I loved this book so much! I loved that one of the narrators is a wise fig tree, adding a whimsical element to the writing. Our fig tree has wonderfulI loved this book so much! I loved that one of the narrators is a wise fig tree, adding a whimsical element to the writing. Our fig tree has wonderful insights into human nature, having lived adjacent to humans all her life.
This book takes place both in Cyprus in the 1970s and in the UK in the 2010s. I learned a lot about the history of Cyprus and the clashes between the local Turks and Greeks. The author skillfully writes about these experiences in a way that doesn't feel like a history lesson. Our main characters, Kostas and Defne, come from the same neighborhood, but because of their differing backgrounds (Greek and Turkish, respectively), their love is forbidden. We know from the opening of the book that they somehow made it to the UK and had a daughter, Ada, because she is our MC in 2010s London. But coming along for their story is so interesting and engaging. It reminded me of the saying, it's not the destination, but how you get there.
I can't say enough good things about how beautiful the writing is. Shafak is a skilled author, weaving her enchanting words throughout the pages, keeping me captivated and wanting to read more from her. ...more
This is a very sweet book about a bond formed between a terminal 17 year old and 83 year old. We hear stories about their lives as they work on their This is a very sweet book about a bond formed between a terminal 17 year old and 83 year old. We hear stories about their lives as they work on their 100 year art project, creating artwork for each year they've both been alive.
I really loved both characters. Lenni has been forced into maturity beyond her years due to her disease but she still has a playful and quirky side. Margot has had an interesting life (I especially liked her bout as an animal activist).
Lenni and Margot have a lot in common despite their age gap (not just that they are both sick in hospital and dealing with mortality, but also dealing with mentally ill parents, and have both explored themes throughout their lives of being set free and setting others free).
Even though this book is centered on a heavy topic, it is often lighthearted and funny. I really enjoyed reading it, not just for the characters, but also for the lovely writing....more
What a beautiful book! The writing was so lovely, the characters felt 3 dimensional and real, the story was really compelling. I liked that the characWhat a beautiful book! The writing was so lovely, the characters felt 3 dimensional and real, the story was really compelling. I liked that the characters were nuanced and very human in their reactions and actions.
Half the book is set in Afghanistan just before through just after the Saur Revolution in 1978 from the eyes of a child trying to survive and escape, and the other half is told from the perspective of the main character now an adult and living in America. I loved learning more about this time period in Afghanistan's history, heartbreaking as it was. The author writes very well about grief, trauma, identity, and love....more
One of the best and most thoughtful books I have read in the last year. I loved the mix of indigenous mythology and teachings interwoven with ecologicOne of the best and most thoughtful books I have read in the last year. I loved the mix of indigenous mythology and teachings interwoven with ecological science and personal memoir. This is a really beautifully written book filled with wisdom and teachings that I still think about. The author talks a lot about reciprocity and living more gently with the natural world and discussed these concepts at length and in a deeper way than I normally see. I highly, highly recommend this book!...more
So much of what I loved about Migrations, McConaghy brings to this novel: beautiful writing, compelling story, very human (read: flawed) characters. ISo much of what I loved about Migrations, McConaghy brings to this novel: beautiful writing, compelling story, very human (read: flawed) characters. I tore through this book, eager to read and learn more about the fate of the wolves and characters. It's also a tearjerker - the author got me multiple times because I cared so much about the story. I know this is a book that will stay with me for a long time, I highly recommended reading it....more
Amazing telling of the Trojan war told through the eyes of the women who were involved / affected by the war. Some of the stories told will be familiaAmazing telling of the Trojan war told through the eyes of the women who were involved / affected by the war. Some of the stories told will be familiar - Helen of Troy, Odysseus, the Amazons, Achilles, and the various goddesses and gods. Some stories were less familiar to me, but I loved getting to know the characters and seeing the unfolding of the classical tales through a woman's point of view. If you were a fan of Madeline Miller's Circe (one of my favorites), you will love this book!...more
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 since it was such a fun, quick, and enjoyable read. The world is well built and interesting to learn about. I overall liked 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 since it was such a fun, quick, and enjoyable read. The world is well built and interesting to learn about. I overall liked all the main characters and wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen in the story....more
A really unique little book! It took me a little bit to get my head around the plot and what was happening, but then it took off and was a delightful A really unique little book! It took me a little bit to get my head around the plot and what was happening, but then it took off and was a delightful read. ...more
I read this book at a slower pace than I usually read books but I wanted to give it the time it deserved. I find myself still thinking about certain sI read this book at a slower pace than I usually read books but I wanted to give it the time it deserved. I find myself still thinking about certain stories. Cerridwen has lived quite a life! There is humor and heartbreak, wisdom, and slices of everyday life in these pages. I was mostly captivated by most of the stories, and with such a variety of stories, there will be something for everyone in this book. It is very well written and definitely worth a read....more
Beautiful writing, well-developed characters, interesting and heart breaking story centered around a murder trail (but this book is so much more than Beautiful writing, well-developed characters, interesting and heart breaking story centered around a murder trail (but this book is so much more than that). ...more
Beautifully written tale that combines Russian folktales with a fantastical setting in a small village in northern medieval Russia. Great characters aBeautifully written tale that combines Russian folktales with a fantastical setting in a small village in northern medieval Russia. Great characters and world building. Very atmospheric with lyrical writing....more
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