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rubygranger's reviews
305 reviews
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.25
The first half of this book was EXCELLENT - and the reason that it has merited the star rating it has - I love the flaneur narrator, the Oxford setting and the complex family workings at play. Brideshead Revisited, like The Go-Between, is a cutting examination of wealth inequality and pressures in early 20th century England.
HOWEVER, the second half of the book was actually just really boring (I'm sorry!). We end up following the narrator into his adult life as an artist and, while there are echoes of his youth, it's pretty minor. It's almost like two different books. The ending redeems it, but I wish we'd seen more of Sebastian, because he's easily the most interesting character and just seems to disappear.
It's sacrilegious to say, but, in my opinion, you could just read book one of this and not miss out on much!
HOWEVER, the second half of the book was actually just really boring (I'm sorry!). We end up following the narrator into his adult life as an artist and, while there are echoes of his youth, it's pretty minor. It's almost like two different books. The ending redeems it, but I wish we'd seen more of Sebastian, because he's easily the most interesting character and just seems to disappear.
It's sacrilegious to say, but, in my opinion, you could just read book one of this and not miss out on much!
The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks
3.0
I am drawn to books about bullying and so pre-ordered this book as soon as I heard about it. I enjoyed the storyline and found that the stranded at sea scenario was remarkably plausible... If I am completely honest, I was expecting them to reach survival just a few days after the tsunami! My only issue was the fact that there was a very limited description of Denver's bullying and due to this fact it wasn't necessarily what I was expecting. I know I am being generic in stating this, but I just adored the character, Audrey, and could happily have read a novel entirely devoted to her!
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
2.0
The story in itself was gripping; however, I cannot say that I genuinely enjoyed the book. The idea was fantastic but there was A LOT squeezed into just a few hundred pages - that in itself could have made a trilogy! I really loved the descriptions of the school for good but I hated the injustices that the evil school faced... they do not receive rewards, and their punishments are excessively worse that those of the princes and princesses. I myself thought it to be rather frustrating, which I guess is in accordance with Agatha and Sophie, but it still made it rather an aggravating read. I felt dreadfully sorry for Sophie but then despaired at her actions and outlook of life so it was difficult to decide whether or not I was on her side. Agatha, on the other hand, is one of the best characters you will meet! I don't wish to finish the series but I want to find out what happens...
As Dead As It Gets by Katie Alender
4.0
Although I do not often indulge in Young Adult fiction, I decided upon picking up this novel, and I am so glad that I did! Alender evoked great fear whilst making the situation SOMEWHAT plausible. The only fault is the unnecessary yet customary relationship with "The Boy of Alexis's dreams". Nevertheless, I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
(I read "bad girls don't die" but can't find it on the system!)
(I read "bad girls don't die" but can't find it on the system!)