Set in 1993 in Mexico City, Silver Nitrate follows a sound editor and a former soap opera star as they stumble onto an occultist who made a curious fiSet in 1993 in Mexico City, Silver Nitrate follows a sound editor and a former soap opera star as they stumble onto an occultist who made a curious film decades before. I won't say more about the plot, it's too good and I'm afraid to spoil it! But let me tell you, this supernatural horror story is fantastic. I already know it's one of my favorite reads of this year for sure.
It's exquisitely dark, blending occultism, magic, Nazism, and lots of love for movies. Following the unique adventure of Montserrat, a fearless badass and passionate sound editor, and her best friend Tristan, a bit coward but charming and with a good heart, was truly a pleasure: their friendship, which started when they were children, is so well written that they seemed truly real people to me. But this is what impressed and charmed me the most: how the author was able to explore so many topics in such an organic and thrilling way, from Mexican culture, horror movies production, sound editing, alcohol and fame, dark magic and old runes... alternating action to more reflective moments until the story reached its fantastic finale. Honestly, there's not a single thing I didn't love about Silver Nitrate.
I would not only recommend to read this book, but if possible to listen to the audiobook as well: Gisela Chipe did an amazing job and you'll fully dive into this great story. Is Silvia Moreno-Garcia a new favorite author already? Yes, yes she is. And now I'm going to buy all her books, rip my bank account. 5 stars.
ps. every book or movie that includes the song "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" immediately gets a piece of my heart: it's the most perfect song to accompany any kind of spooky art for me....more
This is the story of Eva, her mother Gerda, her relatives, her region, her culture. When Eva receives an unexpected message from Vito, a man she brieflThis is the story of Eva, her mother Gerda, her relatives, her region, her culture. When Eva receives an unexpected message from Vito, a man she briefly knew as a child as her mother's partner and that she hasn't seen in decades, she knows that meeting him would help her understand her childhood and especially her mother's life choices. Eva immediately hops on a train and, while she travels through Italy, she recalls her past and the history of her region.
Eva Sleeps is a fantastic historical novel that takes us to a little region in the north of Italy, Trentino Alto Adige, and especially into its soul, which is a meeting of different cultures and languages, pushed together by history and conflicts during the 20th century. The novel is structured in chapters alternating two storylines: Eva's travel in her present (in the 90's) and the pretty accurate history of Alto Adige / Süd Tyrol told by a narrating voice starting from the years after WW1.
It's exactly the kind of book that I didn't expect to love that much, but that now I know will stay with me for a very long time. Characters like Gerda and Eva, the tragedies and losses they had to overcome, the strength they needed to find to survive, and for nobody but themselves... well, they broke my heart. I know their story is fictional, but it's so well written it really seems real. But it's also the sad and bitter story of Gerda's dad, who was only a poor child when his Austrian town was assigned to Italy, and it's also the story of Ulli, who loved his family so much that he couldn't bear being away from it and not being accepted by it. And it's the story of Vito, who found true love on the opposite side of the country and bravely tried to change Italy with his big heart.
It's a book that deserves to be read, savored, loved. It's beautiful, painful, generous of emotions and full of thought-provoking chapters. Truly a fantastic novel, a new favorite! Can't wait to discuss about Eva Sleeps with my book club! #michelasbookclub
Fans of Ottessa Moshfegh and especially Sylvia Plath will love 70% Acrylic 30% Wool by Italian author Viola Di Grado. It's the story of Camelia, who lFans of Ottessa Moshfegh and especially Sylvia Plath will love 70% Acrylic 30% Wool by Italian author Viola Di Grado. It's the story of Camelia, who lives in rainy cold Leeds with her mother and is unable to process the loss of his father, who died in December in a car accident with his mistress. Camelia and her mother are unable to move on, not living but rather just existing in a permanent state of grief, darkness, anger and despair.
I have read my fair amount of "sad girl literature" but for me 70% Acrylic 30% Wool is a worthy successor of The Bell Jar, because it left me exactly the same dark feeling in my heart. Needless to say, I loved this book SO MUCH. It's unique, heartbreaking, bizarre at times and so so real. Camelia is such an authentic character, with her brutal honesty and questionable choices and actions, I loved her and hated her and made me want to hug her. Her relationship with her mute (by choice) mother, made only with implicit communication and glances, is one of the saddest things I've ever read. And the anger Camelia feels... I felt it too through her, especially when it suddenly rises, unexpectedly, like it happens in real life. More than glued to the pages, I felt almost trapped like I was stuck in honey or lava. It's a sad story, but it's beautifully painful.
The writing is also very beautiful, sometimes poetic and delicate, sometimes honest and raw. I read it in its original language and I appreciated all the word puns, alliterations, the study of the language - because yes, it's a language story: Italian, English and Chinese. Three different worlds, cultures and sounds mix in this great unique novel that I wish I could read for the first time again. I loved it, and you should read it too if you love books that make you sad....more
Monstrilio is the story of a family destroyed by grief: Magos and Joseph struggle to remain together after the death of their 11 year old son SantiagoMonstrilio is the story of a family destroyed by grief: Magos and Joseph struggle to remain together after the death of their 11 year old son Santiago. His mother wants to keep a part of him with herself, so she cuts open his body and removes his lung. She keeps it in a jar and, impressed by a local story, decides to feed it. The lung grows and somehow becomes a wild creature, a little monster: Monstrilio.
Okay, WOW. I loved every single word of this book, literally devoured it in two days! Monstrilio is the debut novel of Gerardo Sámano Córdova, and a very unique story of love and grief, acceptance and strength... and a monster with a particular appetite. I honestly really enjoyed everything about this book: - all characters, including secondary ones, are well described and recognizable: Magos, Lena, Joseph and Monstrilio are the narrating voices (the book is split in four sections) and it was great to follow their interactions with each other and how they behave in different environments; - the settings: the story takes place in Mexico, New York and Berlin and, besides the obvious change of location, I felt like there was a change of tone too, a different phase of the characters' lives; - the writing, which I found particularly beautiful, especially in the description of the consequences of a loss. The pace matches perfectly the emotions of the characters: slow and dense at the beginning, then faster when Monstrilio grows and becomes more independent and hungry; - the ending: truly poetic and beautiful, it was perfect. Loved it.
I see you, Gerardo Sámano Córdova! Can't wait to read more of your works. Monstrilio is an incredible debut, I already know it's going to be one of my favorite reads of 2023. Reminder to self: grab a physical copy as soon as it's out!
* I'd like to thank Gerardo Sámano Córdova, Zando Projects and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. * Monstrilio is out on March 7th, 2023....more
Six years after retiring, Carrie sees her record being taken from her by Nicki Chan, an incredible opponent. At 37 years old, she decides to come out Six years after retiring, Carrie sees her record being taken from her by Nicki Chan, an incredible opponent. At 37 years old, she decides to come out of retirement and be coached by her father Javier for one last year in an attempt to reclaim her record. This is not easy, but she is fierce, strong and determined to be the undiscussed queen of tennis: Carrie Soto is back.
It's no secret how much I love everything that TJR writes but... THIS BOOK!! Amazing, simply amazing. I don't know how she does it, but the characters she creates, the stories she comes up with are so well written, so REAL, that if you'd tell me that they are non-fiction I wouldn't even question it. Carrie Soto is no exception: we already met her in her previous novel Malibu Rising (btw I love how all her books seem to be in the same universe), but now we finally have the chance to get to know her fully and... well she is the best.
Determined, stubborn, proud and fierce, there's only one thing that Carrie loves more than winning: her father Javier aka el Jaguar. Their relationship is probably the highlight of this novel: Javier is Carrie's coach but he is her father and role model first, and it's great to see how the these two extraordinaire characters grow and evolve with time and the influence they have on each other. There are lots of funny moments, but also lot of times when you'll feel frustrated, angry, heartbroken for our protagonists. There are several other characters involved and they are all interesting and very realistic - I've seen many requesting a book about Nicki Chan, I'm here asking for more Gwen instead!)
Because this book is essentially about tennis, expect a lot of tennis talks: however I really had no trouble following the story, since the rules of the game are pretty much explained at the beginning of the book incorporated in Carrie's story. And the ending is simply perfect - I don't know what I expected, but what we got is just RIGHT.
Is this my new favorite TJR book? Mmm probably, yes. There's a clear improvement in storytelling from previous books, there was never a dull moment and it was just really hard to put the book down! Literally can't wait for her next story! 5 stars....more
1828. Robin Swift (not his real name), orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell to study Latin, Greek an1828. Robin Swift (not his real name), orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell to study Latin, Greek and Chinese in preparation for the day he'll enroll in Oxford University’s Royal Institute of Translation, also known as Babel. But Babel is not just a university, it's also where magic is created using terms with meanings lost in translation, it's where this new power serves the British Empire's quest for colonization. Robin loves studying in Babel, but his contribution starts feeling like he's betraying his motherland and soon he needs to decide on which side to be.
If you were to ask me to describe Babel in one word, I'd say AMBITIOUS. This book truly is a love letter to languages and translation and, as a translator with two masters myself, I absolutely loved it. First and foremost, it's a well-built fantasy novel with a very interesting main character you can't help but root for. I really liked his pure heart, his passion for languages and love for Babel as source of knowledge and personal realization. I was so happy for him when he met his new friends, especially Ramy. What it almost starts as a children book, quickly becomes pretty serious with the threat of a war with China over silver and opium, and Robin finds himself stuck in the middle of it. Just like him, the reader is invited to reflect on many important topics such as the brokenness of academia, the price of colonialism, racism, translation as a form of art AND source of power, friendship and identity, as so many more. I really enjoyed every single page of this book, and I'm so impressed by Kuang's writing and creativity: the first half of the book may be a bit too dense in academic notions, but they are absolutely necessary to the story and, personally, I was simply too fascinated by it to stop reading. You can really feel the author's love for translation and linguistics. The second half of the book is packed with action and revelations and, after a certain shocking event, I wasn't able to put it down. Honestly I think I could talk about Babel for hours, but I think I'll just say this: READ IT. It's brilliant and unique, I've never read anything like it. Don't be intimidated by its length, it's worth it. READ IT....more
Fernanda and Annelise are inseparable: they go to an exclusive Catholic school together, read horror stories to each other and challenge each other inFernanda and Annelise are inseparable: they go to an exclusive Catholic school together, read horror stories to each other and challenge each other into weird and dangerous dares and rituals. Their relationship is perfect, according to Fernanda. So how does she end up estranged from Annelise, and held hostage by one of her teachers in a deserted cabin? What happened to Fernanda?
Jawbone is the debut novel of Mónica Ojeda: it's (psychological) horror story of deeply dysfunctional girls / women, who have been raised by unloving parents and found refuge outside the conventions of the society. Fernanda and Annalise spend their free time in an abandoned building and, without the adults' rules to restrain them, they become almost feral and blindly follow their desires and instincts. With their friends, they form a sort of cult, with unusual rituals that become more violent with time, pushing their boundaries and exploring their sexuality. The toxic bond between Fernanda and Annalise attracts the attention of one of their teachers, Miss Clara, who also experiences a troubled adolescence and grew up traumatized by the whole mother-daughter dynamic: as a teacher, she feels she has a "motherly" duty to correct their behavior, to fix them.
I love dysfunctional characters, they give me the chance to see the world through different eyes, a world that otherwise I'd never experience. And Jawbone is exactly that: a glimpse into the lives of three women, who aren't necessarily well behaved, nice and obedient. They are wild, traumatized, manipulative, violent, unique: unapologetically bad people.
Mónica Ojeda's writing style is charming and her prose beautiful and magnetic (I read the English translation of Sarah Booker); I also particularly loved how the author played with the character of Fernanda, making us think she was a victim at the beginning, then a perpetrator, and finally the realization that she can be, and is in fact, both. I loved that.
I'm very grateful to have received a copy of Jawbone by New Ruins, it's for sure one of my favorite reads of the year. Can't wait to read more by this author!...more
When We Fell Apart, debut novel of Soon Wiley, follows the story of Min and Yu Jin. Min decided to move from America to Seoul to explore his Korean roWhen We Fell Apart, debut novel of Soon Wiley, follows the story of Min and Yu Jin. Min decided to move from America to Seoul to explore his Korean roots, while Yu Jin is currently living in the same city because of her studies. Their families and lives couldn't be more different, but they found comfort and understanding in each other. Until one day Min is informed by the police that Yu Jin has committed suicide. Shocked and confused, he is convinced there's something else going on: someone is hiding something.
When We Fell Apart may sound like a mystery novel revolving around the sudden death of Yu Jin, but as soon as I started reading it, I realized it's so much more than that. This is the story of two characters on their path towards self-discovery and self-realization: I guess that, in a sense, this could be classified as coming-of-age novel. I loved how the POVs of the two main characters, as well as their storylines, perfectly alternate and intertwine, disclosing details to the reader who can slowly find out what happened to Yu Jin before her death. More than a murder mystery, this book is about people: the suffocating love of overprotective parents, the necessity of freedom to choose who to be, the importance of being accepted. The theme of love is beautifully explored: not only the affection for Min, but also a separate queer storyline which is essential to understand Yu Jin's evolution from obedient and silent child to free and growing young woman. It's a beautiful love story, delicate and respectful, and it was heartwarming to see Yu Jin discover her true self thanks to it.
Filled with beautiful and almost poetic descriptions, Wiley takes the reader to the busy and charming streets of Seoul, filled with different cultures and personalities. Overall I found When We Fell Apart very moving and real, beautifully written and heartbreaking at times. I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did, but I think it's one of the best debut novel I've ever had the pleasure to read! Truly a gem. 5 stars.
* I'd like to thank Soon Wiley, Dutton and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
“Human beings have a remarkable ability to accept the abnormal and make it normal.”
When Ryland Grace awakens from a coma, he realises he is on a space“Human beings have a remarkable ability to accept the abnormal and make it normal.”
When Ryland Grace awakens from a coma, he realises he is on a spaceship. He doesn't know where he is or why, in fact he doesn't even remember his name or if he has any family. Completely alone, millions of miles from home, he's determined to find out the nature of his assignment and how to complete it.
First book of 2022 for me and possibly already the best of the year! I love science fiction and especially I love when it's so well written that's so accessible and at the same time accurate. Andy Weir does exactly that with his new novel Project Hail Mary, a true page-turner. It may seem a complex read, with all the scientific notions and calculations, but I assure you everything is so well explained that I was able to deduce something before the character, and just because the scientific jargon was quite easy to follow.
Ryland Grace is one of the funniest guys I've found in literature so far. He's funny, sarcastic and very down-to-earth (no pun intended), he's experiencing an incredible adventure in space and... he's not truly alone. ...more
“It was life, often unsatisfying, frequently cruel, usually boring, sometimes beautiful, once in a while exhilarating.”
A few months after the death of“It was life, often unsatisfying, frequently cruel, usually boring, sometimes beautiful, once in a while exhilarating.”
A few months after the death of his wife, Ralph Roberts starts having a problem: he can't sleep more than two or three hours each night. Exhausted and stressed because of this, he begins to notice a strangeness in his familiar surroundings, to experience visual phenomena that he can't quite believe are hallucinations. He quickly realises that something is going on in his hometown, Derry.
Where has this book been all my life??? Insomnia, a book that nobody ever recommended to me, is now one of my favorite King books! It all starts with a recent widower who can't sleep and is trying to find a solution for his insomnia, and King goes into great details to describe his struggles and his attempts. I suffered from insomnia in the past, sometimes I still do, so it's a topic that I find really interesting and I have to say, it was also perfectly described.
Then the story slowly develops into something bigger and amazing, and it's honestly so great to have unconventional main characters: two ordinary people, elderly, fighting things that seem unreal and finding comfort and support in each other in this unconventional situation. I loved it! The ending is honestly one of the best King has ever written in my opinion and I found myself tearing up and holding the book tight to my chest after turning the last page. It's so well written, so emotional, such an incredible story! I loved every single line of it.
Insomnia is heavily linked to the Dark Tower books and I'd strongly recommend to read it after you've completed the series. It can be read without reading the DT, it still makes sense, but a lot of references and a big slice of the story would lose its importance without knowing its context.
King is, as always, a master in describing town people and the story is beautiful and magic until the very end. I'm aware it's a long book but it's so worth the time... It's a book you'll never forget. 5 stars....more
GIRL. Grab your glass of wine, we need to talk. You know I love you dearly, but I really don't understand your attraction to Mr. Rochester. PDear Jane,
GIRL. Grab your glass of wine, we need to talk. You know I love you dearly, but I really don't understand your attraction to Mr. Rochester. Please explain it to me. Is it because you can be rude around him with no consequences? Is it because he seems unfriendly, but he is actually sweet to you in private? Or maybe you're just looking for a man that is not as shitty as your stupid cousin? Look, I get it, these are all valid reasons, but you can do so much better, darling. Focus on yourself, keep building your career, don't listen to those who keep telling you that you're ugly (why do they even do that).
I want you to know that you're a true inspiration to me. From the moment you threw random objects to your nasty relatives during your horrible childhood, to when you started applying for jobs looking for your path, I admire the way you always stood up for yourself and your values. And even though in my book club I secretly called your beau Mr. Cochroachester (sorry, not sorry), I applaud you for accepting his love only when he was in a position to be be truly honest and respectful towards you.
And I'm really sorry it took me 177 years to read your story. It is, and will always be, a favorite of mine. Keep slaying, queen....more
“First of all, it was October, a rare month for boys.”
Halloween is only a week away when in the quiet small town of Green Town a mysterious carnival a“First of all, it was October, a rare month for boys.”
Halloween is only a week away when in the quiet small town of Green Town a mysterious carnival arrives at midnight, promising eternal youth and all the wishes to its citizens. Two boys, James Nightshade and William Halloway, discover the secrets and plans behind the smoke, mirrors and mazes and realize that in order to save their town, they have to face the carnival's evil power... and their own nightmares.
October is the perfect month to pick up Something Wicked This Way Comes, so mark your calendars! Ray Bradbury writes a beautiful coming of age story, with two young protagonists who run around looking for adventures. I loved reading about their friendship, but I loved even more the relationship between Will and his dad Charles. In particular there is a chapter where he talks about his life and how he feels about aging to his son... that was one of my favorite parts, absolute gold.
Thanks to Bradbury's gorgeous prose, this novel is truly a pleasure to read. Every word is magical, every sentence requires time to absorb it completely, to savor it and the feelings it gives you. I love when in a spooky novel the author explores other (deeper) themes: in this case, Something Wicked This Way Comes sums up the thoughts and feelings that Bradbury has towards youth and happiness, good and evil, life and death.
Scary and suspenseful, this is a timeless classic that I am so glad I finally read. 5 stars....more
“What kind of half-assed apocalypse are they running down there?” Amos said. “Give ’em a break. It’s their first.”
Leviathan Wakes is the first book of“What kind of half-assed apocalypse are they running down there?” Amos said. “Give ’em a break. It’s their first.”
Leviathan Wakes is the first book of the Expanse series and if you dig science fiction and space opera, this is your jam. We mostly have two main characters, Jim Holden and detective Miller, with different missions and approaches at life but their paths inevitably intertwine when they find themselves in a web of secrets, investigations, bio-weapons and a missing woman.
This book. THIS. BOOK. It's a rollercoaster of action and emotions and twists in space! The characters all have their own way of handling situations (Amos' reactions to pretty much everything are priceless) and their chemistry and the tension it creates are just great. Not only the characters: the world building is very well done, rich in details but always very easy to understand and follow. This book is just awesome. I knew already most of the plot because I've watched the show already a few years ago but still I was blown away by how good and fun to read Leviathan Wakes is.
Am I regretting not buying the rest of the series when I had the chance? Yes, I am. Hopefully I'll get to Caliban's War soon enough. Super recommended, I loved it! 5 stars!...more
“Caring too much for objects can destroy you. Only—if you care for a thing enough, it takes on a life of its own, doesn’t it? And isn’t the whole poin“Caring too much for objects can destroy you. Only—if you care for a thing enough, it takes on a life of its own, doesn’t it? And isn’t the whole point of things—beautiful things—that they connect you to some larger beauty?”
When Theo Decker is 13, his life turns upside down: while visiting the Metropolitan Museum in New York, a bomb explodes killing several visitors. He survives the terrorist attack, but his mother dies and with her Theo's childhood and dreams too. Completely alone, he holds on to the only thing that truly reminds him on his mum: a small valuable painting, The Goldfinch, that he took during his panicked escape from the museum. Theo grows up, becomes a man and starts his own business, but at heart he remains an orphan with a self-destructive behavior that he can't control. The only thing he cares about is the painting, that he seems to love more than himself.
Winner Pulitzer Prize for Fiction 2014, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is one of the most intense books I had the pleasure to read in my life. It's not an easy read, because of its length and content, but it's for sure a must read. Tartt's writing is compelling and delicate, even when describing awful situations. She is generous with sensory details and dialogues, making the readers feel like they are part of the book, present in the scene. I could truly feel the sadness of Theo, his churning thoughts and feelings, and the tensions that slowly grows and escalates in the second half of the book. All characters are interesting and real, full of flaws and perfect in their own way. Theo is of course the focus of the entire story and his life a great representation of sorrow and survival, of addictions and beauty, of love and loss.
This is not a book that I would easily recommend, being that it's a chunker and contains a few difficult topics (violence and drug abuse, just to mention the main ones) but I have loved every single word of it. I will read for sure other novels by Donna Tartt. 5 stars....more
“I thought you were good, but you are not good. You are just a lying old dirty birdie.”
No supernatural creature, no evil entity here. Just Annie Wilk“I thought you were good, but you are not good. You are just a lying old dirty birdie.”
No supernatural creature, no evil entity here. Just Annie Wilkes, a paranoid violent psychopath, number one fan of Paul Sheldon. Enough said.
This book is simply brilliant. As Annie, I was not able to put it down because I had to know! I finished it in less than two days, but I think I'll see Annie in every dark corner or shadow forever. Highly recommended!...more
“The sunset was that long, achingly beautiful balance of stillness in which the sun seemed to hover like a red balloon above the western horizon, the “The sunset was that long, achingly beautiful balance of stillness in which the sun seemed to hover like a red balloon above the western horizon, the entire sky catching fire from the death of day; a sunset unique to the American Midwest and ignored by most of its inhabitants. The twilight brought the promise of coolness and the certain threat of night.”
Summer 1960. A group of five 12-years old boys dream about a summer of adventures, games and parties with their classmates. They don't know about the evil, hidden in the darkness, plotting against them... What is happening in Elm Haven?
This book is honestly great! I enjoyed every single page of it. Not only Dan Simmons created such amazing and particular characters (and I don't mean only the boys, but also others like Memo, Father Cavanaugh, the Soldier, Duane's father and uncle!) but he was also able to recreate the feelings of a little town, shocked by unexpected events and scandals. The kids are perfectly described and developed, my favourite is Duane and his curiosity. But I loved all characters honestly, good and bad, because they were all relevant to the plot and gave depth to the story.
Simmons' writing style is rich with descriptions (slowing down the story a bit) and chapters that made my heart race. One of them in particular scared the hell out of me and then broke my heart. I'm not going to say which one but if you read the book, you probably know what I'm talking about.
Such a good book! If you enjoy horror classics, you'll love Summer of Night!...more
Loading...
