Book/Play Review: Othello by William Shakespeare

Author: William Shakespeare

Title: Othello

Genre: Classic, Tragedy, Fiction, Play

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 319

Published: 1603

Where I Got It: My shelf (my big bad book of William Shakespeare collection)

Summary: 

In Othello, Shakespeare creates a powerful drama of a marriage that begins with fascination (between the exotic Moor Othello and the Venetian lady Desdemona), with elopement, and with intense mutual devotion and that ends precipitately with jealous rage and violent deaths. He sets this story in the romantic world of the Mediterranean, moving the action from Venice to the island of Cyprus and giving it an even more exotic coloring with stories of Othello's African past. Shakespeare builds so many differences into his hero and heroine—differences of race, of age, of cultural background—that one should not, perhaps, be surprised that the marriage ends disastrously. But most people who see or read the play feel that the love that the play presents between Othello and Desdemona is so strong that it would have overcome all these differences were it not for the words and actions of Othello's standard-bearer, Iago, who hates Othello and sets out to destroy him by destroying his love for Desdemona. As Othello succumbs to Iago's insinuations that Desdemona is unfaithful, fascination—which dominates the early acts of the play—turns to horror, especially for the audience. We are confronted by spectacles of a generous and trusting Othello in the grip of Iago's schemes; of an innocent Desdemona, who has given herself up entirely to her love for Othello only to be subjected to his horrifying verbal and physical assaults, the outcome of Othello's mistaken convictions about her faithlessness.

Review:

Weeeeeeeee! This is one of my favorite plays by good ol' Willy. It's been an age since I read this so it was nice revisiting it. Last time I read this was 2009. But yes, it's been years!

The play follows a diverse set of characters in Venice. Othello and Lady Desdemona elope, Othello gets his dream job, and everything seems perfect. However, Iago is set on destroying everything in Othello's life out of spite and revenge. 

This is a true tragedy and it gets me every time. The characters and the story are flawless in my opinion. I truly think that this is William Shakey's best work. The drama is perfect for the stage. It's over-the-top in spots but it is a lovely nod to Italian plays that are known for being slightly melodramatic. 

And Iago.........he is the perfect villain. I hate him, but I love hating him. He is my favorite villain still to this day. He is a terrible, hateful man, but is he evil? Eh. He truly believes that he is doing the world a favor for destroying Othello. He doesn't do these evil things just for the sake of being bad. He thinks that he is doing everyone a favor, mainly himself. But he is so clever and calculating. Honestly, if he used his skills for ACTUAL good, then he would unstoppable in the world. He is just so blinded by his jealousy and hate, but he doesn't let this fully control him. He is able to trick everyone so wonderfully. *chef kiss* 

Othello and Desdemona. *sighs* You just want them to be happy. They are soooo in love and seem so perfect for each other. However......there is a shadow upon their love. Between society, Othello's insecurities, and Iago in the shadows....they are doomed.

What I love the most (if you've read past reviews you will be able to guess what I'm about to say here) is that everyone is flawed. They are complex and oh-so human. You have no idea what will happen. Othello seems so strong and confident, but he is still insecure and petty. Desdemona and Cassio are both so sweet, but so naive. Iago seems like he could be a great guy if hate didn't blind him. All the characters hide behind theirs masks so well (which ties nicely into the Venetian setting). And society's and time period's failings will take all these flaws and brew something tragic for our characters. 

I could go on and on about how much I love this play by William S!!!! I still need to see this live. I've seen the movie, but never a live rendition of this play. Bucket list!!!! Also, I need to do an audio of this story one day.

But yes, this is (so far) my absolute favorite of William Shakespeare's stuff. I still have a bunch to read but it will be hard to topple this from the top. 

The characters....the setting....the lies....the flaws.....the tragedy. A must-read/see/hear...anyway you can get your hands on it. 

5 stars for sure. 

- Favorite Character(s): Desdemona (bc she is so sweet), Cassio, & Othello

- Least Favorite Character(s): Iago (BUT I love to hate him. Little villain)

Book Review: Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire

Author: Gregory Maguire

Title: Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister

Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, & Retelling

Format: Paperback

Pages: 372

Published: October 6, 1999

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Flint Library Book Sale)

Summary: 

We have all heard the story of Cinderella, the beautiful child cast out to slave among the ashes. But what of her stepsisters, the homely pair exiled into ignominy by the fame of their lovely sibling? What fate befell those untouched by beauty ... and what curses accompanied Cinderella's looks?

Set against the backdrop of seventeenth-century Holland, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister tells the story of Iris, an unlikely heroine who finds herself swept from the lowly streets of Haarlem to a strange world of wealth, artifice, and ambition. Iris's path quickly becomes intertwined with that of Clara, the mysterious and unnaturally beautiful girl destined to become her sister. While Clara retreats to the cinders of the family hearth, Iris seeks out the shadowy secrets of her new household -- and the treacherous truth of her former life.

Review:

I'm trying SOOO hard to get through my TBR pile reading challenge. This is 11 out of 12! ONE MORE LEFT!

So here we have a retelling of the Ugly Stepsisters, Evil Stepmom, and Cindie. We all know the original story, but in this, we will see them all in 17th century Holland and in the point of view of Iris, one of the stepsisters, and their origin story. 

I struggled hardcore with this one. I was totally invested in the first 50 pages or so and then...I just stopped caring. I pushed through because 1) I wanted to be able to finish this and count it towards my challenge and 2) a small part of me wanted to see what would happen to the sisters and Clara (aka Cinderella). There was some mystery afoot. 

Sadly, this wasn't for me. I may try this again someday. I do plan on giving a second chance reading to at least one (or two) book(s) a year starting in 2024. I'm going to call it something like Carole's Second Chance or something clever and let people vote on what they want me to try again. 

But yes, I didn't vibe with this book. It seemed to drag on and on and on forever. I was just itching to see things happen, but it took so long. 

One thing I will say is that I truly appreciated the new setting of Holland. I also LOVED the fact that the author intertwined the Tulip mania. Nice touch. 

Overall, not for me. Some nice little things here and there so maybe I'll try it again someday. I'll give this 2 stars. Not for me sadly. 

Challenge(s):

- #11 TBR Pile Reading

Book Review: Embrace the Lace by Shannon Macleod

Author: Shannon Macleod

Title: Embrace the Lace

Genre: SciFi, Fantasy, Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 321

Published: March 21, 2023

Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

Summary: 

Widowed Andrew MacIver has problems and responsibilities aplenty. At twenty and five, he is already chieftain of his large clan. His castle is in a state of disrepair, his cook is clueless and to make matters worse, his uncle appears dead set on taking his job. He doesn’t have time to admit he is lonely, but he does need to remarry – and quickly, for the clan expects their laird to have a wife and heirs. He needs the perfect noble lady, decorous, competent, and obedient. The upcoming clan gathering seems the perfect opportunity to renew allegiances, find a suitable bride and get married, in that order. Well…that was the plan, anyway. But then the fae got involved.

Loveable geek Paisley Evangeline Darling – Van to her friends – wants one last adventure before going off to complete her master’s degree in mechanical engineering like her hero Tony Stark. On the very first night at the SCA renaissance festival, she is snatched kicking and screaming back to 17th century Scotland, nearly drowning in the process. Andrew, her handsome rescuer, is stressed out and intent on helping her find her way home, but she is having way too much fun to leave. Who better than a smart, free spirited and independent 21st century lass to bring a little love and laughter back into the exasperated laird’s dull life? After all, what could possibly go wrong?

Caution: Contains meddlesome faeries, questionable inventions, culinary miracles, one ferocious dragon, a heroine with zero regard for convention, and a reluctant hero with his hands full.

Review:

I saw this and knew I had to check it out. Who doesn't love a good time-traveling romance set in Scotland?????

Andrew has a lot on his plate and doesn't have time for anything. He needs a new wife to help him create an heir for his clan. With the upcoming clan gathering...this will be the perfect opportunity to renew allegiances and find a suitable bride. However, he needs a break. When he takes his horse out for a ride, he will soon discover his world is about to change forever thanks to a nosy Fae. Van wants an adventure before going off to complete her master's degree in mechanical engineering so she decides to go to the SCA Renaissance Festival which is a complete and totally immersive experience. Little does she know...she is about to have an adventure into the real deal. 

I feel terrible for admitting this....but I was so annoyed with Van at the beginning that I wanted to scream. She was unrelenting and never stopped talking. She was very sweet and smart and cute and etc...but shut up Van. She did calm down a litttttttle bit later on, but she was a lot to handle. I loved she loved the nerdy stuff and was a whiz with the engineering and building....but sweet lord did I want to shake her. 

Andrew was sweet and grumpy. Just how I like 'em ;) 

This does have some humor and honestly...you can't take this story too seriously. It was a lot of fun. Van is very sweet in her own way (even though she never, ever stops talking) and brightens up the castle. She brought joy back and had people laughing again. The catapult scene made me warm up to her a bit. 

Some plot devices were very, very flimsy and too convenient...like the ending with Van's parents. Mmmm. Take it with a grain of salt. This was very light. I found that this was the Hallmark of Time Travel romances. Nothing too serious and everything was easily solved.

However, I did have fun with this. It was sweet and quick and had humor. The love was there and it was sweet. Van needed to calm down, but she was an interesting character and maybe it was just a me thing. If you are looking for something light...check this out. I'll give it 3 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Sinful Scottish Laird by Julia London

Author: Julia London

Narrator: Derek Perkins

Title: Sinful Scottish Laird

Series: Highland Grooms #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: February 28, 2017

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Widowed and forced to remarry in three years' time or forfeit her son's inheritance, Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick, has plenty of suitors vying for her hand and her fortune. But a letter from a long-lost love sends Daisy and her young son to her Scottish Highland estate to buy time for his return. Along the way she encounters the powerful Cailean Mackenzie, laird of Arrandale and a notorious smuggler, and she is utterly and unwillingly bewitched.

Cailean has no use for any Sassenach in his glen. But Daisy's brazen, flirtatious nature and alluring beauty intrigue him. When her first love appears unexpectedly at her estate, Cailean knows that a passionate woman like Daisy cannot marry this man. And to prevent the union, Cailean must put his own life at risk to win her heart.

Review:

This is the 2nd book in the series. I read book 1 last year. 

Here we follow Daisy Bristol, aka Lady Chatwick, and Cailean who is the laird of Arrandale. When Daisy's husband passed away and she is forced to remarry in three years' time or forfeit her son's inheritance. There are plenty of suitors vying for her hand...and her money. However, she wants to marry for love or at least for friendship, so when she receives a letter from a long-lost love sends her to her Scottish estate to buy time for his return. Along the way, she will meet Cailean who is not only a laird but a notorious smuggler. She is utterly bewitched but he has no use for a woman and especially not an English lady. 

This is book 1 but you can read this as a standalone. There are some references to the other couple since they are Cailean's parents, but they explain what you need to know. 

This was a slow start for me. I really and truly struggled to get into the story. I found myself zoning out, however, I kept pushing forward. Things did turn around for me after page 50 and I found myself invested in our characters. 

I liked Daisy and Cailean. You can see the lust and even some friendship, but the love took a while which worked for them. They both were burned by love in the past (in different ways) so you can see why they are unsure of their feelings. Plus Daisy is living in a fantasy that Robert (who was her first love) and her are meant to be. Poor thing believes he loves her and not her fortune. Spoiler...not spoiler....he doesn't. She does figure it out but it takes a while. 

I really did love how our two MCs are a little older and not virgin-y. She is a widow hitting 30 soon and Cailean is about to turn 36 any day. It was also nice seeing how complex they were. Lots of issues and flaws. They have been hurt and there is some external issues they have to deal with too. Between her being English and him Scottish....and then the political issues impacting this romance. It is not an easy romance but they will find their HEA (not a spoiler of course). So yes, it took a while and it worked. 

The ending was nice and the resolution was dealt with perfectly. However, there are some things not 100% settled. I feel like there is something heading their way though....book 3 is about Cailean's brother so I'm sure the other shoe will drop then. 

The narrator was the same as book 1. He did a good job then and did a good job here. Nice voices and flawless changes in accents and different genders. 

In the end, I struggled with the beginning but I pushed through and I grew to enjoy it. I liked the characters and you can't help but root for them to find love. 3 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):
- #8 for Audiobook challenge

- #7 for Romance Reading Challenge - MC 35+ years old

Saturday Movie Night: Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

This month we decided to review the new 'Hocus Pocus 2'. 

Blodeuedd is in red and I am in purple.

Title:  Hocus Pocus 2

Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Released: 2022

Length: 1 hr 43 mins
Rating: PG


Two young women accidentally bring back the Sanderson Sisters to modern day Salem and must figure out how to stop the child-hungry witches from wreaking havoc on the world.

Click here for the trailer. 

DISCUSSION:

Ok, I will be brutally honest…I am not sure I have seen the first movie. Like maybe? Or have I only seen clips cos it is a popular movie? Or maybe I did watch it when younger? I do not know!

Really? I was addicted to it and watched it too many times to count, but it has been a few years.

I honestly do not know. But I also felt that I was never lost or anything. The movie is still so popular that I knew stuff and could easily be swept away.

Agreed. I do think this stands well as a standalone. Anything you need to know they tell you/show you. 

Exactly, and that is perfect for me. Who might not have seen it. Or if I did it was so freaking long ago! It was never one of those movies who was shown here.

It made me want to rewatch the original. I’m sure there are some things I do not remember. 

I should do that!

One of my favorites. I wonder if the original is as good as I remember. But I did really enjoy this…..so even if the original is not as good as I remember then at least I have this new one. Haha

I liked this one so I am happy with that one. Just the perfect amount of everything.

Agreed! Perfect for adults and the kiddos. I couldn’t stop laughing but then near the end I had some tears. That ending….oh boy. 

I can’t really complain about anything. I liked the backstory stuff too. I did wonder about that first witch though.

I feel like if they make a third movie we may learn more. I hope so. 

Like where did that witch go? 

I’m sure she was watching….always watching. She seems up to something….the long game. 

Yes I wonder…

So many things they could do in the third movie….if they make one…I also want a movie about those three and their early life as new witches. I think that would be fun!

Yes that could be cool! And they could always use different actors then if it is the early stuff.

Esp those girls! They were perfect!

Omg yes, just perfect :D

Indeed! I even liked the modern teens. They were fun! That footballer and the mayor were a hoot.

I am sure they will make more.

Hope we don’t have to wait another 20 years again hahahahaha. They need to take advantage of the love. 

Ride that wave! Maybe next Halloween.Ohhh, a tv series!

Even better! I would be game for that! There is so much more story to tell. That ending….gah! We need more!

It would be so much fun

Yesss I feel like there is so much backstory on everyone. The mystery witch, our fave witches, and the new ones. :D

They are totally missing their chance if they do not make a tv series about the origins of them

For real! Plus I could use a really funny and fun witch tale(s)! PG version of Salem hahaha

Same. Some humour and fun. I would like that.

And more songs! I love the singing!

Aye I could enjoy it :) Let’s hope for that too.

One can dream and hope! Anything else?

Nope, I liked it. Maybe my kid can watch it one day too :) Just a few more years.

Yesss! Maybe that is when you watch movie 1! ;D 

One day!

I need to watch it again soon too. 

The end?

The end

Audiobook Review: Wild Wicked Scot by Julia London

Author: Julia London

Narrator: Derek Perkins

Title: Wild Wicked Scot

(Highland Grooms #1)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 27th 2016

Where I got It: Library 

Summary: 

Born into riches and groomed in English luxury, Margot Armstrong didn't belong in a Scottish chieftain's devil-may-care world. Three years ago she fled their marriage of convenience and hasn't looked back—except to relive the moments spent in wild, rugged Arran McKenzie's passionate embrace. But as their respective countries' fragile unity threatens to unravel, Margot must return to her husband to uncover his role in the treachery before her family can be accused of it.

Red-haired, green-eyed Margot was Arran's beautiful bride. Her loss has haunted him, but her return threatens everything he has gained. As the Highland mists carry whispers of an English plot to seize McKenzie territory, he must outmaneuver her in games of espionage…and seduction. But even as their secrets tangle together, there's nothing to prevent love from capturing them both and leading them straight into danger.

Review:

Seen this at my library and it fits one of my reading challenges. Plus I have read other books by this author and have liked them. So perfect!

Here we follow Margot and Arran. They were forced to marry. There was passion and lust, but they were so miserable. Margot ran off and he didn't stop her. Three years go by and Margot is forced to go back to her husband to uncover if he is a traitor to England. Margot has haunted Arran's mind and heart but when she returns he is suspicious. As their secrets tangle together, they may find love and it may lead them straight into danger. 

I really enjoyed this. It is pretty much a second chance romance. They married but separated. She takes off and he doesn't go after her. Their pride and hurt hearts kept them apart. She comes back. She is supposed to spy on him and he doesn't trust her. I loved it! They had so much work to do. It was so complex and I had no idea how they would get their HEA. Lots of hurt feelings and Margot is stuck between being honest and figuring out if he is going to betray England or not. SO good. 

The format was fun. We start off with Margot coming back after she had left three years ago. We get to see flashbacks from their first meeting, short engagement, and four months of their marriage. 

Poor Margot and poor Arran. They were both hurt and both in the wrong. They were too immature to get married. Shame on Margot's father and brother. Grrr! Evil men.

But I liked Margot and Arran. They were so complex and so perfect for each other even though they didn't know it. 

My only issue was the resolution of the big external drama at the end. It seemed too clean and too quick. We needed to see more. I don't want to say much, but it was such a build-up and it just sort of ended. 

The narrator was good. I liked his voices. Jumping between two different accents and genders was pretty flawless. 

In the end, I really liked this. I loved watching Margot and Arran find their way. It was a nice change of pace for a historical romance. The ending resolution was a hair too clean for my liking. I felt it needed more. I'll give this 4 stars overall. It was so good even with the ending being too convenient. 

Challenge(s):
- #32 for Audiobook challenge

- #22 for Romance Reading Challenge - "Scot" in title

Book Review: Highland Hellion by Mary Wine

Author: Mary Wine

Title: Highland Hellion

(Highland Weddings #3)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 320 

Published:  June 6th 2017

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

KATHERINE CAREW

Illegitimate daughter of an English earl… Abducted to Scotland at age 14… No family, no reputation… No rules

ROLFE MCTAVISH

Heir to an honorable Highland laird… Can’t believe how well tomboy Kate can fight… About to learn how much of a woman she really is

Scotland is seething with plots, the vengeful Gordons are spoiling for a fight, and the neighboring clans are at each other’s throats. All it takes is a passionate hellion with a penchant for reckless adventure to ignite the Highlands once more.

Review:

Yayy book 3!!

Here we follow Katherine and Rolfe. It has been a few years since the last book ended. Katherine is the illegitimate daughter of an English earl. She was technically abducted by Marcus and taken to Scotland when she was 14, but in reality, Marcus saved her and gave her freedom. Rolfe is the heir to an honorable Highland laird. Scotland is seething with plots, the Gordons are spoiling for a fight, and the neighboring clans are at each other's throats. Perhaps a reckless adventure from Katherine the Hellion can save her clan and the others. 

This does work as a standalone, but I would suggest at least reading book 2. There is some backstory I think would be helpful in understanding Marcus and Katherine. Oh! And you will only truly appreciate and love Brenda Grant if you read at least book 2. That poor thing deserves the world!!

Katherine was allowed to learn how to fight because Marcus was worried about her being English and people may want to hurt her or even use her as a pawn. However, he may have given her too much freedom because she does get herself in some trouble. Yes, she was doing the right thing but thank goodness Rolfe feels indebted to her and saves her butt. 

Rolfe is a good egg. Not sure how that happened because his father is an asshat and selfish and mean. Loved Rolfe. He is the perfect match for Katherine and she to him. They are perfect for each other but it does take a minute for them to see it and not just think it is lust. 

I was so nervous for our folks. I like them all and want them happy. There are some new faces so we shall what happens in the book. I want to see Brenda find love. I want her cousin to find love. I also want Rolfe's mentor to find love or some sort of happiness. He is a wise and kind man. He is the only reason why Rolfe isn't like his father. 

The last two I did the audio version of. This time I did the ebook (mainly because the audio was not available at my library...only the ebook). It worked well even though I did sort of miss the narrator's voice sometimes. But this did well without someone narrating so you can't go wrong. 

Now...I did struggle for a small chunk of the book. The beginning started off so great, but then it seemed to come to a screeching halt for a few chapters. I just wanted things to go but the plot seemed to be stuck in the mud. Once a certain event happened, then we were back off to the races and I couldn't put it down. 

I hope we see more of them in the next book. I want to see Katherine and Rolfe stand up more against his father and the others who hate her. There are a lot of loose ends with that household that need tying up. 

There is also a huge cliffhanger from some of our characters. Hopefully, we get to see some more resolutions. 

In the end, I enjoyed this. I loved watching Rolfe and Katherine find each other. Save each other. And finally, find love. It took a while for them to get past the lust stage and actually trust each other. There was one big lull, but once you get past that you won't be able to put it down. There are some loose ends I hope get tied up in book 4. But yes, this was good and I enjoyed it. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Book Review: The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Title: The Mercies

Genre: Historical Fiction, LGBT

Format: ebook

Pages: 345

Published: February 6th 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Finnmark, Norway, 1617. Twenty-year-old Maren Magnusdatter stands on the craggy coast, watching the sea break into a sudden and reckless storm. Forty fishermen, including her brother and father, are drowned and left broken on the rocks below. With the menfolk wiped out, the women of the tiny Arctic town of Vardø must fend for themselves.

Three years later, a sinister figure arrives. Absalom Cornet comes from Scotland, where he burned witches in the northern isles. He brings with him his young Norwegian wife, Ursa, who is both heady with her husband's authority and terrified by it. In Vardø, and in Maren, Ursa sees something she has never seen before: independent women. But Absalom sees only a place untouched by God, and flooded with a mighty evil.

As Maren and Ursa are drawn to one another in ways that surprise them both, the island begins to close in on them, with Absalom's iron rule threatening Vardø's very existence.

Inspired by the real events of the Vardø storm and the 1621 witch trials, The Mercies is a story of love, evil, and obsession, set at the edge of civilization.

Review:

A couple of friends had read this so I wanted to check it out. Made my mini book club read this ;)

We follow Maren in 1617 who watched a storm come out of nowhere and kill forty fishermen. With the menfolk gone, the women of the tiny Arctic town of Vardø, Norway now must fend for themselves. Three years later, something more sinister figure arrives....Absalom Cornet. He has burned his fair share of witches in Scotland and with his wife, in tow, he comes to this town and sees these godless independent women and it must be witchcraft at play. As Maren and his wife are drawn together in ways that surprise them and scares them, Absalom's iron rule threatens Vardø's very existence. 

I never knew about the Vardo storm and the witch trials that happened right after in that town. So dang sad!!!!! That poor town and those poor people. Gah. It feels me with utter rage.

"OH KNOW! WOMEN FISHING?????? WEARING PANTS????? WHA? WITCHES!" LOLL What idiots. What were they going to do? Just starve? "Whelp...there goes our men...so I guess we just crawl in this wee hole and die. Oh wellllll." SMH

Now, the beginning was a little bit of a drag tbh. It took a while to really get...interesting. Yes, it started off with the storm and was sad, but it did drag. 

I also did not feel the chemistry between Maren and Ursa. Can't pinpoint why or what was missing, but it seemed forced at times esp with the tub scene. Maybe if they had more time to build this love I would've bought it more. 

Looking past the issues I had, the author did a wonderful job bringing the world to life and the characters were extremely fleshed out. I enjoyed our journey even though the insanity of the zealous Christians made me want to screeeaaam. It was sad and made me feel all the feelings.

Overall, I had some issues especially in the beginning, but I did like this...I wished I had liked this, but it was okay. It made me feel all the feelings. Those poor people. I'll give this 3 stars. 

 

Audiobook Review: Peony in Love

Author: Lisa See

Narrator: Janet Song

Title: Peony in Love

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published: June 26th 2007

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

In seventeenth-century China, three women become emotionally involved with The Peony Pavilion, a famed opera rumored to cause lovesickness and even death, including Peony, the cloistered daughter of a wealthy scholar, who succumbs to its spell only to return after her death as a "hungry ghost" to haunt her former fiancé, who has married another

Review:

I've been wanting to read this book for a long, long time. Sighs...I was scared to actually dive in because it seems people LOVE it or HATE it. Finally got myself to check it out. I decided to do the audio version since I like the narrator. 

We are in seventeenth-century China and three women like so many others become emotionally involved with the opera called The Peony Pavilion. This opera is rumored to cause lovesickness and even death. This happens to Peony who is the cloistered daughter of a wealthy scholar. She succumbs to the opera spell and after her death, she returns as a hungry ghost to haunt her former fiance.

HEAD'S up...there are some spoilers here because I just could not help myself. I tried to control myself so I avoided BIG spoilers just little ones so move forward with caution. ;) 

Okay...I will admit I struggled tremendously at first. I had issues with Peony, her parents, and the world overall. They want these girls to be pure and be sheltered to the point of madness sometimes. They call it lovesickness....but these girls want love and freedom. They want it so bad that they cannot see past it and just decide that they are done with life. They can't control anything but what they put in their mouths...so they starve. Poor things.

Now...my issue was how selfish Peony was. Yes, yes, I get that she can't help but be in love with the first non-family dude she sees because of how sheltered she was. BUT girl legit knew him for 3 days. He thinks he loves her too but they do nothing. "Well - we are engaged to others soooo byeee.", and in protest of marrying another man, she goes all emo. Writes sad poems and starves to death??? SIGHS. Maybe WAIT and see who it is that you are engaged to. You never know!!! And lo and behold it was your dream guy. Tragic so tragic. How dare you do that your beloved father and mother. You are their only child. How could you be so selfish and dramatic about a guy you knew for not even 3 days. You talked for just a few hours overall. GAH.

Of course, everyone blames the opera that she got to watch. "YEP, just another girl who becomes cursed." OKAY...........MAYBE, JUST MAYBE IT IS THAT SHE HATES HER LIFE! Maybe she wants to know who she is marrying. Maybe she wants to go to town or just be treated like a human and not a goat being sold. Crazy thought...maybe talk to her........see what's going on. Maybe tell her who the to-be-hubby is. I know, I know it was the world and it was that bad for these girls so it was realistic. It just drove me insane. 

After she died things got really, really interesting. I couldn't stop listening. I had to know what was going to happen next. It was an interesting view of what the afterlife is like. It was so sad in so many ways. 

I loved when Peony realized as a ghost she has certain abilities. So cool. Wrong on how she used it at first, but we all would do the same thing. I know I would for sure. It was nice seeing her use her abilities for good near the end.  

Watching Peony grow and mature as a ghost was the best part of the story. I honestly wept when she and another ghost (don't want to give away BIG spoilers) did what they did at the end to bring happiness to people who deserved it. It brought a tear to my eye.

This was a really emotional book. I think we are supposed to have strong feelings throughout this which I did. I hated Peony and the human world. I was sad when she died and had to say goodbye. I felt scared for her as she was trying to find her way as a ghost. I wept when her parents seemed to have neglected her and didn't finish the funeral rites they needed to. I felt her anger and pain seeing her love remarry. I felt her desires and wants to be loved and remembered. I felt her despair and her joy. I felt all the emotions. When this ended I couldn't help but smile and wipe a tear away. 

I honestly think the narrator really helped with this. I do not think I would've liked it as much if I had to read it. The narrator is amazing. She really brings so much life to the characters and story. Fantastic! She did great. 

Okay...okay...I'll stop while I'm ahead. I can honestly ramble about this because there is soooo much to discuss. Perfect for a book club I think.

I'll give this 4 stars. It would be 5, but I did struggle at first. 

Challenge(s):
- #35 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: The Ash Tree by MR James

Author: M.R. James 

Narrator: David Suchet

Title: The Ash Tree

Genre: Short Story, Novella, Horror, Classic, Paranormal

Format: Audiobook

Published:  1904

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: The tale of a man who unwittingly angers a sorcerer

Review:

Stumbled upon this on Audible and it fits what I as looking for. Something short but spooky. 

The story follows Sir Matthew Fell and his grandson Sir Richard. Years previous a woman was found guilty of being a witch and condemned to death because of the testimony given by Sir Matthew. Not long after, Sir Matthew dies in a mysterious and horrific circumstances. Fifty years later, Sir Richard inherits his grandfather's home and he starts realizing that the ash tree might be to root of his problems. 

Oh idiots the lot of them. Especially Richard. Even if you don't believe in supernatural stuff...why would you WANT to stay in the room that your grandfather died in. NOT just DIED...but died a terrible and horrific death. Super creepy. 

And that tree. *shudders* Creepy tree. Burn that thing down. 

This was short, but it worked. If it was longer I think it wouldn't have been so creepy.

My only issue was that the beginning took a little while to warm up. But it was all worth it by the end. 

The narrator did a good job and I loved the sound effects. Both added to creep factor. 

For sure worth the listen! I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #47 for Audiobook Challenge

Time for TV Tuessday: Versailles (Season 3)

Recently Finished:

Versailles (Season 3)

Through: Netflix

I've delayed season 3 for a little bit. Not sure why. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it? Finally decided it was time. 

The first 2 seasons you felt like you had to side with the King. This season though? Not so much. He has flipped to being a huge dictator and asshole overall. He is more paranoid. More cruel to everyone. The other nobles and the people. I blame that new mistress of his. Grrrr. 

But yes, this shows the darker side of his rule. We get to see more of the peasants which was fun. We also get to see the mystery of the Man in the Iron Mask. That was fun! I was hopeful they would cover this. I was honestly shocked at what they did! I thought they were going to do some of the classic theories. I won't say what it is. No spoilers here. ;) It added a whole new complex to the characters for sure. 

I still love Marchal. :3 They added a layer of complexity behind him too and that made him better as a character. 

There was a lot more character development in this. I think that is why I really did like this season. Everyone gets a layer added and this really showed the good and the bad and how nothing is simply black and white. Life is grey even in the shimmer French court. 

This season did make me mad a lot. I was so mad at everyone especially the King. I wanted someone to just shake him. The brother was busy doing his own thing to not really stand his ground and fight his brother back on these decisions. I was highly disappointed in the brother. I get it...he had a big mystery to uncover and he didn't want to deal with the King. You can't blame him...but I was disappointed in him but it all worked out. 

Those poor peasants! D: I felt so bad for them. I even felt for the Nobles. They all were treated like shit. 

Season 3 really did make us question everything and everyone. I liked it a lot. Not as good as the last season, but I think this wanted to focus and make you remember the good and bad of EVERYONE. 

I'll give this 4 stars.