Sign up
Search
Advanced search settings

Search only in certain items:

Search results
All (1474)
Content
People
Apps
Books
Orbs
Movies
Music
Podcasts
Shows
Tabletop Games
Tech
TV
Video Games
YouTube Channels
Videos
40x40

Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Rosemary's Baby (Rosemary's Baby, #1) in Books

Mar 15, 2018  
Rosemary's Baby (Rosemary's Baby, #1)
Rosemary's Baby (Rosemary's Baby, #1)
Ira Levin | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
10
8.7 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
<b><i>This is no dream, she thought. This is real, this is happening.</i></b>

<b>Note to self and others:</b> beware of overly friendly neighbours.

This is amazing. At just over 200 pages, this novel takes you on a hell (excuse the pun) of a journey that you won’t forget anytime soon. Levin has managed to make a novel so witty, and at the same time, so terrifying. In a way, the tone of this book is reminiscent of American Psycho (or rather American Psycho is reminiscent of this as it came out afterwards), but rather than in-your-face vulgar gore, this is far more psychologically disturbing. Never has such a mundane life, as Rosemarys and Guy’s, ever been so horrifying.

I’d already watched the movie when I picked this up, so I knew what this novel was about and what happened, and I think, maybe, that made me enjoy this <i>more.</i> When you know how the story plays out, the tension in this really grips you and you find yourself angry and empathetic towards Rosemary’s naivety. I think if I went into this novel not knowing, Rosemary would have simply pissed me off, she’s that sort of weak and dependant woman I oh-so hate in books, but it was a different experience for me, knowing what I know. That’s not to say you won’t like this going into it blind, I’m sure the tension and horror of this will affect you just the same way <i>and</i>_ you'll get the pleasure of the pure shock of the discovery, something I didn't.

I’ve said previously that I find it hard to really <i>hate</i> a character in a book, as I often find things to like about them, despite all their bad ways, but that’s not the case in this one. Let’s just say there is one specific character in this I hate more than anyone (in any other book ever, so far) for their betrayal, all for their own selfish gain.

The ending of this novel is one of the hardest, if not <i>the</i> hardest to swallow. It’s <i>so</i> distressing and <i>so</i> upsetting. I can’t say anything more than that, but it’s truly awful.

I’m really trying not to give too much away with this review, it’s hard not to say so many things, but I think it’s OK to mention the fact this book is about devilry (it’s written on the book as a quote from Capote so it can’t exactly be ignored)! This is a truly terrifying novel, and if you had qualms about having children before, you’ll definitely have more after reading this book.

This is a one-sitting read for me and I’m actually excited to re-read it sometime in the future. This work is a masterpiece. Levin is an incredible writer and I’m now aiming to read the rest of his work by the end of the year (yes, even <i>Son of Rosemary</i>, even though it has the worst ratings ever).

P.S. Even if you don’t like horror, you’ll most likely enjoy this book as it’s not openly trying to freak you out. It’s far more a suspense novel that gets in your head.
  
40x40

Cori June (3033 KP) rated Hamilton (2020) in Movies

Jul 15, 2020  
Hamilton (2020)
Hamilton (2020)
2020 | Biography, Drama, History, Musical
8
8.2 (17 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Sing so quickly it can be hard to understand (0 more)
A captivating production of the life of Alexander Hamilton. It was emotional and historic. I can see why all the hype. The performers did an amazing job. This play made me want to research more about early American history, if for nothing else to see how historically accurate it is (Pretty accurate, from what do know/remember). Yeah, the King of England is portrayed in the role of an "toxic abusive boyfriend" (my sister's analogy not mine) but he has some of the best songs. I don't think they over glorify the Founding Fathers although they do gloss over some things. However, it is a 2 1/2 hour play that spans a great number of years you have to gloss over some stuff unfortunately.
  
40x40

Will Oldham recommended Solaris (1972) in Movies (curated)

 
Solaris (1972)
Solaris (1972)
1972 | Sci-Fi
8.4 (5 Ratings)
Movie Favorite Watch

"Why not check out a double-cassette VHS of a Russian sci-fi movie from the library in Bloomington, Indiana, in the summer of 1992? Had never heard of it, nor of Tarkovsky. I was checking out a movie every day, based on what narrow selection the library had on her shelves. I was not prepared for how bent my mind became through the experience of watching this movie. That summer, in addition to watching a movie every evening, I was working on the construction of songs with regularity for the first time in my life. Solaris restructured my consciousness for a moment and helped lead me to believe that the past = the present = the future. I’ve never seen the American remake, and, even though Soderbergh is so good, I think I never will."

Source