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Christine Allard (22 KP) rated Queen of Spades in Books

Jan 26, 2018

Easily the best book I've read in six months. (0 more)

I want more from this first time author....soon! (0 more)

Small story, small setting, gambling and some mystical realism in a down-to-earth story.

Very few characters. Set in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. It's about gambling and math and cheating, and winning and losing at life and relationships. The writing is simple and stunning. The characters are few and very well-developed, quickly and slowly at the same time, without a lot of fanfare. There's a touch of mystery.

It's a "small" book, as I like to call them. Kind of like Nicholson Baker's writing. Focused.

Read it in two sittings--started one evening and finished over breakfast. Wish I had savored it more. Have already sent copies to at least seven people. Don't bother with the blurb on the back--doesn't do it much justice for what's really between the covers. Also, the paperback is a joy to hold. Even if you're a fan of eReaders, I recommend buying the real deal for this one.

Kudos

ClareR (5681 KP) rated Odette in Books

Jan 5, 2019

Odette

Jessica Duchen | 2018 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy

8.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

A charming story

A lovely, magical book about a swan that crashes through Mitzi's flat window during a storm, and then at dusk turns into a young woman. This is a reworking of the Swan Princess/ Swan Lake, or rather a 'what would happen if her spell lasted for over 100 years'?
The Princess, Odette, is naive, even though she is over 100 years old (being a swan for half of your time and living in the woods on your own, will do that to a person, I suppose), and adjusting to life in the modern age is quite hard for her. She is adamant that she needs to find a man to love her to break the spell, and Mitzi just wants to protect her and help her where she can.
I really enjoyed this story, which is rich in magical realism. The contrast of old magic and modern British life, made it on the whole quite believable, really!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for the chance to read this story on their social platform!

Kudos

Deborah (162 KP) rated Florence Grace in Books

Dec 21, 2018

I hadn't read Tracy Rees' previous novel, but thought that this sounded interesting and worth giving a go - so I did!

It's well written, but without being too highbrow or difficult to read - in fact I got through it in just a couple of days!

Plot wise it did remind me a little of Mansfield Park to start with - with the poor cousin being taken into the richer household which if alien in its ways and she is expected to be grateful - there's even an unpleasant aunt, two female cousins who think rather too well of themselves and a crush on a cousin! The book is set in the Victorian period, goes down other paths and Florence/Florrie is rather more forthright than Fanny Price!

There are some twists and turns in the plot, but nothing melodramatic and the book keeps it's air of realism.

The ending I felt was perhaps a little too neatly tied up and a touch anti-climactic, but overall it was an easy read and a book that I definitely enjoyed.