The simple writing is easy to follow and enjoyable, but it is not hugely striking or engaging. Even the alternating points of view between the two main characters fail to add much to the story as information is often summarised and repeated with each narrative switch. What I loved was the slight integration of the Vietnamese language. This is just one of the many ways Loan Le shows that she is unapologetically proud of her culture, and I was here for it!
3-stars
Book reviews with 3 star rating
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THE THEFT OF SUNLIGHT by Intisar Khanani
Intisar Khanani’s writing is vivid and easy to follow, but it lacks the enchanting and tranquil quality I loved in the preceding book. Then again, I understand that it is hard to tackle a topic as serious as human trafficking in an enchanting manner.
DO NO HARM by Henry Marsh
‘Do No Harm’ is a staple in lists of recommended reading for prospective medics as it offers an insight into the humanity of doctors. The book is centred around the medical speciality of neurosurgery as this is the role of its author, Henry Marsh.
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LULLABY by Leїla Slimani
The cover of Lullaby is very striking but simple, with an image of a dress not dissimilar to the one which many of us were forced to wear as children. The quote on the cover catches the eye immediately, causing intrigue as to what the book is about – at least it did for me. “The baby is dead. It took only a few seconds.”
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DIAL A FOR AUNTIES by Jesse Q. Sutanto
‘Dial A for Aunties’ was a light, fun read filled with lots of drama. Between the murder cover-up, rekindling romance and wedding chaos, there was certainly more than enough to keep me entertained!
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THE COURT OF MIRACLES by Kester Grant
I have to start this review by celebrating my very first completed audiobook! No one is more shocked than me by how much I loved listening to the narration of this book. I certainly did not expect to be able to focus on the narrated story as my mind tends to wander when I listen to people talk for a long time. Although this was not a huge problem here, I cannot tell how much of this was because of the narration or the story.
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A THRONE OF SWANS by Katherine & Elizabeth Corr
It is very rare for me to be undecided in the rating I want to give a book right after I finish reading it. Yet, here I am, confused because I was not fully enthralled by the contents of this book, but I still found myself constantly drawn to it by something I can not put my finger on.
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THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS by Chloe Gong
To anyone expecting a close retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this book is not that. ‘These violent delights’ is a loose, loooooose, l-o-o-s-e (have I said LOOSE?) homage to the tale of Romeo and Juliet. Nevertheless, it is a refreshing blend of romance, mystery, history AND fantasy.
