lectrixnoctis's reviews
57 reviews

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

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5.0

Louisa May Alcott, a feminist, abolitionist and accomplished novelist with fifteen titles and various short stories, has created this ever-so-important classic about women’s struggle between familial duty and personal growth while pointing out the danger of gender stereotypes. If you ever read this novel, it will surely astonish you that this woman wrote this masterpiece in the 19th century because of her modern take on gender equality.

The narrative about “Little Women” is about the four March girls’- known as Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy- the story of sisterly adventures and growing up, which is loosely based on the author's lives and her three sisters. The time of their childhood and teenage years and the novel's beginning is set during the American civil war.

The main character of this novel would be the “tomboyish” and strong-willed sister called Jo. She’s the second oldest daughter of the family and wants to become an author when she’s an adult. Meg, her older sister, battles her girlish weakness for luxury and money throughout the whole story. The third sister is Beth. She’s timid and quiet. Like Meg, she always wants to please everybody and never has high ambitions, and like Jo, she tries to keep the family together as close as possible. The youngest sister is the beautiful Amy. She does have an artistic passion and know-how to act like a lady, unlikely Jo. Another important character is Theodore Laurence, called Laurie. He’s the charming, witty and intelligent next-door neighbour and becomes Jo’s best friend throughout the novel.

As already mentioned, Alcott displays the struggle between familial duty and the personal growth of women in this book. This emphasises the conflict in a young women’s life that she will either choose one or the other. While many women prefer the family path, Alcott tries to demonstrate with her character Jo that there is, in fact, another way.

(SPOILERS AHEAD)

Jo also doesn’t fit in the typical stereotype of women at that time. Even her name suggests that she does have, in fact, a rather “manly” approach to life.
She wants to become independent and earn her leave while her sisters are happily marrying. You could even argue that Jo could be queer as she doesn’t fuss over “girly” stuff and instead likes to play with the neighbour’s boy, and although she forms a rather tight bond with Laurie, she refuses to marry him, which perplexed many readers at the time. How every, Jo eventually ends up marrying a German professor called Mr Friedrich Bhear. Alcott, however, never intended Jo to marry, according to a letter to one of her friends in 1869. I believe that she did make Jo marry since the readers wanted for Jo a happy ending.

Overall, the writing style of Louisa May Alcott is rather beautiful and easy to read. She also uses language as a character raid of the girls; while Beth doesn’t talk much, Meg speaks in a proper language. Jo may swear at some time while Amy mispronounces words. This novel gave me so much joy, and I do believe it is an absolute must-read!
The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper

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3.0

Phil Stamper, who grew up in a rural village near Dayton, Ohio, release "The Gravity of Us" as his debut novel. However, you can tell he is no stranger to writing since he has an M.A. in Publishing with Creative Writing from Kingston University.

The narrative about "the Gravity of Us" is about young Calvin "Cal" Lewis Jr., who wants to be a journalist and is well upon his way since he does have half a million followers on his FlashFlame app. He also has an upcoming Buzzfeed internship. But sadly, his plans are derailed when his father, who is working as a pilot, Calvin Lewis Sr., is selected for a NASA mission to Mars. In a few days, Cal has to leave his whole life in Brooklyn behind and start a new Houston, Texas. Hence the general public is dying to get to know more about the highly anticipated mission Cal finds himself in a reality TV show with the constant struggle to be American's perfect family. Cal meets Leo Tucker, whose mother is also an astronaut for this particular mission, and he finds himself falling in love with him immediately. They become each other's saving point for this crazy experience. However, as their relationship grows, they discover secrets about the mission, and Cal tries to reveal the truth without hurting anyone.

This YA-novel well-writing and felt quite refreshing. Phil Stamper emphasised the essential parts of the story, which made this book an easy and quick read. The love story of Cal and Leon is lovely for a young teenage audience; with that said, I believe if you are over the age of 16, you maybe find this story a bit lacklustre. The romance felt a bit rushed, and I would have liked to see a slow-burning romance. Cal almost instantly felt head over heels for Leon. However, I think the author did that intentionally since Leon sometimes said that their relationship is going quickly. Stamper well researched the NASA part, but I didn't catch any excitement because of it. However, I still believe that this storyline is quite beautiful. Another plot hole was Cal's interactions with his best friend Deborah "Deb". After he left for Houston, he did not keep her updated with all the events about NASA and his personal life with Leon since she is his best friend; it did not make much sense, in my opinion.

Overall, this novel was lovely to read, and I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't recommend it to any age group over 16 years old. The love story was quiet, and Stamper also focused on a heavier topic, making the story more real. I would not say it is a lousy novel necessarily but maybe not for my age. If you want to read a short book and enjoy some LGBTQIA+ representation go for it, but do not keep your expectations up too high.

TW: coming out themes recounted, cheating recounted, anxiety & anxiety attacks, depression, alcohol consumption, hospitalisation mentioned, terminal cancer recounted, grief & loss deception, death of aunt & sister mentioned, plane crash
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett

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5.0

Gaiman and Pratchett, two relatively unknown British authors at the time of publishing the book, have created an absolute cult classic. It’s fantastic how these two men could come up with such a hilarious and intelligent storyline. If you read this book without knowing it was from two authors, you wouldn’t have known it. I think that’s on being brilliant authors and friends.

The narrative about “Good Omens” is about a not so evil demon named Crowley, who needn’t mean to fall - he just hung around the wrong people-, and a book-loving angel named Aziraphale who told their entire existence -roughly 6.000 years- on earth and rather enjoying it. However, when it comes to Armageddon, they decide to team up behind their head office notice and trying to stop the apocalypse. Although many mishaps come along the way, like mistaking an average human child for the Anti-Christ/spawn of Satan, they don't give up. On their way, they encounter many different humans, some who are helpful and some who aren’t.

The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Anges Nutter are the main focus of the story. Agnes Nutter was the last burned -so-called witch- at stake in England. Her Descending, Anathema Device, happens to have the previous and original copy of her prophecies and tries to stop Armageddon herself and encounters the Decedent of Thou-Shalt-Not-Commit-Adultery Pulsifer, who happens to be the reason why her ancestor was burned as a witch.

If you enjoy jokes about religion, predominantly Christian religion, it’s the book for you. I can’t remember when I laughed that hard because of a book. Almost every joke lands - no matter small or big. Though this book contains various British jokes and references throughout the storyline, food notes will provide the required knowledge humorously.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a good laugh. I had incredible fun reading this book, and it helps you get out of a reading slump or difficult times.

TW: Animal Abuse, Blood, Car Accident, Childbirth, Death, ED, F-slurs, Famine, Homophobia, Insects, Occult, Pregnancy, Prefanity, Racism, Sex, Slavery, Snakes, Starvation, Violence, War
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

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4.0

Alexandre Dumas is most known for "The Three Musketeers" and "The Count of Monte Cristobal" in particular; however, by his death at age 68, he authored more than 1.200 works. Even after 200 years after its initial publication, Dumas's works are still recognisable and ever so delightful to read. After all, he created one of the most memorable quotes ever: "All for one and one for all.".

“The three Musketeers” is arranged in three sections. The story begins in 1625 in a small French town. D'Artagnan, a fiery-tempered and intelligent young man, has left his home town to seek his fortune in Paris while caring a letter of instruction to the leader of the king's Musketeers, Athos, the oldest of the musketeers and most accomplished, Porthos, a loyal Friedan and fierce fighter, and Aramis, a great warrior and an accomplished lady's man however he swears he will give it all up for the priesthood. Throughout the novel, Religion is treaded somewhat mockingly, especially in context with Aramis' personality.

The novel focuses on two political factions in France: one headed by the king and the cardinal. The musketeers serve their captain, Monsieur de Treville, a perfect gentleman and courtier to King Louis XIII. Dumas depicts Louis as a weak and unintelligent ruler. While Cardinal Richelieu's character is the exact opposite: he is intelligent and forceful, a penetrating judge of character. The power of the government rests with him, and he possesses a vision of France's role and destiny. He commands both the respect and the hatred of the musketeers. Although not an evil man, Richelieu accomplishes his aims and rules efficiently by employing methods not quite in keeping with his position as a Catholic church cardinal. The musketeers' mortal enemies are two of the cardinal's favourite servants and spies: the Count de Rochefort and Milady de Winter.

Rochefort appears sporadically throughout the novel, but the truly evil person is Milady, who uses her beauty as a tool to seduce and destroy men and women. From the first moment D'Artagnan sees her at the beginning of the novel, she fascinates him, and his fate becomes inextricably bound to hers.

Milady's deeds become progressively more ruthless; for example, She steals the diamond studs from the Duke of Buckingham, forcing the musketeers to journey to England to save the queen's reputation. She is responsible for the abduction of Constance Bonacieux, d'Artagnan's mistress. She is revealed as Athos's former wife, who ruined him when he discovered that she had been branded as a thief. She tries twice to murder d'Artagnan, and she seduces a young man and persuades him to assassinate the Duke of Buckingham. As her final crime, she poisons Constance Bonacieux. Although her trial by the musketeers and subsequent execution pose serious Questions about the musketeers' ethical conduct, there is no doubt that she deserves her ultimate fate.

The Characters and actions of the musketeers express the overall Themes of the book:
The idealism of youth
The growth of maturity
The importance of loyalty and friendship
The need for bravery in the struggle of good against evil

This struggle is summed up in contrast between the two rivals for d'Artagnan's affections: the ruthless Milady and the good Constance Bonacieux.

Overall, this book is a well-writing story about the importance of friendship, and that at last, good always wins. I enjoyed reading "The Three Musketeers", however sometimes the book seemed a bit dry, and sometimes the descriptions tend to be too detailed. However, the witty take on Religion and some of the characters' comebacks are cancelling that out. I do not think this classic will be for everyone, but if you ever decide to read it, I doubt that you will be disappointed.

TW: Cheating, Classism, Grief, Hanging, Murder, Rape, Religious Persecution, Sexual Assault, Starvation, Suicide Threats
House of Rougeaux by Jenny Jaeckel

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3.0

"House of Rougeaux" is a terrific family saga by the award-winning author and illustrator Jenny Jaeckel. Unlikely many family sagas, this one jumps back and forth through various generations and will come full circle in the final chapter.

This charming written historical novel begins in the 1700s on the Caribbean Island of Martinique with Abeje, a young female slave who passes excellent healing power, and her brother Adunbi. Although Abeje never had children of her own, her brother did. After his wife died, his daughter Hettie had to be fostered at a different plantation. When Adunbi had the chance o finally visit his daughter, he discovered that she and her Forster monster had been sold off. But fate always finds a way, and Adunbi was able to find and finally meet Hetty when she was ten years old before she went to Montreal, Canada. There Hetty met a dire black man called Dax Rougeaux, who has bought her into freedom. This is the very beginning of the Rougeaux family saga.

From this point on, the story jumps from various generations to another, for example, to Nellie and Azzie, cousins of Hettie's great-great-grandchildren in Philadelphia, to Martine, a great-granddaughter of Hettie, who stayed in Montreal. Then to Hetty and her son as well as his daughter Eleonora called Nora.

As I already mentioned, Jaeckel has the gift of writing a beautiful story with a fantastic world and character building. However, sometimes it was hard to follow how which character is related to Hettie and why their story is essential. I couldn't connect with Nellie or Azzie since their storyline seemed unnecessary and even a bit boring. However, the themes mentioned in these parts were beautifully executed.
Another issue I had was the story of Hettie's son Guillaume and his storyline. I rather enjoyed his character and his battle with his internalised homophobia. However, I believe that the reaction of his sister Josie was a bit odd. Although his sister has the same gift as their grandaunt, and she is a very open-minded person, I found her take on her brother's queerness too modern and a bit out of place since this took place in the late 1800s. I have caught myself often wondering how unrealistic her reaction was.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading "House of Rougeaux" and loved the touch of magic realism and the strong family bond, which is the real magic throughout this whole novel. The unconditional love of the characters to one another was genuinely delightful and quite fascinating.

One of my favourite things about this book was the discussion of heavy themes like grief and racism. Jaeckel did a wonderful job to bring these themes into the story without making the story too glumly and still keeping an eye out for realism.

Overall, I would recommend this book to read a solid family saga with beautiful writing and world-building. Sadly, sometimes the plot seems all other the place mainly in the middle of the novel, so the rating is this "low". However, the beginning of the story, as well as the end, was truly magical.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jenny Jaeckel and her delightful writing.

Thank you to Jenny Jaeckel for a review copy of this book in return for an honest review!

TW: Death, Grief, Childbirth, Pregnancy, Racism, Classism, Slavery, Sexism, Lupus, Internalised Homophobia, Implied Sex
Boy, Falling by Jenny Jaeckel

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4.0

"Boy, Falling" is a delightful sequel to the book/family saga "House of Rougeaux" by award-winning author and illustrator Jenny Jaeckel. Unlikely the first book of this saga, this novel focuses on the children of Eleonora called Nora and their children.

This charming written historical novel begins in 1895 in Montreal, Canada. In the first part of the novel, you will pick up with young Gerard Rougeaux, who struggles with his self-identity and his place in the world. His family tree is quite complex as he learns about the mystery of his birth at the age of 18. You can see Gerard blossoming into a charming young adult as he moved to New York to continue his authentic passion for music. However, he is conflicted because of his attraction to the same gender and who he loves. The novel highlights how society deals with homosexuality in the early 20th century. He is forced to hide his true self until he fully excepts himself and moves to Paris.

In the second part of the book, we follow the story of Gerard's half-sister Jeanette who lives in New York. She is teaching children music and takes a lot of joy in her work. However, after the market crashes, she is let go and has to make difficult decisions. Should she marry a man she perhaps not loves to secure her life or not?

"Boy, Falling" is a beautiful continuation of the family saga of the Rougeaux with discussing various topics like love, suffering, grief and homosexuality, as well as racism. However, the true magic of this book has to be character and world-building. Jaeckel has a beautiful way to describe the scenery without making it dull. I fell in love with the various characters and felt deeply connected to them.
This book is a massive improvement to the first one, although it did enjoy "House of Rougeaux". I highly recommend This book to anyone who wants to read a family saga with challenging themes.

Thank you to Jenny Jaeckel for a review copy of this book in return for an honest review.

TW: Racism, Sex, (Internalised) Homophobia, Cheating, Heartbreak (Break-up), Nazis, Hospitalisation, Death, WWII, Grief, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Childbirth, Divorce
Tomas and the Gypsy Violin by Robert Eisenberg

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4.0

"Tomas and Gypsy Violin" is a beautifully written Novella by Robert Eisenberg, who works to breathe new life into old buildings, collaborates with others to projects our environmental heritage, and helpers to bring Sistema. This organisation teaches music to children in Toronto, Canada.

Tomas is a seven-year-old Romani boy from Hungary adopted by a married couple with a significant age gap in Toronto, Canada. The birth parents of the young boy are dead. He has witnessed highly traumatic events and does not understand why some strangers want to help him/ give him a home. But as he grows more comfortable in his new home, the boy begins to blossom as he discovers his passion for music/ the violin.
Eisenberg discusses Sistema, an after school music program especially important for the children of immigrants in Toronto.

This sweet and beautiful story discusses heavy topics like racism, death and adoption, as well as bullying. In 80 pages, Eisenberg primarily focuses on how important it is for children to change on entering a music program after school, even if it is considered a luxury. This book is a great wake-up call, and I would recommend it to anyone!

The author is dedicating his share of the earnings from this book to Sistema, which is just charming.

Thank you to Heartstrings Canada for a review copy of this book in return for an honest review!

TW: Death, Adoption, Racism, Difficult Family Situation, Hospitalisation