Initially released in 2023, and long-listed for the prestigious Booker prize, Sian Hughes’ gorgeous novel, Pearl, is being re-released by Knopf. Marianne narrates the novel as an adult, returning to the Cheshire village in which she grew up for a yearly ritual/celebration called The Wakes. Hers has been a troubled life, her mother went missing … Continue reading Review: Pearl, by Siân Hughes (Knopf)
Review: Myrrh, by Polly Hall (Titan Books)
Myrrh consists of three interwoven narratives, each intriguing in their own right. The titular Myrrh is trying to track down her birth father, who abandoned her mother shortly after impregnating her. She is also dealing with a goblin who lives inside her head. Marian is the wife of the aforementioned absent father, reflecting on this … Continue reading Review: Myrrh, by Polly Hall (Titan Books)
My Week in Reading – Feb. 23rd, 2023
Gah, combo breaker! I was doing so well updating these weekly. But here's my excuse: Nothing major, I just missed a step in my Escher painting house and crumpled. Anyhoo... Mister Magic I did a little squeak of joy when my ARC request was approved for Kiersten White's latest novel. Her previous adult novel, Hide, … Continue reading My Week in Reading – Feb. 23rd, 2023
Review – The Haunting Season: Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights
Yaaay, a new ghost story collection! Some cracking British writers have banded together to give you the winter willies. You won't find a haunted cell phone or Zoom seance here; these tales of very much "traditional" ghost stories. Here's a mini breakdown of what you can expect. A Study in Black and White (Bridget Collins) … Continue reading Review – The Haunting Season: Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights
Review – Burntcoat, by Sarah Hall (Custom House)
To be honest, writing this review really intimidates me. I am absolutely in awe of Sarah Hall’s talent; I find her writing ethereal. Her short stories are beyond compare, evidenced by the fact she has been shortlisted for the annual BBC National Short Story Award four times, and is the only person to have won … Continue reading Review – Burntcoat, by Sarah Hall (Custom House)
California Reading 