Reviews by Andrea (52)

Andrea 2026-02-03 Unearthed

I Disliked This Book: Overly Emotional and Occasionally Irrational

Unearthed

I expected to like this book, but I did not. I found the author's extreme self-consciousness and anxiety disturbing and felt that she should avoid social media altogether since it seems to translate these into irrational aggression. Although parts of the book, particularly Mauritius's history, were certainly interesting, and I feel she has a few strong points, she pushes them too hard, too often, and sometimes, from an uninformed perspective. I feel sorry for her personal trauma. I worry about her anxiety and self-image issues, and though I sympathize with her views in places, I find her far too absolutist and not always rational, given the context: gardening.

Andrea 2026-01-31 Charlotte

I Hated it at First; Loved it at Last

Charlotte

Written as a sequel to "Pride and Prejudice," this story begins unpromisingly. In fact, I thought it was too depressing to continue. When I picked it up again, I found that it progresses well. There is a strong emphasis on the tenuous lives women led in the past. Money, potential inheritance, marriage (though it might rob them of every asset they had), and the birth of sons were requirements for a secure future. Additionally, the need for societal approval and the fear of contravening the strict morality women were expected to observe are highlighted. Despite these serious themes, I found Charlotte's story amusing and heartwarming, highlighting the value of close friendships between women and the acceptance of what is good, even if it is unexciting. At the same time, the story offers a glimpse of the independence available to only a few women in that era. Despite a painful start and the thread of grief that runs through it, this is a positive story worth reading. It encompasses the roots of early feminism and leads to what we can all only hope for: a contented conclusion.

Andrea 2026-01-31 Twist

Really Well-Written; Continually Surprising

Twist

What an intriguing story. Beyond being enlightening in a technical sense, the book explores complex relationships and personalities. It is well reviewed by some of our favourite authors, but this does not influence my finding that it is a book well worth reading. Would I read it twice? No. But I'm still glad I read it.

Andrea 2026-01-25 A Particularly Nasty Case

Sad, Sometimes Funny, a Well-Written Train Smash of a Story

A Particularly Nasty Case

This was a surprisingly serious book with occasional amusing moments. The protagonist is an NHS doctor, recently returned to work under close supervision after a meltdown caused by the death of a patient, his sister’s untimely death, cocaine abuse, and the end of a long-term relationship. He is homosexual and has diagnosed bipolar disorder. Soon after his return to work, his boss dies after discovering him in a compromising situation. He becomes suspicious that the death wasn’t natural, and ends up engaging in a series of shenanigans that cast doubt on his sanity. Even the reader begins to think, “Oh no! Don’t do that!” Then, the next doctor dies, under similar circumstances, and our anti-hero is driven to yet greater heights (or depths). I struggled a little in places but followed the story to its climactic denouement, which includes several surprises, such as discovering who his friends really are and, of course, the killer's identity and motivations. Well-written but sadder than funny, this book was not what I expected. Nevertheless, it proved a worthwhile read.

Andrea 2026-01-16 Katabasis

The Strangest Fantasy Book I've Ever Read

Katabasis

I thought I'd read some pretty strange books before now, but this one has to be the strangest. Yes, it's a satire of academia, but it's also a fantasy story and, quite oddly, a love story. It has elements of literature, philosophy, and mythology. I can't imagine how much research went into it, and I didn't always bother to untangle every detail of its convoluted logic. It makes me think of a sort of dark "Pilgrim's Progress" without the moralizing. Will everyone enjoy it? I'm not sure. I found it riveting. From a technical perspective, there were occasional turns of phrase and word choices I found rather odd, and it was heavy going in places, but I'm glad I persevered. Definitely dark, undoubtedly different, it's a journey to hell and... back? That would be telling.

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