reviews

Sweet Read Review - The Anniversary

"The Anniversary" by Stephanie Bishop is a poignant and emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics, love, loss, and the passage of time. Set against the backdrop of a significant anniversary, the story delves into the lives of its characters, revealing their shared history and individual struggles.

Bishop's prose is elegant and evocative, drawing readers into the intricate web of relationships that form the heart of the narrative. Her keen observations and vivid descriptions create a sense of intimacy with the characters, allowing readers to feel their joys, sorrows, and vulnerabilities.

The novel skillfully alternates between past and present, unraveling the layers of the characters' experiences and emotions. This narrative technique not only adds depth to the story but also captures the way memories can shape and influence one's perception of the present. The author's exploration of memory and its impact on personal identity is a central theme that resonates throughout the book.

The characters themselves are finely crafted, each carrying their own burdens and secrets. Their interactions are laced with tension, affection, and unresolved conflicts, reflecting the complexities of family relationships. As the anniversary approaches, old wounds resurface, leading to moments of confrontation and reflection that drive the emotional core of the novel.

Stephanie Bishop also delves into themes of grief and coping with loss, offering a realistic portrayal of how different characters navigate their pain. The way grief is portrayed is both raw and authentic, making it one of the most compelling aspects of the story. The characters' individual journeys toward healing and acceptance contribute to the overall sense of catharsis.

While "The Anniversary" is undeniably an exploration of human emotions, it also offers a meditation on the passage of time and the impact of significant milestones on our lives. Through its beautifully crafted narrative and well-developed characters, the novel prompts readers to reflect on their own experiences of love, loss, and the complexities of familial bonds.

-Guinevere

Sweet Read Review - Unexpected Serendipity

This is not the sort of book I usually enjoy. I don't really go in for contemporary family drama such as Jodie Picoult, Cecilia Ahearn, etc. However, Kylie Ladd has simply blown me away with this book.

I selected it as the Feb Sweet Read book almost purely for the cover and thinking it would appeal to many of our subscribers but not necessarily me. I read it mainly because we received an extra copy from the publisher.

I could not put it down.

"Three years after the death of their beloved brother, all Daniel's sisters have left of him are their memories. They know he's helped others by donating his organs, but as miracles come true for the recipients, his own family are struggling with their devastating loss.When Clare suggests that they find the people Daniel's death saved, her sisters have their doubts. Will meeting them help to bring the sisters back together, or will old tensions and surfacing secrets splinter the fragile family ties forever?"

I was genuinely involved in every one of the characters' stories from the start. Each sister and even the deceased Daniel are so very different, each has their own unique struggle or tragedy. Each sister misses Daniel equally and he seemed to be the gel that bound their separate orbits together. I actually teared up at the end, which says a lot. 

I designed the bookmark before reading the book and I’m inordinately chuffed that it turned out to be so appropriate: "Sisters are different flowers from the same garden."

Review - Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

A guest review by @gurlwithbooks

An official synopsis:

“The compelling story of two outsiders striving to find their place in an unforgiving world. Drifters in search of work, George and his simple-minded friend Lennie have nothing in the world except each other and a dream–a dream that one day they will have some land of their own. Eventually they find work on a ranch in California’s Salinas Valley, but their hopes are doomed as Lennie, struggling against extreme cruelty, misunderstanding and feelings of jealousy, becomes a victim of his own strength.”

This is the fast paced story of two friends, Lennie and George. I was indeed fascinated by the diversity of our two protagonists, especially the way Lennie’s character was described. It was extremely beautiful - it even had me in tears a couple of times.

I devoured this book in a couple of days because the story totally had me at the edge of my seat. The ending was unexpected and tragic.

All in all, I really loved the story, especially the diversity of characters and landscape. I’m so glad I got a chance to read this tragic yet beautiful story and it was surely a 5 star read!

Of Mice and Men was featured in the November 2019 Classic parcel from the NovelTea Book Club. If you’d like to learn more, or sign up to receive one of our monthly book & tea subscription parcels, please feel free to check out the rest of our website.

Review - We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

A guest review by @lostinstacks

“I'm going to put death in all their food and watch them die.”

Like all of Shirley Jackson’s work, We Have Always Lived in the Castle is equal parts disturbing and magical. Merricat’s voice is sharp, funny and CREEPY - she teases us with what she knows and seems unable to feel remorse. From the beginning we know her whole family has been slipped arsenic in their sugar to gobble up with her blueberries (cur this month’s tea).

Full of themes of female repression, of the stifling life and threat of being a woman at that time, and a similar feel to Yellow Wallpaper, nobody should send Merricat to her room. That is made abundantly clear.

Don’t be wrong, this book is not a confession; you never find out why her family has been murdered, other than Merricat was a naughty child. With her haunting, creepy mannerism and violent outbursts (as well as the many household tasks she isn’t allowed to do), this is a fantastic example of unreliable narration. My love affair with Shirley Jackson continues...

We Have Always Lived in the Castle was featured in the October 2019 Classic parcel from the NovelTea Book Club. If you’d like to learn more, or sign up to receive one of our monthly book & tea subscription parcels, please feel free to check out the rest of our website.