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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Sisterland in Books

Dec 14, 2018  
Sisterland
Sisterland
Curtis Sittenfeld | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry
8
7.6 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to - I had been slightly wary of reading Curtis Sittenfeld’s <i>Sisterland</i> after seeing that it has been listed as Chick Lit on <i>Goodreads</i>. It is a story about two sisters (the title sort of gives that away) – twins in fact: Violet and Daisy. Although for the majority of the novel the narrator, Daisy, is known as Kate.

The chapters alternate between past and present, which helps the reader to understand the characters and their developments whilst the main story line is being played out. I say present but you later discover that Kate is actually narrating these events a couple of years after although this was not clear and the beginning.

Vi and Kate both have ESP or “senses” meaning that they occasionally experience visions, thoughts, or feelings about certain people or events that are yet to occur. When Vi receives a message about an earthquake due to occur in their hometown, the media ends up getting involved, speculating how much truth there is behind this prediction.

As the supposed “doomsday” date approaches, Vi and Kate’s relationship has its ups and down – something which seems to have been the case throughout most of their lives. But the main question is will there be an earthquake or is it, perhaps, a metaphor for events taking place in Kate’s own home and family?

While reading I felt as though I was - I am not really sure how to word it – perhaps growing close to the narrator as she recounted her tale. Learning about Kate as a person and understand and relating to how she felt and acted. This meant, however, that I became disappointed in Kate for making a certain bad decision – or more like giving in to an impulse. I will not reveal what that is as I do not want to spoil the book for anyone who has not yet read it.

As I have already said, I did enjoy this book. Personally I would not label it as Chick Lit, although I will not deny that it is intended for women to read. It is a contemporary, fictional novel with a hint of fantasy or the paranormal about it. I would recommend it to readers who appreciate other novels of a similar genre.
  
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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Child in Books

Jan 20, 2018 (Updated Jan 20, 2018)  
The Child
The Child
Fiona Barton | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.3 (15 Ratings)
Book Rating
Good twist at the end
Fiona Barton's thrillers are always very accessible, it truly feels like you're reading an updated whodunit. The story surrounds various women with lots of secrets, that seem to emerge after the discovery of the remains of a baby at a building site.

Emma, a neurotic writer, her cold mother Jude, the mother of a missing infant Angelica, and of course, journalist Kate Walker take centre stage in this book. Each voice is unique with Kate being driven and ambitious, Emma appearing secretive, and the fragile Angelica breaking down fairly regularly. In this way, you're unlikely to become confused as the characters are distinct.

No doubt, a lot does happen so there is a question of whether Barton may have overdone the story. However, the last twist at the end was less obvious than the others and so the story concluded satisfactorily. An enjoyable read.
  
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Dean (6927 KP) rated Jolt (2021) in Movies

Sep 4, 2021  
Jolt (2021)
Jolt (2021)
2021 | Action, Comedy
5
5.6 (5 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Kate Beckinsale (1 more)
Amusing
Middle of road genre (0 more)
Low voltage fun
Feeling like a low powered Crank with a female twist. Never quite sure whether to go full out violent or go for comedy value. So it ends up some where in the middle and with a weak revenge story it's not going to jolt your memory long after.
Kate Beckinsale with her sarcastic blunt quips does make it fairly enjoyable and the supporting cast is pretty decent. OK for a watch but not one to go out of your way to catch.
Why try to Americanise the location as well? European cars, English street signs and scenes shot on the Southbank and quite a few using the Tate Modern location for the villians pad. A couple of fire hydrants, yellow taxis and a school bus to make it look set in New York seem pointless.