This book is a satire about terrorism and journalism, written in a sharp language that I found quite difficult, hard, especially in the first half. The main character is obsessed with various "larger than life" charismatic types. Not particularly likeable but I wished him well while reading. I discussed the novel with my #bookclub and we all agreed something doesn't quite work, although the description of the journalists' life is very real and some of the reflections are interesting. #LionelShiver #TheNewRepublic #satire #bookstodon @bookstodon
Reviews and Comments
Reader of mostly #contemporary #fiction, occasionally #thrillers, #fantasy and #scifi, in English and Italian.
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Kiarazard finished reading The new republic by Lionel Shriver
Kiarazard reviewed The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker
Review of 'The Silence of the Girls' on 'Storygraph'
I found it painful. Years spent studying Greek history and the women were always overlooked, and still are
Kiarazard reviewed People Person by Candice Carty-Williams
Review of 'People Person' on 'Storygraph'
3 stars
This was a nice book to read, a reflection on acceptance and family bonds. I find the characters are a bit flat, but the stories are interesting.
Kiarazard reviewed My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk
Review of 'My Name is Red' on 'Storygraph'
Interesting passages and a good female character, but far too long and with too many detailed descriptions about miniatures and the philosophy behind them... I didn't get to the end.
Review of 'Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist)' on 'Storygraph'
4 stars
This is a family saga that follows a Korean family in Japan from before the WWII to the present day. The writing is simple, easy to read and interesting. Overall a good book, enlightening.
Kiarazard reviewed Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan
Review of 'Sweet Tooth' on 'Storygraph'
I've enjoyed it. A little slow and dry at times but the ending makes sense of everything. Do not expect a spy story.
Kiarazard rated The Beekeeper of Aleppo: 4 stars
Kiarazard reviewed Inseparables by Simone de Beauvoir
Review of 'Inseparables' on 'Storygraph'
5 stars
The books tells the story of a deep friendship between two young women, both smart and capable but also constrained by the expectations of their family and society at the time. The writing is excellent, a pleasure to read. Considering that it is a story based on the Author's life and her friend Zaza, it's amazing how modern their ideas were and appalling how those young women were oppressed by their role. Overall an excellent read.
Kiarazard reviewed Invisible Differences by Julie Dachez
Review of 'Invisible Differences' on 'Storygraph'
5 stars
This graphic novel is the story of Marguerite and her invisible challenges. When she finds out about Asperger's syndrome, she sets up to find doctors that help her get an assessment. The diagnosis changes her life, explaining all her challenges and differences. And she finds out she's not alone.
I found this story informative, especially because girls often are not diagnosed as criteria are based on men, but also positive and pleasant to read. The illustrations are lovely, neat and expressive, and the text is concise and interesting. I liked the colour accents.
In UK the estimate is 1 child out of 100 in the autistic spectrum - this is a good way to raise awareness and remind ourselves that we should all be kinder to others, we don't know what life they're living.
Kiarazard rated Just Like You: 5 stars
Kiarazard rated One for the Murphys: 4 stars
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
"After heartbreaking betrayal, Carley is sent to live with a foster family and struggles with opening herself up to their …
Review of 'Happily Ever After & Everything In Between' on 'Storygraph'
3 stars
This is a collection of cute comics about the first years of married life, without children. I found it pleasant to read and I like the illustrations, but I feel it lacks more depth - still, it's a nice read, it could be a good present for a wedding.
Kiarazard reviewed Another Us by Kirsten Hesketh
Review of 'Another Us' on 'Storygraph'
4 stars
This is an easy to read and cheerful novel although it touches serious issues like autism, parenting, relationships. I can relate to most of the story, as I have a son who might have high functioning autism and it was refreshing to read a story so close to home, but less stressful than reality. and overall positive What changes if you have or not have a diagnosis, a label? How does that affect the way you interact with other people, the way they see you? Should you work full time if you have a child with special needs? There are no deep answers here, but the book raises some good questions. The writing style and the pace are good, I recommend it to those who want a light read with some interesting topics.
PS. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review - thank you.