All the Water in The World tells of a family trying to come to terms with terrible tragedy: Maddy, only sixteen, has been diagnosed with cancer. These terrible circumstances expose the beautiful and complex bond between a mother and her daughter. The story is told in alternating chapters between Maddy and her mother Eve. What … Continue reading Review: All the Water in The World – Karen Raney
Review: A Pure Heart – Rajia Hassib
A Pure Heart tells the story of two sisters, Rose and Gameela. Although both born in Egypt, their lives end up following quite different paths. Rose's choices take her to America and she marries American journalist Mark, whereas Gameela is deeply devoted to her homeland and her religion. The novel is set during the aftermath … Continue reading Review: A Pure Heart – Rajia Hassib
Review: Cilka’s Journey – Heather Morris
When I read The Tattooist of Auschwitz, I found myself, like many others, drawn to one of the characters we come across: Cilka Klein. She is a beautiful young prisoner who catches the eye of the camp's SS-Obersturmführer and is forced into a sexual relationship with him in order to survive. So when I heard … Continue reading Review: Cilka’s Journey – Heather Morris
Review: In The Cut – Susanna Moore
A novella of murder, sex and wordplay, In The Cut explores the line between sexuality and violence, and the darkness both in society and within ourselves. No doubt about it, this is quite a disturbing novel. So you can decide if it is for you or not - heads up that it includes sexually explicit … Continue reading Review: In The Cut – Susanna Moore
Blog Tour: The Long Flight Home – A. L. Hlad
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for The Long Flight Home, by A. L. Hlad! I'm so pleased to have the chance to tell you more about this charming and very moving novel set during the Second World War. This book has everything I look for in historical fiction; Hlad's interest in this … Continue reading Blog Tour: The Long Flight Home – A. L. Hlad
Review: The First Time Lauren Pailing Died – Alyson Rudd
Happy Sunday book lovers! I'm having a lovely lazy day surrounded by books (and occasionally cats before they scurry off!). Things have been very busy recently and I have a bit of catching up to do when it comes to reviewing. So please forgive this being a little shorter than my usual reviews, but I … Continue reading Review: The First Time Lauren Pailing Died – Alyson Rudd
2019 Holiday Reads
And, relax! I've just returned from a fantastic, relaxing holiday in the beautiful Greece. Travelling with my wonderful friend Kara, we spent a few days in Athens and then went on to the picturesque Santorini. In between all our many adventures - visiting the spectacular acropolis, wine tasting and watching the sunsets - we also … Continue reading 2019 Holiday Reads
Review: The Dutch House – Ann Patchett
The Dutch House is an absorbing and elegant family drama, spanning across several generations of the Conroy family. It contains the comforting and familiar elements of a generational family saga, as our narrator Danny takes us through his childhood: growing up with his sister Maeve, a formidable father, an absent mother, and an evil stepmother. … Continue reading Review: The Dutch House – Ann Patchett
Review: A Single Thread – Tracy Chevalier
A Single Thread is a moving historical novel, set in post-First World War England. It is 1932, and although it has been several years now since the end of the war, its lasting effects linger over everyone. The war particularly hangs over the life of our central character Violet, who tragically lost both her brother and … Continue reading Review: A Single Thread – Tracy Chevalier
August: That’s a Wrap!
Well, here we are - it's the end of August and coming towards the end of summer. While it seems pretty impossible that it is already this time of year and I'll be sad to see the long, light days go, Autumn is one of my favourite times of year! I'm looking forward to the … Continue reading August: That’s a Wrap!
Sophie Jo's Bookshelf 