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mariella123's reviews
27 reviews
One Girl Began by Kate Murray-Browne
I was particularly struck by how the book explored the different relationships these women had with work. Frances, living in the 1980s, manages to carve out a life for herself in her early 20s that isn’t entirely dictated by work—something that feels both quite liberating from today's perspective. In contrast, Ellen’s story (set in the 1900s) reveals the pressures of survival in a rigidly classed and patriarchal society, while Amanda’s (2019-2020) deals with the relentless demands of modern capitalism and its impact on identity & motherhood.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
This book explores being a woman across three different time periods: the early 1900s, the 1980s, and 2019-2020. It delves into themes of class, feminism, and societal change.
I was particularly struck by how the book explored the different relationships these women had with work. Frances, living in the 1980s, manages to carve out a life for herself in her early 20s that isn’t entirely dictated by work—something that feels both quite liberating from today's perspective. In contrast, Ellen’s story (set in the 1900s) reveals the pressures of survival in a rigidly classed and patriarchal society, while Amanda’s (2019-2020) deals with the relentless demands of modern capitalism and its impact on identity & motherhood.
The contrast between these experiences shows how society has evolved—or failed to evolve—in terms of gender, work, and independence. I think it really illustrates how, actually, modern society doesn't really allow women to flourish.
And then beyond that, I just loved the stories and was happy whenever It was time to read about another character again.
And then beyond that, I just loved the stories and was happy whenever It was time to read about another character again.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There There by Tommy Orange
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Brotherless Night by V.V. Ganeshananthan
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
An extremely easy 5-star
I love how historical fiction helps you understand history through the lived experiences of those who endured it. When it comes to war or conflict, so much focus is placed on dates and numbers—but this book is deeply human. I found this sentiment particularly well expressed when Sashi reflects on how she hadn’t thought to record how many people were there in the beginning. The stories and people Sashi meets helped me to understand the Sri Lanka civil war in a very unique way.
The sections where the author directly addresses the reader are incredibly powerful, forcing you to confront questions like: What is a terrorist? Where do I position myself in all of this? Particularly after the scene at the end with the UN. These moments linger long after you’ve finished reading.
Also, this book is truly feminist & seeing the war through the eyes of Sashi gave an important perspective.
Throughout the book, it felt as though every sentence could make me cry—even the simple ones. I've finished the book feeling sad, sad about all the ways in which Sashi lost each of her family members and some friends but feeling extremely grateful for having the chance to read the book & learn in this way.
I love how historical fiction helps you understand history through the lived experiences of those who endured it. When it comes to war or conflict, so much focus is placed on dates and numbers—but this book is deeply human. I found this sentiment particularly well expressed when Sashi reflects on how she hadn’t thought to record how many people were there in the beginning. The stories and people Sashi meets helped me to understand the Sri Lanka civil war in a very unique way.
The sections where the author directly addresses the reader are incredibly powerful, forcing you to confront questions like: What is a terrorist? Where do I position myself in all of this? Particularly after the scene at the end with the UN. These moments linger long after you’ve finished reading.
Also, this book is truly feminist & seeing the war through the eyes of Sashi gave an important perspective.
Throughout the book, it felt as though every sentence could make me cry—even the simple ones. I've finished the book feeling sad, sad about all the ways in which Sashi lost each of her family members and some friends but feeling extremely grateful for having the chance to read the book & learn in this way.
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I would've thought that a book of this subject matter would be really heavy and hard to get through but the narrative style and humour meant it was such an easy read!
It felt like a stream of consciousness and perfectly described the thought loops of anxiety and depression. Extra appreciated the narration of being acutely aware of the futility of life, and feeling sad other humans don't too and expe iencing sadness and being extra sad if other people have to too. Gilda has the weight of human existence on her shoulders!
And with all that, it's set amongst the backdrop of an atheist lesbian who becomes an administrator at a Catholic church and enters into a murder mystery case - brilliant!
It felt like a stream of consciousness and perfectly described the thought loops of anxiety and depression. Extra appreciated the narration of being acutely aware of the futility of life, and feeling sad other humans don't too and expe iencing sadness and being extra sad if other people have to too. Gilda has the weight of human existence on her shoulders!
And with all that, it's set amongst the backdrop of an atheist lesbian who becomes an administrator at a Catholic church and enters into a murder mystery case - brilliant!
Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Throughout the book, I felt like I was spending time with Lamya - which I really enjoyed!
They intertwined stories from the Quran with their own life to make sense of growing up as a Queer Muslim in a hostile world.
Learning about the Quran from a queer and feminist interpretation was extremely interesting.
The end of the book was so uplifting, and described the exact world I want to live in whilst asserting the importance of working towards it!!
They intertwined stories from the Quran with their own life to make sense of growing up as a Queer Muslim in a hostile world.
Learning about the Quran from a queer and feminist interpretation was extremely interesting.
The end of the book was so uplifting, and described the exact world I want to live in whilst asserting the importance of working towards it!!