seems like a glimpse into two people.

The ending is what some people might not like. Yes, an open ending is always infuriating especially in this story as we have seen both characters grow and finally get together. However, this is what the title suggests. It is a normal story between two characters that still have a life (something that some romance stories do not have). Their whole personality is not only based on their love between the two so, but their continuing life without necessarily together only showing that they still have a life and that life also continues parallel to their love story.

This is a story of two friends that are meant to be together. This is a story between two people who grow up and end up finding each other. However, you see it I believe that this story is very touching. The characters stay with you somehow or another. You can comprehend them and see yourself in them. The writing is exquisite and Sally Rooney knows how to create powerful characters.

First Person Singular, another confusing mesmerising book by Murakami.

When I heard that Haruki Murakami was coming out with a new book I was quick to buy it and as soon as it came, to read it. His 22nd book is a collection of 8 first-person singular tales which mostly take a Murakami similar style. Most of the stories are full of colour and have a nostalgic-like feeling that all Murakami have to have on me. They mostly talk about music, sex, and other mundane things. It is an interesting read and if you enjoy Murakami book you will for sure enjoy this one..

The first story is Cream which might be one of my favourites. It is bizarre and strange, but it discusses a complex idea that makes you question yourself throughout. Not everything makes sense and not everything has a reason to it. The narrator finds himself in a weird and inexplicable situation that never seems to get solved. This tale was addictive as you find yourself looking for answers that never exist.

The second story is On a Stone Pillow which takes us through another story that talks about an inexplicable feeling. What I most enjoy about this one is the tanka poetry used. I loved that it was well written and not only for the story itself. I enjoyed the feelings that our narrator was feeling when reading those poems as it is how I feel when I read the poetry. It was very raw and I really enjoyed that.

Charlie Parker Plays Bossa Nova was also an excellent story. It was bizarre and unforgettable. I sometimes think about the possibility slitty of this happening to me. This one has to be one of my favourite ones too as I still think about it.

With the Beatles, feels like a Sally Rooney novel and I love that. It is a simple heartbreaking story that includes Murakami’s love for music. Murakami has been using his love for music in many of his novels but the description of the girl holding the record really touched my heart. That might have been my favourite descriptions by him in all stories and books.

The fifth story brings back the strange and bizarre Murakami style. A talking monkey with a strange talent. This was a magical and bizarre story that was equally entertaining. This, has to be one of the best out of the 8 as it really shows Murakami through the words.

The sixth story is Carnaval which has the best opening to anything ever. It’s snappy and funny. The rest of the story is quite mundane but thanks to that opening the whole story deserves a read.

Then comes the seventh story. It’s actually not a story but a small glimpse into Murakami’s love for baseball and poetry of that love. I can say that this has to be my least favourite. It’s not entertaining and if I am completely honest, I hated the poetry itself.

The final story is the best ending for a short story collecting. It was fun to read, and it was also the best magical of the 8th. The ending leaves us Wirth our mouths open hoping to have an explanation or a sequel to the fantastic conclusion.

I have to say that this was not the best Murakami book I have read, but it was still entertaining. The few stories I really enjoyed I will recommend but, the rest I cannot say they are worth the read.

The Homeless Japanese ghost by Miri Yu

The repetitive life of our homeless narrator that captivates you with his words. You can see hidden Japan in the shadows, the real Tokyo. He is a social outcast that describes his own view of life. It is heartwarming but sad throughout the short novel. It is a discussion of love, life, and death beautifully assembled using different imagery and tone to describe his feelings or what he is experiencing.

The main character, Kazu is a struggling working-class member, he is a social outcast, he was born the same year as the emperor, and both the men’s sons were born on the same day. It shows the parallelism that the world can involve. The emperor’s son is born in a privileged life while Kazu’s son was born in a low-income family. Equally, it talks about the theme of death as his son’s life was cut short by an early death at the age of 21 for natural reasons. The emperor and his son will live a healthy and privilege life while Kazu would live his afterlife as a homeless man, the same as when he was alive. “I did not live with intent; I only lived”. This is a critique of life in Japan as the author is a Korean minority living in Japan.

The story is a continuous back and forward to his past life, from his son to his wife. We can clearly seen that his life was not extremely lucky. He was one of the men that helped construct the Japan we now know but he never got to live the glory. It is not completely clear if he is really a ghost or just the image of a homeless man that becomes invisible from the point of view of society. However, it shows how he really does become a ghost. He hears conversation of people leaving the station about normal and mundane things. He focuses a lot in clothes and what people are wearing, a symbol of money and privilege.

Time in this novel is not conformist. It keeps changing from present to past and to future one interrupting the other without further explanation. It keeps turning into a sad tone however, he is not hopeless or guilty of his living situation. He is calm as he listens to what other people discuss and what other people say.

This novel has become one of my favourite Japanese novels. It is filled with beautiful narrative and descriptions but my favourite part is the way it is written. The use of time is not confusing, it is exactly what it should be. It goes back and forward interrupting itself as to show how a real mind works. Life is not a straight line, just like the book, you do not turn a page and see another, you pass the page and there is a blank page, waiting to be written on.