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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Final Fantasy VII Remake in Video Games
Jul 4, 2020
Beautiful gameplay
I have to hold my hands up and say that I've never played the original. I started on FF8 as a teenager and never quite got around to backtracking to 7, so I'm fortunate in a way that I could play this game with no preconceived ideas.
This is by far the most beautiful game I've ever played. The graphics are stunning, to the point where you can barely tell the difference between film style cut scenes and standard gameplay. Everything from the scenery to the characters looks amazing. The story is your typical convoluted yet endearing Final Fantasy plot with a lot of dialogue, some of it entirely unnecessary (but nothing more than you'd expect with a FF game).
The gameplay itself is good but unusual. It's a lot more linear than you'd expect with little options to run around in an open world like you would usually in an FF game. But I didn't mind this so much because it meant at least you didn't have to run around for hours across an entire world to complete side quests. The most divisive aspect of the gameplay is by far the battle mode. In the first opening battle I hated it, but gradually I got used to it - it's just so different from the normal FF gameplay. It isn't without it's flaws though, the worst one is due to the ability for enemies to attack you whenever, there is a rather frustrating feature where if you use your ATB to choose an action and get attacked right after, you lose the action you were about to take. Rather annoying. The gameplay on the motorbike too is interesting and different, but also becomes a little tedious and annoying towards the end.
I'm also in two minds about how this is only a remake of the first few hours of the original game. It gives off a rather unfinished vibe, and kind of feels like how you felt getting to the end of The Fellowship of the Ring. Whilst I'm intrigued to see how the story ends, I hope the gameplay changes a little as more of the same for another 40+ hours (x however many parts are planned) is a bit much. I also think its crazy how you can complete the main story with the majority of side quests done, yet you've only achieved 51%. I really haven't got the willpower to be a completions any more!
Despite my moans above, these are only really minor niggles and overall this is a stunning game that I really enjoyed playing. Definitely deserves the award for the most beautiful game I've ever played.
This is by far the most beautiful game I've ever played. The graphics are stunning, to the point where you can barely tell the difference between film style cut scenes and standard gameplay. Everything from the scenery to the characters looks amazing. The story is your typical convoluted yet endearing Final Fantasy plot with a lot of dialogue, some of it entirely unnecessary (but nothing more than you'd expect with a FF game).
The gameplay itself is good but unusual. It's a lot more linear than you'd expect with little options to run around in an open world like you would usually in an FF game. But I didn't mind this so much because it meant at least you didn't have to run around for hours across an entire world to complete side quests. The most divisive aspect of the gameplay is by far the battle mode. In the first opening battle I hated it, but gradually I got used to it - it's just so different from the normal FF gameplay. It isn't without it's flaws though, the worst one is due to the ability for enemies to attack you whenever, there is a rather frustrating feature where if you use your ATB to choose an action and get attacked right after, you lose the action you were about to take. Rather annoying. The gameplay on the motorbike too is interesting and different, but also becomes a little tedious and annoying towards the end.
I'm also in two minds about how this is only a remake of the first few hours of the original game. It gives off a rather unfinished vibe, and kind of feels like how you felt getting to the end of The Fellowship of the Ring. Whilst I'm intrigued to see how the story ends, I hope the gameplay changes a little as more of the same for another 40+ hours (x however many parts are planned) is a bit much. I also think its crazy how you can complete the main story with the majority of side quests done, yet you've only achieved 51%. I really haven't got the willpower to be a completions any more!
Despite my moans above, these are only really minor niggles and overall this is a stunning game that I really enjoyed playing. Definitely deserves the award for the most beautiful game I've ever played.
Tom Turner (388 KP) rated White Dolphin in Books
May 10, 2021
I decided to read this book when I saw a confirmation from the author posted on Facebook, confirming that one of the characters shared my disability, Hemiplegia. My disability is often overlooked in representation as people mainly go for deaf, blind, wheelchair user or someone with down syndrome. So I was intrigued to find out how well Gill Lewis had done it.
First thing I will say, in the book she doesn't make the particular disability, just referring to Cerebral Palsey, an umbrella term which covers a number of physical disabilities. Though it would have been nice to see the name dropped, I can understand why this is. The book is aimed at an audience aged around 11, and throwing up technical terms and explainations might be too much. Most children through osmosis know what Cerebral Palsey is, and if they don't, they've learned something. Plus, with the confirmation from the author, be and the knowledge of what Hemiplegia looks like it was obvious from the start that this is what it was meant to be.
But a novel is more than just a one aspect of a character, and so how did the story fair. At first I worried it might turn out to be a Free Willy rip off. But without going into detail, while there are elements of that in here it is just one part of the whole. There was a lot going on, ans not only were we seeing it act out through the eyes of a girl dealing with real issues, Kara felt incredibly real to me. I was surprised how psychologically deep Lewis was able to make her characters, and this kept me reading on. Never once did I feel Felix (the disabled character that had attracted me to the book in the first place) as a one dimensional character. More often than not fictional disabled people are flanderised so that their disability is their personality. This was not Felix. Sure, he had his frustrations with life due to his disability, but that was just a part of his personality. Nor was his narrative solely that of overcoming his disability. A chapter before Felix becomes joint hero with Kara, we have a scene where he's struggling to walk up a flight of outside steps because the rail stops short (something I personally have experienced too many times!) Emphasising and reminding the reader that while he is able to excel in one area, life can still be a frustration elsewhere.
I'm really glad I picked this book up. And will definitely be encouring my Goddaughters to read it - especially as they are currently the demographic this book is aimed at.
First thing I will say, in the book she doesn't make the particular disability, just referring to Cerebral Palsey, an umbrella term which covers a number of physical disabilities. Though it would have been nice to see the name dropped, I can understand why this is. The book is aimed at an audience aged around 11, and throwing up technical terms and explainations might be too much. Most children through osmosis know what Cerebral Palsey is, and if they don't, they've learned something. Plus, with the confirmation from the author, be and the knowledge of what Hemiplegia looks like it was obvious from the start that this is what it was meant to be.
But a novel is more than just a one aspect of a character, and so how did the story fair. At first I worried it might turn out to be a Free Willy rip off. But without going into detail, while there are elements of that in here it is just one part of the whole. There was a lot going on, ans not only were we seeing it act out through the eyes of a girl dealing with real issues, Kara felt incredibly real to me. I was surprised how psychologically deep Lewis was able to make her characters, and this kept me reading on. Never once did I feel Felix (the disabled character that had attracted me to the book in the first place) as a one dimensional character. More often than not fictional disabled people are flanderised so that their disability is their personality. This was not Felix. Sure, he had his frustrations with life due to his disability, but that was just a part of his personality. Nor was his narrative solely that of overcoming his disability. A chapter before Felix becomes joint hero with Kara, we have a scene where he's struggling to walk up a flight of outside steps because the rail stops short (something I personally have experienced too many times!) Emphasising and reminding the reader that while he is able to excel in one area, life can still be a frustration elsewhere.
I'm really glad I picked this book up. And will definitely be encouring my Goddaughters to read it - especially as they are currently the demographic this book is aimed at.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2508 KP) rated Murky Waters in Books
Mar 14, 2020
Kyra is the youngest of the three mermaid sisters we are learning about in Diane Vallereâs Mermaid Mystery novellas. She has been coddled and babied her entire life. Known for her beauty and her singing voice, she plays into both of those roles, flirting with every merman who shows interest. On her way to music lessons one morning, she finds the Nautilus Vault opened and several squid tied up near the entrance. She frees them, but she can tell someone has been inside the vault. Can she figure out who is responsible?
In many ways, this novella feels like a coming of age tale since Kyra really grows as the story progresses. No, she doesnât start out as shallow as she may at first appear. I really enjoyed getting to know her and watching the growth happen over the course of the story. Now, this isnât to say that we donât get a mystery as well with plenty to keep us engaged. The growth comes directly from the events of the story, and it all feels very natural. There isnât quite as much background on mermaid culture as there was in the first story, but we do get enough that if you jumped in with this story you wouldnât be lost. The other characters are interesting, and we see some other sides of them than we did in the first novella. More than anything, I had fun imaging I lived in the ocean as well.
NOTE: This story, along with the stories of Kyraâs sisters, are included in the Mermaid Mysteries anthology. Buy them individually or as a set, but there is no need to buy both.
In many ways, this novella feels like a coming of age tale since Kyra really grows as the story progresses. No, she doesnât start out as shallow as she may at first appear. I really enjoyed getting to know her and watching the growth happen over the course of the story. Now, this isnât to say that we donât get a mystery as well with plenty to keep us engaged. The growth comes directly from the events of the story, and it all feels very natural. There isnât quite as much background on mermaid culture as there was in the first story, but we do get enough that if you jumped in with this story you wouldnât be lost. The other characters are interesting, and we see some other sides of them than we did in the first novella. More than anything, I had fun imaging I lived in the ocean as well.
NOTE: This story, along with the stories of Kyraâs sisters, are included in the Mermaid Mysteries anthology. Buy them individually or as a set, but there is no need to buy both.
Debbiereadsbook (1681 KP) rated Bed Hopping: Island Confidential Novella in Books
Jul 24, 2025
Not ever so steamy but emotional!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Ryan's best friend is getting married and is expecting him and his boyfriend to attend. However, Ryan and Devon split up. They didn't tell her because she is superstitious. So attending the wedding with Devon in tow is a necessary evil he has to put up with for a few days. But meeting the most gorgeous man he ever saw puts a spanner in the works. Harry finds Ryan attractive, but he's got a boyfriend, right? Then it's a matter of him NOT having a boyfriend and keeping their fling from the bride. Simples, right?
This is one of those books, that you can just fall into, wile away a couple of hours and be happy you did.
It's funny: lots go wrong for the bride, and she loses her sh8t about a lot of minor things and it's great watching Ryan bringing her down.
It's not ever so steamy: but I did like that. Ryan and Harry have chemistry right from the start, but it's not until Harry catches Devon in a clinch, do they act on it. Oh, there is heat and passion, but the steam level is just right for this book.
Emotional: Devon is a bit of a wiley one and plays on Ryan's good nature and his fame, such as it is. And Ryan needs to get past that before he can commit.
One last thing, I've tagged it HFN. WHile Ryan and Harry are together, I think they have more to say!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ryan's best friend is getting married and is expecting him and his boyfriend to attend. However, Ryan and Devon split up. They didn't tell her because she is superstitious. So attending the wedding with Devon in tow is a necessary evil he has to put up with for a few days. But meeting the most gorgeous man he ever saw puts a spanner in the works. Harry finds Ryan attractive, but he's got a boyfriend, right? Then it's a matter of him NOT having a boyfriend and keeping their fling from the bride. Simples, right?
This is one of those books, that you can just fall into, wile away a couple of hours and be happy you did.
It's funny: lots go wrong for the bride, and she loses her sh8t about a lot of minor things and it's great watching Ryan bringing her down.
It's not ever so steamy: but I did like that. Ryan and Harry have chemistry right from the start, but it's not until Harry catches Devon in a clinch, do they act on it. Oh, there is heat and passion, but the steam level is just right for this book.
Emotional: Devon is a bit of a wiley one and plays on Ryan's good nature and his fame, such as it is. And Ryan needs to get past that before he can commit.
One last thing, I've tagged it HFN. WHile Ryan and Harry are together, I think they have more to say!
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House in Books
Mar 22, 2018
It took me a while to get my hands on this one - I was watching the scandal around its release, and laughed my butt off when the publisher scorned Trump's threats and published it early instead. My copy finally came in at the library, and I've been reading it off and on for the last couple of weeks. I normally read books far faster than that, and it's not a long book, but I kept having to set it aside for numerous reasons.
It could have benefited from more thorough editing - between a couple of typos, some odd grammar, and a phrase being repeated twice in the same sentence (I think the sentence may have originally been broken across two pages, so no one realized, and then in the final formatting it was all together) - it definitely had some technical problems.
It was also just infuriating. Especially the beginning, where so many of the campaign staffers don't think Trump SHOULD be president, but still campaign for him because it's impossible that he could win, so what does it matter if they don't think he should? That was incredibly frustrating to read.
Honestly there wasn't a lot in this book that I didn't already know, but I've been following politics pretty closely since early 2016. If you haven't, and you're looking for a good way to get up to date on current American politics, this could be a pretty good place to start. (Don't stop at this book, though, there's a lot that it doesn't cover.)
I can't say that anything really surprised me. Everything sounds like what I've come to expect from this administration. The book is decent, but anything terribly salacious from it has been pulled out and splashed across the news at this point, so if you've been paying attention, I don't actually think it's worth spending your time on. It's certainly not the groundbreaking INSIDE LOOK THAT NO ONE'S SEEN HURRY AND READ IT that it was advertised as.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
It could have benefited from more thorough editing - between a couple of typos, some odd grammar, and a phrase being repeated twice in the same sentence (I think the sentence may have originally been broken across two pages, so no one realized, and then in the final formatting it was all together) - it definitely had some technical problems.
It was also just infuriating. Especially the beginning, where so many of the campaign staffers don't think Trump SHOULD be president, but still campaign for him because it's impossible that he could win, so what does it matter if they don't think he should? That was incredibly frustrating to read.
Honestly there wasn't a lot in this book that I didn't already know, but I've been following politics pretty closely since early 2016. If you haven't, and you're looking for a good way to get up to date on current American politics, this could be a pretty good place to start. (Don't stop at this book, though, there's a lot that it doesn't cover.)
I can't say that anything really surprised me. Everything sounds like what I've come to expect from this administration. The book is decent, but anything terribly salacious from it has been pulled out and splashed across the news at this point, so if you've been paying attention, I don't actually think it's worth spending your time on. It's certainly not the groundbreaking INSIDE LOOK THAT NO ONE'S SEEN HURRY AND READ IT that it was advertised as.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue in Books
Dec 25, 2018
I have been eagerly awaiting this sequel to The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, and it did not disappoint! In The Lady's Guide we continue the story of the Montague siblings, with the book opening on Felicity showing up at her brother's flat in London while she figures out how to get into medical school. I love the sibling relationship between these two, and Felicity's friendship with Monty's partner Percy. The three of them just make an amazing little group, so supportive and understanding of each other.
Felicity strongly hinted at being asexual in The Gentleman's Guide, and through the course of this book, that is cemented. Even when she comes to care for someone, sex just...isn't her thing. Romance isn't really either, making her both asexual and aromantic. It's fantastic representation for an identity we don't see very often in books. Or, perhaps, an identity we don't see explicitly mentioned in fiction. Many books don't have romantic plots and just don't investigate that aspect of their characters, but to investigate that aspect of a character and say NO, they are NOT interested in that is unique.
Similar to The Gentleman's Guide, this is an adventure story. Unexpectedly, we veered into magical realism in this book, with the existence of some fantastical creatures I wasn't expecting to see. Nothing about The Gentleman's Guide had implied that the world they inhabited was not exactly ours, but The Lady's Guide does deviate. So that was a big surprise, and I'm not sure I like it. It felt a little forced. I think the "secret" that someone was protecting could have been written as something real instead of a fantastic creature.
That minor quibble aside, I really loved this book, just like I did the first. These two are GREAT books, and the characters are outstanding.
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Felicity strongly hinted at being asexual in The Gentleman's Guide, and through the course of this book, that is cemented. Even when she comes to care for someone, sex just...isn't her thing. Romance isn't really either, making her both asexual and aromantic. It's fantastic representation for an identity we don't see very often in books. Or, perhaps, an identity we don't see explicitly mentioned in fiction. Many books don't have romantic plots and just don't investigate that aspect of their characters, but to investigate that aspect of a character and say NO, they are NOT interested in that is unique.
Similar to The Gentleman's Guide, this is an adventure story. Unexpectedly, we veered into magical realism in this book, with the existence of some fantastical creatures I wasn't expecting to see. Nothing about The Gentleman's Guide had implied that the world they inhabited was not exactly ours, but The Lady's Guide does deviate. So that was a big surprise, and I'm not sure I like it. It felt a little forced. I think the "secret" that someone was protecting could have been written as something real instead of a fantastic creature.
That minor quibble aside, I really loved this book, just like I did the first. These two are GREAT books, and the characters are outstanding.
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated No Exit in Books
Jul 19, 2019
Couldn't put this one down!
Oh Lordy! Where do I start with this one!
Letâs say first of all, I could not put this one down. It was very fast paced and you wanted to keep reading until the end. You were on constant pins and needles throughout the novel and it was a job well done.
You cheered for Darby. She was no nonsense, and kept fighting on even when it felt like there was nowhere to turn to and things started turning really ugly. Yes she obviously did some very stupid mistakes along the way and this may infuriate some readers. However I liked her grit and her determination to keep that child alive.
The twists in this book is enough to put you on the edge of your seat. It keeps you interested and makes you want to keep reading to see what might be coming up next. I have to admit, the ending seemed a bit outrageous and it got to the point where it was a little over the top in dramatics. However, Iâll forgive for this time as I enjoyed reading this book.
The villains were well created, albeit cruel and horrible. Lars and Ashley do make a rather interesting duo and the little twist involving some bystanders at the rest stop was a nice addition to the plot. I did not care too much for the animal cruelty though, but I suppose itâs to be expected with someone of Ashleyâs cruelty and manner. The little subplot involving his uncle was also interesting and adds another dimension to the book (albeit a small one).
Definitely take the time to read this! Itâs a quick fast paced read and you feel the tension and suspense throughout the book. If you can ignore the over the top craziness towards the finale, youâll find an enjoyable read from start to finish.
Letâs say first of all, I could not put this one down. It was very fast paced and you wanted to keep reading until the end. You were on constant pins and needles throughout the novel and it was a job well done.
You cheered for Darby. She was no nonsense, and kept fighting on even when it felt like there was nowhere to turn to and things started turning really ugly. Yes she obviously did some very stupid mistakes along the way and this may infuriate some readers. However I liked her grit and her determination to keep that child alive.
The twists in this book is enough to put you on the edge of your seat. It keeps you interested and makes you want to keep reading to see what might be coming up next. I have to admit, the ending seemed a bit outrageous and it got to the point where it was a little over the top in dramatics. However, Iâll forgive for this time as I enjoyed reading this book.
The villains were well created, albeit cruel and horrible. Lars and Ashley do make a rather interesting duo and the little twist involving some bystanders at the rest stop was a nice addition to the plot. I did not care too much for the animal cruelty though, but I suppose itâs to be expected with someone of Ashleyâs cruelty and manner. The little subplot involving his uncle was also interesting and adds another dimension to the book (albeit a small one).
Definitely take the time to read this! Itâs a quick fast paced read and you feel the tension and suspense throughout the book. If you can ignore the over the top craziness towards the finale, youâll find an enjoyable read from start to finish.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated TinkerBell and the Legend of the NeverBeast (2014) in Movies
Jul 20, 2020
To its Credit, Not Bad
As the scout fairies fear the Neverbeast will destroy Pixie Hollow, Fawn has to convince them that the creature is actually a gentle giant.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 5
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
I have to give credit where itâs due. I have watched all three of the Tinker Bell movies that made it to theaters (not in theaters) and every movie saw improved visuals. It was kind of like watching the Toy Story movies get better over time. By the time they got to the third, the attention that went into just Lotsoâs fur was unreal. I love the attention to detail in this Tinker Bell installment from the lush world to the unique creatures.
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 8
At a very quick 76 minutes, this movie manages to do a lot in a little bit. I was very surprised at how much I got into it. The story flows smoothly and youâre rooting for the characters that are driving it.
Memorability: 4
Pace: 10
It should go without saying, but any movie that can tell a story in 76 minutes will not get any negative marks on the pace side from me. As previously mentioned, a lot happens in a little bit of time. I must also say that nothing ever felt rushed or forced, rather it was a natural pacing of story.
Plot: 2
Resolution: 10
Cute ending that put a bit of a smile on my face. The overall story was a hot mess, but at least it ended well. I was definitely satisfied when it was all said and done.
Overall: 79
Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast suffers from a weak story that was obviously made for kids. Had they put a bit more time and energy into the plot aspect of things, the score would have been a lot higher. As it stands, it doesnât quite get out of the âFolding Clothes Movieâ category.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
Characters: 5
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
I have to give credit where itâs due. I have watched all three of the Tinker Bell movies that made it to theaters (not in theaters) and every movie saw improved visuals. It was kind of like watching the Toy Story movies get better over time. By the time they got to the third, the attention that went into just Lotsoâs fur was unreal. I love the attention to detail in this Tinker Bell installment from the lush world to the unique creatures.
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 8
At a very quick 76 minutes, this movie manages to do a lot in a little bit. I was very surprised at how much I got into it. The story flows smoothly and youâre rooting for the characters that are driving it.
Memorability: 4
Pace: 10
It should go without saying, but any movie that can tell a story in 76 minutes will not get any negative marks on the pace side from me. As previously mentioned, a lot happens in a little bit of time. I must also say that nothing ever felt rushed or forced, rather it was a natural pacing of story.
Plot: 2
Resolution: 10
Cute ending that put a bit of a smile on my face. The overall story was a hot mess, but at least it ended well. I was definitely satisfied when it was all said and done.
Overall: 79
Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast suffers from a weak story that was obviously made for kids. Had they put a bit more time and energy into the plot aspect of things, the score would have been a lot higher. As it stands, it doesnât quite get out of the âFolding Clothes Movieâ category.
Becs (244 KP) rated A Wrinkle in Time in Books
Oct 2, 2019
Genre: Fiction, literary classic, childrenâs, young adult, science fiction.
Audience: children â young adult.
Reading level: middle school.
Interests: science fiction, fantasy, mythical creatures
Style: Fantasy Sci-Fi
Point of view: Third Person with a mix of first person.
Difficulty reading: Not at all! As easy as eating a piece of cake.
Promise: Ground-breaking science fiction.
Quality: Like a banana split with extra sprinkles and a cherry on top on a hot day. đ
Insights: I absolutely kick myself in the a** for the not reading this sooner. I think everybody should read it, no matter how old you are. And I didnât know it was part of a 5 book series until today! SAY WHATTTT!!!??? Iâm definitely purchasing the complete series brand new (the copy I have is my motherâs and itâs old and ragedy).
Ah-Ha Moment: THE ENTIRE BOOK. No joke. Like I wasnât expecting the main character to be a girl, let alone so young and to have such an ordinary family. You donât see that typically!
Favorite Quotes: âLike and equal are not the same thing at all.â â This is great, especially with our history as human beings. We need to be seen as equals not just âlikeâ.
âLife, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: Youâre given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.â â Be true to yourself, for there is nobody like you in the entire universe.
âExperiment is the mother of knowledge.â â You canât just go into life expecting to know everything and how itâs all going to end. You have to experiment because then you gain the knowledge that others may have not known.
Aesthetics: My old first edition copy has a really neat cover, itâs what drew me in originally. I loved the take on the story and how in my mind, I can actually imagine the different characters and their surroundings. Itâs a weird yet interesting book.
âPeople are more than just the way they look.â
Audience: children â young adult.
Reading level: middle school.
Interests: science fiction, fantasy, mythical creatures
Style: Fantasy Sci-Fi
Point of view: Third Person with a mix of first person.
Difficulty reading: Not at all! As easy as eating a piece of cake.
Promise: Ground-breaking science fiction.
Quality: Like a banana split with extra sprinkles and a cherry on top on a hot day. đ
Insights: I absolutely kick myself in the a** for the not reading this sooner. I think everybody should read it, no matter how old you are. And I didnât know it was part of a 5 book series until today! SAY WHATTTT!!!??? Iâm definitely purchasing the complete series brand new (the copy I have is my motherâs and itâs old and ragedy).
Ah-Ha Moment: THE ENTIRE BOOK. No joke. Like I wasnât expecting the main character to be a girl, let alone so young and to have such an ordinary family. You donât see that typically!
Favorite Quotes: âLike and equal are not the same thing at all.â â This is great, especially with our history as human beings. We need to be seen as equals not just âlikeâ.
âLife, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: Youâre given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.â â Be true to yourself, for there is nobody like you in the entire universe.
âExperiment is the mother of knowledge.â â You canât just go into life expecting to know everything and how itâs all going to end. You have to experiment because then you gain the knowledge that others may have not known.
Aesthetics: My old first edition copy has a really neat cover, itâs what drew me in originally. I loved the take on the story and how in my mind, I can actually imagine the different characters and their surroundings. Itâs a weird yet interesting book.
âPeople are more than just the way they look.â
ClareR (6106 KP) rated The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna in Books
Aug 26, 2019
This is the family saga of the Fortunaâs, and follows their lives from poverty in Calabria to the USA. It follows Stella from the birth and death of her older sister (also called Mariastella), her siblings, parents and her life in Connecticut - covering 100 years. I still canât quite believe that the author managed to fit so much into 460+ pages without it feeling rushed or shoe-horned in, it she did it!
As you can probably guess from the title, Stellaâs 7 or 8 deaths feature quite prominently in this, as does her close relationships with her mother and sister. Her father as good as abandons them for the first part of her life, and then demands that his wife and children sell everything and join him in the US where he has been working. Stella hates her controlling, abusive father, but is very much restricted by tradition and religion. So, she lives under his despotic rule. There is quite a bit of abuse - both physical and mental - in this, but what is most admirable is Stellaâs unbroken spirit. And she has spirit in spades.
I loved the style in which this was told: a family member researching and telling the story of her relatives, and trying to work out why Stella in her last 30 years refuses to have anything to do with the sister that she loved so much. I had to keep reminding myself that it was in fact fiction. There was a great balance of modern thinking (from the narrator) and the traditions of the older members of the family, complete with curses and spells to avoid the evil eye.
Iâll be honest, I thought Iâd made a mistake by choosing this book. I really didnât think Iâd like it. Iâm so relieved that I took a chance on this though, because I loved it, and Iâd say that itâs well worth a read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
As you can probably guess from the title, Stellaâs 7 or 8 deaths feature quite prominently in this, as does her close relationships with her mother and sister. Her father as good as abandons them for the first part of her life, and then demands that his wife and children sell everything and join him in the US where he has been working. Stella hates her controlling, abusive father, but is very much restricted by tradition and religion. So, she lives under his despotic rule. There is quite a bit of abuse - both physical and mental - in this, but what is most admirable is Stellaâs unbroken spirit. And she has spirit in spades.
I loved the style in which this was told: a family member researching and telling the story of her relatives, and trying to work out why Stella in her last 30 years refuses to have anything to do with the sister that she loved so much. I had to keep reminding myself that it was in fact fiction. There was a great balance of modern thinking (from the narrator) and the traditions of the older members of the family, complete with curses and spells to avoid the evil eye.
Iâll be honest, I thought Iâd made a mistake by choosing this book. I really didnât think Iâd like it. Iâm so relieved that I took a chance on this though, because I loved it, and Iâd say that itâs well worth a read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) Jul 21, 2020