I know that a rating of 4.5 for a classic, and one written by a man at that, probably comes as a surprise to those who know me. It certainly 4.5 stars
I know that a rating of 4.5 for a classic, and one written by a man at that, probably comes as a surprise to those who know me. It certainly did to me, but I truly loved this book.
A Single Man put me in mind of A Little Life often while reading, and, perhaps surprisingly, not due to the morose subject matter or gay protagonist. But because both have the uncanny ability to make the mundane profound.
Several times while reading I found myself astounded at how much of myself I saw in George, despite having vastly different beliefs and experiences. There was something remarkably human (rather ironically, I suppose) about it all.
Despite being written in 1964, George’s complaints about the world largely remain true, and, while saddening, Isherwood’s prose makes it a joy to read all the same. I expect to find myself pawing through these pages time and time again, and only wish I had read it sooner.
“When can I say your name and have it mean only your name and not what you left behind?”
I first opened this book in August of last year, and swift“When can I say your name and have it mean only your name and not what you left behind?”
I first opened this book in August of last year, and swiftly put it down, having decided it was not for me. Not quite willing to give up on it, I held on to it regardless.
I am so glad I did.
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is an indisputable paragon of its genre.
At its core, it begs the question: When the cost of freedom is your life, which can you bear to lose?
Vuong artfully navigates the intricacies of generational trauma, privilege, and queerness in a deeply personal account of a life entrenched in war. Deftly woven with metaphor and motif, the narrative is embedded with a distinct helplessness; an ostensible predisposition to suffering.
Notably, in a letter of his own creation the protagonist remains nameless; referred to only as Little Dog. In this, he is immortalised as a product of the women who raised him, of their fear, of the War. Deemed unworthy of humanity in perpetuity, even by himself.
I could wax lyrical about the ways this book depicts the pervasive, contagious nature of despair. I instead, implore you to read it yourself, and leave you with this gut-punch of a sentence.
“Tenderness depends on how little the world touches you. To stay tender, the weight of your life cannot lean on your bones.”
(TWs: War (past), Abuse (Child, Domestic, Animal, Physical, Emotional, Sexual), Drug Abuse, Addiction, Racism, Colourism, Xenophobia, Death (Parent, Human, Animal), Mental Illness (Psychosis, PTSD, Bi-polar), Sexual Content, Violence (Physical, Sexual, Gun), Homophobia (Internal & External), Cancer, Bullying, Abortion, Fire, Gore, Car Accident, Grief, Alcohol, Transphobia (brief)) ...more
TWs: Ableism, Rape, Abuse (Child, Physical, Emotional, Sexual, Domestic), Pedophilia, Self Harm, Medical Trauma, Medical Content, Violence, Blood, SuicTWs: Ableism, Rape, Abuse (Child, Physical, Emotional, Sexual, Domestic), Pedophilia, Self Harm, Medical Trauma, Medical Content, Violence, Blood, Suicide, Suicidal Ideation, Injury Detail, Mental Illness, Addiction, Death (Numerous, Including Parent, Child), Toxic Relationship, Toxic Friendship, Gaslighting, Drug Abuse, Vomit, Eating Disorder, Grief, Panic Attacks, Trafficking, Abandonment, Confinement, Fire, Dysmorphia,, Homophobia, Racism.
Please note, the content in this book is graphic, constant, and deeply upsetting. I strongly advise you research it before you read it, and would avoid it altogether if you are not in a good headspace....more
"I like you to know, with my words in your mouth, the places and ways in which I think of you."
If you ever need a reason to believe in love again,"I like you to know, with my words in your mouth, the places and ways in which I think of you."
If you ever need a reason to believe in love again, read this book.
Alternatively, if you ever want to spend hours staring at the ceiling lamenting the fact you are not a lethal otherworldly being exchanging love letters threats with your equally lethal, equally otherworldly opponent... Read this book.
It is in and of itself a love letter to language. There is not a line within its pages I do not adore. And, my proof:
I tab with navy if, and only if, a line makes me stop dead, makes me think "holy shit.", demands that I read it 10 times over before I can move on. I use them sparingly. I used 18. In a book with not so much as 200 pages.
Read this book and mourn the fact you will never again read a love letter this beautiful.
TWS: Death, Violence, Animal Death, War, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt...more
I would go as far as saying that M. L. Rio's If We Were Villains is a masterpiece.
With characters you cannot help but love, while driving you to hairI would go as far as saying that M. L. Rio's If We Were Villains is a masterpiece.
With characters you cannot help but love, while driving you to hair-pulling frustration, Rio weaves the line of morality wonderfully. As the characters are drawn into the world of Shakespeare, you are drawn into theirs.
Just when you think you have it figured out, Rio pulls the rug out from under you, time and time again, ending with a finale that will leave you in a daze.
The intricacies of language Rio uses tell the reader exactly what is going to happen, while still maintaining tension, is genius. Upon re-reading the book you will find yourself laughing out loud at how boldly she spelled it all out.
If We Were Villains is a book you can sink your teeth into, and I intend to, many times over....more
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