Genre: Historical Fiction, Lgbt, Translated (translated by Victoria Cribb)

Publication Date: 2nd June 2016 by Sceptre (first published October 22nd 2013 in Iceland)

Format: Hardcover copy sent to me for review by Sceptre Publishing via Bookbridgr

The year is 1918 and in Iceland the erupting volcano Katla can be seen colouring the sky night and day from the streets of Reykjavik. Yet life in the small capital carries on as usual, despite the natural disaster, a shortage of coal and, in the outside world, the Great War grinding on.

There, sixteen-year-old Máni Steinn lives for the new fashion – the movies. Asleep he dreams altered versions of them, their tapestry of events threaded with strands from his own life. Awake he hovers on the fringes of society. But then the Spanish flu epidemic comes ashore, killing hundreds and driving thousands into their sick beds. The shadows of existence deepen and for Máni everything changes.

(From goodreads.com)

This book is a short but beautiful read. It’s less than 150 pages, and every word that graces the page feels as though it has been placed there for a reason. Though I did find myself getting lost at times, particularly at the end, this book enchanted me.

I know that this is a translation, so I can’t speak about how it reads in the author’s own words (sadly, the few Icelandic words I recognise are related to volcanoes or glaciers thanks to A level geography), however this reads absolutely wonderfully. The only way I can truly describe my reading experience was that it felt as though I was in a trance. The writing just took me off somewhere else and I felt like I was part of the story. The writing, in my opinion, is what makes this book so special; the plot and characters are good but very simple, but the writing is truly beautiful.

I also adored the setting and time period of this novel (can I even call it a novel as it was so short?!). Back in 2013 I was lucky enough to visit Iceland on a school trip and ever since I have wanted to revisit. It is such a unique country and the descriptions of Reykjavik and other locations were vivid and sharp. Also, it was fascinating as it is set in 1918, yet it barely mentions the First World War, as Iceland wasn’t affected. Instead it concentrates on what was a serious event in Iceland that I knew nothing about; an outbreak of the Spanish Flu. I loved reading about something else from that period, as literature set in those years, in my experience (I could be completely wrong) does have a large focus on the war (not that it’s a bad thing!).

Including LGBT themes in this book made it even more unique, due it being set in 1918. It’s a topic that I find doesn’t usually appear in books set in the early 20th century or before. They were included with respect and without being downplayed, I thought, and it was hard to read at times due to the the treatment people had to face and the way they were forced to behave as a result.

I did get a little confused at the ending, and even though I’ve since read it multiple times to try and work it out, I’m still not entirely sure. However, we’re talking the last page, and the rest of the book definitely made up for my confusion (which quite possibly is down to me either overthinking things or confusing myself, and probably makes perfect sense to anyone else who reads it).

It’s difficult to say a lot about this book as it was so short (definitely not a bad thing at all), but everything seemed to be woven together perfectly and it was such a wonderful story. The character of Máni broke my heart, and though everything was very simply done, it was done in such a way that it spoke volumes.

Rating: 4 / 5 stars.

August wasn’t a bad reading month in terms of the number of books I finished. The problem was that half of those that I picked up were only okay. However, there were some really, really good ones I read as well.

Bronze – The Shadow of the Wind – Carlos Ruiz Zafón

This was such an incredible novel and both the characters and plot were excellently done. I thoroughly enjoyed this and it was perfect as I was bordering on a reading slump when I picked it up.

Silver – Since You’ve Been Gone – Morgan Matson

I read this at the very start of August and loved it. I could relate to it so strongly, and saw a lot of myself in Emily’s character. Morgan Matson writes such wonderful stories and I can’t wait to read more from her.

Gold – Milk and Honey – Rupi Kaur

This. This broke me. And built me up. It was absolutely incredible and so, so poignant. I’d highly, highly recommend this. To everyone.

Genre: Literary Fiction

Publication Date: 10th March 2016 by Sceptre Books

Format: Hardcover copy sent to me for review by Sceptre Publishing via Bookbridgr

In his mesmerising first novel, the internationally celebrated short-story writer Miroslav Penkov spins the intriguing tale of an American student who returns to Bulgaria, the country he left as a child. His mission is to track down his grandfather and to find out why he suddenly cut off all contact with the family three years before.

The trail leads him to a remote village on the border with Turkey, a stone’s throw away from Greece, high up in the Strandja Mountains – a place of pagan mysteries and black storks nesting in giant oaks; a place where every spring, possessed by Christian saints, men and women dance barefoot across live coals in search of rebirth. Here in the mountains, he is drawn by his grandfather into a maze of half-truths. And here, he falls in love with an unobtainable Muslim girl. Old ghosts come back to life and forgotten conflicts blaze anew, until the past finally yields up its plangent secrets.

(From goodreads.com)

This book was enchanting; the characters, the plot, the writing, everything. Miroslav Penkov knows how to make a story magical. Being a sucker for folklore and mythology, I couldn’t resist requesting this, and was so grateful to receive it.

I absolutely loved the storyline, it was so full of magic and mystery. The characters all had such unique plots and they were woven together perfectly. The stories of the Nestinari and Captin Kosta just added another layer of intrigue to it, as they linked to the main narration, yet it was subtly done. The plot is so intricate and detailed, and I admit that I did have to put it down for a while because of this (it was the lead-up to exams so I was focused on revision). I’m so glad that I did so, as I then read it when I had more time and energy to dedicate to following the story and enjoyed it so much more. I did still find myself getting a little bit lost from time to time due to the multiple layers, but it was so interesting, I just couldn’t put it down.

Leading on from that, every character was unique and had their own secrets. There were none of the standard, generic characters that are found sometimes in books. I could picture them all, with their quirks, their own style, and their manner of speech. The character-building and the exploration of familial relationships throughout the novel were excellent and definitely stood out to me. Complexities were unveiled with every chapter and it made it such a fascinating read.

I wouldn’t describe this novel as fast-paced, though a lot does happen. It takes you through everything slowly, so you can take it all in. It’s definitely one of those books that suits a slower pace and I certainly was engrossed in the story. One thing I would say though is to only pick this up when you are certain you can dedicate yourself to it, so you can enjoy it fully; it’s worth taking the time.

The writing was absolutely beautiful, which added to the ethereal atmosphere of the novel. I think that’s one reason I loved it so much; everything about it fitted together perfectly and beautifully. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who seeks something a little different, with multiple layers to dive into. Honestly, I loved this book (books set in different countries always seem to be my favourites), and urge everyone to read it, as it explores culture, history, and family in a wonderfully unique way.

Rating: 5 / 5 stars.

Genre: Contemporary, YA

Publication Date: (First published) 14th April 2015 by St. Martin’s Griffin

Format: ebook from Pan Macmillan via Netgalley

Romy Grey wears her lipstick like armour, ever since the night she was raped by Kellan Turner, the sheriff’s son. Romy refuses to be a victim, but speaking up has cost her everything. No one wants to believe Kellan is not the golden boy they thought he was, and Romy has given up trying to make herself heard. But when another girl goes missing after a party, Romy must decide whether the cost of her silence might be more than she can bear.

(from goodreads.com)

I hadn’t really heard much about this book when I  requested it, but the summary grabbed my attention straight away as it focuses on rape, and I have read very few novels on the issue. I have to say, I finished this in a day, I enjoyed it so much. It’s unique, includes twists that I didn’t see coming and really highlights the isolation that many victims express feeling.

It starts off focusing on how the protagonist, Romy, is viewed due to her claims of rape, and the way that she copes with what she is going through. At times it could be tough to read as she so clearly is seeking help and understanding, however I thought that the way it was portrayed was excellent. There are so many instances of misunderstanding and victims not being believed nowadays, and of rapists getting off lightly, that it’s important that this is highlighted, which is something that this book does fantastically. It really showed how victims need help and support, as Romy has none of this, and finds her experience even more difficult and isolating as a result.

I liked Romy, she could be somewhat irritating at times but overall I liked her. That, and her weak side was shown to the reader, despite it being hidden to all of the other characters in the novel. It made her a real and believable character, and much more interesting to read about. I felt that I could empathise with her easily because of the way her character was so well written, which made it a more thought-provoking read.

It was surprisingly fast paced and the storyline also went on to take turns that I honestly wasn’t expecting and I was hooked throughout. They made the story even more interesting and intriguing. I guess I was expecting something different, though I’m not sure what – definitely something slower – not that it being different to my expectations made it any less enjoyable. At first, I have to admit, I did wonder how the events linked to the main focus of the story (Romy) yet they moved the plot on and everything made sense in the end, which I really liked.

The ending was what let me down however, I felt as though there could have been more to it, and that the very final scene was not necessary and didn’t have such an impact as the part just before it. Maybe that’s just me though, as I really did love the rest of the book.

Would I recommend this? Definitely. I think it is an essential read as it highlights the impact that rape can have on an individual’s life, and I would argue that it does this extremely well in some areas. By all means, it is not the best account that I can imagine you could get, but if it helps one person to change their view then that’s beneficial.

Rating: 4 / 5.