Book Review: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Title: Murder on the Orient Express

Series: Hercule Poirot #10

Genre: Mystery, Classics

Format: ebook

Pages: 256

Published: January 1, 1934

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A luxurious journey aboard the Orient Express turns into a race against time when a murder is committed. Detective Hercule Poirot interrogates the suspects during a long stop in the mountains of Yugoslavia.

Review:

I read this gem many, many, MANY years ago. I watched the movie when it came out, but again...my brain barely remembers the details. I remember the big reveal (because how could you not) but the details or so forth? Nope. 

Hercule Poirot finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation while aboard the Orient Express. It is a race against time before they reach their final destination. Lots of suspects, lots of motives...

This one is just so clever. I loved the way each chapter played out and seeing Hercule interview each of the suspects was so entertaining. 

I may remember the conclusion, but it is so so so thrilling watching Hercule pull it all together. So many little hints and tips that I caught on knowing the conclusion. 

I enjoy Hercule and his stories so much. They are entertaining and Hercule may not be the most humble of creatures, but he deserves his arrogance. 

What else to say? You don't have to read these books in order and you could read this one and enjoy it. But going back to some older books have made me appreciate Hercule a little more. 

5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Bouc

Least Favorite Character(s): Ratchett

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #23

- Cloak & Dagger #20

Book Review: Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Author: Charles Frazier

Title: Cold Mountain

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Classic

Format: paperback

Pages: 449

Published: January 1, 1997

Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

Cold Mountain is a novel about a soldier’s perilous journey back to his beloved near the Civil War's end. At once a love story & a harrowing account of one man’s long walk home, Cold Mountain introduces a new talent in American literature.

Based on local history & family stories passed down by Frazier’s great-great-grandfather, Cold Mountain is the tale of a wounded Confederate soldier, Inman, who walks away from the ravages of the war & back home to his prewar sweetheart, Ada. His odyssey thru the devastated landscape of the soon-to-be-defeated South interweaves with Ada’s struggle to revive her father’s farm, with the help of an intrepid young drifter named Ruby. As their long-separated lives begin to converge at the close of the war, Inman & Ada confront the vastly transformed world they’ve been delivered.

Frazier reveals insight into human relations with the land & the dangers of solitude. He also shares with the great 19th century novelists a keen observation of a society undergoing change. Cold Mountain recreates a world gone by that speaks to our time.

Review:

One of my absolute favorite books. I felt it was time to revisit it since I haven't picked up this book since 2016.

This story is about WP Inman and Ada Monroe. They find love but due to war he puts on the uniform to fight for North Carolina. He may not believe in the cause, but it would be cowardly to not join. After he is injured horribly, he decides to walk away and go back home. The war is nearly done anyway and he can't take one more moment on the frontline. At the same time as his perilous walk, we also follow Ada. She was born and raised to be a lady. She only knows how to do frivolous tasks, so with her father gone and the money drained because of the war....she is struggling to survive. In walks Ruby who trains Ada to be a farmer.

This book always gets me. It is so tragic. I know how it ends, but I always have hope. Maybe it'll end differently this time!

I always wish that these two have more time together, but that is the tragedy. They are apart for so long, but I wish we had more scenes with them. Sighs. 

The format is always wild to me, but I've grown to look past it. It works for this story for some reason. Maybe I am blinded by love of the story and characters? 

What else to say?

The way the author describes our scenes is beautiful. It is majestic in a way. 

Yes, this is a love story but it is also shows a different side of the war. It really dives into the true human element. War makes monsters of us all. It may start with a noble cause but it can destroy everything and everyone. Along with the war and love element, the book does poke at deep issues at the time like racism, sexism, human rights, society, male/female gender roles, and etc.

All-in-all, this book always leaves me breathless and in tears. Now I have to watch the movie. Sigh. ;) 

5 stars from me of course. 

Favorite Character(s): Inman and Ruby

Least Favorite Character(s): Teague and his crew. 

  

Challenge(s):

- Romance Reading #12 (MC's name starts with 'M')

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/Play Review: King Lear by William Shakespeare

Author: William Shakespeare

Title: King Lear

Genre: Classic, Fiction, Play, Tragedy

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 339

Published: 1605

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

Summary: 

Shakespeare’s King Lear challenges us with the magnitude, intensity, and sheer duration of the pain that it represents. Its figures harden their hearts, engage in violence, or try to alleviate the suffering of others. Lear himself rages until his sanity cracks. What, then, keeps bringing us back to King Lear? For all the force of its language, King Lear is almost equally powerful when translated, suggesting that it is the story, in large part, that draws us to the play.

The play tells us about families struggling between greed and cruelty, on the one hand, and support and consolation, on the other. Emotions are extreme, magnified to gigantic proportions. We also see old age portrayed in all its vulnerability, pride, and, perhaps, wisdom—one reason this most devastating of Shakespeare’s tragedies is also perhaps his most moving.

Review:

My goal was to read one of these a year, but I do not think I read a Willie Shake last year. So I'll be reading two this year.

I've never read 'King Lear' before but I know the story well. 

The play tells us a story about families struggling between greed and cruelty or support and consolation. King Lear, an elderly king, decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters. He promises to give the largest share to the daughter who proves to love him the most. From there drama ensues when he is blinded by his ego. 

This is extremely tragic, but infuriating all at the same time. You want to shake King Lear and...to be fair....everyone. All the drama can be avoided if people JUST talk and chill. But we wouldn't have the story and the lessons that come from it. 

People claim this is one of William Shakespeare's greatest works, but I found it...good. I honestly still love 'Othello' the best though. I still have a few plays to finally read but I can safely say my favorite still sits firmly on top at the moment. However, this was pretty entertaining. 

The poetry and the drama is addicting. You won't want to set it down. I finished this in just a couple of sittings. 

The ending is tragic and sad. It was done very well. You don't have to be a literature master to understand what lessons are being taught here. It was done loud and proud, but WS has a way of not telling you, but showing you. I find he is the King of this. 

My favorite aspect of this play is that EVERYONE is complex and so very human. Sure you can point at a person or two and say they are the baddies, but they aren't evil (at least from my viewpoint). Yes, bad things happen and dumb things occur, but everyone is just so human. If you know me.....I love a complex set of characters. 

All-in-all, this is a must-read classic. Not my fave by the ol' Shakeyspeare, but it's in the top 5. It's entertaining and addicting. Lots of dumb people doing dumb things, but it is teaching a lesson or two. You can't help but feel bad for these characters. They all are complex and so very human. I'll give this 5 stars. 

(You know me...changing things up...and I'm reviving this!)

- Favorite Charater(s): Cordelia

- Least Favorite Character(s): Lear's other two daughters and (let's be honest) Lear.

TV Short/Movie Review: A Garfield Christmas Special (1987)

Title: A Garfield Christmas Special

Length: 23 mins

Released: 1987

Genre: Comedy, Family, Animation
Rating: G
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

Garfield, Jon, and Odie go to Jon's grandmother's house for Christmas, where Garfield finds a present for Grandma.

REVIEW:

I love Garfield and I haven't watched this since I was a wee lil girl. I seen it on Peacock and had to watch it. :D 

Garfield and the gang go to Jon's grandma's house for the holidays. Garfield has to find a present for Grandma and...stay out of trouble. 

So cute. I loved Garfield as a kid and I still love that lil chonky boi. This was the perfect film to watch on the couch with a blankie and snacks. It's short and quick but it was funny. 

Even with the humor there were some serious tones here especially a certain scene with Grandma. It brought a little tear to my eye. 

Perfect for the holidays. I shouldn't let so many years go by before watching this again!!!

5 stars...of course. It's Garfield darnit. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Cute

Audiobook Review: Poirot Investigates by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Richard Armitage

Title: Poirot Investigates

Series: Hercule Poirot #3

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Classic, Short stories, Anthology

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 1, 1924

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

First there was the mystery of the film star and the diamond... then came the “suicide” that was murder... the mystery of the absurdly cheap flat...a suspicious death in a locked gun room... a million dollar bond robbery... the curse of a pharaoh’s tomb... a jewel robbery by the sea... the abduction of a prime minister... the disappearance of a banker... a phone call from a dying man... and, finally, the mystery of the missing will.

What links these fascinating cases? Only the brilliant deductive powers of Hercule Poirot!

Review: 

This is a collection of mini mysteries that Poirot takes on. I remember reading a couple of these years and years ago, but it'll be fun to re-read those and to read some of the others!

We'll divide and conquer these. 

1) The Adventure of 'The Western Star'

I had read this little one years ago. So I remembered, slightly, what happened. The mystery was slightly obvious, but it is good. I think I liked this more than when I first read it. 4 stars. 

2) The Tragedy of Marsdon Manor

The ending and resolution of this one was clever!!!! Loved it. Such a nice mystery and it feels that Poirot is coming into his own. This should be made into a movie (or at least a part of the movie). 5 stars. 

3) The Adventure of the Cheap Flat

Eh. I feel like this was the weakest of them all. It was still intriguing in its own way, but meh. I found my attention drifting during this one. What even happened at the end? I can't remember.....*googles* oh, yes. Okay. 2 stars. 

4) The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge

Shoot. I didn't right down my thoughts about this (or type it up). Mmmm. Forgettable I guess. I don't remember a thing. Shouldn't I remember SOMETHING even though I didn't write any notes?1 star

5) The Million Dollar Bond Robbery

Oooooo Hercule. So clever. So NOT humble. I love it. This was a fun one. The ending and solution was a little on the nose. 4 stars

6) The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb

I think this is one of my favorites of the whole collection. Cool location, neat crime, great solution....5 stars yes

7) The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan

A cute gem! I liked this one a lot. 5 stars as well. 

8) The Kidnapped Prime Minister

Eh. This started of great but the solution was meh. Sort of anti-climatic. And honestly? Predictable in one way. It was still enjoyable for the majority of the time.  3 stars

9) The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim

Oh!!!! I remember this one! I struggled a little bit back then but I liked this one much more now. 4 stars. 

10) The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman

This was okay. I just wish it was longer. The solution seemed easily resolved. 3 stars

11) The Case of the Missing Will

Fun. I enjoyed this one. A nice conclusion. 4 stars. 

12) The Veiled Lady

Mmmmmm. I barely remember this one and I was just listening to it. 2 stars

13) The Lost Mine

Another just okay one. I think it needed more time to marinate. 3 stars 

14) The Chocolate Box

Awwww I liked this one. It was a nice ending to this collection. It went back to when our boy was a...well....boy. He was young and just getting into being a detective. The ending was great. 5 stars. 

Overall/Narrator

This was overall a lot of fun. The narrator is fantastic of course. Some greats...some misses. Overall it was totally worth it if you like Hercule and his mysteries. 

*does complicated math* I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Entertaining

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #54

Book Review: The Last Unicorn by Peter S Beagle

Author: Peter S Beagle

Title: The Last Unicorn

Genre: Fantasy, YA, classics, SciFi

Format: paperback

Pages: 304

Published: March 1, 1968

Where I Got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

The unicorn discovers that she is the last unicorn in the world, and sets off to find the others. She meets Schmendrick the Magician—whose magic seldom works, and never as he intended—when he rescues her from Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival, where only some of the mythical beasts displayed are illusions. They are joined by Molly Grue, who believes in legends despite her experiences with a Robin Hood wannabe and his unmerry men. Ahead wait King Haggard and his Red Bull, who banished unicorns from the land.

Review:

Been meaning to read this for YEARS but just never did it. I received this as a gift a couple years back so I was excited to read it! (*cough* so was my puppy Wallace. He got some nibbles on it. D:) 

Our story follows a unicorn who discovers she is the last unicorn in the world. She can't and won't believe it, so she sets off on an adventure to find others. On the way she meets Schmendrick the Magician whose magic seldom works. They become fast friends and companions after he rescues her from Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival. They soon meet up with Molly Grue who believes in legends. They find out that King Haggard and his Red Bull are the reasons behind the other unicorns disappearing. It will be up to these three to save the unicorns and bring them back to the land. 

When I was growing up I watched this movie a million times. I always fast forwarded it during a certain scene because it was scary, but I loved this movie so much. I even have watched it a time or two as an adult. Honestly, I'm ashamed I didn't read the book sooner, but oh well. 

Sighs. Let's get it over with....................

I wish I loved the book as much as I loved the movie, but it didn't feel as magical to me. The writing style had all the makings of a great writer, but I just struggled hardcore with this classic. Now, the beginning was beautiful and fantastic. However, I felt that as the story progressed he started trying too hard. There were times it felt forced. 

I never connected with anyone but the unicorn. The other characters felt 2D. The Unicorn never acted human and she didn't need to....she's a unicorn! The humans though? Eh. Meh. Boo. 

Did I enjoy the story overall though? Sure. I loved watching the unicorn make her way through this terrible world of cruddy humans. She was truly the best character. However, with a flat supporting cast and the author really trying to make this lyrical and beautiful.....it felt hollow in some parts.

I will say I am glad I read this. As with all book to movie adaptions, things are left out. I'm glad I got to read more of the lore and now I may understand the movie a bit more. That was nice. 

All-in-all, I wish I had liked this more. I did enjoy the journey by the end, but I didn't love this as the movie. The supporting cast were not as magical as the unicorn. The writing prose was lovely, but at times it felt like he was trying too hard. This is a classic and I do recommend people who loved the movie to read this. There are additional things shown here. More lore. More story. Will I read book 2? Probably not. 

I shall stamp this with 2 stars.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Fair

Book Review: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Author: Jane Austen

Title: Pride and Prejudice

Genre: Classic, Romance

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 400

Published: January 28, 1813

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Pride and Prejudice has charmed generations of readers for more than two centuries. Jane Austen's much-adapted novel is famed for its witty, spirited heroine, sensational romances, and deft remarks on the triumphs and pitfalls of social convention. Author Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English novelist whose works of social realism achieved unprecedented critical and popular success, though Austen herself remained an anonymous writer throughout her life.

Review:

I was given the honors of volunteering at the Whaley House. I was allowed to dress up and sit in the library. I bought this bad boy to take with me. I needed a new copy since my old version was literally being held by tape. Perfect chance to buy a new and pretty copy! This picture doesn't do any justice. 

We all know the story of pride and prejudice. 

This is for sure a classic and timeless. I love the story so much. This is my 2nd favorite of Jane Austen but I could read this over and over. 

100% recommendation from me. 

5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Timeless

Audiobook Review: The Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Richard Armitage

Title: The Murder on the Links

Series: Hercule Poirot #2

Genre: Murder Mystery, Thriller, Classic

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 1, 1923

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

When Hercule Poirot and his associate Arthur Hastings arrive in the French village of Merlinville-sur-Mer to meet their client Paul Renauld, they learn from the police that he has been found that morning stabbed in the back with a letter opener and left in a newly-dug grave adjacent to a local golf course.

Among the plausible suspects are Renauld's wife Eloise, his son Jack, Renauld's immediate neighbor Madame Daubreuil, the mysterious "Cinderella" of Hasting's recent acquaintance, and some unknown visitor of the previous day--all of whom Poirot has reason to suspect. Poirot's powers of investigation ultimately triumph over the wiles of an assailant whose misdirection and motives are nearly--but not quite--impossible to spot.

Review:

Been for sure itching to read some Poirots lately! Especially after learning Richard Armitage did some narration for the series ;) There is something about his voice and performance that is amazing. 

Poirot and Hastings arrive in Merlinville-sur-Mer to meet their client. However, when they arrive they learn that their client was literally stabbed in the back with a letter opener. There are a few plausible suspects which include his wife, his son, their neighbor, and more. The two will have to dig and figure out who committed the murder. They will soon learn that not everything is as it seems. 

It is so interesting seeing some of the early works of the series. 

Love Poirot so much. He's a gem. 

Hastings is on my last nerve. His whole romance is silly. However, I did adore that Poirot is secretly a romantic and matchmaker. Adorable, but Hastings? Ugh. 

There was a character I actually ended up really, really liking...especially after a certain scene. Adorable. 

The mystery was fantastic. I really had no idea!!! Twist, after twist. So good. 

The narrator was Richard Armitage? Should I even say more? LOL 

All-in-all, Hastings was annoying but it didn't ruin the story fully for me. Good mystery. Poirot is great. And I was surprised by the end! 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Twisty

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #30

- Cloak and Dagger - #16

Audiobook Review: The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Richard Armitage

Title: The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Series: Hercule Poirot #1

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Classic

Format: Audiobook

Published: January 1, 1920

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Agatha Christie's debut novel was also the first to feature Hercule Poirot, her famously eccentric Belgian detective.

A refugee of the Great War, Poirot has settled in England near Styles Court, the country estate of his wealthy benefactor, the elderly Emily Inglethorp. When Emily is poisoned and the authorities are baffled, Poirot puts his prodigious sleuthing skills to work. Suspects are plentiful, including the victim’s much younger husband, her resentful stepsons, her longtime hired companion, a young family friend working as a nurse, and a London specialist on poisons who just happens to be visiting the nearby village.

All of them have secrets they are desperate to keep, but none can outwit Poirot as he navigates the ingenious red herrings and plot twists

Review:

Been itching to read some Agatha Christie...it has literally been years! Last time I read one was in the early 2000s....High School time....dang. I've read a handful, but I never read them all. There are just SOOO many. Soooo I decided to start from the beginning. 

Poirot has settled in England after the Great War. He is settled in near Styles Court who belongs to his wealthy benefactor Emily Inglethrop. When Emily is poisoned and the authorities are baffled because everyone is suspicious and have motives, but all of them have alibis, Poirot is called in to crack the case. 

Not that this was bad, but you can tell this is her debut story especially after reading ones MUCH later in the series. However, it was fun seeing Poirot at his creation. You can tell she has a lot of plans for this poor man. 

The mystery was good and I was absolutely unsure of who did it. They all had motive but no real evidence to link anyone 100% to the crime. Lots and lots of red herrings littering the place. 

The ending did drag on a bit and it took everything I had to focus up. The mystery dragged on a bit too much. I would've preferred more time with interviews and looking around. 

The narration was fun! It was done by the famous Richard Armitage! Eee! Adorable. He was fantastic. Loved all his voices. I'm glad I decided to try this version of audio. 

All-in-all, a nice intro into Poirot. Not necessary to read the books in order, but it was nice seeing where it all began. The mystery was good and I had no idea! Nicely stumped there ;) But the ending did drag a touch. I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Mysterious

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #24

- Cloak and Dagger - #14

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Format: 192 pages, Paperback

This version.Published: January 1, 1993 by Wordsworth Editions

Historical fiction / own

I am a horrible evil classics reviewer. But it was just so boring. I was sadly not in the mood for fun animals beings friends and all of that.

Also my mind went dark. Too early for that considering when it was written but I imagined a atombom wiping out most of the world, and animals got as big as humans and lived their lives apart. But still around. ...no?

Far from fading with time, Kenneth Grahame's classic tale of fantasy has attracted a growing audience in each generation. Rat, Mole, Badger, and the preposterous Mr. Toad (with his 'Poop-poop-poop' road hogging new motor-car), have brought delight to many through the years with their odd adventures on and by the river, and at the imposing residence of Toad Hall.

Grahame's book was later dramatised by A.A. Milne, and became a perennial Christmas favourite, as Toad of Toad Hall. It continues to enchant and, above all perhaps, inspire great affection.

Book Review: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Author: Daphne du Maurier

Title: Rebecca

Genre: Classic, Fiction, Gothic, Romance, & thriller

Format: Paperback

Pages: 441

Published: August 1, 1938

Where I Got It: Borrowed from my friend

Summary: 

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again...

Working as a paid companion to a bitter elderly lady, the timid heroine of Rebecca learns her place. Life is bleak until, on a trip to the South of France, she falls in love with Maxim de Winter, a handsome widower whose proposal takes her by surprise. Whisked from Monte Carlo to Manderley, Maxim's isolated Cornish estate, the friendless young bride begins to realise she barely knows her husband at all. And in every corner of every room is the phantom of his beautiful first wife, Rebecca.

Rebecca is the haunting story of a woman consumed by love and the struggle to find her identity.

Review:

Never heard of this book until it was selected for our book club. I decided to jump right in without reading the summary. I wanted to be completely surprised. 

We follow our timid heroine who was a paid companion to an elderly lady. Life is bleak until she meets Maxim de Winter and they fall in love. They get married and he whisks her to his isolated Cornish estate called Manderley. Once there our heroine will realize she barely knows her husband at all and every corner of every room is haunted by the first wife, Rebecca. 

The beginning was slow and slightly confusing. We start where the story ends. Which was unique for sure, but I was all "Okaaaayyyy". Once we got into the past and started our story I was hooked. 

It is a classic novel and we all know writers back then were bored so things take forever. The convos are long. I still enjoyed it though. I do wish our heroine had a name, but that was commonplace too back in the day. 

This is a hard review to write because I do not want to spoil anything. There are a lot of twists and turns and one shocking moment at the end. Ooooo damn you Rebecca. 

Once I got to the ending the whole beginning made all the sense. I actually re-read the beginning because I couldn't remember anything. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. The beginning was a hair rough since it was technically the ending, but once you get through the story it all makes sense. It is a little slow, but it worked to build up the tension for the ending few chapters. I'll give this 4 stars. 

TMST: Classic Novels

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

1/10: Do you read classics? Why or why not?

Haven't done of these prompts since like November! Been so busy with other stuff!

Classics? Yesssss I love reading the classics. I don't read as many as I would like, but I try to read a couple a year. Sometimes I re-read one, but I try to try a new one at minimum once a year.

I will say, though, that classic novels can be rough sometimes. Some can be so dry...so boring (I hate using that word, but it's true). However, you will occasionally find a true gem like some of Austen novels or 'Wuthering Heights'. Or Poe or Shakespeare! 

Reading classic novels can be a gamble, but I love them. 

Book Review: Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich

Author: Louise Erdrich

Title: Love Medicine

Series: Love Medicine #1

Genre: Historical Fiction, Classic, Short Stories, Fantasy

Format: ebook

Pages: 367

Published: January 1, 1984

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Set on and around a North Dakota Ojibwe reservation, Love Medicine is the epic story about the intertwined fates of two families: the Kashpaws and the Lamartines.

With astonishing virtuosity, each chapter draws on a range of voices to limn its tales. Black humor mingles with magic, injustice bleeds into betrayal, and through it all, bonds of love and family marry the elements into a tightly woven whole that pulses with the drama of life.

Filled with humor, magic, injustice and betrayal, Erdrich blends family love and loyalty in a stunning work of dramatic fiction.

Review:

Been meaning to read this for a long, long time. I couldn't find any paper version of this at any of my local stores BUT I wanted to read this and I gave up for a long while. A little while ago this was for sale as an ebook on Amazon...so I grabbed it and then decided to make my book club read this with me. 

The Kashpaws and Lamartines are two families that seem to have intertwined fates. A mixture of some dark humor...magic....injustice....betrayal....the bonds of family will continue on. 

I wish I had checked out this ebook that I bought because the formatting is all wrong and I couldn't return it so I just pushed through. It was so hard to read because of this. I am really upset that the ebook did me dirty like this.

The beginning was rough for me for a couple of reasons. 1) The formatting made it SO hard to read 2) I was really confused on who was who and what was really going on. I feel like we just got dropped into this world. Maybe if the formatting was right there would've been clearly defined chapters with "Kasphaws" or "Lamartine" or whoever is narrating. What made it was that it was jumping around SO much. I think we even were jumping to different times WHICH maybe if the formatting was right....it would've made sense. 

Once I got used to the formatting and found my footing, I enjoyed this immensely. This was really profound and it really hit me hard. Especially the one funeral scene. I think I even shared the quote on Facebook. This author really does know how to get the heart and pull your emotions. 

I need to find a paper version or a better ebook version. I feel like I missed a lot and I can't necessarily blame the author. Please avoid this version. I should've read the reviews....

But yes...what I could decipher and understand...I enjoyed. The ending was much better and it was SO impactful. I'll have to give this 2 stars for now. Maybe someday I'll find an actual version that works well and give it a second chance/re-read. 

Challenge(s):

- TBR Reading Challenge (#8)