melc's reviews
1131 reviews

This book was definitely tackling some important issues. But it wasn't for me. I found the prose muddled at times and hard to follow. Also the issues such as misogyny, racism, power in the workplace etc. were handled in a very heavy handed way. These things are incredibly important but I prefer a little bit more nuance and confidence in the reader's ability to interpret than this writing gave. DNFd at 31%.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Pity by Andrew McMillan

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challenging dark hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

For such a short novel this is very layered and develops a lot of complex themes.

The sense of place is portrayed well deftly evoking a detailed immersion into this Yorkshire town for the reader. Barnsley was definitely another character in this book as McMillan explores identity as one of his themes. We are taken on a parallel journey into what shapes the identity of a town and equally how our characters are reconciled (or not) to express who they really are.

The discussion about history was of particular interest to me. How history is oppressive, hard to break free from and prejudices judgements. History is subjective. True freedom comes from acknowledging what has happened in our past, both good and bad and reshaping it making new commentary and paths to a different future.

The mining passages in this novel were beautiful and poetic. The references to Thatcher and the effects of the 80s politics particularly on the north having repercussions forty years later, was powerfully shown. The characters were interesting and nuanced. There was a lot packed into this novel and for me not all of it was fully developed and could have been taken further giving us more to the stories of the lives in this book. But this was impressive and will leave me with plenty of food for thought.

This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

That Pinson Girl by Gerry Wilson

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is a twisty family saga set around the time of World War I which compelled me from beginning to end. Exploring themes such as class, racism, disability and female agency this historical fiction illuminated attitudes of the era in Deep South America well. The protagonist Leona is strong and well drawn - someone the reader immediately feels they are rooting for. Occasionally the threads of the plot were left hanging a little and therefore felt they had only appeared for the sake of convenience to the story building but nevertheless I really enjoyed this novel.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Upper Fourth at Malory Towers by Enid Blyton

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lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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melc's reviews 1131 reviews

melc's reviews
1131 reviews