Search
Search results
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Noise of Time in Books
Oct 9, 2017 (Updated Oct 9, 2017)
Historical fiction at its very best
There is a huge amount of non-fiction elements of this bleak novel about one of Russia's most noted composers and musicians Dmitri Shostakovich, who fought inner demons for the majority of his life due to the immense pressures and threats posed by the Soviet Union.
From his complex relationships with women, to the government, the artist was forced to live a life of paranoia, after many of his fellow composers and musicologists mysteriously disappeared following talks with the "Power" at the Big House. There were many moments where it resembled Room 101 from George Orwell's 1984, and the oppressive atmosphere that Shostakovich had to live through.
In the end, Julian Barnes explains that agreeing to Stalin's and Khrushchev's demands had been the ultimate downfall to his health. and in many ways it was a fate worse than death. It is grim and tragic to think about such an important composer in history being treated in such way.
From his complex relationships with women, to the government, the artist was forced to live a life of paranoia, after many of his fellow composers and musicologists mysteriously disappeared following talks with the "Power" at the Big House. There were many moments where it resembled Room 101 from George Orwell's 1984, and the oppressive atmosphere that Shostakovich had to live through.
In the end, Julian Barnes explains that agreeing to Stalin's and Khrushchev's demands had been the ultimate downfall to his health. and in many ways it was a fate worse than death. It is grim and tragic to think about such an important composer in history being treated in such way.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Beast Side: Living (and Dying) While Black in America in Books
Oct 26, 2017
A vivid account of survival and growth
Dwight Watkins, a seasoned writer and teacher with indisputable talent and skills, gives a detailed account of living on the 'Other Side' of Baltimore. The Beast Side is a socio-historical examination of black lives in the United States juxtaposed against his upbringing in the area. Through his account we discover a poignant and unadulterated story about the systematic way black lives don't matter and how the challenges for African Americans are much deeper and pervasive than people will admit.
What helps the arguments in Watkins's essays hit home are the sobering and enlightening slices of life and characters he weaves throughout. By the end, you're left with an advanced understanding of this man's love for the community that formed him, and how neighbourhoods such as East Baltimore fit into the national debate for social change. A must for those who care about social equality.
What helps the arguments in Watkins's essays hit home are the sobering and enlightening slices of life and characters he weaves throughout. By the end, you're left with an advanced understanding of this man's love for the community that formed him, and how neighbourhoods such as East Baltimore fit into the national debate for social change. A must for those who care about social equality.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Lincoln in the Bardo in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Epic modern Shakespearean tragedy
Listened on Audible.co.uk.
George Saunder's epic historical and existential tragedy seems to resonate on many levels with a variety of readers. Taking the real life account of the death of Abraham Lincoln's son, exploring his grief and creating a magical realistic theatrical piece is a true wonder.
It's a listening experience for all the senses, with the beautiful music and sounds of the Civil War, as well as a host of well known voices - it's haunting in many aspects. The language is rich and variable mixing Shakespearean dialogue with modern slang.
Where it falls short are the constant breaks in the novel through footnotes describing the actual factual account of that time. It is jarring and ruins the experience - it should be left to the end and is only valid when reading. In this case Saunders sounds timid, having to constantly back up his claims. It would have been five stars, but it happened too often.
George Saunder's epic historical and existential tragedy seems to resonate on many levels with a variety of readers. Taking the real life account of the death of Abraham Lincoln's son, exploring his grief and creating a magical realistic theatrical piece is a true wonder.
It's a listening experience for all the senses, with the beautiful music and sounds of the Civil War, as well as a host of well known voices - it's haunting in many aspects. The language is rich and variable mixing Shakespearean dialogue with modern slang.
Where it falls short are the constant breaks in the novel through footnotes describing the actual factual account of that time. It is jarring and ruins the experience - it should be left to the end and is only valid when reading. In this case Saunders sounds timid, having to constantly back up his claims. It would have been five stars, but it happened too often.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Garden of Madness (Seven Wonders, #2) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This is 1 of those times where I wish Goodreads would give the old 1/2 a star option. This book wasn't a 3, but it wasn't a 4 either. I enjoyed it, but I also didn't think it was worth 4 stars. The characters I interesting & the arcs that each progresses through during the course of the book were intriguing. There was a fairly good plot, and the ending found me holding my breath for fear of what might happen to Tiamat.
However, the beginning was where I found myself struggling with the story. It took awhile for the action of the plot to really get going & draw me in. The characters were at first, hard to connect with. I enjoyed the historical part of the story. It wasn't too overbearing or preachy for being rather religious based. It didn't feel forced and worked naturally with the plot. I guess this just isn't the kind of book I'd normally find myself pulling down off a shelf.
However, the beginning was where I found myself struggling with the story. It took awhile for the action of the plot to really get going & draw me in. The characters were at first, hard to connect with. I enjoyed the historical part of the story. It wasn't too overbearing or preachy for being rather religious based. It didn't feel forced and worked naturally with the plot. I guess this just isn't the kind of book I'd normally find myself pulling down off a shelf.
Lindsay (1812 KP) rated The Keys of the Watchmen in Books
Sep 7, 2017
The Keys of the Watchman is one really good book. Once I get into the book it, I can not put it down. It got all of what you would want in a book, it has action, mystery and time travel and romance all in one book. What a way to read a book.
The author does a wonderful job of tell the story of the of the historical facts. You get to feel as if you are part of it. You want to help the characters. You learn about christianity though this book as well. The Archangel Michael and Lucifer (Satan, Devil) and one of the fallen angels that is mention in the book is Abdon.
The book is about good and evil and saving the mount. We have a fallen angel Abdon and Nicolas and Katelyn. We are mostly in the year of 1424. We have Jean and Katelyn and Nicholas who are called Watchman but will they save Mount Saint Michael?
The author does a wonderful job of tell the story of the of the historical facts. You get to feel as if you are part of it. You want to help the characters. You learn about christianity though this book as well. The Archangel Michael and Lucifer (Satan, Devil) and one of the fallen angels that is mention in the book is Abdon.
The book is about good and evil and saving the mount. We have a fallen angel Abdon and Nicolas and Katelyn. We are mostly in the year of 1424. We have Jean and Katelyn and Nicholas who are called Watchman but will they save Mount Saint Michael?
Merissa (13989 KP) rated Clara (Stories of Lorst #1) in Books
May 15, 2018
Clara (Stories of Lorst #1) by Suzanna J. Linton
Clara is a young girl of ten when we first meet her, enjoying her last day of freedom although she doesn't realise that. Her life is about to change for the worst, but there is also a spark of hope in the form of Emmerich, a gypsy boy she meets. Clara loses many things, including her voice, during her trials and tribulations but it looks like her life is changing for the better when she meets Emmerich again. Is everything as it seems, or has Emmerich changed in ways too many to be ignored?
This is a well-written historical fantasy with a hint of romance. With good guys doing bad things, bad guys turning over new leaves (possibly), plus evil dudes without any form of redemption, this story captured my imagination as I read through.
Well-written and smoothly paced, this was a good, solid book. Definitely recommended.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is a well-written historical fantasy with a hint of romance. With good guys doing bad things, bad guys turning over new leaves (possibly), plus evil dudes without any form of redemption, this story captured my imagination as I read through.
Well-written and smoothly paced, this was a good, solid book. Definitely recommended.
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated How to Hang a Witch (How to Hang a Witch, #1) in Books
May 16, 2018
In order to combat my reading slump, I’ve been binge listening to a lot of audio books. Yesterday, I finished How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather. I didn’t see the term historical fiction used to describe it, however I feel that it’s a suiting genre considering what the author reveals to us in the afterward.
How to Hang a Witch is read by Mather as well, and I find her voice to be quite suiting for the main character. Then again, the main character seems to be an version of herself that is relevant to the story. With characters that are primarily in high school, it works quite well. I will admit, and this has affected my rating a bit, that it takes some time to get used to Mather’s voice.
<a href="http://theghastlygrimoire.com/2017/11/26/book-review-how-to-hang-a-witch-1-by-adriana-mathers/"; target="_new">Read more at <i>The Ghastly Grimoire</i>.</a>
How to Hang a Witch is read by Mather as well, and I find her voice to be quite suiting for the main character. Then again, the main character seems to be an version of herself that is relevant to the story. With characters that are primarily in high school, it works quite well. I will admit, and this has affected my rating a bit, that it takes some time to get used to Mather’s voice.
<a href="http://theghastlygrimoire.com/2017/11/26/book-review-how-to-hang-a-witch-1-by-adriana-mathers/"; target="_new">Read more at <i>The Ghastly Grimoire</i>.</a>
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated The Flow of History in Tabletop Games
Apr 15, 2018
Multiple use cards (2 more)
Historical technologies
Good glory to Rome style art.
Flow of history has a lot to love.
Glory to Rome is out of print. And it’s rare to find a copy for sale for less that $200. Which is a lot for a small card game. This one searches the itch but is also different enough to be its own thing. On first play it feels less swingy than GTR. I really started to see how it worked about 1/2 way through. And wished I’d done things very differently. My friend backed it on Kickstarter and now I’m wishing I had too. This needs multiple plays to be sure I love it. But I go to game night to try new things and this delivered. Kudos to the designers for trying to fill a void while still making a new game.
Leah (: (569 KP) rated Queen of Someday (Stolen Empire, #1) in Books
Feb 4, 2019
This book tells the story of a young Sophia on her journey to Russia where she will hopefully marry Peter to become queen one day.
I didn’t realise it was telling the story of the young Catherine the Great and how she came to be ruler of Russia.
I found Sophie’s character to overall be very enjoyable as she was badass and would take care of herself whilst also having a kind and caring side. However she was a bit annoying at times with how naive and idealistic she could be.
What was really great about this book was at the end of most chapters there was a link to a short video. In this the author would give some extra information and sometimes explain differences between her story and known historical facts and the reasons behind them.
Overall I enjoyed this book and decided to buy the rest in the series and that is saying something.
I didn’t realise it was telling the story of the young Catherine the Great and how she came to be ruler of Russia.
I found Sophie’s character to overall be very enjoyable as she was badass and would take care of herself whilst also having a kind and caring side. However she was a bit annoying at times with how naive and idealistic she could be.
What was really great about this book was at the end of most chapters there was a link to a short video. In this the author would give some extra information and sometimes explain differences between her story and known historical facts and the reasons behind them.
Overall I enjoyed this book and decided to buy the rest in the series and that is saying something.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Death Of Stalin (2017) in Movies
Feb 10, 2019
Needs more Jason Isaacs
This film has one of the best ensemble casts I've seen in a long time. There are some fantastic actors in this from both sides of the pond, and there isn't a single one that I'd criticise. The film itself isn't hilarious, but it is pretty funny and raises quite a few laughs. Its an ingeniously satirical take on the death of Stalin, and I'd love to see similar historical events re-enacted in the same manner, as it'd make them a lot more entertaining. It flits from scene to scene very quickly & it can be a little difficult to follow what's going on, but I don't think that really matters. For me though, the best thing about this film was Jason Isaacs. His general with a Yorkshire accent was absolutely hilarious, and I just wish he'd been in this film a lot more, as I probably would've rated it higher if he was.
