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ClareR (5726 KP) rated The Haunting of Alma Fielding: A True Ghost Story in Books
Oct 5, 2020 (Updated Oct 5, 2020)
The Haunting of Alma Fielding is the non-fiction account of Nando Fodor and his investigation in to the haunting of a London housewife. Fodor was a Jewish-Hungarian refugee and worked for the International Institute for Psychical Research. When Fodor was tipped off about a possible poltergeist haunting, he rushed to Alma’s house to try and work out what exactly was going on. He was scrupulous. He involved trusted mediums, wrote detailed notes (lucky for us!) and whilst reading the book, it became obvious that Fodor became obsessed. His obsession however, had a deleterious effect on Alma. The more access to her that he had, the more physically ill she seemed to become and the more she seemed to be haunted.
There does seem to be a theme of obsession running through this with regards to Fodor. I was never quite sure if his obsession was with Alma’s haunting, or with Alma herself. She was an attractive woman, after all. He would certainly have been stopped a lot sooner if this had happened today (but I do wonder whether this would have happened at all).
The historical background and the build up to the Second World War was very interesting, and I enjoyed the historical detail throughout. I also liked that there was an ending. Summerscale researched up to the deaths of those involved - I appreciated that closure. But what interesting lives these people had!
This was a great story for a sceptic like me. Ghost stories fascinate me. I don’t believe that there are ghosts, but I still like that they have the ability to unnerve and scare me! And this was certainly unnerving!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book. I probably would have gone on the waiting list at the library because of the (well-deserved) buzz around it, but I really do much prefer not having to wait and reading along with my fellow pigeons!
There does seem to be a theme of obsession running through this with regards to Fodor. I was never quite sure if his obsession was with Alma’s haunting, or with Alma herself. She was an attractive woman, after all. He would certainly have been stopped a lot sooner if this had happened today (but I do wonder whether this would have happened at all).
The historical background and the build up to the Second World War was very interesting, and I enjoyed the historical detail throughout. I also liked that there was an ending. Summerscale researched up to the deaths of those involved - I appreciated that closure. But what interesting lives these people had!
This was a great story for a sceptic like me. Ghost stories fascinate me. I don’t believe that there are ghosts, but I still like that they have the ability to unnerve and scare me! And this was certainly unnerving!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book. I probably would have gone on the waiting list at the library because of the (well-deserved) buzz around it, but I really do much prefer not having to wait and reading along with my fellow pigeons!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Doll Factory in Books
Feb 7, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
The Doll Factory is the debut novel of Elizabeth Macneal. It is not a children's book. Before reading it, some reviewers thought it could be because of the cover. Afterward, they realized they were mistaken.
It is a historical fiction novel set in 1850 London. It revolves around Iris, a doll maker, who dreams of a better life. Iris knows her life drastically changes when she meets Louis Frost, a painter, who agrees to teach her to paint in exchange for sitting as his model. What she does not know is it also drastically changes with a brief exchange with Silas, a strange collector who is entranced and quickly becomes obsessed with Iris.
The story is a slow burn and took a while for me to really get into it. It was because of this, the story felt longer than 336 pages. Macneal's description of Silas's increasing obsession with Iris is creepy, dark, and extremely believable. What made it creepier is that Iris does not even remember meeting Silas. Yet, he believes Iris is as infatuated with him as he is with her. This theme has been done before but the 1850 London setting helps make the obsession even darker.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/6/2020.
The Doll Factory is the debut novel of Elizabeth Macneal. It is not a children's book. Before reading it, some reviewers thought it could be because of the cover. Afterward, they realized they were mistaken.
It is a historical fiction novel set in 1850 London. It revolves around Iris, a doll maker, who dreams of a better life. Iris knows her life drastically changes when she meets Louis Frost, a painter, who agrees to teach her to paint in exchange for sitting as his model. What she does not know is it also drastically changes with a brief exchange with Silas, a strange collector who is entranced and quickly becomes obsessed with Iris.
The story is a slow burn and took a while for me to really get into it. It was because of this, the story felt longer than 336 pages. Macneal's description of Silas's increasing obsession with Iris is creepy, dark, and extremely believable. What made it creepier is that Iris does not even remember meeting Silas. Yet, he believes Iris is as infatuated with him as he is with her. This theme has been done before but the 1850 London setting helps make the obsession even darker.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/6/2020.
The Shadow of the Wind: The Cemetery of Forgotten Books 1
8.8
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Book
A stunning literary thriller in the tradition of Umberto Eco. The discovery of a forgotten book...
Heart of Ice
9.5
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When a childhood friend turns into an obsession… The white skull, the black cape, the monstrous...
Dark Novella Paranormal Romance
Christine Allard (22 KP) rated The Animators in Books
Jan 30, 2018 (Updated Jan 30, 2018)
A story of passion, friendship, obsession, and self-discovery
Give yourself a few hours to dip into the creative world of animation—one you haven’t likely given much thought to in the past.
This novel is rich with character details and development, while holding back as much as the characters hold from themselves.
It’s an unfolding of the creative process, of friendship and love and loyalty, with a shadow of darkness and feminism. It could have become strident, but Whitaker strikes a balance of advancing the story while leaving the reader to draw their conclusions about self-exploration and the exploitation of others.
This novel is rich with character details and development, while holding back as much as the characters hold from themselves.
It’s an unfolding of the creative process, of friendship and love and loyalty, with a shadow of darkness and feminism. It could have become strident, but Whitaker strikes a balance of advancing the story while leaving the reader to draw their conclusions about self-exploration and the exploitation of others.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated A Vicky Hill Exclusive! (Vicky Hill, #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Vicky Hill is trying to make a name for herself in journalism, but she's stuck in a small English village. Fortunately, she stumbles on a strange case involving a dead hedge jumper and chickens. Can she figure things out? The plot hooked me early and kept me going, which is a good thing considering how much I hated Vicky. She kept spinning wild theories that any sane person would dismiss. And her obsession with losing her virginity wasn't nearly as funny as it was supposed to be.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-vicky-hill-exclusive-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-vicky-hill-exclusive-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Dracoria Malfoy (690 KP) rated Stars Beneath Our Feet in Books
May 27, 2018
What a Star
Alright, My boy Lolly deserves, like, none of this shit. What a pure child. Alright, as a kid that's also kinda from the hood, I can tell you, it's really that bad. However, this book encapsulated it perfectly, and the added small details made it all the better.
One thing I really like was that Lolly's obsession with Legos was well done. I think Moore really showed how a kid, who was just twelve would feel. Little kids dealing with adult stuff is something that shouldn't happen, but still does. However, Moore makes it inviting, and yet not. Oof. This review is getting problematic.
Last thing: LGBTGIA+ friendly!!!
One thing I really like was that Lolly's obsession with Legos was well done. I think Moore really showed how a kid, who was just twelve would feel. Little kids dealing with adult stuff is something that shouldn't happen, but still does. However, Moore makes it inviting, and yet not. Oof. This review is getting problematic.
Last thing: LGBTGIA+ friendly!!!
Joni Thomas (33 KP) rated Titanic (1997) in Movies
Aug 24, 2018
I love all things Titanic related. This movie is what started the obsession so it will always have a special place in my heart.
I think the movie's casting was perfect. The drama was perfect, the storyline really draws you in and even though you know how the story ends you still find yourself wishing the ship would just miss the iceberg, just this once.
The special effects are quite good for the year the movie was made.
I love that although Jack and Rose are made up characters that there are some historical figures featured in the movie also. It really gives the movie a more authentic feel.
I think the movie's casting was perfect. The drama was perfect, the storyline really draws you in and even though you know how the story ends you still find yourself wishing the ship would just miss the iceberg, just this once.
The special effects are quite good for the year the movie was made.
I love that although Jack and Rose are made up characters that there are some historical figures featured in the movie also. It really gives the movie a more authentic feel.
The Devils of Loudun
Book
In 1634 Urbain Grandier, a handsome and dissolute priest of the parish of Loudun was tried, tortured...