09 Jul

Posted at 03:03h in Reviews by

Exploring the Labyrinth of Literary Process: A Review of Process: The Writing Lives of Great Authors When I first stumbled upon Process: The Writing Lives of Great Authors by Sarah Stodola, I felt a spark of excitement ripple through me. As someone who's navigated the unpredictable waters of writing, the opportunity to peer into the personal processes of literary giants felt like an unmissable invitation. How do the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Joan Didion tackle the blank page? What drives their creativity? It was a chance to explore...

06 Jul

Posted at 05:42h in Reviews by

Review: Mantel Pieces: Royal Bodies and Other Writing from the … As a longtime admirer of Hilary Mantel’s exquisitely crafted narratives, I found myself irresistibly drawn to Mantel Pieces: Royal Bodies and Other Writing from the …. This collection, rich with her reflections on historical figures and societal constructs, felt like a personal invitation to dive deeper into her world—one brimming with intellectual rigor, clever observations, and a touch of delicious mischief. Spanning nearly three decades from 1988 to 2017, Mantel’s essays offer a fascinating lens through which we...

03 Jul

Posted at 07:15h in Reviews by

Book Review: Her Lost Words: A Novel of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley by Stephanie Marie Thornton As I explored the pages of Her Lost Words, I found myself drawn into the complex lives of two extraordinary women: Mary Wollstonecraft and her daughter Mary Shelley. I must admit, prior to diving into this beautifully woven tapestry of historical fiction, my knowledge of either figure was embarrassingly scant. However, Stephanie Marie Thornton’s masterful storytelling transformed my ignorance into a profound appreciation for these groundbreaking literary figures. Thornton crafts a dual narrative...

30 Jun

Posted at 19:03h in Reviews by

A Glimpse into the Mind of a Master: A Review of A Private Spy: The Letters of John Le Carré There’s something profoundly intimate about reading a person’s letters. It offers a window into their thoughts, fears, and hopes—much like having a heart-to-heart conversation with an old friend. As I delved into A Private Spy: The Letters of John Le Carré, I felt as though I was conversing with the enigmatic David Cornwell himself, the man behind the pen name we have come to know and love. This collection...

29 Jun

Posted at 12:47h in Reviews by

Review of Loving Sylvia Plath: A Reclamation by Andrea Van Duyne When I first came across Loving Sylvia Plath: A Reclamation by Andrea Van Duyne, I was intrigued—not just by Plath's enduring legacy in literature, but more so by her complex relationship with Ted Hughes. Van Duyne’s exploration promises to shed light on a history that often feels entwined not just in love, but manipulation and tragedy. As someone who has always believed that understanding the human element in literary history is crucial, this book spoke to me on...

21 Jun

Posted at 03:51h in Reviews by

Discovering Eileen: A Dive into Wifedom: Mrs. Orwell's Invisible Life by Anna Funder When I first heard about Wifedom: Mrs. Orwell's Invisible Life by Anna Funder, I was immediately intrigued. Having admired Funder’s previous work on the stories of former East Germany in Stasiland, it felt like a natural progression to explore another moment in history shrouded in silence yet filled with complexity. This book doesn’t just delve into George Orwell's life; it seeks to unearth the often-overlooked narrative of Eileen O'Shaughnessy, his wife, and a remarkable woman in...

03 Jun

Posted at 12:48h in Reviews by

Review of The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien I first picked up The Mythmakers with a sense of nostalgia and curiosity—two authors who have woven myth and magic into the fabric of literature I love. As a lifelong admirer of C.S. Lewis and someone who has recently fallen in love with the expansive world of J.R.R. Tolkien, the concept of exploring their friendship through a graphic novel felt like uncovering a rare treasure. I received an advance digital copy from ABRAMS Kids via NetGalley...

29 May

Posted at 22:12h in Reviews by

Discovering the Many Layers of Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes As an avid admirer of Terry Pratchett's unique wit and unparalleled storytelling, I was genuinely excited to dive into Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes: The Official Biography. This book promised not only an exploration of the man behind the Discworld, but also a window into the life and legacy of a literary genius. My expectations were high, and while the book certainly fulfilled many of them, it also took me on an emotional journey that came with...

06 May

Posted at 21:19h in Reviews by

Review: The Diaries of Franz Kafka (The Schocken Kafka Library) As a lifelong admirer of Franz Kafka, delving into The Diaries of Franz Kafka felt like embarking on a deeply personal pilgrimage. With the centenary of his death approaching on June 3rd, 1924, I found myself eager to spend time with his thoughts, exploring the mind of a writer whose work has profoundly shaped my understanding of literature. This collection, deftly translated by Ross Benjamin, is a treasure trove for Kafka enthusiasts, rich with the author’s reflections, desires, and...