
ClareR (5789 KP) rated This One Sky Day in Books
May 11, 2021
Popisho is a magical land where everyone is born with a special gift or ‘cors’ Some are healers, some have speed or strength, and some, namely Xavier Redchoose, has the gift of cooking the perfect meal for everyone. He is the macaenus of his generation. He has the ability at his fingertips to make food taste delicious, and to cook just what his guest loves and needs the most. All cors are given by the gods.
It’s a story that tells you to use your gifts to make you happy, it talks about politics and how they can be twisted to serve the needs of those who are supposed to who are supposed to serve others, and it’s a story that shows that change is inevitable.
I’m not so sure that I understood everything, but it’s a beautifully written, entertaining story. I never knew what was going to happen next, in a world where literally anything could happen!
I WILL say that I’ve read enough about pum-pums to last me a lifetime. I may even be a little bit traumatised! 🤭
I think the best word to describe this book is “gleeful”. Whilst I was reading it, it felt like the author had enjoyed writing it (whether that’s true or not, I have no idea!), and it was a book that just made me feel happy! 🤷🏼♀️
So, whether I’ve managed to grasp the finer details of this novel is immaterial to me - I just really very much enjoyed reading it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another great serialisation.

Norte: A Novel
Edmundo Paz-Soldan and Valerie Miles
Book
Three unconnected people travel north, each passing in isolation over one of the most troubled and...

Pat Healy recommended Fanny and Alexander (1982) in Movies (curated)

ClareR (5789 KP) rated Gingerbread in Books
Apr 17, 2021
This is a meandering, imaginative tale with gingerbread at it’s heart. There are a lot of nods to fairytales, from the use of gingerbread, to the name of Harriet’s best friend: Gretel. The rags and riches stories: characters leaving their farm homes to move to the city and make their fortunes.
Magical realism is used throughout, from the way that Harriet and her mother leave their homeland of Druhastrana to move to London, to Perdita’s talking dolls, who are in fact part doll, part plant.
Moving houses, haunted houses, boys who run away just like the Gingerbread Man. This is not a linear, beginning, middle and end kind of story.
At points I wasn’t quite sure what was going on, but decided I didn’t care. It’s a joy to read, and I quite like a book that makes me work for the story, from time to time!
There was a nod to real life: a country cut off from any others (Brexit, anyone?), girls working for pretend/ little money and exploited, and illegal immigration.
There’s a lot to unpick in this, but to be honest, I just enjoyed the ride!

ClareR (5789 KP) rated The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida in Books
Oct 21, 2020
Whilst they are away, Ryusei’s sister, Fumi, has an unexpected visitor who asks to stay with her for a while. Fumi is clearly in a vulnerable position after the death of Miwako (who had worked for her), because she says yes.
This was such an unexpected pleasure to read. It’s a very sad story, gently told: these are all grieving, vulnerable people. When it slips in to magical realism, it didn’t seem out of place or odd, in fact these parts really helped to explain what had happened to Miwako and developed the character of Fumi. I can’t believe that I haven’t heard of Clarissa Goenawan before, and I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for more of her books.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book.

Bound in Flame (The Hawaiian Ladies’ Riding Society #1)
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Letty Lang is a suffragist of the most fearless kind, with a bullwhip, big plans, and ancient power...
Magical Realism Historical Fantasy Romance Mythology

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
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A mesmerizing, lyrical tale of the bright and dark sides of love and desire. First-time author...

Waking Up Lost (Adirondack Spirit Series #4)
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Traveling without warning. Nights lost to supernatural journeys. Is one young man fated to wander...
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The Raven and the Pig (Celwyn #2)
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As the music dies, the magician Celwyn is mortally wounded. His darker, immortal brother Pelaez...
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No. 1 iPhone game in Hong Kong, No. 1 iPhone game in Taiwan, No. 1 iPhone game in Singapore, No. 1...