As a lover of literary fiction, I am so happy to have found this channel. I would subscribe ten times over if I could. Keep the content coming! I predict that in a year, you'll have at least ten times more subscribers. 🤞
Whale Fall was a surprise 5-star for me! I haven’t read Clear yet, but this gave me huge The Colony by Audrey Magee vibes. Give me a quiet little novel set on a remote Irish or UK island and I’m a happy girl. Also, Dominoes has been on my radar for a while and I kept deciding against it. Thanks for the review and I’m off to put a hold on it at my library!
I’m going to check out Tony Birch. Maybe for Straya September if I can’t get to them before that. I loved your analysis of Lean Your Lonliness. That was another great Patreon discussion. Love my lil nerd gang, and thank you so much for moderating those insightful meetings!
Lean your loneliness slowly against mine is such a good title. I really loved the film poor things! Emma Stone is one of my favourite actors and she did phenomenal in it. While a bit long it did a good job with the acting, the narrative, the characterisation and having humour in it too. I was wondering about whether or not to read the book, but I think I am complete and happy with having seen the film 😅 I liked the themes in how beautiful we were and I think it did a great job with the collective pov. And you speak a lot of truth on colonialisation and economic colonialisation. But I also struggled with the book overall because it is incredibly slow paced and therefore dragged a bit for me. Going to look into dominoes more. I have been having a love hate experience with Black literary books at the moment that are more commercial, but I think seeing some Black reviews of it will help me make up my mind. Thanks for introducing it to me!
Flamin’ heck Ailsa. I got to the second chapter of Bodies of Light and gave up. Pedestrian writing and I felt like I’d read childhood memories and descriptions many times before. In another note…it’s my turn for book group pick. Do you think Imbi Neeme’s book? These are literary lovers but they might cope with a “cosy” read.
So per your suggestion I read, “Body Parts,” and you’re right, it makes “Eileen” PG. I have a suggestion for you in the same vein as both books, but takes place in Nigeria. “Little Rot” by Akwaeke Emezi. You have to hang with it for a minute, it’s not what it appears to be. Darkly profound. I enjoy your channel.
I noticed you mentioned the Walter Scott prize, which I had to look up. We hear about Booker, Stella, and the women's prize but It l'd love it if you'd do a video on prizes which aren't often discussed on booktube.
Hey, I made a video at the end of last year on just that. There's literally too many prizes to talk about in one video, but I named as many as I could. 😊
It’s always a pleasure to hear you talk about your reading. You reminded me of the powerful emotions I felt when I read How Beautiful We Were. I’m currently reading (and loving ) Clear and I have Whale Fall on my TBR so I look forward to seeing whether I agree that the latter is better. Would you say they both have similarities to Audrey Magee’s The Colony?
I think they are, especially Whale Fall, with one difference in The Colony I think the mention of the deaths in the Troubles bring the island closer to the mainland, while in Whale Fall WW2 demonstrates how isolated it is.
@@GunpowderFictionPlot Are you familiar with the podcast Reading Envy? Our comparisons of these novels reminds me that Reading Envy’s host Jenny was particularly drawn to island settings. Now that I am living on an island, I think more about that aspect in fiction.
I think island settings are fascinating in the hands of a quality author. Doesn't even need to be lit fic, And Then There Were None springs to mind too... I'm not a podcast listener, but I've never given them a chance.
She has, Pulse Point and Our Magic Hour. I've not read them, and they were published before Bodies of Light, so I'm not sure the quality, but let's face it, they're probably amazing.
Talking of slavery, I just finished reading Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim which was a great book... It's book #1 of the Freedman/Johnson series... Have you read it?
I haven't seen Poor Things but I read the book and I think the main part of the book (Archibald's insufferably accurate Victorian ramblings) isn't the main part at all - it's all the 'historical' para text and that part was impeccable. It really made me think about how we approach historical sources. Apparently the movie doesn't even feature Victoria's side of the story (nor Glasgow, socialism, reproductive rights activism?) so isn't it missing the whole point of the book? It sounds fun but I'm too much of a feminist killjoy to watch it lol
I confess to missing large parts of the movie, Nelle watched it while I was in the same room. I did noticed some reproductive rights stuff, but unless it's also in another spot in the movie, it's very much watered down, I can't say I noticed the socialism or the challenging of how history is written. I'm glad you're loving James. It's fantastic isn't it.
Yes, the movie deliberately misses many of the book's points. If there are things about the movie that disturb your feminist sensibilities, I don't think it's because you're a "killjoy," but because their choices might kill your viewing joy in parts of the movie, if you do watch it (making them a potential killjoy). I did like the aesthetics and Mark Ruffalo's performance, as well as some added comic lines, so it wasn't all bad. Doesn't hold a candle to the book, though.
I’ve just finished the audio of Henry Henry. I liked the writing but I think it should have had a trigger warning. I wonder what the writer was trying to say.
☠️😅 Oliviera wins for book description. #teamhaterichpeople As always, so many books added to the TBR. Glad to hear that you liked How Beautiful We Were. I really like Mbue’s writing and I hadn’t really read any other books at the time that dealt with that specific issue.
Hi Scott, I'm surprised you didn't like Poor Things better, particularly as it was a pointedly socialist book from a socialist country's highly-esteemed (socialist?) author. The movie took all of that out and more. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Maybe the audio made a difference? It was a clear 5 stars. As someone who is well-versed in film and did watch the whole movie, I'm confident in saying there was a lot to dislike. I gave it 2.5 stars on Letterboxd.
It might be a case of the movie setting expectations that the novel didn't meet. I did like the book, and my criticism isn't about the themes but too many genes. I've basically given up on movies, and the only time I enjoy them now is when the comedy works for me and that was definitely the case for this one, but just to be clear, I did walk out of the room for large chunks on my viewing, so I'm not thinking about it how I do my books when I review them.
As a lover of literary fiction, I am so happy to have found this channel. I would subscribe ten times over if I could. Keep the content coming! I predict that in a year, you'll have at least ten times more subscribers. 🤞
Thank you and I hope you're right. 😊 Just need a video to go a bit viral.
Whale Fall was a surprise 5-star for me! I haven’t read Clear yet, but this gave me huge The Colony by Audrey Magee vibes. Give me a quiet little novel set on a remote Irish or UK island and I’m a happy girl. Also, Dominoes has been on my radar for a while and I kept deciding against it. Thanks for the review and I’m off to put a hold on it at my library!
Be interested to know if you prefer Clear or Whale Fall, suspect you'll just love both books.
Agree on The Tower. Some great bits in there but the idea that it feels like a part of a larger book and the weakness of the plot is very accurate.
So many moments when I laughed out loud! You’ve reminded me I want to read How Beautiful We Were
I’m eager to read Whale Fall. And thank you very much for bringing Cheri and Mayflies to my attention. I love your math-lit discussion!
I hope you enjoy them. 😊
Whale kind of sounds like The Colony from a few years ago.
Yes, I think you're right, they do have a lot of similarities.
My TBR has grown by 5 now. Thanks for your thoughtful reviews.
Success!
I’m going to check out Tony Birch. Maybe for Straya September if I can’t get to them before that.
I loved your analysis of Lean Your Lonliness. That was another great Patreon discussion. Love my lil nerd gang, and thank you so much for moderating those insightful meetings!
We are blessed with a great group aren't we?
Lean your loneliness slowly against mine is such a good title. I really loved the film poor things! Emma Stone is one of my favourite actors and she did phenomenal in it. While a bit long it did a good job with the acting, the narrative, the characterisation and having humour in it too. I was wondering about whether or not to read the book, but I think I am complete and happy with having seen the film 😅 I liked the themes in how beautiful we were and I think it did a great job with the collective pov. And you speak a lot of truth on colonialisation and economic colonialisation. But I also struggled with the book overall because it is incredibly slow paced and therefore dragged a bit for me. Going to look into dominoes more. I have been having a love hate experience with Black literary books at the moment that are more commercial, but I think seeing some Black reviews of it will help me make up my mind. Thanks for introducing it to me!
Thanks! Love your updates!
Thank you so much. 😊❤️
Flamin’ heck Ailsa. I got to the second chapter of Bodies of Light and gave up. Pedestrian writing and I felt like I’d read childhood memories and descriptions many times before. In another note…it’s my turn for book group pick. Do you think Imbi Neeme’s book? These are literary lovers but they might cope with a “cosy” read.
So per your suggestion I read, “Body Parts,” and you’re right, it makes “Eileen” PG.
I have a suggestion for you in the same vein as both books, but takes place in Nigeria. “Little Rot” by Akwaeke Emezi. You have to hang with it for a minute, it’s not what it appears to be. Darkly profound.
I enjoy your channel.
I love Akwaeke Emezi, I'm really looking forward to Little Rot. ❤️
Still chuckling. But also realised I’ve mistaken this whalefall for the Daniel Krause’s weirdass one and now I need to read this.
Gosh, so many attractive books I haven't read.
I noticed you mentioned the Walter Scott prize, which I had to look up. We hear about Booker, Stella, and the women's prize but It l'd love it if you'd do a video on prizes which aren't often discussed on booktube.
Hey, I made a video at the end of last year on just that. There's literally too many prizes to talk about in one video, but I named as many as I could. 😊
I have RSV so like sick and stuff but when you said I hate rich people I coughed so much I choked. You’re my new favourite.
I hope you get better soon, but while you're ill... Cough on the rich. 😉
It’s always a pleasure to hear you talk about your reading. You reminded me of the powerful emotions I felt when I read How Beautiful We Were.
I’m currently reading (and loving ) Clear and I have Whale Fall on my TBR so I look forward to seeing whether I agree that the latter is better. Would you say they both have similarities to Audrey Magee’s The Colony?
I think they are, especially Whale Fall, with one difference in The Colony I think the mention of the deaths in the Troubles bring the island closer to the mainland, while in Whale Fall WW2 demonstrates how isolated it is.
@@GunpowderFictionPlot Are you familiar with the podcast Reading Envy? Our comparisons of these novels reminds me that Reading Envy’s host Jenny was particularly drawn to island settings. Now that I am living on an island, I think more about that aspect in fiction.
I think island settings are fascinating in the hands of a quality author. Doesn't even need to be lit fic, And Then There Were None springs to mind too... I'm not a podcast listener, but I've never given them a chance.
@@GunpowderFictionPlot My own podcast listening has dropped off considerably in recent years, edged out by the abundance of audiobooks available.
I read Bodies of Light for misery May. Thanks Scott for the recommendation. Has she written anything else?
She has, Pulse Point and Our Magic Hour. I've not read them, and they were published before Bodies of Light, so I'm not sure the quality, but let's face it, they're probably amazing.
Talking of slavery, I just finished reading Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim which was a great book... It's book #1 of the Freedman/Johnson series...
Have you read it?
I haven't, I haven't even heard of it before, but thank you for putting it on my radar, it sounds intense and emotional.
@@GunpowderFictionPlot Yes,it's very unheard of...I read it as an audiobook and loved it... Hope you do too.
I LOVED Yellow Crocus!! I still think about it.
@@SandyHartman-zi1wu Have you read book#2 in the series?It's called mustard seed.
I haven't seen Poor Things but I read the book and I think the main part of the book (Archibald's insufferably accurate Victorian ramblings) isn't the main part at all - it's all the 'historical' para text and that part was impeccable. It really made me think about how we approach historical sources. Apparently the movie doesn't even feature Victoria's side of the story (nor Glasgow, socialism, reproductive rights activism?) so isn't it missing the whole point of the book? It sounds fun but I'm too much of a feminist killjoy to watch it lol
P.S: I am reading James right now and so far I'm loving it.
I confess to missing large parts of the movie, Nelle watched it while I was in the same room. I did noticed some reproductive rights stuff, but unless it's also in another spot in the movie, it's very much watered down, I can't say I noticed the socialism or the challenging of how history is written.
I'm glad you're loving James. It's fantastic isn't it.
@@GunpowderFictionPlot I'm so confused and intrigued by the code switching in James (also a story that dark shouldn't be that funny really 😅)
Yes, the movie deliberately misses many of the book's points. If there are things about the movie that disturb your feminist sensibilities, I don't think it's because you're a "killjoy," but because their choices might kill your viewing joy in parts of the movie, if you do watch it (making them a potential killjoy). I did like the aesthetics and Mark Ruffalo's performance, as well as some added comic lines, so it wasn't all bad. Doesn't hold a candle to the book, though.
I’ve just finished the audio of Henry Henry. I liked the writing but I think it should have had a trigger warning. I wonder what the writer was trying to say.
Poor things the movie is stellar and I agree is better than the book
Mary Queen of Scots had issues with the regent Catherine Medici in France? No wait, that's too late, maybe slightly to the north of France.😆
😂🤣
That’s what I get for thinking I could watch some booktube with my 12-year old in the room 😬😶🌫️
I'm sorry, I'm definitely not a PG-13 channel, but the first comment to be adult is a bit extreme.
@@GunpowderFictionPlot how do you mean “a bit extreme”?
He’s not responsible for where your child is when you’re watching TH-cam.
@@StephanieP1901 did I say he is?
I meant my first adult comment in the video, not what you said. I could have warned you up with a few mild f-bombs before the God comment.
😂 same regarding RICH
☠️😅 Oliviera wins for book description.
#teamhaterichpeople
As always, so many books added to the TBR.
Glad to hear that you liked How Beautiful We Were. I really like Mbue’s writing and I hadn’t really read any other books at the time that dealt with that specific issue.
Hi Scott, I'm surprised you didn't like Poor Things better, particularly as it was a pointedly socialist book from a socialist country's highly-esteemed (socialist?) author. The movie took all of that out and more. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Maybe the audio made a difference? It was a clear 5 stars.
As someone who is well-versed in film and did watch the whole movie, I'm confident in saying there was a lot to dislike. I gave it 2.5 stars on Letterboxd.
It might be a case of the movie setting expectations that the novel didn't meet. I did like the book, and my criticism isn't about the themes but too many genes.
I've basically given up on movies, and the only time I enjoy them now is when the comedy works for me and that was definitely the case for this one, but just to be clear, I did walk out of the room for large chunks on my viewing, so I'm not thinking about it how I do my books when I review them.