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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Physics of the Dead in Books
Jul 31, 2017
A Kafkaesque bittersweet ghost story
For a first novel, Luke Smitherd has done himself justice bringing together classic existentialism, quite literally, with a touch of magical realism. An incredibly interesting concept discussing the in between phase of purgatory and reincarnation and how as humans, we cease to function without the basic notion of togetherness wrapped up in as easy to follow narrative.
While there were a few holes in terms of lack of character development for the the few people in the plot, the author performed his book well and it held together in the end.
While there were a few holes in terms of lack of character development for the the few people in the plot, the author performed his book well and it held together in the end.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Shell Collector in Books
Aug 27, 2017
Promising but ultimately disappointing
I've loved some of Hugh Howey's other works and I had high hopes for his take on a romantic novel, but sadly this was pretty disappointing. It had promise, with an interesting plot based around a romance taking place in a near future where the sea levels have risen and shells are becoming extinct. Howey writes very well and I can't fault him for that, I just felt he concentrated too much on the predictable romance side than developing the scientific future aspect. The characters too were nothing special, and the whole book just felt very rushed.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Sin City (2005) in Movies
Aug 15, 2017
Slick cinematography, dark tales
This film's graphic novel style cinematography is original, effective and beautiful to behold. The black and white effect with certain colours highlighted reminded me of looking at old style comics. The multiple stories that mesh together are all extremely dark, from serial murders to molestation and exploitation, it's Rated R for a very good reason. And while the Tarantino style gore can be surprisingly easy on the eye especially in black and white, it seemed extreme at times, filmed for the sake of being violent.
Exceptional
I'm a super fan of Stephen King, but this is a force to be reckoned with.
The characters are so well written, that you empathise and feel the fear with them.
There's so many different characters and sub stories within the novel that you never see in any adaptation.
It's a really long book, and it did take me a while to really get engrossed in it, but it's so worth it.
It's marvellous, greatest book I've ever read, it's a real treat. I did have to read it with the light on.
The characters are so well written, that you empathise and feel the fear with them.
There's so many different characters and sub stories within the novel that you never see in any adaptation.
It's a really long book, and it did take me a while to really get engrossed in it, but it's so worth it.
It's marvellous, greatest book I've ever read, it's a real treat. I did have to read it with the light on.
ClareR (5726 KP) rated Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016) in Movies
Apr 11, 2018
Good female characters (2 more)
Great mix of the original and the new
Good and gory!!
This was a cracking film! I thought it would be a cheese-fest, and to some degree it is. I loved how the zombie storyline was merged with the original novel, and I, probably annoyingly, kept telling my husband when they had lifted dialogue from the book. I liked that touch very much. And there are some absolutely cracking actors in this film! I was very surprised to see Charles Dance (and also rather pleased. He could talk to/ at me all day!).
Erika (17788 KP) rated The Mysteries of Udolpho in Books
Feb 2, 2019
The Mysteries of Udolpho is commonly known as the first 'Gothic Novel', and is cited in Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. I wish that in British Literature/HS European Literature classes in the USA taught this instead of Jane Eyre.
This book is very long, which may seem daunting, but I believe it's worth it. I enjoy Radcliffe's writing style as well. You can really see why this book is used as a template for many gothic novels/films, like Crimson Peak.
Again, this won't be to everyone's taste, but if you like classic literature, I consider it a must-read.
This book is very long, which may seem daunting, but I believe it's worth it. I enjoy Radcliffe's writing style as well. You can really see why this book is used as a template for many gothic novels/films, like Crimson Peak.
Again, this won't be to everyone's taste, but if you like classic literature, I consider it a must-read.
Nikki Massey (8 KP) rated Death of a Nurse (Hamish Macbeth, #31) in Books
Feb 7, 2019
This was a first for me to read a crime genre novel.
I found it interesting, if a little out there.
Without giving it away, I found place names a little difficult to get my head around and although the accents portrayed were maybe needed to give more of a feel for the location and characters, it made reading a little difficult.
I'm not sure I fully warmed to the characters and felt they were a little clumsy and slapstick.
But that is just my opinion, I'm sure many love these quirks.
Still an entertaining read.
I found it interesting, if a little out there.
Without giving it away, I found place names a little difficult to get my head around and although the accents portrayed were maybe needed to give more of a feel for the location and characters, it made reading a little difficult.
I'm not sure I fully warmed to the characters and felt they were a little clumsy and slapstick.
But that is just my opinion, I'm sure many love these quirks.
Still an entertaining read.
Heathski (173 KP) rated Bloody Rose in Books
Feb 9, 2019
Unexpectedly good
Ok I wasn't sure I was going to like it. The beginning didn't endear me to the characters, and seemed a bit too far fetched even for a fantasy novel. However I kept reading and found myself not wanting to put it down. The author writes in a rich descriptive poetic style, very beautiful at times and when it's not, it's mildly funny and a little crude.
It certainly does not lack depth in any of the characters, which was what concerned me at the beginning. The plot is skilfully woven together and left me wanting more.
It certainly does not lack depth in any of the characters, which was what concerned me at the beginning. The plot is skilfully woven together and left me wanting more.
Erika (17788 KP) rated The Thirteenth Tale in Books
Feb 27, 2019
After reading Setterfield's @Bellman & Black, I was excited to read this novel. I was so completely disappointed. I HATE Flowers in the Attic type crap, and I nearly stopped reading. I have no idea why the trope of incest is still used, but it's annoying and so pedestrian.
The Gothic ghost-story is what I stayed for, but, then again, anti-climactic. The whole twin thing started to grate on my nerves, I get that it was a big part of the book, but the main character doesn't have to mention it every single time she narrates.
The Gothic ghost-story is what I stayed for, but, then again, anti-climactic. The whole twin thing started to grate on my nerves, I get that it was a big part of the book, but the main character doesn't have to mention it every single time she narrates.
Gisell Middleton (189 KP) rated A Map of the Dark in Books
Mar 9, 2019
This novel had many layers which is often the case with stories featuring “damaged” investigators wanting to “make a difference”. It is not an original concept as it is seen more often than not; however, this book introduced us to an array of characters whose lives and backgrounds make the reader want to know more. To say that the lead investigator’s backstory was more distressing and disturbing than the crimes she is investigating would be an understatement. The detective work feels solid and the characters are believable. This was certainly a page turner with a surprise at the end which brings some satisfaction.