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Drinker of Ink
California, 1991
“I only ever talk to this journal. Is there an alternate universe? Another planet? Please could you beam me up, Holy Father?”
Paris-born Vivienne Lebrun longs for a different life. One where she doesn’t attend college three thousand miles away from her family in New York City. A life where she is sophisticated and has kissed many men, both standing up and sitting down, like the lovers in Rodin’s sculpture. In that life, she would skip her final year of school and start writing books and working at a New York bakery. And her French mother wouldn’t (possibly, maybe) be dealing with the return of cancer.
In her real life, all Vivienne can do is obsessively catalog her longings in her journal. But as a new semester begins, she enrolls in a poetry class taught by Peter Breznik, a handsome Yugoslavian graduate instructor. In a heartbeat, she’s taken by his spell-casting blue eyes, his almost-smile, and his romantically-worn canvas satchel. Soon—though Vivienne suspects she’s stumbled into a dream—Peter is talking to her in chance library encounters about poems, future plans, and his violently unraveling country. And Vivienne is not just writing her fantasies, but wondering if she might (possibly, maybe) be singled out by the universe to live one.
Until struggles intensify for both their families—Vivienne’s mother’s health, Peter’s brother’s recklessness in war-torn Croatia—and they are pulled by demands beyond their control. Through distance and heartbreak, can Vivienne and Peter find one another and choose the life they had dreamed of together?
“I only ever talk to this journal. Is there an alternate universe? Another planet? Please could you beam me up, Holy Father?”
Paris-born Vivienne Lebrun longs for a different life. One where she doesn’t attend college three thousand miles away from her family in New York City. A life where she is sophisticated and has kissed many men, both standing up and sitting down, like the lovers in Rodin’s sculpture. In that life, she would skip her final year of school and start writing books and working at a New York bakery. And her French mother wouldn’t (possibly, maybe) be dealing with the return of cancer.
In her real life, all Vivienne can do is obsessively catalog her longings in her journal. But as a new semester begins, she enrolls in a poetry class taught by Peter Breznik, a handsome Yugoslavian graduate instructor. In a heartbeat, she’s taken by his spell-casting blue eyes, his almost-smile, and his romantically-worn canvas satchel. Soon—though Vivienne suspects she’s stumbled into a dream—Peter is talking to her in chance library encounters about poems, future plans, and his violently unraveling country. And Vivienne is not just writing her fantasies, but wondering if she might (possibly, maybe) be singled out by the universe to live one.
Until struggles intensify for both their families—Vivienne’s mother’s health, Peter’s brother’s recklessness in war-torn Croatia—and they are pulled by demands beyond their control. Through distance and heartbreak, can Vivienne and Peter find one another and choose the life they had dreamed of together?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2024
About the author
Shannon Castleton
1 book90 followersShannon Castleton has been telling stories in her head for as long as she can remember. But she always wrote them down as poems. And then she studied poems, for years, and published some. But she always wanted to write a long story. A love story. Drinker of Ink is her first attempt, inspired by her love of words, poems, books, French, baking, kissing, obsessive-compulsive people, and long walks in Europe.
Shannon is a graduate of the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College. She lives with her family in a town called Bountiful.
Shannon is a graduate of the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College. She lives with her family in a town called Bountiful.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
February 8, 2024
Drinker of Ink is my favorite debut novel of 2023.
This is the kind of book that reminds me of how words and stories are vital to our very being — and how words can heal even after our actions fail us.
This is a story written in letter format that somehow reads like a beautifully vivid and poetic fever dream. Shannon gives readers a consuming plot with an equally exquisite writing style all her own.
The entirety of the novel feels like one well spoken coming of age poem as it examines what it feels like to fall in love and cope with those ever expanding/shifting emotions.
Drinker of Ink feels like an old soul that is dipped in new life with its charm, poise and heart. This book is deeply romantic in its simplicity. Like the empty spaces between two hands begging to be held.
This is a strong character driven story where you really get to see the introspective thoughts of our main character Vivienne. The 90s foreign affairs elements feel well researched and impactful. You could highlight the book for days and find a new sentence to gush over…or a new theme to examine.
Some books feel like they have left you with a portion of the authors heart attached to your own. This one does that. I don’t want to live in a world where stories like this don’t exist.
This is the kind of book that reminds me of how words and stories are vital to our very being — and how words can heal even after our actions fail us.
This is a story written in letter format that somehow reads like a beautifully vivid and poetic fever dream. Shannon gives readers a consuming plot with an equally exquisite writing style all her own.
The entirety of the novel feels like one well spoken coming of age poem as it examines what it feels like to fall in love and cope with those ever expanding/shifting emotions.
Drinker of Ink feels like an old soul that is dipped in new life with its charm, poise and heart. This book is deeply romantic in its simplicity. Like the empty spaces between two hands begging to be held.
This is a strong character driven story where you really get to see the introspective thoughts of our main character Vivienne. The 90s foreign affairs elements feel well researched and impactful. You could highlight the book for days and find a new sentence to gush over…or a new theme to examine.
Some books feel like they have left you with a portion of the authors heart attached to your own. This one does that. I don’t want to live in a world where stories like this don’t exist.
January 9, 2024
This is a story for the watchers and dreamers. For the people who find stories in the clouds. My romantic academics, and hopelessly love-addicted soul sisters. This book is for you.
In a market where plots are molded around each other, The Drinker of Ink stands on its own as a piece of poetic literature and a portrait of love. Shannon enhanced the faint intimate moments, and hit my romantic sweet spot. I’ve never known subtlety to be so sexy.
Shannon’s writing is fresh, vivid and the true star of the show. She made me feel to the point of bursting, and It’s something you need to experience for yourself.
I wasn’t expecting to cry, but my late-night, sobbing voice messages proved otherwise. The laugh out loud humor was a sweet addition that I didn't anticipate. "Laughter through tears" sums up my experience.
In a nutshell, This is now one of my favorite books.
THOUGHTS:
For my plot driven readers, this may feel slow for you. It was a perfect pace for me, but understand that this is a character driven story.
The book is written in journal entries and for some people, that writing style doesn’t resonate, but I thought it was done beautifully.
OVERALL: Please love this book with me. Don’t make me beg, but I will if necessary.
▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎
CONTENT: A possible trigger is in the synopsis, but can be a spoiler for those who like to go in blind. DM me if you have questions.
SPICE: kissing.
FORMAT: I would recommend the physical book with lots of tabs. It will be available on Kindle Unlimited on Thursday, Jan 11th.
In a market where plots are molded around each other, The Drinker of Ink stands on its own as a piece of poetic literature and a portrait of love. Shannon enhanced the faint intimate moments, and hit my romantic sweet spot. I’ve never known subtlety to be so sexy.
Shannon’s writing is fresh, vivid and the true star of the show. She made me feel to the point of bursting, and It’s something you need to experience for yourself.
I wasn’t expecting to cry, but my late-night, sobbing voice messages proved otherwise. The laugh out loud humor was a sweet addition that I didn't anticipate. "Laughter through tears" sums up my experience.
In a nutshell, This is now one of my favorite books.
THOUGHTS:
For my plot driven readers, this may feel slow for you. It was a perfect pace for me, but understand that this is a character driven story.
The book is written in journal entries and for some people, that writing style doesn’t resonate, but I thought it was done beautifully.
OVERALL: Please love this book with me. Don’t make me beg, but I will if necessary.
▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎
CONTENT: A possible trigger is in the synopsis, but can be a spoiler for those who like to go in blind. DM me if you have questions.
SPICE: kissing.
FORMAT: I would recommend the physical book with lots of tabs. It will be available on Kindle Unlimited on Thursday, Jan 11th.
January 19, 2024
This review is for the romance reader that might think this book is not for them. This was me, and I’d like to give you an encouraging nudge and help you feel more prepared if you then choose to give this fundamentally brilliant, achingly romantic book a try. Very determined not to spoil, I just feel, though I love seeing all my fellow reviewers gushingly struggling to verbalize their experience, like I might’ve enjoyed it even more (which I don’t know how I would’ve coped if I liked it even more) if I was a little less bracing for impact the whole time.
If you don’t want the full review/essay-length response, here’s the nutshell caution: Will leave you with whatever lingering effects of 2-3 sleepless nights and all swooned out, but also with a heart-squeezing impetus to look at everything more vividly and to embrace more tightly while feeling more freely.
Here we go. Just in case you share any of the same reservations/subjective literary inclinations, here are the ways I superficially perceived I was not this book’s audience and how they were addressed:
Cozy academia vibes/ professor-student scenario not exactly a siren call for me.
*You’re not hit over the head with the aesthetics of it all. It just is. The insta-crush/pining is strong, but age gap not scandalous by any means, and the relationship does not progress until the student/teacher forbidden dynamic is out of the way.
I’m mostly poetry illiterate by self-sabotaging choice.
*This author is the real deal with the poetry. No make-you-feel-like-an-ignoramus flowery pretention here. Just cranking up the evocative level to a thousand. I feel like my understanding expanded and even gained parallel personal insights on how literary resonance fuels my own compulsive, coping mechanism book reviewing.
I gravitate to 19th century love stories where zero-and-twenty heroines’ lack of backpack slinging doesn’t remind me they’re literally half my age.
*Oh, my fellow opposite-of-effortless girl, Vivienne. Unsure if she would resent the comparison, but I very much was on her side through her young adult oceans of emotion as one is with the intensely-feeling Marianne Dashwoods of the world. Essentially a word-savant bluestocking wallflower/walking open wound, she brings such competence and self-awareness, such wit and effortless dead pan charm in her entries. There’s a line that mentions feeling “both young and grown”, and this is how I enjoyed her.
I’m watchful of sexual content. Not merely closed-door. If no marital vows have been pronounced, no getting-to-the-door, kissing only. Could not get a solid read on how my comfort level would be on this one and wished I wasn’t nervous about it while reading.
*I’ll include content notes at the end, but, though this pushed it a little for me in that it seems they would’ve if they could’ve, kissing only-all mentions/thoughts of physical intimacy absolutely vague and nothing on page.
Most of all in the apprehension department: Resoundingly raving reports signaled to this book bringing on the Left-in-a-Heart- Trampled-Daze Emotional Evisceration, and I tend to keep to HEA stories that stay safely contained to a few Angst Chest Pangs. I read romance for the escape and the certaintity, not for catharsis. I want the swoons, not the existential pain. Will it frappe my heart before HEA? No, thank you.
*I won’t lie and say it did not poke at my mommy complex and that this is not an emotional read, but, for me, there’s a big difference when the pangs are there, but it’s not gratuituosly wanting to pulverize your soul. There is enough swoony sweetness and hints of hope as we go along to counterpoint those aforementioned oceans of emotion. I was left in a daze but not the heart-trampled kind *deep sigh of relief*
Now, all the ways I knew I might be this book’s audience and how they were fulfilled:
Cannot resist the siren call of romantic written communication.
*This is a veritable feast of word soul-merging.
Historical aspects.
*As a geriatric Millenial, don’t know how I feel about 1991 being considered historical, but this is firmly rooted and woven into time and events, and my history nerd was invested.
Promise of high literary value love story.
*When it’s written, characterized and paced this exquisitely well, I was more than rewarded for stepping out and facing the gales of my bookish trepidation. Chuck this one at whoever would dare demean the romantic genre.
Nichole Van said so.
*If ever there was an author I trusted, and Ms. Castleton has had a hand in books of hers I adore beyond what would be considered stable-minded. Now, not only am I in debt for her own work, but for pointing in the direction of this one.
I’ve joined the overwhelmed throng. Moved, grateful, inspired, dazed, HEA satisfied, simultaneously reminding myself “It’s just a book” and knowing just how much it’s so not.
Hope this helps, at least I feel like I self-servingly processed. Thanks.
Content notes: Kissing Only, Make outs implied. Allusions to possibility of premarital intimacy. Some brief language. Complex family relationships. On page trauma from parent terminal illness. Mention of miscarriage scare. On page verbal assault with sexual insinuations. Mentions of war violence. Death of family members. Heroine’s family are Catholic, mentions of practicing Christianism, but no predominant themes of faith.
If you don’t want the full review/essay-length response, here’s the nutshell caution: Will leave you with whatever lingering effects of 2-3 sleepless nights and all swooned out, but also with a heart-squeezing impetus to look at everything more vividly and to embrace more tightly while feeling more freely.
Here we go. Just in case you share any of the same reservations/subjective literary inclinations, here are the ways I superficially perceived I was not this book’s audience and how they were addressed:
Cozy academia vibes/ professor-student scenario not exactly a siren call for me.
*You’re not hit over the head with the aesthetics of it all. It just is. The insta-crush/pining is strong, but age gap not scandalous by any means, and the relationship does not progress until the student/teacher forbidden dynamic is out of the way.
I’m mostly poetry illiterate by self-sabotaging choice.
*This author is the real deal with the poetry. No make-you-feel-like-an-ignoramus flowery pretention here. Just cranking up the evocative level to a thousand. I feel like my understanding expanded and even gained parallel personal insights on how literary resonance fuels my own compulsive, coping mechanism book reviewing.
I gravitate to 19th century love stories where zero-and-twenty heroines’ lack of backpack slinging doesn’t remind me they’re literally half my age.
*Oh, my fellow opposite-of-effortless girl, Vivienne. Unsure if she would resent the comparison, but I very much was on her side through her young adult oceans of emotion as one is with the intensely-feeling Marianne Dashwoods of the world. Essentially a word-savant bluestocking wallflower/walking open wound, she brings such competence and self-awareness, such wit and effortless dead pan charm in her entries. There’s a line that mentions feeling “both young and grown”, and this is how I enjoyed her.
I’m watchful of sexual content. Not merely closed-door. If no marital vows have been pronounced, no getting-to-the-door, kissing only. Could not get a solid read on how my comfort level would be on this one and wished I wasn’t nervous about it while reading.
*I’ll include content notes at the end, but, though this pushed it a little for me in that it seems they would’ve if they could’ve, kissing only-all mentions/thoughts of physical intimacy absolutely vague and nothing on page.
Most of all in the apprehension department: Resoundingly raving reports signaled to this book bringing on the Left-in-a-Heart- Trampled-Daze Emotional Evisceration, and I tend to keep to HEA stories that stay safely contained to a few Angst Chest Pangs. I read romance for the escape and the certaintity, not for catharsis. I want the swoons, not the existential pain. Will it frappe my heart before HEA? No, thank you.
*I won’t lie and say it did not poke at my mommy complex and that this is not an emotional read, but, for me, there’s a big difference when the pangs are there, but it’s not gratuituosly wanting to pulverize your soul. There is enough swoony sweetness and hints of hope as we go along to counterpoint those aforementioned oceans of emotion. I was left in a daze but not the heart-trampled kind *deep sigh of relief*
Now, all the ways I knew I might be this book’s audience and how they were fulfilled:
Cannot resist the siren call of romantic written communication.
*This is a veritable feast of word soul-merging.
Historical aspects.
*As a geriatric Millenial, don’t know how I feel about 1991 being considered historical, but this is firmly rooted and woven into time and events, and my history nerd was invested.
Promise of high literary value love story.
*When it’s written, characterized and paced this exquisitely well, I was more than rewarded for stepping out and facing the gales of my bookish trepidation. Chuck this one at whoever would dare demean the romantic genre.
Nichole Van said so.
*If ever there was an author I trusted, and Ms. Castleton has had a hand in books of hers I adore beyond what would be considered stable-minded. Now, not only am I in debt for her own work, but for pointing in the direction of this one.
I’ve joined the overwhelmed throng. Moved, grateful, inspired, dazed, HEA satisfied, simultaneously reminding myself “It’s just a book” and knowing just how much it’s so not.
Hope this helps, at least I feel like I self-servingly processed. Thanks.
Content notes: Kissing Only, Make outs implied. Allusions to possibility of premarital intimacy. Some brief language. Complex family relationships. On page trauma from parent terminal illness. Mention of miscarriage scare. On page verbal assault with sexual insinuations. Mentions of war violence. Death of family members. Heroine’s family are Catholic, mentions of practicing Christianism, but no predominant themes of faith.
March 31, 2024
5 debut stars!!✨
Words simply fail me right now with this one. I feel I have a gaping Peter & Vivienne shaped hole in my chest that aches in a tenderly painful yet sweet way. These two have stolen my breath, my heart and all cognitive abilities right now. How has Shannon done this? This is her debut work and yet this masterfully skilled author writes with the skills of a seasoned storyteller with a poetic grace so passionate and tender that with each turn of the page I would gasp, moan or cry. I am consumed and overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with the joy of having found this incredible book and at the same time overwhelmed with grief because it’s over and I miss these characters already. I felt so much passion, tension and chemistry with every word, space and pause while I was catching my breath. Peter Breznik, I love you. Vivienne, you are my shero. I have sooo many highlights that I just want to go over with a fine tooth comb. Someone save me from my sweet misery. Lol.
Words simply fail me right now with this one. I feel I have a gaping Peter & Vivienne shaped hole in my chest that aches in a tenderly painful yet sweet way. These two have stolen my breath, my heart and all cognitive abilities right now. How has Shannon done this? This is her debut work and yet this masterfully skilled author writes with the skills of a seasoned storyteller with a poetic grace so passionate and tender that with each turn of the page I would gasp, moan or cry. I am consumed and overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with the joy of having found this incredible book and at the same time overwhelmed with grief because it’s over and I miss these characters already. I felt so much passion, tension and chemistry with every word, space and pause while I was catching my breath. Peter Breznik, I love you. Vivienne, you are my shero. I have sooo many highlights that I just want to go over with a fine tooth comb. Someone save me from my sweet misery. Lol.
December 29, 2023
If I ever manage to find words
for the experience that is
this book
I will write them.
As for now . . . "Najlepša hvala".
Most beautiful thank you.
for the experience that is
this book
I will write them.
As for now . . . "Najlepša hvala".
Most beautiful thank you.
January 10, 2024
If there’s one book I can convince you to read this year, it’s this one.
I love that everything about this book is beautiful. The title and cover are a special wrapping paper, a glimpse of what’s to come inside.
If something is packaged so beautifully, it makes me believe that the story inside will be equally as beautiful.
It’s even more exquisite of a story.
The writing is so vivid and detailed that I didn’t have to imagine, the scenes were painted on the page. I was transported to 1990s California, watching the most beautiful coming of age and romantic love story unfold.
Know that I don’t make this recommendation lightly. I can’t describe how much I adore these characters, the setting, the poetry, the romance. Gosh. The romance is stunning. I always said I would pick up a book to annotate, this is the first book I actually took the plunge and I’m currently in the process of doing that. My evenings before I fall asleep are dedicated to a few entries at a time, I want to drink up this story through a tiny coffee straw— slowly and savoring every last drop of ink.
If you’re feeling a little antsy over this being written in journal entries, don’t be. I promise that the entries feel like a movie scene and you will get the full surround sound experience. If you want the conversation as if it’s live, happening in the moment, this supplies it.
I’m sorry if I tortured you through this inadequate review. I’m still thinking this debut is actually a conspiracy, theres no way this is an author’s first novel.
In short:
This book sits above every other one of 2023. You’ll love it. And if not, unfollow my goodreads now. We aren’t compatible. 😉
I love that everything about this book is beautiful. The title and cover are a special wrapping paper, a glimpse of what’s to come inside.
If something is packaged so beautifully, it makes me believe that the story inside will be equally as beautiful.
It’s even more exquisite of a story.
The writing is so vivid and detailed that I didn’t have to imagine, the scenes were painted on the page. I was transported to 1990s California, watching the most beautiful coming of age and romantic love story unfold.
Know that I don’t make this recommendation lightly. I can’t describe how much I adore these characters, the setting, the poetry, the romance. Gosh. The romance is stunning. I always said I would pick up a book to annotate, this is the first book I actually took the plunge and I’m currently in the process of doing that. My evenings before I fall asleep are dedicated to a few entries at a time, I want to drink up this story through a tiny coffee straw— slowly and savoring every last drop of ink.
If you’re feeling a little antsy over this being written in journal entries, don’t be. I promise that the entries feel like a movie scene and you will get the full surround sound experience. If you want the conversation as if it’s live, happening in the moment, this supplies it.
I’m sorry if I tortured you through this inadequate review. I’m still thinking this debut is actually a conspiracy, theres no way this is an author’s first novel.
In short:
This book sits above every other one of 2023. You’ll love it. And if not, unfollow my goodreads now. We aren’t compatible. 😉
December 17, 2023
Rating: 5/5
Read it for the:
-Character Growth
-Journal entity POV’s
-Light academia vibe (College setting, commentary on poetry, literature, life, etc.)
-Great chemistry between leads (Instructor / Student trope)
-Themes of finding home, personal growth, familial and romantic love
-Complex family relationships
-1990s California Setting
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 :
Romance: Clean (kissing only), light language
Trigger warning: parent with a history of cancer, emotional turmoil, death, mentions of war violence
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Drinker of Ink was a novel to took me by surprise - the experience I had with this read can be described as cinematic with its vivid imagery, and heartfelt writing. Filled with brilliant notes on poetry, incredible character arcs, and a romance with all the emotions of new beginnings and sharp turns, Drinker of Ink is a debut novel to add to your TBR.
If there is something I love in a book, it’s the character growth that results from good writing. Very rarely am I able to experience the growth of a character so vividly as described in this story. The character arcs of both Vivienne and Peter were amazing. Each dealt with an uncertain world yet they found their home in the lines of poetry. Beginning in their college years and spanning some time after, through their journal entries, I was able to watch them both break and mend as their lives took shape. Not one moment was overlooked or without purpose. This is a book that takes root in your heart in a slow and unassuming way and blossoms in you as the pages turn.
The romance between Vivienne and Peter was perfect. The chemistry between them was palpable. What started as an innocent one-sided crush turned into love that had depth and substance. While closed door, there were many kisses and soft moments shared between these two. Vienne and Peter proved why poetry is for the romantics. The build-up to the relationship was one of the best I’ve read in a while. If you enjoy a slower build-up, pining, light angst, and slightly forbidden vibes - this one is for you.
While this is very much Vivienne and Peter’s story, the side characters and plot points were essential to their growth. I enjoyed the complexity that Vivienne’s family brought into the mix. Vivienne’s dread of losing one of the members of her family and her emotional dependence on them was interesting to read and, at least for me, relatable. While Vivienne worked through navigating her feelings and future, Peter dealt with the unraveling political climate of his family's home country. It was a difficult time for both, but this gave a realistic balance to the story.
While this may not be an ideal perfect for some, the overall reading experience was perfect for me. Drinker of Ink was an immersive read that described the whimsical feelings of falling in love and the growing pains one may experience in life. I would recommend this book to readers who love a romance with great writing and literary enthusiasts alike. One thing is certain for me, I cannot wait to read whatever Shannon Castleton writes next.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Read it for the:
-Character Growth
-Journal entity POV’s
-Light academia vibe (College setting, commentary on poetry, literature, life, etc.)
-Great chemistry between leads (Instructor / Student trope)
-Themes of finding home, personal growth, familial and romantic love
-Complex family relationships
-1990s California Setting
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 :
Romance: Clean (kissing only), light language
Trigger warning: parent with a history of cancer, emotional turmoil, death, mentions of war violence
𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Drinker of Ink was a novel to took me by surprise - the experience I had with this read can be described as cinematic with its vivid imagery, and heartfelt writing. Filled with brilliant notes on poetry, incredible character arcs, and a romance with all the emotions of new beginnings and sharp turns, Drinker of Ink is a debut novel to add to your TBR.
If there is something I love in a book, it’s the character growth that results from good writing. Very rarely am I able to experience the growth of a character so vividly as described in this story. The character arcs of both Vivienne and Peter were amazing. Each dealt with an uncertain world yet they found their home in the lines of poetry. Beginning in their college years and spanning some time after, through their journal entries, I was able to watch them both break and mend as their lives took shape. Not one moment was overlooked or without purpose. This is a book that takes root in your heart in a slow and unassuming way and blossoms in you as the pages turn.
The romance between Vivienne and Peter was perfect. The chemistry between them was palpable. What started as an innocent one-sided crush turned into love that had depth and substance. While closed door, there were many kisses and soft moments shared between these two. Vienne and Peter proved why poetry is for the romantics. The build-up to the relationship was one of the best I’ve read in a while. If you enjoy a slower build-up, pining, light angst, and slightly forbidden vibes - this one is for you.
While this is very much Vivienne and Peter’s story, the side characters and plot points were essential to their growth. I enjoyed the complexity that Vivienne’s family brought into the mix. Vivienne’s dread of losing one of the members of her family and her emotional dependence on them was interesting to read and, at least for me, relatable. While Vivienne worked through navigating her feelings and future, Peter dealt with the unraveling political climate of his family's home country. It was a difficult time for both, but this gave a realistic balance to the story.
While this may not be an ideal perfect for some, the overall reading experience was perfect for me. Drinker of Ink was an immersive read that described the whimsical feelings of falling in love and the growing pains one may experience in life. I would recommend this book to readers who love a romance with great writing and literary enthusiasts alike. One thing is certain for me, I cannot wait to read whatever Shannon Castleton writes next.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 10, 2024
WELL.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I fear this may have been a case of over-hyped for me. Y’all I wanted to love this as much as everyone else I had seen read this before I got my copy and I tried. And while, I absolutely tabbed multiple places in my book and thought it got progressively better, I couldn’t quite give it five stars.
The first half was slowwww and I struggled with the family dynamics + Vivienne. There were things I could not find a way to connect to and while I understood the theme and setting of these choices, it was not meant to be.
The second half was much better. I adored Peter. Like I said previously, plenty of places to mark and swoon over. Writing wise, it was beautifully written. Poetry really isn’t my thing but I could appreciate the way it was used her. And who knew that I would actually really enjoy the 1990’s setting? Also wild to call that historical fiction in any context.
I really felt the depth in those later sections and seeing the growth of the characters too. A lot of raw and poignant moments that I’m grateful the book made it too. It was lyrically dramatic and my soul was caught up in this love story at last.
I love a good book written in journal entries. It’s different than what I usually pick up and I would love to read the author’s next book.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fiction Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: heated kisses
- Violence: low-moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of war, loss of a loved one (multiple), a loved one with cancer.
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I fear this may have been a case of over-hyped for me. Y’all I wanted to love this as much as everyone else I had seen read this before I got my copy and I tried. And while, I absolutely tabbed multiple places in my book and thought it got progressively better, I couldn’t quite give it five stars.
The first half was slowwww and I struggled with the family dynamics + Vivienne. There were things I could not find a way to connect to and while I understood the theme and setting of these choices, it was not meant to be.
The second half was much better. I adored Peter. Like I said previously, plenty of places to mark and swoon over. Writing wise, it was beautifully written. Poetry really isn’t my thing but I could appreciate the way it was used her. And who knew that I would actually really enjoy the 1990’s setting? Also wild to call that historical fiction in any context.
I really felt the depth in those later sections and seeing the growth of the characters too. A lot of raw and poignant moments that I’m grateful the book made it too. It was lyrically dramatic and my soul was caught up in this love story at last.
I love a good book written in journal entries. It’s different than what I usually pick up and I would love to read the author’s next book.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fiction Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: heated kisses
- Violence: low-moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of war, loss of a loved one (multiple), a loved one with cancer.
January 29, 2024
SO beautifully written. Vivienne's journal entries of her days as an undergrad — days spent agonizing over her mother's health and yearning after her cherished poetry instructor — are immersive, poetic, and beautifully constructed. I loved it.
Later on in the book, there's a time jump and narrator shift that did cause it to lose some momentum for me. But I loved the undergraduate days so much that I know this book will stay with me. Already on the short-list for my favorite reads of 2024.
Content note: Occasional PG-level swearing.
Beautiful quotes:
I was thinking, This is such a small moment, housed in such a small space, but it will spin like a planet in my memory.
----------------------------
But I also want to be held without sparks—that is, quietly, like the marble woman in Rodin’s Hand of God, the way she is curled in the rough-sculpted hand, obviously unfinished, resting.
----------------------------
...a modern-day version of Thomas Hardy’s Gabriel Oak, who would look a woman in the eye and say, “Whenever you look up, there I shall be—and whenever I look up, there you shall be.”
-----------------------------
I felt like a woman born with summer-bright eyes to a world where nobody leaves or dies, who knows that the day, the month, her whole brilliant life will turn out exactly as she’s dreamed it. In my real life—which is blessed enough—I am always braced for illness to strike, for reservation, uncertainty, silence. I didn’t know how to proceed in the life I had landed in.
Later on in the book, there's a time jump and narrator shift that did cause it to lose some momentum for me. But I loved the undergraduate days so much that I know this book will stay with me. Already on the short-list for my favorite reads of 2024.
Content note: Occasional PG-level swearing.
Beautiful quotes:
I was thinking, This is such a small moment, housed in such a small space, but it will spin like a planet in my memory.
----------------------------
But I also want to be held without sparks—that is, quietly, like the marble woman in Rodin’s Hand of God, the way she is curled in the rough-sculpted hand, obviously unfinished, resting.
----------------------------
...a modern-day version of Thomas Hardy’s Gabriel Oak, who would look a woman in the eye and say, “Whenever you look up, there I shall be—and whenever I look up, there you shall be.”
-----------------------------
I felt like a woman born with summer-bright eyes to a world where nobody leaves or dies, who knows that the day, the month, her whole brilliant life will turn out exactly as she’s dreamed it. In my real life—which is blessed enough—I am always braced for illness to strike, for reservation, uncertainty, silence. I didn’t know how to proceed in the life I had landed in.
December 28, 2024
6 stars. Absolute perfection in every way.
December 4, 2023
'...any day I'll toss my hope to the ocean--hope that Maman will stay well, that she and Papa will let me choose to come home, that I can be happy and unafraid, and maybe, one day, love and be loved by a poem-writing European genius.'
Wow! Drinker of Ink is an serious journey. It almost feels like a coming of age mixed in with women's fiction and so much heart and soul. I am blown away that this is a debut novel. Shannon Castleton has definitely proven that she can write and readers will want to soak up her words.
I immediately was taken in by the journal entry style of writing. I love being able to be in the character's head and the journal entries mixed with the dialogue was fantastic for that. I loved Vivienne's unintended sarcasm that just slips out. She is shy and reserved and you can tell right from the beginning she has a brilliant mind.
Peter was also lovable from the beginning. I am not a poetry aficionado by any means, but by the end of the book I feel like I could say I love poetry. Castleton's writing can't help but make you love every aspect of it.
The romance was sweet, intense and heartbreakingly beautiful. The family relationships were battered and bruised and poignant. The overall story was compelling and interesting. Once I started I couldn't stop and I had to see where this story would take me.
If you're looking for a book that you're not afraid of tearing up throughout, sighing at the romanticism of it all and looking for the hope and beauty that comes through the refining, then this is the book you need to pick up.
**recommended for a more mature 16+ YA reader- see content section of review below**
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content: significant amount of swearing (including bible swears and "s"), mild amount of religious exclamations, mentions of cancer, death of loved ones, war torn country, poetry, distrust, journaling therapy, overprotectiveness, 2 uses of crass slang, 2 scenes of verbal sexual abuse from a classmate, a couple of mentions of thinking/talking about intimacy (no explicit details), 1 mention of previous intimacy (no details), minimal innuendo, would recommend for more mature 16+ YA readers.
Wow! Drinker of Ink is an serious journey. It almost feels like a coming of age mixed in with women's fiction and so much heart and soul. I am blown away that this is a debut novel. Shannon Castleton has definitely proven that she can write and readers will want to soak up her words.
I immediately was taken in by the journal entry style of writing. I love being able to be in the character's head and the journal entries mixed with the dialogue was fantastic for that. I loved Vivienne's unintended sarcasm that just slips out. She is shy and reserved and you can tell right from the beginning she has a brilliant mind.
Peter was also lovable from the beginning. I am not a poetry aficionado by any means, but by the end of the book I feel like I could say I love poetry. Castleton's writing can't help but make you love every aspect of it.
The romance was sweet, intense and heartbreakingly beautiful. The family relationships were battered and bruised and poignant. The overall story was compelling and interesting. Once I started I couldn't stop and I had to see where this story would take me.
If you're looking for a book that you're not afraid of tearing up throughout, sighing at the romanticism of it all and looking for the hope and beauty that comes through the refining, then this is the book you need to pick up.
**recommended for a more mature 16+ YA reader- see content section of review below**
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content: significant amount of swearing (including bible swears and "s"), mild amount of religious exclamations, mentions of cancer, death of loved ones, war torn country, poetry, distrust, journaling therapy, overprotectiveness, 2 uses of crass slang, 2 scenes of verbal sexual abuse from a classmate, a couple of mentions of thinking/talking about intimacy (no explicit details), 1 mention of previous intimacy (no details), minimal innuendo, would recommend for more mature 16+ YA readers.
September 9, 2024
This book. THIS BOOK is why I read. It's been a long time since a book made me chuckle and gasp, mourn and yearn, sob with sorrow and cry with joy. It made me rethink how I view life, its beauty and unexpectedness, its relationships and the words we use to make sense of the world. I don't ever think I've read a book that is so full of life.
The character growth is unparalleled. Vivienne and Peter must be real, must be actually living in our world. At the very least, they are alive in my soul. I know them intimately now through their story, and I think the book's format of journal entries is key to achieving this. You feel what they feel. You experience life with them, and their poetry offers entirely new ways of looking at things.
What I love most about Drinker of Ink is the writing. It is utterly ethereal. I never mark up romances, but I underlined so much of its pages. The word choice, cadence, and the metaphors draw you in and make you rethink everything. I couldn't devour this book. I had to sit with its words, reread its passages, and contemplate what they meant to me. Shannon Castleton's writing is true enlightenment. There's no other way to describe it.
Drinker of Ink is indescribably beautiful. I know it's a true gem for the right audience. I beg you to read it. It may change your life, like it has mine. I have been truly transformed by this book.
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5 million stars
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5
Thank you with all my soul, Shannon Castleton, for the arc!
Releases Jan 11, 2024
Trigger/Content Warnings: cancer, family deaths, bullying, sexual harassment, kisses
2024 REREAD
Favorite romance of all time. The writing is unparalleled. The character depth and growth makes me weep. A stunningly beautiful and breathtaking story.
2024 REREAD (yes, I read it again in the same year)
This reread solidified that this is my favorite book of all time. The breathtaking writing speaks to my soul like no other book I’ve read. Vivienne and Peter are characters I deeply know and love. I love every page of this magnificent book. @shannon.castleton is pure gold.
The character growth is unparalleled. Vivienne and Peter must be real, must be actually living in our world. At the very least, they are alive in my soul. I know them intimately now through their story, and I think the book's format of journal entries is key to achieving this. You feel what they feel. You experience life with them, and their poetry offers entirely new ways of looking at things.
What I love most about Drinker of Ink is the writing. It is utterly ethereal. I never mark up romances, but I underlined so much of its pages. The word choice, cadence, and the metaphors draw you in and make you rethink everything. I couldn't devour this book. I had to sit with its words, reread its passages, and contemplate what they meant to me. Shannon Castleton's writing is true enlightenment. There's no other way to describe it.
Drinker of Ink is indescribably beautiful. I know it's a true gem for the right audience. I beg you to read it. It may change your life, like it has mine. I have been truly transformed by this book.
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5 million stars
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5
Thank you with all my soul, Shannon Castleton, for the arc!
Releases Jan 11, 2024
Trigger/Content Warnings: cancer, family deaths, bullying, sexual harassment, kisses
2024 REREAD
Favorite romance of all time. The writing is unparalleled. The character depth and growth makes me weep. A stunningly beautiful and breathtaking story.
2024 REREAD (yes, I read it again in the same year)
This reread solidified that this is my favorite book of all time. The breathtaking writing speaks to my soul like no other book I’ve read. Vivienne and Peter are characters I deeply know and love. I love every page of this magnificent book. @shannon.castleton is pure gold.
February 4, 2024
Drinker of Ink by Shannon Castleton
How do I put into words the beauty that is this book?I’ll do my best but I promise, nothing I say will come close to doing it justice.
Drinker of Ink is full of next level imagery. It’s rich and lush and feels just like watching your favorite movie. The comfort is there. The longing to be apart of the same world is there. Immediately wanting to experience it again IS THERE.
My thoughts upon meeting the main male character: “Why am I panting at Peter’s description?” He is smart and sweet and oh so perfect for our Vivienne. Speaking of, Vivienne is a soul sister. I love her and her vulnerability. The book is written in journal entry form and Vivienne lays her heart across the page.
Drinker of Ink is a slow poetic walk through the raw emotion of the human experience and I will forever be going back to relive it.
Upon finishing this book my heart was full and (this feels dramatic to say but) my life was changed forever. My standard for reading has changed and I’m just so grateful I had the privilege of being an early reader.
Some people may consider the content warnings I included as spoilers. I do not. If you like going in blind, skip it.
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.
.
.
.
.
.
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.
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Content: mild language, cancer, harassment from a peer, death of a loved one, talk of war, the romance is clean but there is a little steam
How do I put into words the beauty that is this book?I’ll do my best but I promise, nothing I say will come close to doing it justice.
Drinker of Ink is full of next level imagery. It’s rich and lush and feels just like watching your favorite movie. The comfort is there. The longing to be apart of the same world is there. Immediately wanting to experience it again IS THERE.
My thoughts upon meeting the main male character: “Why am I panting at Peter’s description?” He is smart and sweet and oh so perfect for our Vivienne. Speaking of, Vivienne is a soul sister. I love her and her vulnerability. The book is written in journal entry form and Vivienne lays her heart across the page.
Drinker of Ink is a slow poetic walk through the raw emotion of the human experience and I will forever be going back to relive it.
Upon finishing this book my heart was full and (this feels dramatic to say but) my life was changed forever. My standard for reading has changed and I’m just so grateful I had the privilege of being an early reader.
Some people may consider the content warnings I included as spoilers. I do not. If you like going in blind, skip it.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Content: mild language, cancer, harassment from a peer, death of a loved one, talk of war, the romance is clean but there is a little steam
January 15, 2024
This is a book that I paused all others for, and let me tell you, it was completely worth it! What a phenomenal debut. This book is told through journal entries and I loved feeling like I was right there inside Vivienne’s mind. Made me feel like I inhabited the story.
“How do you read my soul like a book?”
The imagery! The anticipation for each new sentence, each paragraph, had me wanting more. It is mesmerizing. It is poetic in the best of ways.
“I shape memories as poems and trust that a reader will take larger ideas from them.”
A unique thing about this book is that it doesn’t have traditional chapters. Often, this is something that I wouldn’t prefer, but in this case, I didn’t want to stop reading. The slow burn had me anxious for more, to know more. This book made me feel, it broke my heart and stitched it back together.
It is a romance at heart, and a coming-of-age for Vivienne, the main character, and also historical in nature. I would suggest that you go in blind and just let the story carry you away. I loved the European feel of the book. Très Magnifique!
True Love
- Wislawa Szymborska
True love. Is it normal,
is it serious, is it practical?
What does the world get from two people
who exist in a world of their own
CW | Some mild language and a whole lot of kissing! 💋
“How do you read my soul like a book?”
The imagery! The anticipation for each new sentence, each paragraph, had me wanting more. It is mesmerizing. It is poetic in the best of ways.
“I shape memories as poems and trust that a reader will take larger ideas from them.”
A unique thing about this book is that it doesn’t have traditional chapters. Often, this is something that I wouldn’t prefer, but in this case, I didn’t want to stop reading. The slow burn had me anxious for more, to know more. This book made me feel, it broke my heart and stitched it back together.
It is a romance at heart, and a coming-of-age for Vivienne, the main character, and also historical in nature. I would suggest that you go in blind and just let the story carry you away. I loved the European feel of the book. Très Magnifique!
True Love
- Wislawa Szymborska
True love. Is it normal,
is it serious, is it practical?
What does the world get from two people
who exist in a world of their own
CW | Some mild language and a whole lot of kissing! 💋
January 21, 2024
Wow. A work of art by Shannon Castleton.
This book stopped me in my tracks and pulled me in. And there was a number of times I had to pause my reading and just soak up the entrancing sentences.
Yes it’s a romance but there was so much additional beautiful love throughout. Love of family, home, poetry, history, words, life, hope.
This story changed me for the better.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book stopped me in my tracks and pulled me in. And there was a number of times I had to pause my reading and just soak up the entrancing sentences.
Yes it’s a romance but there was so much additional beautiful love throughout. Love of family, home, poetry, history, words, life, hope.
This story changed me for the better.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 11, 2024
My description of this book will be unfairly inadequate.
~~~
You're in an art gallery, viewing different pieces. One grips you and you can't look away. You might feel your throat grow tight and a tingly feeling spread over your body. That particular work of art is speaking to you.
Or maybe you're viewing a symphony. You're weeping because the music has touched your soul.
That is how I would describe Shannon Castleton's words.
Powerful, unique, resonating, masterful.
~~~
There is an other-worldly quality to Shannon's writing that left me in awe, page after page. The story was simple, but gripping and poignant. There are no plot devices, no tropey gimmicks. Just good, pure, *real* story fueled by unmatched metaphor.
Peter and Vivienne? Immaculate.
The line that wrecked me?
"I love you filled the space between sentences."
The love story, the lines, the heart, the lessons. I will carry them a long, long way.
Hats off to this incredible debut.
~~~
You're in an art gallery, viewing different pieces. One grips you and you can't look away. You might feel your throat grow tight and a tingly feeling spread over your body. That particular work of art is speaking to you.
Or maybe you're viewing a symphony. You're weeping because the music has touched your soul.
That is how I would describe Shannon Castleton's words.
Powerful, unique, resonating, masterful.
~~~
There is an other-worldly quality to Shannon's writing that left me in awe, page after page. The story was simple, but gripping and poignant. There are no plot devices, no tropey gimmicks. Just good, pure, *real* story fueled by unmatched metaphor.
Peter and Vivienne? Immaculate.
The line that wrecked me?
"I love you filled the space between sentences."
The love story, the lines, the heart, the lessons. I will carry them a long, long way.
Hats off to this incredible debut.
January 19, 2024
4 1/2 " No amount of time is long enough." Stars!
This book is so unique for me. This story is melancholy, achingly angsty, deeply, deeply romantic, and so much more. I don't have the words. This book is all about the words... It's not quite fully a 5 star for me because Vivienne frustrated me so much! Peter frustrated me, Vivienne's mother and father frustrated me. He brother frustrated me. I was frustrated! But, also, I laughed and had heart flutters and teary eyes and big smiles. Maybe it is 5 stars... Happy reading.
This book is so unique for me. This story is melancholy, achingly angsty, deeply, deeply romantic, and so much more. I don't have the words. This book is all about the words... It's not quite fully a 5 star for me because Vivienne frustrated me so much! Peter frustrated me, Vivienne's mother and father frustrated me. He brother frustrated me. I was frustrated! But, also, I laughed and had heart flutters and teary eyes and big smiles. Maybe it is 5 stars... Happy reading.
February 3, 2024
A lot of people love this book. I am not one of those people.
.
I found it tedious and exhausting, mostly because the characters are tedious and exhausting. I just couldn't relate to either of them, and I couldn't buy this supposed epic romance when they literally never talked about anything but poetry.
.
And, the romance was super cringey and gave me serious secondhand embarrassment.
.
3 stars is probably too generous for a book I skimmed through a great poetion of, but I did stick it out til the end because all I cared about was finding out about Vivienne's mother.
.
I found it tedious and exhausting, mostly because the characters are tedious and exhausting. I just couldn't relate to either of them, and I couldn't buy this supposed epic romance when they literally never talked about anything but poetry.
.
And, the romance was super cringey and gave me serious secondhand embarrassment.
.
3 stars is probably too generous for a book I skimmed through a great poetion of, but I did stick it out til the end because all I cared about was finding out about Vivienne's mother.
February 20, 2024
I am not even sure where I first saw this book - could have been from some trusted reviewers or from Bookstagram, but I know it was officially on my radar after I saw another beloved author blurb the novel, Nichole Van.
This is quite possibly the most romantic novel I have ever read. Told completely in journal entries, and written by each of our main characters throughout, this novel tells the love story of Paris-born baker & writer, Vivienne, and Yugoslavian-born & poetry instructor, Peter. And the writing is lyrical and full of imagery and beautiful writing as both are prolific poets and writers in their own rite. So, their prose and their romance follow suit. Both have immense pressures on their time and talents and both dealing with complicated family dynamics and family secrets. All of this is set in the early 1990s against the political backdrop of communist-controlled Eastern Europe and much unrest in Peter's homeland, where his family still resides. It was an interesting time period when this was set and I learned a lot. The couple meet at St Brigid's College in an Advanced Poetry class, and their friendship and romance bloom, but their push and pull over the next 5+ years take you on a tumultuous and emotional journey.
It is hard for me to write an adequate review for this and the way it made me feel other than to share a few of my favorite quotes.
I don't feel any of these quotes are *super spoilery*, but advance as you see fit. :)
"I was thinking. This is such a small moment, based in such a small space, but it will spin like a planet in my memory. Peter's body and mind had hardly ever touched. He'd never held my hand or my waist; we've never occupied the same material space for longer than a class period. Yet I had given him my words.
From the first tentative ink stroke I put down on paper, I knew I was writing to him. The weight of each word and the shape of each line, the vibrance and surprise of each image - everything I wrote was for him, intangible gifts I imagined him opening and taking inside his mind for safekeeping.
I had envisioned him holding my poems to a window's clear light, turning them in his hands to various angles before sitting down to respond. The words he wrote to me would accumulate in my chest, imprint their rhythms on my pulse. In this way, he would feed my next poem. He was an energy inside me."
...
"I breathed in to say what should have been said long before the day her heart broke in my office. 'I loved you, Vivienne - your words and your gentleness. Your face and your form. You were love to me, in one body, like I had never known it.'"
...
"...to write is to allow pain and love and memory and time to exist outside yourself. You breathe when the words are out.
You can live until tomorrow..."
This book made me feel a whole lot of feels, even if I did find some of the plot devices to be somewhat repetitive (hence 4 stars as opposed to 5), but I cannot deny the writing and the lyrical sense of its words. I can see this being a work I return to in the future.
Really, really enjoyed it and hope other romance readers find this under-the-radar gem!
This is quite possibly the most romantic novel I have ever read. Told completely in journal entries, and written by each of our main characters throughout, this novel tells the love story of Paris-born baker & writer, Vivienne, and Yugoslavian-born & poetry instructor, Peter. And the writing is lyrical and full of imagery and beautiful writing as both are prolific poets and writers in their own rite. So, their prose and their romance follow suit. Both have immense pressures on their time and talents and both dealing with complicated family dynamics and family secrets. All of this is set in the early 1990s against the political backdrop of communist-controlled Eastern Europe and much unrest in Peter's homeland, where his family still resides. It was an interesting time period when this was set and I learned a lot. The couple meet at St Brigid's College in an Advanced Poetry class, and their friendship and romance bloom, but their push and pull over the next 5+ years take you on a tumultuous and emotional journey.
It is hard for me to write an adequate review for this and the way it made me feel other than to share a few of my favorite quotes.
I don't feel any of these quotes are *super spoilery*, but advance as you see fit. :)
"I was thinking. This is such a small moment, based in such a small space, but it will spin like a planet in my memory. Peter's body and mind had hardly ever touched. He'd never held my hand or my waist; we've never occupied the same material space for longer than a class period. Yet I had given him my words.
From the first tentative ink stroke I put down on paper, I knew I was writing to him. The weight of each word and the shape of each line, the vibrance and surprise of each image - everything I wrote was for him, intangible gifts I imagined him opening and taking inside his mind for safekeeping.
I had envisioned him holding my poems to a window's clear light, turning them in his hands to various angles before sitting down to respond. The words he wrote to me would accumulate in my chest, imprint their rhythms on my pulse. In this way, he would feed my next poem. He was an energy inside me."
...
"I breathed in to say what should have been said long before the day her heart broke in my office. 'I loved you, Vivienne - your words and your gentleness. Your face and your form. You were love to me, in one body, like I had never known it.'"
...
"...to write is to allow pain and love and memory and time to exist outside yourself. You breathe when the words are out.
You can live until tomorrow..."
This book made me feel a whole lot of feels, even if I did find some of the plot devices to be somewhat repetitive (hence 4 stars as opposed to 5), but I cannot deny the writing and the lyrical sense of its words. I can see this being a work I return to in the future.
Really, really enjoyed it and hope other romance readers find this under-the-radar gem!
January 10, 2024
Drinker of Ink by @shannon.castleton is a heartfelt story that is filled with all the emotion that comes with love.
This book left me speechless, but I’m going to try to describe my appreciation for this book. Oftentimes I read quite quickly, but this story made me pause and stay a while. It’s more than a romance. There are elements of history and coming of age that felt so realistic. The journalistic style, for example, enabled me to understand the character more deeply.
Vivienne is a kindred spirit. Without giving any spoilers, there are things she goes through that I went through during college and reading this story opened up the space for me to explore those feelings again. (And shed a tear or two).
If you read it, then you can pick out some of the Easter eggs in this reel, if you haven’t read it add it to your tbr.
This book left me speechless, but I’m going to try to describe my appreciation for this book. Oftentimes I read quite quickly, but this story made me pause and stay a while. It’s more than a romance. There are elements of history and coming of age that felt so realistic. The journalistic style, for example, enabled me to understand the character more deeply.
Vivienne is a kindred spirit. Without giving any spoilers, there are things she goes through that I went through during college and reading this story opened up the space for me to explore those feelings again. (And shed a tear or two).
If you read it, then you can pick out some of the Easter eggs in this reel, if you haven’t read it add it to your tbr.
December 16, 2023
listen, if you read any book in 2024, please let it be this one. for a book that has no magic in it, this story is wonderfully magical. it’s a brilliant masterpiece and the fact that it’s shannon’s debut absolutely takes my breath away. like, are you kidding me? the words in this book are pure poetry, ethereal. my heart was in an absolute vice grip while i read and savored this delicious book.
vivienne and peter have become so real to me. their personalities were so perfectly painted within the journalistic style storytelling. their thoughts and feelings have become my own. i feel their story bone deep; its soul-touching. i’m so lost in their romance, in their little quirks, in their poetry. this book both ripped me open and put me back together. i fear i sound like a blabbering idiot, but friends, this story is an otherworldly experience. now that it’s over, i feel adrift. this book is why i read. day after day chasing stories that speak to my heart and stay there forever. stories that change me and become a part of who i am. stories that i will turn to time and time again because the characters are my friends and being with them feels like coming home.
this book is everything. you need to read it. trust me.
thank you to the author for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.
vivienne and peter have become so real to me. their personalities were so perfectly painted within the journalistic style storytelling. their thoughts and feelings have become my own. i feel their story bone deep; its soul-touching. i’m so lost in their romance, in their little quirks, in their poetry. this book both ripped me open and put me back together. i fear i sound like a blabbering idiot, but friends, this story is an otherworldly experience. now that it’s over, i feel adrift. this book is why i read. day after day chasing stories that speak to my heart and stay there forever. stories that change me and become a part of who i am. stories that i will turn to time and time again because the characters are my friends and being with them feels like coming home.
this book is everything. you need to read it. trust me.
thank you to the author for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.
January 1, 2024
Reading a book put out by a new author is a gamble. This book completely surpassed my expectations. It was beautiful. It sucked me in. I related to the characters, admired them, rooted for them, and learned from them.
The book is written as journal entries. I love this style of writing, because it allows a character to share their story, while also sharing their thoughts in a unique way.
This book was heartbreakingly beautiful. I loved it, even as it made me want to cry.
Vivienne is a French American studying culinary arts and poetry. Her poetry and the way she crafts the English language was beautiful, even to a non-poet like me. She is at times consumed with worry over her family, especially her mom. I related to this so much, because my son worries about my health, and it was so nice for me to get his perspective through this character.
Peter is a Yugoslavian graduate professor teaching a poetry class. He is enraptured by Vivienne, and determined to find a way to get to know her better after reading her soul wrenching poetry. His pain over his shattering country and the danger his family is in ultimately brings the two to a crossroads. With families that both need them in different parts of the world, is it possible for them to be together?
The history was fascinating. The romantic tension was palatable. The depth of feeling was intense. The book somehow made me like poetry (never been a fan).
This is a story that will stay with me. A story of love. A story of sacrifice. A story of comforting, exploring, and heartbreak. A story of imperfect beginnings and endings.
If you like Amy Harmon books, I think you’d like this one.
Content warning: grief, a little mild swearing. Some innuendo. If you want more details, feel free to ask. I’d say this is good for age 16+.
Available January 11th
The book is written as journal entries. I love this style of writing, because it allows a character to share their story, while also sharing their thoughts in a unique way.
This book was heartbreakingly beautiful. I loved it, even as it made me want to cry.
Vivienne is a French American studying culinary arts and poetry. Her poetry and the way she crafts the English language was beautiful, even to a non-poet like me. She is at times consumed with worry over her family, especially her mom. I related to this so much, because my son worries about my health, and it was so nice for me to get his perspective through this character.
Peter is a Yugoslavian graduate professor teaching a poetry class. He is enraptured by Vivienne, and determined to find a way to get to know her better after reading her soul wrenching poetry. His pain over his shattering country and the danger his family is in ultimately brings the two to a crossroads. With families that both need them in different parts of the world, is it possible for them to be together?
The history was fascinating. The romantic tension was palatable. The depth of feeling was intense. The book somehow made me like poetry (never been a fan).
This is a story that will stay with me. A story of love. A story of sacrifice. A story of comforting, exploring, and heartbreak. A story of imperfect beginnings and endings.
If you like Amy Harmon books, I think you’d like this one.
Content warning: grief, a little mild swearing. Some innuendo. If you want more details, feel free to ask. I’d say this is good for age 16+.
Available January 11th
August 16, 2024
If I slept til tomorrow, you
would lie down beside me. When enough days
have passed, you would pull me to shore
———
I put off reading this book even though I had preordered it because it intimidated me. All the rave reviews and people gushing over it. I thought, what if I don’t like it? After all the anticipation, I tucked it under several other books I’d just gotten…
Pulling it out last night almost felt providential seeing it was the first day of February. The love month. I knew this was a book of love. What I didn’t know was everywhere the story would take me: Paris, California, New York, even Slovenia. I didn’t know it would take me on a journey laced with yearning, regrets, whispers of hope, dreams of longing. I didn’t know I’d laugh out loud and then wipe tears away the very next chapter. I didn’t know how many places I’d dog ear so I could reread it later.
I shouldn’t have worried about not liking it.
Vivienne Lebrun and Peter Breznik came alive on the very pages I was holding and told me a lovely story of.. well, love. But also of poetry, words- spoken and unspoken, syllables, heartache, chocolate, the deep roots and ties of family, country and home. And so much more.
Touching, soothing, thought provoking, and so human— this story has just etched itself on my mind, memory and heart. In all the best ways.
If you enjoy the 90’s, once-in-a-lifetime type love stories, chocolate chip cookies, journaling, letters, beautiful words (especially in French), rich characters that evolve, stories that span and weave within other cultures and countries and heart rending tales that are told in a masterful and inspiring manner…. I think you’ll love this, too.
Bravo, @shannon.castleton 👏
Content: mild, infrequent language, closed door.
January 19, 2024
This is definitely a slow-burn, character driven story. I had to get used to the “stream of consciousness” writing style, and to be honest, I’m not usually a fan of it. But once I adjusted my mindset, I realized that this is a book that deserves to be savored. Like Covenant of Water, the writing is so gorgeous that I didn’t want to rush through it.
The story reminded me a lot of the movie Lala Land, which isn’t a spoiler, because I’m not going to tell you if it ends the same way.
Overall, this is a beautifully written love story!
The story reminded me a lot of the movie Lala Land, which isn’t a spoiler, because I’m not going to tell you if it ends the same way.
Overall, this is a beautifully written love story!
February 1, 2024
I will attempt to put my thoughts into feelings, but I can in no way be as eloquent as author Shannon Castelton in her debut novel, Drinker of Ink. It has a new-adult feel as it is a story of innocence and first love for Vivienne, and it has a timeless story of romance at its heart.
It is epistolary in format, using journal entries, which is brilliant in many ways because the journal *in* the story — the same as the book the reader is reading — becomes an active part of the story, too, as it is taken in hand by Vivienne and its words are written, read, and reread by the characters.
I though it a smart choice to set Drinker of Ink during the 90s, which allows limits and a cultural juxtaposition with a view of the tale of Peter’s heritage and family’s current events of the turmoil and tragedy surrounding the dissolution of Yugoslavia. The 90s setting tailors the story for its limited communication before the advent of the internet, allowing the written spoken word found in letters, journaling, writing, and telephone or face to face relationships/conversations to have import.
Of course, my favorite thing about this story is the sentimental nature of the romance. Within the bounds of simple elements like the touch of a hand, the newness of like (love), the lasting ties and responsibilities of family, Vivienne and Peter’s story is a tale of longing and belonging. The story goes in an unexpected direction, even as surprises abound. It takes a deeper path than what it could at a pivotal time and is ALL THE BETTER for it, for the message of hope and longing and resilience to have a more profound impact. I love that the reader sees Peter through Vivienne’s eyes primarily, and later moments let his own writing and words live up to every good thing she sees in him. Yes, it begins as a student’s crush on a college instructor, but the whole relationship is presented with appropriate care.
The POETRY and literature mentioned in the story harmonize with its romantic feel. I have the barest of knowledge of poetry but, after reading this story, I want to know more. The included authors and works referenced, the writings of Vivienne and Peter, and just the enchanting wordsmithing of Castleton are like falling headlong into the smell of freshly printed pages in a bookstore.
In this gushing review, I must also mention the FOOD aspect. Vivienne is also a student of baking along with words, and Peter points out how fitting construction of a perfect baked good is likened to art and poetry. This book will make you crave chocolate chip cookies.
Content note: this is a closed door romance with kissing only depicted on page. Some mild expletives throughout. Possible sensitive topics included concern a cancer diagnosis, grief, and war.
It is epistolary in format, using journal entries, which is brilliant in many ways because the journal *in* the story — the same as the book the reader is reading — becomes an active part of the story, too, as it is taken in hand by Vivienne and its words are written, read, and reread by the characters.
I though it a smart choice to set Drinker of Ink during the 90s, which allows limits and a cultural juxtaposition with a view of the tale of Peter’s heritage and family’s current events of the turmoil and tragedy surrounding the dissolution of Yugoslavia. The 90s setting tailors the story for its limited communication before the advent of the internet, allowing the written spoken word found in letters, journaling, writing, and telephone or face to face relationships/conversations to have import.
Of course, my favorite thing about this story is the sentimental nature of the romance. Within the bounds of simple elements like the touch of a hand, the newness of like (love), the lasting ties and responsibilities of family, Vivienne and Peter’s story is a tale of longing and belonging. The story goes in an unexpected direction, even as surprises abound. It takes a deeper path than what it could at a pivotal time and is ALL THE BETTER for it, for the message of hope and longing and resilience to have a more profound impact. I love that the reader sees Peter through Vivienne’s eyes primarily, and later moments let his own writing and words live up to every good thing she sees in him. Yes, it begins as a student’s crush on a college instructor, but the whole relationship is presented with appropriate care.
The POETRY and literature mentioned in the story harmonize with its romantic feel. I have the barest of knowledge of poetry but, after reading this story, I want to know more. The included authors and works referenced, the writings of Vivienne and Peter, and just the enchanting wordsmithing of Castleton are like falling headlong into the smell of freshly printed pages in a bookstore.
In this gushing review, I must also mention the FOOD aspect. Vivienne is also a student of baking along with words, and Peter points out how fitting construction of a perfect baked good is likened to art and poetry. This book will make you crave chocolate chip cookies.
Content note: this is a closed door romance with kissing only depicted on page. Some mild expletives throughout. Possible sensitive topics included concern a cancer diagnosis, grief, and war.
January 22, 2024
••• {Life is short and love is strong and no amount of time is long enough} •••
The moment I first saw a review for this book back in December, I needed it immediately, but alas I had to wait until the release date in January. The wait was pure torture but oh so worth it to finally get my hands on this gem! The way the words of this book poured into my soul filling every word loving nuance of my being, completed me. This book is beauty. This book is pain. This book is love. Perfection in the form of a book telling the tale of “a Slavic prince and a perpetually distraught French schoolgirl.”
𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔?
𝚂𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚎𝚝—𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚊𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚠𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍𝚜.
𝚃𝚘 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚙𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚝.
𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜.
The moment I first saw a review for this book back in December, I needed it immediately, but alas I had to wait until the release date in January. The wait was pure torture but oh so worth it to finally get my hands on this gem! The way the words of this book poured into my soul filling every word loving nuance of my being, completed me. This book is beauty. This book is pain. This book is love. Perfection in the form of a book telling the tale of “a Slavic prince and a perpetually distraught French schoolgirl.”
𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚊 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔?
𝚂𝚘 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚎𝚝—𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚊𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚠𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚒𝚗𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍𝚜.
𝚃𝚘 𝚠𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚙𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚡𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚝.
𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜.
March 7, 2024
Drinker of Ink!! Lover of words, language, poems, essays, stories. Such an appropriate title for a beautiful story of a lovely couple. After turning the last page, I sit amazed at those who can write like this. I’ve read some beautifully written books, but this one may be my favorite. Hard to believe this is the author’s debut novel. Vivienne and Peter, I’ll never forget you.
February 18, 2024
Wow! The most beautiful debut. Hands down, this will be a favorite for me this year!
August 26, 2024
Deeply romantic, it made me feel contemplative and misty. I was teary eyed for the last 3rd of this book. Truly a beautiful and poetic love story worthy of the hype.
August 30, 2024
“It might be both happy and sad, but where there’s happiness—like, good, bright happiness—you take it.”
This book is poetic and powerful. Emotional and captivating.
You get to know Vivienne and her story through her journal entries. So intriguing and romantic.
This book is moving, and the way the author writes, it felt like I was there, right alongside the characters experiencing life with them.
I could feel the emotions the characters experienced. I could feel the love, pain, turmoil and joy.
I could not stop reading!
I absolutely love Peter and Vivienne! Their story will have you swooning, crying, and your heart will be left touched. It took me on a beautiful journey of ups and downs, heartbreak and hope.
Read for:
🤍the romance
🤍two scholars
🤍French heroine
🤍Slavic hero
🤍set in the 90’s; it felt so nostalgic
🤍literature and poetry
🤍dark academia feel
🤍emotional journey
🤍character growth
This book is written so beautifully, it feels like a work of art. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t stop thinking about Vivienne and Peter!
.
.
.
***Content: moderate amount of swearing,(d, h, a, s word used), open talk of intimacy several times, breast cancer, multiple innuendos, closed door romance, kisses only, war, grief(***the content was out of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I read this book.)
Thank you to the author for the arc copy. All opinions are my own.
4.75 stars
This book is poetic and powerful. Emotional and captivating.
You get to know Vivienne and her story through her journal entries. So intriguing and romantic.
This book is moving, and the way the author writes, it felt like I was there, right alongside the characters experiencing life with them.
I could feel the emotions the characters experienced. I could feel the love, pain, turmoil and joy.
I could not stop reading!
I absolutely love Peter and Vivienne! Their story will have you swooning, crying, and your heart will be left touched. It took me on a beautiful journey of ups and downs, heartbreak and hope.
Read for:
🤍the romance
🤍two scholars
🤍French heroine
🤍Slavic hero
🤍set in the 90’s; it felt so nostalgic
🤍literature and poetry
🤍dark academia feel
🤍emotional journey
🤍character growth
This book is written so beautifully, it feels like a work of art. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t stop thinking about Vivienne and Peter!
.
.
.
***Content: moderate amount of swearing,(d, h, a, s word used), open talk of intimacy several times, breast cancer, multiple innuendos, closed door romance, kisses only, war, grief(***the content was out of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I read this book.)
Thank you to the author for the arc copy. All opinions are my own.
4.75 stars
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