Smashbomb

Search

Search results

All (633)

Content

Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Noise of Time in Books

Oct 9, 2017 (Updated Oct 9, 2017)

The Noise of Time

Julian Barnes | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry

8.3

(3 Ratings)

Book Rating

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.

Kudos

Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Bride Test in Books

Jun 21, 2019

The Bride Test

Helen Hoang | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry

9.3

(3 Ratings)

Book Rating

As you may know, I have a child with Autism and reading books fiction or non-fiction that give me a little more insight into what is going on in his brain, always make me feel like I get to know him a little better. Stella doesn't always say and do the right things, but that is what makes her so lovable. I think everyone who reads this book will fall in love with Stella.

The Kiss Quotient had me wanting to know what was going to happen with Stella. Was she going to find the love she wanted? Was her relationship with Michael going to be just temporary? Will Michael stop helping Stella if he finds out about her labels? I laughed, and cried during while listening to this book. I was happy for Stella for going for what she wanted and making her own happiness.

I think I've found a new favorite author!! I will read everything she writes.