The Book Slump

Category: Book Reviews

  • Memoirs Of A Geisha

    Memoirs Of A Geisha

    By Aurthor Golden

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 1997, 448 pages.

    In “Memoirs of a Geisha,” we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl’s virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men; and where love is scorned as illusion.

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: HISTORICAL, EMOTIONAL, DECEPTION, FRIENDSHIP, MEDIUM-PACED.

    This book definitely deserves the reputation it has earned. I always see it in the second-hand shops, so I – unfairly – assumed it was ‘good’ but nothing special. This was one of those books where I knew within the first few pages that I would love it.

    The relationship dynamics that Sayuri has with each character feels realistic. Golden is able to subtly display the impact that each character left on Sayuri, no matter how small – respective to the roles they played in her life. His writing style is immersive, and his storytelling allows the mind to wander into the pages of the book.

    I love how female-centred this story is. Regardless of any transgressions the women commit, they have strength in their own right and are respected in their role.

    It is a common misconception that a Geisha is akin to a prostitute – whilst this is addressed in the book – it is not pushed or stigmatized like it could have been. Although, I do not want to praise an author for doing the bare minimum – as it should be expected that a male, white author would respect a traditional, Japanese (female dominated), profession.

    I know that some of the behaviours exhibited in the story were accurate to the time, however there are some grey areas I am sceptical of. I am also not a big fan of a certain aspect of the book, but I digress, as I do not want to spoil anything.

    I would recommend anyone give this book a go, especially if you are interested in Japanese history or Japanese culture.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • Our Wives Under The Sea

    By Julia Armfield

    SPOILERS

    Released 2022, 232 pages.

    Miri thinks she has got her wife back, when Leah finally returns after a deep-sea mission that ended in catastrophe. It soon becomes clear, though, that Leah may have come back wrong. Whatever happened in that vessel, whatever it was they were supposed to be studying before they were stranded on the ocean floor, Leah has carried part of it with her, onto dry land and into their home.

    To have the woman she loves back should mean a return to normal life, but Miri can feel Leah slipping from her grasp. Memories of what they had before – the jokes they shared, the films they watched, all the small things that made Leah hers – only remind Miri of what she stands to lose. Living in the same space but suddenly separate, Miri comes to realize that the life that they had might be gone.

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: HORROR, LGBTQIA+, DARK, EMOTIONAL, FAST-PACED.

    Whilst it is accurate to describe this book as ‘horror’, it is not in the way you would think – as it is nothing like the horror books I have read prior. The best way I can describe it, is that it is ‘symbolic horror’, which I am pretty sure I just made up.

    Armfield’s storytelling was exceptional, I have never been more captivated by an author’s style of writing before. She has such a relatable way of conveying points. It felt conversational. By this I mean quotes like, ‘It went on too long and too helplessly. The way anyone who sneezes more than four times abruptly loses sympathy of an audience’. To me, this is such a human experience, articulated in a clever and witty way.

    The juxtaposition between Miri and Leah’s point of view was jarring. It makes it hard for the reader to decide who to sympathize with more. ‘Watching’ Miri mourn her living wife and revisit their fondest memories, then reading Leah’s final letters to Miri was devastating. I felt a pang in my heart during their final parting – the fact they had to let go of each other but insured that the other person was allowed their closure was touching.

    The biggest takeaway I got from this story is to treasure the relationship you have with your loved ones, and not to take it for granted.

    I would recommend this to someone who is trying to get into horror as it is a tame gateway book. Though, I would recommend anyone give this book a go, as Armfield’s writing style is very charming and fresh.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • Our Wives Under The Sea

    Our Wives Under The Sea

    By Julia Armfield

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2022, 232 pages.

    Miri thinks she has got her wife back, when Leah finally returns after a deep-sea mission that ended in catastrophe. It soon becomes clear, though, that Leah may have come back wrong. Whatever happened in that vessel, whatever it was they were supposed to be studying before they were stranded on the ocean floor, Leah has carried part of it with her, onto dry land and into their home.

    To have the woman she loves back should mean a return to normal life, but Miri can feel Leah slipping from her grasp. Memories of what they had before – the jokes they shared, the films they watched, all the small things that made Leah hers – only remind Miri of what she stands to lose. Living in the same space but suddenly separate, Miri comes to realize that the life that they had might be gone.

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: HORROR, LGBTQIA+, DARK, EMOTIONAL, FAST-PACED.

    Whilst it is accurate to describe this book as ‘horror’, it is not in the way you would think – as it is nothing like the horror books I have read prior. The best way I can describe it, is that it is ‘symbolic horror’, which I am pretty sure I just made up.

    Armfield’s storytelling was exceptional, I have never been more captivated by an author’s style of writing before. She has such a relatable way of conveying points. It felt conversational. I caught myself (frequently) thinking, ‘I have noticed that before as well’.

    The juxtaposition between Miri and Leah’s point of view was jarring. It makes it hard for the reader to decide who to sympathize with more. I enjoy this as it provides an accurate depiction of what the characters in the book would be experiencing.

    The biggest takeaway I got from this story is to treasure the relationship you have with your loved ones, and not to take it for granted.

    I would recommend this to someone who is trying to get into horror as it is a tame gateway book. Though, I would recommend anyone give this book a go, as Armfield’s writing style is very charming and fresh.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE

  • Demon Copperhead

    Demon Copperhead

    By Barbara Kingsolver

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2022, 548 pages.

    Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, Demon Copperhead is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. Relayed in his own unsparing voice, Demon braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses. Through all of it, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture where even the superheroes have abandoned rural people in favor of cities.

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: EMOTIONAL, HISTORICAL, DARK, DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY, MEDIUM-PACED.

    My emotions were being played with the entire duration of this book. The anger you feel for Demon and the way the foster system is set up is overwhelming, especially because it is based on a real plight that plagues this world.

    The writing is exceptional. The way Kingsolver describes the volatile environment, the character’s unique mannerisms and the ongoing emphasis on social issues made it feel biographical.

    I do not normally read books like this, mainly because it centres around emotionally provoking subjects – but I added it to my to-be-read due to the overwhelming praise.

    I have rated it a four, because it is bleak, depressing and full-on. I am not someone who gravitates towards books like this, so I could not enjoy it the way someone who seeks it out would. So, part of my rating reflects personal taste rather than book quality.

    I would recommend this to someone who is into grittier books, that focus on realistic problems. Although I think it is important that everyone read it, to remind us of the world we live in.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

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  • Big Swiss

    By Jen Beagin

    SPOILERS

    Released 2023, 325 pages.

    Greta lives with her friend Sabine in an ancient Dutch farmhouse in Hudson, New York. The house, built in 1737, is unrenovated, uninsulated, and full of bees. Greta spends her days transcribing therapy sessions for a sex coach who calls himself Om. She becomes infatuated with his newest client, a repressed married woman she affectionately refers to as Big Swiss, since she’s tall, stoic, and originally from Switzerland. Greta is fascinated by Big Swiss’s refreshing attitude toward trauma. They both have dark histories, but Big Swiss chooses to remain unattached to her suffering while Greta continues to be tortured by her past.

    One day, Greta recognizes Big Swiss’s voice at the dog park. In a panic, she introduces herself with a fake name and they quickly become enmeshed. Although Big Swiss is unaware of Greta’s true identity, Greta has never been more herself with anyone. Her attraction to Big Swiss overrides her guilt, and she’ll do anything to sustain the relationship…

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: DRY, HUMOROUS, LGBTQIA+, DARK, MEDIUM-PACED.

    I would love to know what sparked this idea in Beagin; there is an air of originality to it.

    Something I discovered whilst reading, is that something is only as embarrassing as you make it. Greta displays some rather absurd behaviours but has a care-free outlook which almost nullifies it.

    Beagin’s writing is well-structured and left an impression of maturity. The unconventional way Greta sees the world and the observations she makes feels unique to Beagin. Being able to sense the writer voice through their work, which is always a plus for me.

    The plot is interesting. It is a snapshot into a slightly eccentric person’s life. There is not beginning or end per say.

    The relationship between Greta and her roommate Sabine feels distant even though they have an obvious bond. Greta observes some behavioural changes in Sabine yet chooses to ignore them – either out of worry for overstepping or being too caught up in her own life. The fact that Sabine was addicted to drugs and Greta was none the wiser, further proves the disconnect. In saying that – I know drug users can hide it well.

    The tie between Greta and Flavia (Big Swiss) is complex, it is one of those relationships that makes no sense to anyone who is outside of it. Even though it is told from Greta’s perspective, I could not understand her choices when it came to Flavia.

    In terms of the book being funny, for me it was humorous in a way you can appreciate, rather than laugh out loud. Greta would make clever remarks like “Yes, people age horribly. They suffer strokes. Their bodies and brains fall apart. But the male ego? Firmly intact until the bitter end.” As well as just generally witty observations that make you want to applaud Beagin’s writing.

    I would definitely recommend you add this to your list, Big Swiss has its own distinctive quality, setting it apart from others.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE

  • Big Swiss

    Big Swiss

    By Jen Beagin

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2023, 325 pages.

    Greta lives with her friend Sabine in an ancient Dutch farmhouse in Hudson, New York. The house, built in 1737, is unrenovated, uninsulated, and full of bees. Greta spends her days transcribing therapy sessions for a sex coach who calls himself Om. She becomes infatuated with his newest client, a repressed married woman she affectionately refers to as Big Swiss, since she’s tall, stoic, and originally from Switzerland. Greta is fascinated by Big Swiss’s refreshing attitude toward trauma. They both have dark histories, but Big Swiss chooses to remain unattached to her suffering while Greta continues to be tortured by her past.

    One day, Greta recognizes Big Swiss’s voice at the dog park. In a panic, she introduces herself with a fake name and they quickly become enmeshed. Although Big Swiss is unaware of Greta’s true identity, Greta has never been more herself with anyone. Her attraction to Big Swiss overrides her guilt, and she’ll do anything to sustain the relationship…

    Rating: 4 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: DRY, HUMOROUS, LGBTQIA+, DARK, MEDIUM-PACED.

    I would love to know what sparked this idea in Beagin; there is an air of originality to it.

    Something I discovered whilst reading, is that something is only as embarrassing as you make it. Greta displays some rather absurd behaviours but has a care-free outlook which almost nullifies it.

    Beagin’s writing is well-structured and left an impression of maturity. The unconventional way Greta sees the world and the observations she makes feels unique to Beagin. Being able to sense the writer voice through their work, which is always a plus for me.

    The plot is interesting. It is a snapshot into a slightly eccentric person’s life. There is not beginning or end per say.

    The relationships were endearing in a peculiar yet distant way – this will make more sense if you have read it/ once you read it.

    I would definitely recommend you add this to your list, Big Swiss has its own distinctive quality, setting it apart from others.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE

  • The Paper Palace

    The Paper Palace

    By Miranda Cowley Heller

    SPOILERS

    Released 2021, 389 pages.

    It is a perfect July morning, and Elle, a fifty-year-old happily married mother of three, awakens at “The Paper Palace”—the family summer place which she has visited every summer of her life. But this morning is different: last night Elle and her oldest friend Jonas crept out the back door into the darkness and had sex with each other for the first time, all while their spouses chatted away inside. Now, over the next twenty-four hours, Elle will have to decide between the life she has made with her genuinely beloved husband, Peter, and the life she always imagined she would have had with her childhood love, Jonas, if a tragic event hadn’t forever changed the course of their lives. As Heller colors in the experiences that have led Elle to this day, we arrive at her ultimate decision with all its complexity.

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: EMOTIONAL, FAMILY SECRETS, BETRAYAL, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Heller’s writing is incredible, the layered relationships, complex characters and unexpected conclusions – are all so well explained and planned out.

    The story follows Elle a daughter, wife and mother. It jumps between past and present tense, providing context on her background and relationships.

    The sister’s ending/death felt unfinished. What seemed like an important subplot that ran throughout the story, got cut off at the end. As if Heller wanted to give the family ‘privacy’, which is rather inconsistent with how intimately you get to know them.

    The events that take place are intense, Heller explores sensitive subjects and themes that arouses the emotions and piques curiosity.

    The relationships are a realistic representation of a fractured family, where each character has their own respective outlook. Heller allows all the characters to make mistakes without persecuting them and painting them in a negative light.

    I was reading through reviews, and someone mentioned that they noticed the women’s ‘depth’ always stemmed from abuse, which is tiring and one-dimensional. And I agree, I am not saying that this is always the case, but I do for this book. Which is why I brought my rating down a tad.

    Be prepared for some confronting subjects that involve sexual abuse.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE

  • The Paper Palace

    The Paper Palace

    By Miranda Cowley Heller

    SPOILER-FREE

    Released 2021, 389 pages.

    It is a perfect July morning, and Elle, a fifty-year-old happily married mother of three, awakens at “The Paper Palace”—the family summer place which she has visited every summer of her life. But this morning is different: last night Elle and her oldest friend Jonas crept out the back door into the darkness and had sex with each other for the first time, all while their spouses chatted away inside. Now, over the next twenty-four hours, Elle will have to decide between the life she has made with her genuinely beloved husband, Peter, and the life she always imagined she would have had with her childhood love, Jonas, if a tragic event hadn’t forever changed the course of their lives. As Heller colors in the experiences that have led Elle to this day, we arrive at her ultimate decision with all its complexity.

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: EMOTIONAL, FAMILY SECRETS, BETRAYAL, MEDIUM-PACED.

    Heller’s writing is incredible, the layered relationships, complex characters and unexpected conclusions – are all so well explained and planned out.

    The story follows Elle a daughter, wife and mother. It jumps between past and present tense, providing context on her background and relationships. Whilst there are some ends that were left untied – and it was not entirely clear whether that was deliberate – the story flowed well.

    The events that take place are intense, Heller explores sensitive subjects and themes that arouses the emotions and piques curiosity.

    The relationships are a realistic representation of a fractured family, where each character has their own respective outlook. Heller allows all the characters to make mistakes without persecuting them and painting them in a negative light.

    Be prepared for some confronting subjects that involve sexual abuse.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE

  • The Eyes are the Best Part

    The Eyes are the Best Part

    By Monika Kim

    SPOILERS

    Released 2024, 277 Pages

    Ji-won’s life tumbles into disarray in the wake of her Appa’s extramarital affair and subsequent departure. Her mother, distraught. Her younger sister, hurt and confused. Her college freshman grades, failing. Her dreams, horrifying… yet enticing.

    In them, Ji-won walks through bloody rooms full of eyes. Succulent blue eyes. Salivatingly blue eyes. Eyes the same shape and shade as George’s, who is Umma’s obnoxious new boyfriend. George has already overstayed his welcome in her family’s claustrophobic apartment. He brags about his puffed-up consulting job, ogles Asian waitresses while dining out, and acts condescending toward Ji-won and her sister as if he deserves all of Umma’s fawning adoration. No, George doesn’t deserve anything from her family. Ji-won will make sure of that.

    For no matter how many victims accumulate around her campus or how many people she must deceive and manipulate, Ji-won’s hunger and her rage deserve to be sated.

    Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: HORROR, DARK, TENSE, FAST-PACED.

    The Eyes Are The Best Part is a story that follows Ji-Won as she experiences the trials and tribulations of what it is to be a Korean woman growing up in a western country (America). After her mother gets a new boyfriend, she starts to notice the striking blue in his eyes. It slowly becomes an obsession, that leads to something far more sinister.

    This is my favourite horror so far – I am someone who likes horror books that have a purpose, and this one delivered.

    Protagonist (in my eyes) Ji-won is driven to rage due to the racial fetishization and performative feminism created by men.

    Kim touches on subjects that are typically overlooked and brushed off – she came for blood, and I loved it. Was it a bit unrealistic… yes but it was a very real scenario many women can relate to, and boy was it satisfying to read.

    The satisfaction I felt when Ji-won started driving George insane was unmatched. I, for one have met so many Jeffrey’s in my life and to see it written on paper was so validating- performative feminism is joked about but not spoken about, Kim did a great job of encapsulating this behaviour and pointing out the signs.

    There switch from sane to insane was quick, that’s for sure. The eye-eating takes a minute to stomach (pun intended), and the ending was a bit unrealistic as said above, but I do not think the point was to be realistic it was to be enjoyable – in real life she would have been arrested but I am glad she did not.

    I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, but I think women would love it -especially Asian women as it touches on Asian fetishization.

    And it’s her first book, how incredible.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE

  • The Song Of Achilles

    The Song Of Achilles

    By Madeline Miller

    SPOILERS

    Released 2011, 378 pages.

    Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. By all rights their paths should never cross, but Achilles takes the shamed prince as his friend, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine their bond blossoms into something deeper – despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess. But then word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus journeys with Achilles to Troy, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    REVIEW

    THEMES: ADVENTUREOUS, EMOTIONAL, HISTORICAL, ROMANCE, MEDIUM-PACED.

    What a beautiful book.

    The writing is descriptive, simple and engrossing.

    The protagonist(s) are so loveable but are not immune to flaws, I feel as I was not able to separate myself and almost became Patroclus, which is a rare feat.

    The love between Patroclus and Achilles was incredible. They speak of each other in a fervent, yet gentle manner. The slow build is a masterpiece – at first, you’re not sure whether its friendship or romance.

    The plot is a captivating page-turner; I found it difficult to put down. If I could read it anew I would. The pace was also spot-on – them meeting, learning together with Chiron, Achilles being hidden away and the battle, so much happened yet Miller was able to portray it all in a timely manner, that did not linger nor rush.

    Miller did an amazing job at emulating infatuation, so well in fact that you are blind to Achilles flaws. It took me until the end of the book to realize Patroclus deserved better, but since you are reading from his view, you only see what he sees.

    To enhance the experience, listen to some Hozier – especially Hymn to Virgil (only listen to after reading).

    My only con would be the ending, it felt rushed, and some elements did not feel consistent with the rest of the book. What I mean by that is Pyrrhus’ character, it felt like Miller wanted to wrap the book up so she glossed over his entire part, personally it should have just been left out. I also found it implausible that Thetis detested Patroclus but did him a kindness in the end, I know it benefitted her son, but it seemed Miller made a concerted effort to show how merciless she was – just to erase it with a ‘happily ever after’ ending. In saying these negatives, they weren’t enough to put me off – If anything I never remember the ending and only think of the good sections.

    I would recommend this to anyone, it is truly one of my favourite books of all time.

    Click link below for Storygraph overview, which includes general rating, summary (same as above) and other reviews.

    LINK TO STORYGRAPH PROFILE