An equally disturbing and devastating story of possession and madness. Hypotonic, seductive, and shocking, Come Closer is a modern classic which experAn equally disturbing and devastating story of possession and madness. Hypotonic, seductive, and shocking, Come Closer is a modern classic which expertly explores: what happens when we can no longer trust our own minds? What forces do we unknowingly invite inside, and is it possible to ever evict them? Matching unforgettable horror with dark humor, this novel produces such a powerful, multilayered story in its short runtime; it is no surprise that it’s listed as one of the best horror novels of all time. A wholly chilling, thought provoking read that must be experienced to be believed. Go on, open the pages…come closer… ...more
A stunning reflection on grief and identity. Linking cultural, historical, and personal aspects into a gorgeous family saga of trauma, desire, and literary expression. Moving, visceral, and unforgettable, Wound pulses with all the love and loss that a heart can stand to bear; it calls out to the mothers that loved us in the only ways they knew how; it meditates on the lessons that we had to learn the hard way, the people we had to lose in order to move forward. An effecting, haunting autobiographical journey that inspires art as well as one’s own unburied memories, it is an invitation to write, remember, to forgive our mothers as well as ourselves....more
Dazzling and hypnotic as a spell, this devastatingly lush farewell letter accounts the cost of obsession, jealousy, and manipulation. Poetic and seducDazzling and hypnotic as a spell, this devastatingly lush farewell letter accounts the cost of obsession, jealousy, and manipulation. Poetic and seductive, we see that the lines between love and infatuation, freedom and control, resentment and hurt, are almost never clearly defined. We see the whirlpool of abuse and power, the cycles of misunderstandings and malcontents, and the explosive conclusions that they result in. As the novel expertly details, not everyone is cut out to love. Love is so often seen through a self serving glass, as a means to an end, leaving destruction and harm in its wake. Love is the beautiful word used to disguise an ulterior motive, a hidden ambition, and is the scapegoat for desolation and deception. Gorgeously rendered, nuanced, and reflective, A Dowry of Blood is a dark and wonderfully thought out reimagining of one of the most seductive, bleak legends that there is. ...more
A stunning hidden gem on the dark side of adolescence and reputation in 20th century Scotland. Dark, unearthly, anhttps://instagram.com/p/CqDWTB_rDWU/
A stunning hidden gem on the dark side of adolescence and reputation in 20th century Scotland. Dark, unearthly, and filled the mystical moodiness of desire, impulse, and daydreams, we follow the unloved and unbreakable Janet, as she navigates sibling rivalry, societal boundaries, and the judgement of family and strangers alike. From birth til untimely death, she is misunderstood, mistaking it begrudged, and a victim of the stereotypes and restrictions associated with being a woman. Janet, in all her flaws and misadventures, all her hateful acts and dreams for love and freedoms, is a tragically beautiful ode to all “dreamy, academic sorts”, all those who find solace in solitude and creativity, all who defy oppressors, gossipers, defenders of the status quo. She is the embodiment of all who are punished for wanting more, pursuing more, deserving more. A genius and haunting novella....more
A stunning, otherworldly novel on motherhood, depression, desire, and the sacrifices one makes for their child. Visceral and heartrending, we see the consequences of trying to force changes in non-conforming children, and the toll that unconditional love takes over time. We see various transformations, but literal and figurative, about the codependency that trauma can cause, the stages and grief and acceptance when a child outgrows the need of their parents. The repressed desires and nature of individuals because of societal expectation and the toxic mentality of “I know what is best for my child,” despite their pain or unhappiness. This novel is vivid, enticing, and quick to embed itself in your heart....more
A devastatingly romantic novel that poses the question: when is it appropriate to start grieving someone? Does it hurt more to hold on or to let go? Amongst memories and reflections, we see the complexities of surrendering to love, to opening up one’s heart to another, only to be faced with solitude. We witness the unrivaled pain of watching someone loved dearly become a stranger, and fade away. The prose is haunting, breathtakingly earnest and filled with longing. We can all relate to the surreal process of growing apart from our loved ones, whether it be through death, trauma, or diverging paths. We have all lived with the ghosts of what was, what could have been. An remarkable reading experience....more
A colorful, all-encompassing interpretation of one of the most intriguing women in history. Through phenomenal research, we journey with Cleopatra thrA colorful, all-encompassing interpretation of one of the most intriguing women in history. Through phenomenal research, we journey with Cleopatra through her triumphs, tragedies, loves, and betrayals. We see her not only as a queen, a goddess incarnate, but as a mortal woman, with faults and feelings, fantasies and failures. Romantic and reflective, we can ponder the accomplishments and ambitions of Cleopatra in a new light; this novel helps show us a side of her that is more than pure legend. Perfect for readers of in depth history. ...more
Hilarious and charming satire of life, love, and artistic expression in the Soviet Union. Our characters, ranging https://instagram.com/p/Ctg4HFwLyB6/
Hilarious and charming satire of life, love, and artistic expression in the Soviet Union. Our characters, ranging from average to absurd, hateful to heroic, wrestle with doing what is duty, what is allowed, and what is right, what is wanted. Even on surface level this story is wildly entertaining, but once you sit back and digest what the book is really saying, it gains so much depth and meaning. I will be thinking about this for a very long time! Highly recommended.
Bonus points: Behemoth reminds me of the personality of my own mischievous kitten and was easily one of my favorite parts....more
A deeply intimate tribute to grief, love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. The power of this novel is that it truly delves into the essence of family; so oA deeply intimate tribute to grief, love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. The power of this novel is that it truly delves into the essence of family; so often we do not truly know our parents, grandparents, guardians, until it is too late; we love, but it is so easy to take the little things, the unspoken things, for granted. We remember the fights, the disappointments, but when we miss someone, all of that falls away to reveal the beauty and strength of the tenderness, the happiness. The prose, in its delicate simplicity, has a resonating echo. I don’t think I will ever forget how this book made me feel....more
Incredibly poignant and tender. This story exists in the past, present, and future; we see both the brutality and https://instagram.com/p/CtmMQGHLq0V/
Incredibly poignant and tender. This story exists in the past, present, and future; we see both the brutality and the beauty of what it means to exist in this world, the precious fluidity of time and memory. Narrator Nao is incredibly endearing, raw, and real, a representation of the loss of innocence, the power of imagination, and the wondrous strength to keep walking along the path of life, weathering the many storms it hurls in order to see the rainbows that result. I felt an intense emotional connection to this book and it’s ideals. It is thought provoking, haunting, and gratifying, highlighting the best and worst of people, and the brilliant souls that find each other in the dark....more
One of my favorite novels. Intensely thought provoking and philosophical in a way that makes you ponder every question posed and point made. Wildly fuOne of my favorite novels. Intensely thought provoking and philosophical in a way that makes you ponder every question posed and point made. Wildly funny and sarcastic at times, with the biting contradictions and complications that one feels towards themselves, their homeland, and their idea of faith. Relatable and raw, with a witty and wise voice that enters your mind, but stays in your heart. A must read!...more
A dazzling, lyrical coming of age story filled with heartbreak, realizations, and, ultimately, self acceptance and love. The poetic flow of this storyA dazzling, lyrical coming of age story filled with heartbreak, realizations, and, ultimately, self acceptance and love. The poetic flow of this story pierced my heart almost immediately, and I hung on to every word, every ounce of cruelty, longing, laughter, and revelation with such a endearment to our narrator. This felt so real, mainly because for so many, this story is real, this is a tribute and a call to so many lost, loving souls trying to find themselves and each other in our reality’s stormy seas. Easily one of the most beautiful and essential coming of age stories that I have ever read....more
Devotion, aptly named, is a testament to the power of love and loyalty between two souls. It is a song in honor of love, in its all-consuming force, its haunting strength, its formless wonder. Gorgeously written, this flows with emotions that dwell in the very core of our hearts. This novel spoke to the side of me that is deeply sentimental and romantic. May we all have a love that lives beyond what we know to be possible....more
Forever one of my favorite authors and pieces of literature. I own and have read this book in several translations, including the original, and each oForever one of my favorite authors and pieces of literature. I own and have read this book in several translations, including the original, and each one shakes me to my core. To bring such visions and ideas to life, Dante brings forth such an intense perception of punishment, philosophy, the afterlife, and love. A timeless journey, everyone should read it at least once. ...more
A remarkably stunning book on the human condition. Filled to the brim with love, loss, courage, and hope, Moloka’i gives us examples of the best and wA remarkably stunning book on the human condition. Filled to the brim with love, loss, courage, and hope, Moloka’i gives us examples of the best and worst of human behavior, the triumph of friendship, love, and the perseverance to live a life wholly. Each character is rich and complex, I laughed and cried along with them. I felt such love for Rachel, who felt as real and weathered as an old friend. Accompanied by wonderfully alive descriptions of food, nature, and culture, this novel captures the fascinating history of Hawaii in vivid detail. Such a rewarding read. ...more
A lush, gorgeous classic filled with love and drama. Almost nothing compares to the language Milton uses; it is so rich, so resonating, so meaningful.A lush, gorgeous classic filled with love and drama. Almost nothing compares to the language Milton uses; it is so rich, so resonating, so meaningful. Each time I have read this I have found something new....more
An incredibly moving and thought provoking saga of tragedy and resilience from the prospective of a family fighting for the right to survive and hope for a better future. This is the kind of story that makes you want to call your parents; Pachinko is a devastating ode to a mother’s love and sacrifice, a testament to the lengths one will go to in order to shelter their children. Through generations of struggle and success, we see the lasting effects of trauma, secrecy, and the immense effort it takes to reveal hard truths, to forgive. This novel is the very definition of a bittersweet story, covering incredibly heavy themes and events with powerful grace. Masterfully detailed and paced appropriately, this is a must read family saga, encompassing the capacity we have not only for great sorrow, but also great love....more
An amazingly impactful novel. It’s alluring and hard-hitting on issues of race, class, sexuality, “science”, addiction, and desire. From the islands tAn amazingly impactful novel. It’s alluring and hard-hitting on issues of race, class, sexuality, “science”, addiction, and desire. From the islands to the British isle we follow Frannie’s struggle to be seen and heard in a world that is not ready, or willing, to do either. The prose is raw and poetic, with incredible power and emotion. Frannie’s voice rings true even today, a haunting echo of injustice, anger, and shame to all who would see brilliant minds silenced on the basis of hate and intolerance. A breathtaking journey that is highly recommended. ...more
One of my favorite novels to date. The writing style is gorgeous, a poetic and bitter voice lamenting the historical bias against women, especially thOne of my favorite novels to date. The writing style is gorgeous, a poetic and bitter voice lamenting the historical bias against women, especially those who do not fit the ever expanding demands of society. This work is also rooted in fact, a lesser known and incredibly interesting case that ended in Iceland’s last public execution of a woman. If you enjoy crime, romance, and historical work, then this is the book for you....more
I adored this book- the unreliable but incredibly cunning narration by grace is engaging from the prologue, and she keeps you guessing and wanting morI adored this book- the unreliable but incredibly cunning narration by grace is engaging from the prologue, and she keeps you guessing and wanting more up until the end. ...more
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