July 2023 Mini Reviews - part 2
Published: 25th May 2023 by The Borough Press
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.
I think it's fair to say that this was my most highly anticipated release of this year, and my word it didn't disappoint. The satirical nature of Juniper's narrative voice lends itself to comparisons to Moshfegh and other popular author's works, which is fair, but the precise way in which Kuang uses the publishing industry as the backdrop for the rise and fall of her protagonist is honestly stunning, and provided a reading experience that I haven't had in a while. I was dumbfounded by the subtleties of racism and privilege invading Juniper's thoughts, and became completely engrossed by how these layers got deeper and deeper until it invaded her very sense of self. Your instinct is to hate her because of what she does, and yet you can't help but Marvel at Kuang's handiwork and how it is presented through Juniper. I'm always a bit wary of reading a new release, especially when it comes with so much praise surrounding it, but this deserves it all and more.
Greek Lessons by Han Kang
Published: 27th April 2023 by Hamish Hamilton
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.
I was a massive fan of The Vegetarian when I read it a few years ago, so I was excited to dive into whatever new weird world Kang conjured up this time, and it definitely did not disappoint. I went into it knowing nothing but found myself really enjoying the way the story unfolded itself - the links between language and sight and the ways in which these brought the Greek teacher and his student together were heartbreaking, but Kang's beautiful prose framed it so well. The contrast between the act of learning a language while living in silence was so thoughtfully written, and although I did have a hard time keeping track of who everyone was at times, because of the lack of character names, I was fully immersed in this story, and it ended before I knew it! This was first published in Korea in 2011, so I am very happy that it's finally been translated and published here. Another great work from Kang.
The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall
Charming Cove #1
Published: 2nd June 2023 by Bonnie Doon Press
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.
This was such a mixed bag for me - I loved the premise of it and was really in the mood for a more cozy read after some heavier books, and it certainly delivered on that point. However, I wasn't the biggest fan of the writing style at times, like the way in which we are thrust into the world of Charming Cove without much explanation behind the magical community and how they integrate into normal society, or Aria's backstory and her life before moving back home. I did enjoy the competition element and how in returning home to her loved ones they helped her when she needed it most. I didn't love Aria and Callan together as much as I would've liked to - I just felt the pacing was off in their transition from unrequited love to a full-blown relationship and it seemed unrealistically lacking in any complications.
Dreamland by Nancy Bilyeau
Published: 16th January 2020 by Endeavour Quill
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.
There were some elements of Dreamland that I was a fan of - I ejoyed the summer setting, and the historical context of the extreme heat of 1911 gave a depth to the otherwise quite lacklustre story. I also enjoyed the New York setting, because I always do, and the insight into high society families of thaat time. However, I just couldn't get behind Peggy and Stefan's supposedly scandalous relationship, and on a wider scale,I just couldn't find myself really caring about anyone, or being particularly interested in finding out the ending, as harsh as that may sound. The writing wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either, and I just wish that the actual Dreamland element, the selling point of the book, was utilised more, and that the story took that path rather than it turning into a murder mystery with an extremely obvious killer.
3 stars
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