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sarah_faichney's reviews
891 reviews
Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
4.0
I have the greatest respect for authors who bring important issues to the fore via fiction. In this case, Heather Marshall explores the contentious issue of abortion. "Looking for Jane" refers to code used by underground abortion networks before termination of pregnancy was legalised in Canada. As explained in the Author's Note, it's more than a book about abortion. It's about motherhood, and the plot hinges on the concept of "every child a wanted child, every mother a willing mother". Marshall writes with great compassion and sensitivity. I would love to see this book open up conversations and destigmatize what is a necessary medical procedure for many women. In addition to the brilliantly informative author's note, there are reading group questions and suggested further resources at the end of the book.
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
5.0
Undoubtedly one of the best books I've ever read. It completely blew me away. Spanning 3 generations, (from 1930s to the 2000s) "Memphis" delves deep into the history of the North family. I don't want to go into detail for fear of spoilers but I completely fell in love with this book and was totally immersed in the cast of characters. Somebody PLEASE option this for film/TV! An utterly stunning debut from Tara Stringfellow. I want to read everything she ever writes. "Memphis" is epic, in every sense of the word.
Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book ripped my heart out. The fact that Leila Mottley started writing it at the tender age of 17 just blows my mind!
"Nightcrawling" is based on a true story and is all the more affecting for it. It's about poverty and struggle, survival and exploitation, the family we get and the one we choose for ourselves. I particularly appreciated the Author's Note at the end, outlining her motivation for writing and highlighting issues such as the adultification of Black girls. This is a heart-achingly necessary book which will carve a hole in your soul and stay with you forever.
Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
A brilliant debut, with writing that grabs you by the throat from the opening lines. Hayley Scrivenor's "Dirt Town'' burrows under your skin and stays there. I found it atmospheric with a strong sense of place. Scrivenor also employs a wonderfully imaginative turn of phrase, particularly when describing characters or setting. If you enjoyed "Mare of Easttown", or Chris Whitaker's "We Begin At The End", then "Dirt Town" will be right up your street.
The Hidden Masters And The Unspeakable Evil by Jack Barrow
5.0
This was one of my favourites of 2012 and possibly the only book I've ever read which left me slightly stunned and speechless. It's a totally bonkers riot of a read. I found myself crying with laughter at some of the antics of the Masters and, in particular, the Python-esque crowd scenes were brilliant. I thought that the story-telling was first class and I found it to be a very visual read. It really would be a travesty if this wasn't made into a film because I think it would transfer extremely well and it certainly has a unique appeal. I don't want to say too much about the plot and characters because it really is a book you have to experience for yourself. The combination of farce and noir is genius and Barrow's writing is reminiscent of Christopher Brookmyre in parts. Honestly, this is a must-read. It's mental and so very original.
In the Woods by Tana French
3.0
I enjoyed reading this but I found the ending extremely disappointing.