A delighted reader was I, flying along with this informed and quality work. It’s times like this a reader chides themselves with the age-old adage ‘whA delighted reader was I, flying along with this informed and quality work. It’s times like this a reader chides themselves with the age-old adage ‘why have I not read this author before now?!’ Devouring this believable, compelling, and propulsive thriller to the extent I had not experienced for a long while. An engrossing twisty thread chock full of meaty subjects, whilst heavy, carrying the reader through extreme emotions without faltering. Fully immersed in the female camaraderie, the desperation of escape, and the true caring of reliable protagonists who I felt close to and protected by; I felt I knew them. Absorbing the feeling of evil in which they were fleeing, while attempting to bring to justice made for a terrific read. I loved the right characters; I hated the others with vehemence. Alan Carter has hit the nail on the head with smart writing and faultlessly crafted characters which made it hard to put down. Wanting my lunch break to be longer (what is wrong with stealing some work time to read?!) Here we have an established author clearly shining and I loved it. My copy has a full dance card right now – a sure sign of success.
With thanks to @fremantlepress and @goodreadingmag for my copy to read and review as part of the Early Bird Read. ...more
All of my book friends know historical fiction is not usually my first choice, but when I do foray into times gone by, I love it when it strikes a choAll of my book friends know historical fiction is not usually my first choice, but when I do foray into times gone by, I love it when it strikes a chord. My goodness this book did just that.
I’m grateful to have the publisher send me this physical copy to read and review, thank you @echopublishing. The book is already en route to its next reader, a sure sign of success - I love the cyclical nature of a physical book's trajectory. To the author, oh my. I hope you are so proud of this story! I’m always in awe of how seamlessly a story is absorbed, I am aware of the blood, sweat and tears that goes on before it reaches my hand.
.. I wondered why God would make it so easy for men to build such a straight, honest looking thing to harbour all that’s crooked and dark and evil.
I am a Sydneysider, as the first few pages mention Windsor, and further progressing, Parramatta, this added an extra layer. I love envisioning the locales, and into Sarah Evan’s world I was completely transported. This was made possible by the exemplary work (and passion) in researching the facts of this real-life woman, the research into the proceedings of Sarah’s trial and visiting the areas in London where Bernice Barry laid out her story. The portrayal of societal norms of the times and the clarity of this time and place in my mind made possible with remarkable writing skill.
It is important to know that while this story does contain fact, the author has skillfully woven fiction into the narrative. Can historical fiction be a read full of heightened suspense, anticipation, and anxiety? Indeed, it can. This book was all of this and much more. I truly stayed up late to finish Sarah’s quest.
The contrast of beautiful maternal love and female kinship, and the bonds that tie us together by circumstance, to the tragic evil and appalling actions of those in positions of power to continually flaunt their evil was breathtaking. The generations produced by these dark men were pointed, characters crafted so magnificently that I was so entrenched in feeling the worst of the worst, I felt the depravity.
Ultimately this story of bravery, resilience and spirit overcame the negative feelings and horror which stirred inside of me, Sarah’s journey is inspiring, remarkable, and moving, just as the quality of this wonderful book. The author is a teacher, those who learn the craft from her are lucky ones indeed!
Perhaps it’s a foolish notion, but I think we leave something of ourselves behind us when we come and go, our memories left like peelings dropped by the wayside, dead skins of a day that’s done with. ...more
What a knockout! This is the kind of book I would not pick up off the shelf, but I would happily say to the author ‘yes please’. Why so? I like to broWhat a knockout! This is the kind of book I would not pick up off the shelf, but I would happily say to the author ‘yes please’. Why so? I like to broaden my horizons, that is why. I like to avoid being stuck. So, thank you, for sending me a copy my way. I am very much a creature of comfort, this sometimes impedes my experience, in reading and in life.
This was so bizarre, in a good way. Ghost Cities dwells in a league of its own. As I never read books in this genre (I don’t know what genre to apply) I probably have missed a lot of it. It was hilarious, both in the telling, and in the fact that it made me feel lost and funny all at once. Laughing more at myself here. Siang Lu is clever, this is brilliant writing, funny, outrageous and charming.
Precocious in the usage of over-the-top words, and a dual narrative that adds even more to the quirk of this unique book. Xiang is fired from his role as a translator, it turns out Google translate is his MO, he’s banished to a Ghost City and has become a #badchinese. I loved how frowned upon he was by those in power, but I liked him a lot. I felt the pretentious vibe all the way.
My attempt to synopsize this book is absolutely no good as I can’t do it justice, but I do recommend this as a witty and well written novel. On completion of this read I was in awe and sat quietly thinking. So many ways our interpretation can take us on a journey.
3.5-4 stars.
With my thanks to the author for sending me a copy to read and review....more
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