Tag: books

Europe, Netherlands

“Midnight Blue” by Simone van der Vlugt (Netherlands)

Review “Midnight Blue” takes readers on a journey through 17th-century Holland, blending historical elements with a modern twist. The novel sparked mixed reactions among our book club members, resulting in a range of comments that highlight both the strengths and weaknesses of the book. Readers felt that it was an easy, light read that didn’t demand much intellectual engagement. Described by one reader as a … Continue reading “Midnight Blue” by Simone van der Vlugt (Netherlands)

Unknown's avatarNicolaLeave a comment
Asia, Uzbekistan

“The Devils’ Dance” by Hamid Ismailov (Uzbekistan)

Review Ismailov’s “The Devils’ Dance” is a novel that demands patience and perseverance from its readers. Initially daunting and complex, this novel gradually unfolds its layers to reveal a multi-faceted narrative that both frustrates and fascinates. At first, the book may feel like wading through mud, as one reader aptly described it. The intricate web of characters and the poetic prose were found to be … Continue reading “The Devils’ Dance” by Hamid Ismailov (Uzbekistan)

Unknown's avatarNicolaLeave a comment
Africa, Angola

The Society of Reluctant Dreamers

“The Society of Reluctant Dreamers” by José Eduardo Agualusa (Angola) Review Readers enjoyed this book a lot finding it intriguing and an easy read. They liked the different styles, such as magical realism and diary entries, which they said held their attention. They found all the characters interesting and warmed to the narrator. Readers liked the contrast between his withdrawn personality and his contentious former … Continue reading The Society of Reluctant Dreamers

Unknown's avatarNicolaLeave a comment
Europe, Spain

The Island

“The Island” by Ana María Matute (Spain) Review Once they had gotten used to the style of writing and dated language, most readers liked this coming-of-age story. They felt that the long passages and the frequent use of parenthesis as commentary demanded that they pay attention. They loved the descriptions of the people and places, and thought the imagery used was highly evocative of both … Continue reading The Island

Unknown's avatarNicolaLeave a comment
Asia, Indonesia

Man Tiger

“Man Tiger” by Eka Kurniawan (Indonesia) Review Even though it took them a while to get used to the writing style, which weaves back and forward through moments in time, readers agreed that the book, with its visceral descriptions and an evocative setting, was easy to read. They found some characters sympathetic, but didn’t warm to most of them as they felt that they lacked … Continue reading Man Tiger

Unknown's avatarNicolaLeave a comment
North America, United States

Ceremony

“Ceremony” by Leslie Marmon Silko (USA) One of Nicola’s 100 Best Books for Inspiration in the 21st century! Book Club Favourite of Season 23 Review Although readers struggled with the non-linear narrative to begin with, they quickly got into the story and were immersed in it. They warmed to the protagonist and liked the diversity of other characters: from his family members to the medicine … Continue reading Ceremony

Unknown's avatarNicolaLeave a comment
Cuba, South Africa, South Korea, United Kingdom, world literature

Best Summer Read 2022 – The Promise

The four shortlisted Summer Reads this year all had highly original writing styles and structures, making each one of them a treat to read despite some serious themes, such as racism, trauma, and death. After an in-depth discussion on each of them, “The Promise” was voted Best Summer Read by a majority of readers. “The Promise” by Damon Galgut (South Africa) was chosen as Best … Continue reading Best Summer Read 2022 – The Promise

Unknown's avatarNicolaLeave a comment
Colombia, South America

Holiday Heart

“Holiday Heart” by Margarita Garcia Robayo (Colombia) Review Although most readers enjoyed some elements of the book, finding it easy to read, there were mixed feelings about the characters. Most didn’t engage with any of them and, as a result, didn’t feel emotionally invested in their story. They felt that the protagonists’ relationship was joyless and struggled to empathise with either of them. One reader … Continue reading Holiday Heart

Unknown's avatarNicolaLeave a comment