Karen

Tricky

Revisado: 07-27-24

An old-fashioned, tricky plot. Nice characterization, but really just a variation on standard old-time cozy murder mystery stock characters. Contrived plot. The book is written in a tried and true formula, but the author goes to so much trouble to attempt a refresh.

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Great metaphors/similes

Revisado: 05-26-24

Ruth Hogan's stories are whimsical, uplifting, in some parts hilarious, despite dealing w I th great sensitivitv about difficult subjects

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Language!

Revisado: 05-12-24

I am in absolute awe of the way Ruth Hogan uses language. Her prose is vivid, her metaphors and similes quirky, surprising, and absolutely apt. I can't seem to find another author whose writing is so interesting.

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Weak plot, very poor execution

Revisado: 05-03-24

I listened to the whole book, because I couldn't believe it would have gotten so many good reviews if it were really so terrible. Does no one recognize the limited vocabulary, the sloppiness of research, the attribution of modern sensibilities and speech to another era, the preaching rather than showing?
Yes, the 18th century basic plot is interesting, but the exposition of it does not ring true. The parallel contemporary plot is forced and unrealistic. Never for one moment do any of the characters seem as if they bear any likeness to real people. I could go on, but I've wasted enough time.

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Not Tana French's very best, but still excellent.

Revisado: 03-18-24

I particularly like the way French uses age diffences and maturity to add another layer to the varying ways people understand o

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Delighted!

Revisado: 12-25-23

I am an English Major! and therefore qualified to pronounce that Georgette Heyer is not a real writer and her romances cannot be considered literature, and furthermore no English Major would waste her time ... WAIT! Only I find hat nearly 5 decades of snobbish toiling amongst the literati have deprived me of the most realistic and sparkling (who knew you could have both) dialogue, and the most unobtrusive yet fascinating description I've had the privilege to read. Plots may be a bit too pat, but they are also ingenious puzzles. Unalloyed happily-ever-afters they may be, but they are always great fun. Miss Heyer should be named among the giants of literature. No, I am not being snide.

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

something old,

Revisado: 08-07-23

old friends from previous tales, their continuing adventures brought to the next stage or satisfying conclusions; something borrowed (numerous allusions and tales from other realms); something new (exciting new adventures, characters and extended love); something blue (just a touch of melancholy as befits a Scots comedy). So much fun!

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Witches Redux

Revisado: 02-05-23

I first read this book on paper when it was originally published. Eventually, seeing the entire series on my bookshelf, my good Southern Baptist great aunt commented uneasily, "You certainly have a great many books on witches." I carefully explained that Anne Rice is actually a Catholic writer, speaking of faith through imaginary worlds and extraordinary characters. I thought later that "Catholic" probably alarmed my aunt more than "witches." My point is that although I loved Rice's novels on my first reading for their eerie sensuality (focusing almost entirely on the story of Michael and Rowan, bored with the rest), as I came to understand a bit of the writer's religious journey, I found her work to have such depth. This time around, I loved the detailed Mayfair history as well as the way it is slowly revealed.
At least one comment complained about the Brooklyn accents the narrator employed. Honey, this is how my friends from N.O. speak!
I found one flaw: the fancy old Houston neighborhood referred to is River Oaks, not Sherman Oaks (which is California).

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Excellent

Revisado: 12-28-22

I scorned "scifi," considering it pulp, fantasy for adolescent boys (I do know better now), until I read Doris Lessing's Canopus series. I was mighty impressed, but felt that those books were esoteric. It was 30 years before I read The Doomsday Book and then, in short order, everything Connie Willis had written. I have her to thank for a developing fascination with Pratchett. Stephenson, Gaiman, Aaronovitch, and Ian McDonald. Blackout and All Clear, however, remain my great favorites. They are as fascinating. challenging, and beautifully written as any literary fiction. I believe that now, it is our most intelligent science fiction authors who give us our best insight into being human. Thank you, Connie Willis!

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Favorite Kingsolver

Revisado: 12-09-22

The narration makes this book. I grew up in the slightly more prosperous, more suburban South, but knew lives and people and boys like these fifty years ago. Change comes slowly in Appalachia. But it also can clobber that fragile region with stunning speed. It is heart-breaking to see the terrible toll of drugs unemployment, and continued contempt. Kingsolver nails it with accuracy and compassion.

I'm hoping for a sequel. I got up this morning, eager to encounter "Demon," and then realized I'd finished the book last night. My day is bleak.

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