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ClareR (5603 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.
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 (2099 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.
Kelly MacDonald recommended A Manual for Cleaning Women: Selected Stories in Books (curated)
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Parasite (2019) in Movies
Aug 3, 2020
An exceptional take on current climates of glamour obsession that currently faces much of the world.
Bear in mind, this movie is made in South Korea, and as such is entirely subtitled. If you normally aren't interested in this format but are thinking of giving it a go, this is definitely a great first effort.
Bong Joon-ho does (as always) an amazing job of adding layers to each character that makes you genuinely sympathize with them, even when they are a bit on the crazy side of things. Pay attention to the little things, for they are not as little as they appear.
Bear in mind, this movie is made in South Korea, and as such is entirely subtitled. If you normally aren't interested in this format but are thinking of giving it a go, this is definitely a great first effort.
Bong Joon-ho does (as always) an amazing job of adding layers to each character that makes you genuinely sympathize with them, even when they are a bit on the crazy side of things. Pay attention to the little things, for they are not as little as they appear.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Anne Boleyn: A Kings Obsession (Six Tudor Queens #2) in Books
Oct 10, 2021
165 of 250
Book
Anne Boleyn:A Kings Obsession (Six Tudor Queens book 2)
By Alison Weir
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Anne Boleyn: A King's Obsession by bestselling historian Alison Weir, author of Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen, is the second captivating novel in the Six Tudor Queens series. An unforgettable portrait of the ambitious woman whose fate we know all too well, but whose true motivations may surprise you. Essential reading for fans of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick.
'Offers a spellbinding solution to the mystery of Anne's true nature . . . Enthralling' Sarah Gristwood
The young woman who changed the course of history.
Fresh from the palaces of Burgundy and France, Anne draws attention at the English court, embracing the play of courtly love.
But when the King commands, nothing is ever a game.
Anne has a spirit worthy of a crown - and the crown is what she seeks. At any price.
ANNE BOLEYN. The second of Henry's Queens. Her story.
History tells us why she died. This powerful novel shows her as she lived.
I absolutely love how this author writes! I was hooked from the start with this book. Anne Boleyn is one of those women who started with such good intentions but then became all dark and twisted! I have zero sympathy for how her life played out but found her story totally captivating. This is definitely a series worth reading!
Book
Anne Boleyn:A Kings Obsession (Six Tudor Queens book 2)
By Alison Weir
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Anne Boleyn: A King's Obsession by bestselling historian Alison Weir, author of Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen, is the second captivating novel in the Six Tudor Queens series. An unforgettable portrait of the ambitious woman whose fate we know all too well, but whose true motivations may surprise you. Essential reading for fans of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick.
'Offers a spellbinding solution to the mystery of Anne's true nature . . . Enthralling' Sarah Gristwood
The young woman who changed the course of history.
Fresh from the palaces of Burgundy and France, Anne draws attention at the English court, embracing the play of courtly love.
But when the King commands, nothing is ever a game.
Anne has a spirit worthy of a crown - and the crown is what she seeks. At any price.
ANNE BOLEYN. The second of Henry's Queens. Her story.
History tells us why she died. This powerful novel shows her as she lived.
I absolutely love how this author writes! I was hooked from the start with this book. Anne Boleyn is one of those women who started with such good intentions but then became all dark and twisted! I have zero sympathy for how her life played out but found her story totally captivating. This is definitely a series worth reading!
ALilLacey (2 KP) rated The Rithmatist in Books
Mar 4, 2019
Loved this book! I would love to see this as a movie as long as great care was taken in making the magic happen. Wars fought with only chalk drawings by a few select Rithmatists who can control the lines. Unfortunately for Joel he wasn't selected as a Rithmatist but still learns as much as he can about them and their history. This obsession proves to be useful after students go missing from school.
The illustrations in the book were fantastic and went right along with the story and helped with understanding how exactly the chalk drawings are setup and used. Seriously cannot wait for book #2 to hopefully come out sooner rather than later. Amazing author!
The illustrations in the book were fantastic and went right along with the story and helped with understanding how exactly the chalk drawings are setup and used. Seriously cannot wait for book #2 to hopefully come out sooner rather than later. Amazing author!