Karolina Dalca, Dark Eyes.

I’m only a few pages into Karolina Dalca Dark Eyes by M. R Noble and I already know I’m not the target audience for this book. I am however someone who hates leaving books unread so I will continue reading and hope for the best! Who knows, I might re-live my Edward and Jacob fantasy… 

The story follows a half-vampire called Karolina Dalca. From the start of the book, Karolina’s life is fast-paced with all sorts going on. The first incident is losing her mother in a house fire, closely followed by fighting two vampires, then sleeping with her long term friend who is a werewolf to being captured by another vampire. 

I like reading fast-paced books. Books that are filled with events, but these events need to naturally flow into one another. Here, there is a sense of something tragic or unexpected happening but before the reader can digest this, something new happens. It feels like the reader is all over the place and the reading feels rushed. 

The concept of the book is interesting. What drew me to the book was the vampire vs werewolf storyline. Even though this isn’t a new take in this genre I like how the author added a cultural touch. From the start, we know that Karolina has a Romanian heritage from her mothers’ side and Russian from her fathers. It’s clear that Noble wants the readers to feel the presence of the two heritages as they are referenced often.

Like many storylines this too has a werewolf and vampire lover dilemma. Our girl Karolina has a love affair with both Ramon and Andre. Just like my Twilight days though I have sided with the vampire. There is just something hot and cold about vampires that keeps me engaged, whereas werewolves are hot and always available. Can you tell I have attachment issues with unavailable guys?! 

For all of her life Karolina’s mother kept her father’s side a secret. We learn that this was for good reason as when Karolina meets her uncle, Loukin, he sets her up with their life-long enemy Kazimir. Spoiler alert: in the end it is Karolina who defeats Kazimir. 

As you can tell I didn’t really enjoy this book. This is the first time I’ve written a negative review and I won’t lie it feels kind of weird. I once saw that authors like constructive criticism but I’ve checked Noble out online and she does not need my criticism ahah! The book has 4.28 stars on Goodreads so it’s my word against 3120 ratings :)))))

Against The Loveless World- Susan Abulhawa

Political fiction is one of my favourite genres, the books that make me feel most passionate about writing a review, but I never know if I’m doing the book, or author any justice. However, like many self-doubt obstacles, this doesn’t stop me from doing it. If anything it forces me to concentrate on every single word written so I understand it fully, or as much as I can. 

Nahr is a Palestinian refugee whose family immigrated to Kuwait from Palestine. Nahr marries young however a few months later her husband abandons her. She is forced to return to her family home and bear the struggles of a young divorced woman. 

Long after her divorce, Nahr attends a wedding celebration, this is where she meets Um Buraq. Um Buraq is a complex character, there are many times in the book where she empowers Nahr, despite being the very person who tricked her into prostitution. I can’t make my mind up on whether I hate her for taking Nahr down the dark path, or if I see her as a stronger, older female who takes care of Nahr. 

Against a Loveless World is a novel full of traumas. Nahr’s trauma of her husband leaving her, making her believe she’s unloveable, her encounters of prostitution, being belittled by disgusting men who accuse women like her for tempting them and following the devil.

These are two very powerful examples of how women suffer in a patriarchal society. Paying the consequences of an unloved ex-husband and being humiliated, treated like dirt by men who pray to God, follow their religion yet dismiss women for “tempting them”. 

Shortly into the novel, we witness Sadam’s invasion of Kuwait. Despite the general response of Kuwait’s reaction to the invasion, Nahr is in favour as she believes this will stop the West from invading. 

As a Kurd, I am inclined to bear hatred towards Sadam Hussein and his murderous regime. The Halabja chemical attack took place in 1988, the massacre killed between 3000-5000 people living 10 000 people injured. This was an act of murder committed by Sadam towards the Kurdish people living in Iraqi Kurdistan. 

The invasion of Sadam is unsuccessful in Kuwait as the US get involved and take control of the country. This forces Nahr and her family to flee to Jordan as the treatment of Palestinians in Kuwait worsens, despite the Palestinians embracing Kuwait as their own. 

After a while in Jordan Nahr goes to Palestine to divorce her husband. While in Palestine she stays with her ex-husband’s mother and brother. The brother Bilal, is a revolutionary in Palestine. He is the one who involves Nahr in the revolutionary movement in Palestine against the Israeli army. This is the reason Nahr endes up in The Cube. 

I want to end my summary of the book here to go on to talk about the truth that lies behind this book, as best as I can. This book is a glimpse of the terror the Israeli government causes in Palestine. From the month on end curfews to attacks on the people of Palestine, even it’s children- in attempts to assimilate the Palestinian culture and identity.

Living in the comfort of London, it’s authors like Abdulhawa who remind me of the reality people are living. The reality of foreigners coming into your country and your house, forcing you to relocate and live under constant surveillance and fear.  For us, it’s simple to go out to the shops, we don’t think about rationing food or if a solider will stop and interrogate us. 

Books like Against The Loveless World are a reminder to readers that we can raise awareness and support people who have suffered injustices. We can create a movement that starts with the author and continues with us. Readers spread the word to friends and family, talk about it online and more and more people hear about the matter. There is so much power in literature, Susan Abdulhawa is proof of this, readers like you and I are proof of this.

Ghosts by Dolly Alderton

I think the most gripping thing about Ghosts is how relatable it is. I felt like I was listening to a podcast rather than a book. One episode was about dating apps, the other about mother and daughter relationships and the irritation that comes with it.

The book is real in the most non-dramatic way. Nina isn’t a well-known lawyer whose marriage is falling apart, or she’s not in a scandal which will ruin her life. She’s an ex English teacher and a writer who goes through her day to day life, experiencing day to day things. 

Nina starts dating a guy called Max. The “relationship” doesn’t last very long as Max is a commitment-phobe and not very honest about the extent of it. After their break-up, Nina gets stuck on Max for a while, re-reading text messages or playing games of “if I do this he will text back”. 

We’ve all been there. We spend countless hours/days re-living the little encounters and waiting for that person to text you. It’s the hopeful picking up of the phone after a few minutes of not being on it, or rushing out of the shower to check if you have a text message but your phone turns out to be completely empty. 

What really got me out of all the waiting Nina did was the cheek of Max. I recently saw a comment on Instagram which said: “All men have is the audacity”, this is what I thought of when Max went back to Nina. His excuse for ghosting her being the lousy “it got all too intense” when all along it was him who pushed things forward! 

It’s the individuals in our life who make things way more complicated than they need to be. It’s even worse when we are that individual, we overthink and get into muddled up situations. 

Another part of the book I could relate to (how much I related to this actually shocked me) was when Nina and Lola went to Lucy’s hen do. Hen do’s are such a weird environment, everyone invited is good friends with the bride, however, the other guests don’t know much about each other. 

Listening to Ghosts on Audible made me realise that finding a character annoying when you’re reading is very different to when you listen to a book. 

Franny, you are an unbearable woman, the kind that takes “kill them with kindness” to a whole new level. Listening to Nina’s encounters with Franny forced me to think about how uncomfortable these people are, and I’m confident that we’ve all met at least one Franny in life. 

Ghosts is a great listen/read if you’re looking for something light but incredibly relatable. Think of it as a podcast about an ordinary girl’s life. 

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Books and coffee

Right from the beginning of the book we see that Avery has a “can do” attitude. She’s smart about the way she responds to problems because “she has to be” so when Mr Yates (her headteacher) accuses her of cheating she doesn’t get angry, instead, she agrees to sit the test again. 

When she has to live out of her car because her sister Libby decides to forgive her boyfriend she doesn’t sit and cry, she tells Maxine “you know me Maxine, I always land on my feet”. This really sets the tone for her character and makes us trust her even before we get into the nitty-gritty. 

Even though Avery’s life and the Hawthorne’s life is completely different there is a strange similarity between them. Both Tobias Hawthorne and Avery’s mum played games and riddles with them growing up.

In a different context, the two is unrelated as there may be many families who play riddles and games with each other. What makes the two interesting in the Inheritance Game is that the Hawthorne grandsons think this is the last riddle their grandad has played on them, and the only way to find out is to solve it. 

Tobias is one of the bigger game players I’ve come across in the world of fiction. We find out that Tobias gave himself the middle name “Tattersall” tatters all 20 years ago in August. Why would someone randomly give themself a name that suggests he will diminish all? The confusion doesn’t stop there. 

The name change happened after Tobias lost his son to a fire, however, even around this, there is controversy as some family members believe he disappeared and didn’t die in the fire. Like every other reader who walks this earth, I have a theory.. 

It’s important that I tell you I write my blogs as I’m reading the book. To be honest I don’t trust myself to remember the details so as I react to something I’ll note it down (so as I’m writing this I have no idea what will happen). My theory is that the homeless guy Avery speaks about in the beginning (Harry) is, or has something to do with Toby, the son who died. I mean how else can she and the Hawthorne family be connected? The narrative so far is that Tobias might have known Avery’s mother however I feel like the author has made that an obvious point, which makes me want to dig deeper!

The Inheritance Game is one of those books that pulls you in. The games that Tobias has set up for his grandchildren and Avery to solve brings the characters together. Even though this is a short book, the reader gets a good idea of the characteristics of each grandson and their connection with Avery. 

Talking of the characteristics of the grandsons, I didn’t know which one I fancied more! I liked Nash’s “I’m not fussed about the money” attitude and Xander’s boyish but smart ways. I struggled the most between Grayson and Jameson though, Grayson has a very “Mr Grey, 50 shades type” while Jameson is mysterious but more grounded. 

I’m not the only one who struggled with the two brothers as Avery also had a difficult time. Though she spends more time with Jameson and even shares a kiss there seems to be an unexplainable pull between Grayson and her. 

The attraction felt by the two brothers for Avery is often compared to Emily. If I’m being honest, I didn’t enjoy the whole “Emily would have wanted it to be this way” narrative. I feel like there is more to come from it in the sequel but in this book it just caused uneasiness. 

MAJOR SPOILER

At the very end of the book to Avery’s and my surprise Harry turns out to be Toby!!!!! I don’t know what I’m more surprised at, the fact that my prediction was right or that the dead brother who changed Tobias forever is still alive. 

The book ends with so many unanswered questions! I’m curious as to who Avery will end up with? Why did Toby leave his family and his fortune to be a homeless guy? I feel like there may be an element of mental health in this. We also don’t know why Avery was the chosen one, why did her mum tell her that she has a secret about the day she was born?

All these unanswered questions and as always I’m looking forward to finding them out (can we have the second book now, please?) 

My book hit list, December edition.

I have to be honest and say that since I finished reading Night Prayers by Santiago Gamboa I’ve really struggled pick my next read. The novel was so good that I became hooked and want to read related themes and stories.  

After countless amounts of searching on Goodreads, asking my followers on Instagram and watching reviews on YouTube I’ve come up with a mini reading list. 

Albert Camus- The Fall. I first heard about this book in a review by Better than food book reviews (my go-to book reviewer). What attracted me to this novel was the impact it had on readers in just 100 pages. 

I’m currently working my way through a 2000 page book so the idea of potentially finishing a book in one weekend gives me great satisfaction. As a book worm from time to time, I need short books to somewhat distract me. I don’t like being limited to one book and one can often feel this when tackling a 2000 page Bulano novel! 

The Fall is about a barrister who is pretty much full of himself. The book is a long dialogue between him and a man he meets in a bar. They seem to form a good friendship as the things he tells this man goes from superficial to very honest, too honest as his deep feelings and thoughts start to come out. 

Leonardo Padura- The Man Who Loved Dogs. Over the course of this year, I’ve really narrowed down my favourite genre, The man who loved dogs is another historical fiction that has made its way through Goodreads onto my reading list.

This novel is a 500 something page magnificent novel which paves out the way of Trotsky assassination. The book brings 3 men from different parts of the world together. As the title may suggest their love for dogs somewhat bring them together. 

I’m really excited about this book because I’ve always had an interest in Russian history however never done much reading on Trotsky. Now, this is a novel so I won’t treat this as a history book however it’ll be nice to gain some insight into Padura’s interpretation of Trotsky’s world. 

Orhan Pamuk- A Strangeness in my Mind. My family comes from Turkey so reading books based in Turkey gives me a completely different sense of joy. For some reason, maybe the love I feel from far to this city has started to pull me towards novels based there. 

The city in question is Istanbul, I’ve visited Istanbul twice but I love the rich culture and the streets which never sleep. If you think London never sleeps then you need to pay Istanbul a visit.

I know that the novel is based around a man’s life and the title suggests to me that he may be suffering from a mental health illness. The combination of mental health and Turkey written by Pamuk sets very high expectations for me. I know that this novel will be eye-opening both in terms of literature and how mental health is perceived and dealt with in Turkey. 

I would say that out of the 3 I’m most excited about this book. I’ve previously only read one of Pamuk’s novels, however, couldn’t finish it as some parts were very detailed a repetitive- hopefully, this will not be as much. 

If you would like to see my other book hit lists check out  https://ohmagodezz.wordpress.com/2019/09/24/my-book-hit-list/

My book hit list

If you’re anything like me and you continuously search for new books to read and want to explore new authors then you will understand my never ending struggle. Although struggle is a bit of an unfair way of describing it as I do really enjoy searching for a new book. Especially during a time that we’re asked to spend more time at home in self-isolation. If you’re someone who enjoys reading or want to start reading more (as we have more time) then hopefully my hit list will help you discover new books and who knows, maybe they’ll make it on to yours too. 

I’m currently reading A heart so white by Javier Marias, this is my first book by Marias. I have found him to be a very playful author as he pretty much teases the reader with his work. He will take time and care in explaining a feeling, an emotion in very simple terms however also make it sound very romantic. Romantic would be a good summary of Marias in a heart so white. 

I don’t want to give too much away as I intend on writing a blog about it! 

The heart is a lonely hunter by Carson McCullers, do you see a heart theme going on here? ahha . The book is set in the deep south and is about a man called John Singer. John is a man who draws people to himself with his kind nature. The people who John pull are lonely in one way or another, the title sort of makes sense. 

The tone set for this book is very dark and poor (economically), I’m curious to find out how they communicate with one another and the impact they have on each other. I’m expecting tears of sadness and joy with this book. 

2666 by Roberto Bolaño this book was published a year after his death and for me there’s something about dead authors that add power to their work. In a way we are respecting them even after they have gone, though sometimes we do this too late but there you have it. 

I read a review that said Bolaño was a feminist writer, as a feminist myself I enjoy reading about women from a male’s perspective, one which understands us that is. The book 2666 (you know numbers as the book title always means something fucked up is going to happen) follows the mystery of several unsolved murders of women. 

It’s said that this novel is a good representation of how Bolaño saw the world and for me it is a luxury to see the world through someone else’s eyes. 

Paulo Coelho, what a cutie he is. By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept, so this book is about two childhood lovers who meet after 11 years. My understanding is that the two have lost contact and end up living two very different lives. 

Their meet up after so many years will either be one of love and being with each other again or the complete opposite. I’m curious to see how they end up by the River Piedra and who cries for what reason. His use of the world “wept” makes me feel like some powerful things happen that could get the reader thinking and crying. These aren’t unusual emotions for Coelho though.

Veronika decides to die- Paulo Coelho

https://www.google.com/search?q=Veronika+decides+to+die-+Paulo+Coelho&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwif9Nf3p6rgAhXLURUIHd1zAUAQ_AUIDigB&biw=1600&bih=789#imgrc=lLnBVnUw6efIOM:

I closed the book, put it down on my lap, looked up and thought what the fuck.

I didn’t see the end coming at all. Coelho has gone and done it again. From his books I’ve read so far, I can say that he is an inspirational writer and with Veronika decides to die he achieves exactly that.

I don’t want to give away spoilers but I guess it’s fair to say that Veronika wanted to die without giving away much lol.

When I was reading the reasons as to why Veronika decided to die, I just sat there and thought- I sort of can’t blame her. The reasons for why she thought there was no point in going on are thoughts I can understand.

These aren’t necessarily depressing thoughts believe it or not. Veronika explains her life, she has a pretty simple one, no major issues but nothing that exciting. Unlike Jeffree, I can relate.

Sadness and suicide is a prominent theme in this book. Each character adds their own bit of bitter to create the cold walls of Villette, the mental hospital. The book is pretty much based in this hospital and during these scenes, Coelho does not fail to make you feel the circumstances of the hospital while witnessing the little changes in everyone’s life.

Hope is an emotion that slowly drips in throughout this book. There are certain characters who are aware of their situation, having treatment in a mental hospital, however, are okay with how things are going. Then there are characters that Veronika changes the lives of and they decide that death isn’t the answer and there is much to be lived.

This is NOT suggesting that mental health is an illness in which we can decide if we are well or not, however, there are characters in this book who are well enough to make the judgment of staying or leaving the hospital.

Coelho really enables the reader to understand the perspective of the main characters, their emotions, their background stories and how one impacts another. I can’t really say much more without giving something away but it’s got me thinking about how people impact my life and maybe how I impact theirs.

The book is short and really easy to follow, it’ll take the average reader a few days to read. My overall feeling about it is that I really didn’t see the ending coming. I was so confused by the ending that I had to go online and read reviews to make sure I had got the right understanding- does anyone else do this?

I would suggest this book if you want a light read with a deeper meaning- that is how I would sum this book up.