Hello lovelies! I’m taking part in the blog tour for Live Like Your Head’s On Fire and today I have the pleasure of sharing my review of the book with you. Massive thanks to Isabelle Kenyon and Story Machine Books for my gifted copy of the novel! Make sure to read on because it’s a book you don’t want to miss out on!

Synopsis:

When fifteen year-old Pen Flowers climbs out of her bedroom window in the middle of the night to dance in the empty streets, she ignites a flame in herself that will change everything.

As soon as I started reading ‘Live Like Your Head’s On Fire’, I was completely hooked by Lomas’ fantastic writing. The writing made the story flow and the descriptions really brought it to life. The novel made me feel so many emotions whilst reading - empowerment, joy, rejection, pain and so on. The character of Pen is definitely relatable, especially as she tried to follow her dreams of dancing but she was discouraged by others who thought it wasn’t good enough. I can relate to this as I’ve always wanted to be a writer and had people tell me that it wasn’t a realistic career. The arts, such as dance, music and writing, are incredibly important but for some reason they are seen as insignificant by a number of people. How else would people be entertained if we didn’t have the arts?

Moving on from my short rant, I thought that, just like Pen, the rest of the characters were well developed and had distinct characteristics. I'd love to be Pen’s and Vivienne’s friend; they are both such lovely characters! It was also great of Lomas to highlight that it’s fine to leave friendships that are toxic and that don’t make you feel good. Moreover, what struck me the most is how realistic this novel was, from the storyline to the conversations Pen had with her friends. A lot of young adults experience the same emotions and struggles in life, and I think that it is important not to sugarcoat people’s experiences but to showcase that, although things can get difficult, it’s possible to overcome bad situations.

Overall, ‘Live Like Your Head’s On Fire’ is definitely one of the best YA novels I’ve read in a while. It’s realistic and it makes you empathise with the character of Pen whilst she deals with difficult experiences. Although the character goes through difficult events, the story is still full of empowerment and hope and will definitely put a smile on your face. Lomas’ writing is brilliant and I can’t wait to read her next book ‘Love Like Your Heart’s On Fire’ and be consumed by Pen’s life again!

Rating: 5 stars

Live Like Your Head’s On Fire by Sally-Anne Lomas is published by Story Machine and available in paperback and ebook. For 20% off your paperback copy, enter the code BlogTour when checking out at www.storymachines.co.uk

_______________________________________

About the Author

Sally-Anne Lomas lives in Norfolk and has worked as a television producer and director for most of her life. Live Like Your Head's On Fire is her debut novel.

Title: To Start The Year From Its Quiet Centre

Title: Another Man

Author: Leslie Croxford

Price: £9.99

Publisher: Paper+Ink

Hello all! Today I have the pleasure of sharing with you my review of Leslie Croxford’s ‘Another Man’ as part of a blog tour. Massive thanks to Kelly at Folk. and Paper+Ink for my gifted copy of the book!

Synopsis:

Frank Ward, a research historian troubled by his own past and a sense of emptiness, returns to a Spanish pueblo to celebrate the publication of his first book. Unexpectedly, discovering that Albert Speer’s wartime driver had convalesced there after years as a Russian POW, Frank plunges into an attempt to penetrate the mystery of Speer - the so-called “Good Nazi” - beyond the extent of his crimes.

Consequently, he is drawn into a series of intense encounters in the pueblo where Speer and his driver, although deceased, continue to influence events. Amongst the people he meets are the cheerful owner of his pension; a malevolent archaeologist; an Argentine pianist and his estranged ballerina wife … and Paloma, their captivating daughter, with whom Frank stands a chance to rediscover love.

From the very first chapter, Croxford’s writing and descriptive imagery transport you to a Spanish pueblo. He really brings the setting and atmosphere to life which make you feel like you’re watching a movie and not actually reading. Croxford brilliantly set the foundation for the rest of the story.

I have to admit that at first, the alternating points of view in the novel were a bit strange to me, especially as I don’t recall reading a book with both first and third person before. However, after a few chapters I got used to the points of view and found the book somewhat more fast-paced. As a writer myself, I don’t think I could master the technique of alternating points of view so well; I’m in awe of Croxford’s talent!

Furthermore, I found the characters to be well developed and easy to remember - I do have to say though that I was most absorbed when reading about Frank’s interactions with the various female characters, in comparison with others. An aspect of the novel that I enjoyed was the psychological exploration, and the way Frank lived in the present but how he recounted his past to evaluate himself. Much of the story is focused on Speer, who I didn't know much about, and I found it incredibly interesting to read about him through Frank’s, and other characters’ points of view.

The novel is a cross between literary and historical fiction, and Croxford's excellent writing and ideas make it stand out from other books that are currently being published. Whilst you might feel that the constant conversations between characters about Speer can get a bit boring, it's worth reading the book to the end as it's satisfying to find out how Frank's life developed.

The book can be purchased in paperback on Amazon - it’s currently discounted so why don’t you grab yourself a copy!

Rating: 4/5 stars

_________________________________________

About the Author

Leslie Croxford is Senior Vice-President of the British University in Egypt. Born in Alexandria, he obtained a doctorate in History from Cambridge University, where he knew E.M. Forster. He is the author the the critically acclaimed Solomon’s Folly (1974) and Deep Sahara (2017).

Make sure to check out the other reviewers on the 'Another Man' blog tour!

Title: Simple Passion

Hello everyone! Today I wanted to share with you all my review of ‘Simple Passion’ written by Annie Ernaux and translated by Tanya Leslie. I have been kindly gifted a copy of the book by Clare at Fitzcarraldo Editions in return for an honest review; a massive thank you for this! This is the first piece of Ernaux’s work that I’ve had the pleasure to read and it certainly won’t be the last!

Synopsis:

Annie Ernaux documents the desires and indignities of a human heart ensnared in an all-consuming passion. Blurring the lines between fact and fiction, an unnamed narrator attempts to plot the emotional and physical course of her two-year relationship with a married man where every word, every event, and person either provides a connection with her beloved or is subject to her cold indifference. The narrator seeks the truth behind an existence lived entirely for someone else.

‘Simple Passion’ is an essay which recounts a female narrator’s thoughts and feelings over the course of a two-year affair. Ernaux has captured perfectly how a woman might feel and behave when she is possessed by love. The title of the book refers to passion being simple however the narrator's accounts of her affair prove that it’s certainly much more complicated than that.

I thought the essay would focus more on the physical passion between the unnamed woman and her lover but Ernaux delved into much more than that. She managed to paint a clear picture of how someone might be mentally affected by their desire and how it can dominate their life. Although I couldn’t relate to the affair, I definitely related to the way the narrator described planning your life around events, or a person, which can make you feel like your at a standstill. It’s certainly easy to get wrapped up and become obsessed with something intense that can cause you to lose your ambition and independence. Although this is not a healthy way to live, Ernaux managed to showcase the experience in an honest way.

In most books you may come across, more often than not if a woman is having an affair with a married man, what is portrayed in the story is the woman’s guilt. What makes ‘Simple Passion’ unique is that the narrator is shameless and doesn’t feel guilty but instead focuses on the deepness and rawness of her passion. Many of you will definitely think that this is not morally right but the book is not trying to please anyone, instead, it’s clear that Ernaux is trying to convey the complicated and not easily comprehensible part of the affair.

Rating: 4 stars

Overall, at only 48 pages, ‘Simple Passion’s is definitely a quick read, however it is also intimate and thoughtful. Ernaux’s writing is beautiful and even if you may not entirely emphasise with the narrator of the story, you are bound to put yourself in her situation and think about how you would feel and behave. If you haven't ready any of Ernaux's writing before then I have to say that you are definitely missing out!

It wouldn't be right if I didn't also mention the translator of the book, Tanya Leslie. It's not an easy task to translate a book and make it compelling but Leslie definitely did a fantastic job!

‘Simple Passion’ can be purchased in physical format and as an ebook on the Fitzcarraldo Editions website.

About the author

__________________________

Annie Ernaux grew up in Normandy, studied at Rouen University, and later taught at secondary school. From 1997 to 2000, she was a professor at the Centre National d'Enseignement par Correspondence. Her books, in particular 'A Man's Place' and 'A Woman's Story', have become contemporary classics in France. 'The Years' won the Prix Renaudot in France in 2008, the Premio Strega in Italy in 2016, and was shortlisted for the Man Booker International Prize in 2019. In 2017, Annie Ernaux was awarded the Marguerite Yourcenar Prize for her life's work.

About the translator

____________________________

Tanya Leslie was the first translator of Annie Ernaux into English and translated a number of her works, including 'A Woman's Story (1991), 'A Man's Place' (1992), 'Simple Passion' (1993), 'Shame' (1998), 'I Remain in Darkness' (1999) and 'Happening' (2001).

I hope you enjoyed this review. Let me know in the comments below if you've read any of Annie Ernaux's work. If not, then I'd love to know what you think of honest and intimate books like 'Simple Passion'!

The anthology starts off with an essay describing Preece returning to his birth town and home; the essay is personal and heart-warming and it's also a great introduction to Preece's great writing and descriptive imagery. There are various screenplays in the anthology: in 'Nightclub' you don't know what's real anymore. Are the characters awake or dreaming? 'Diary of a Madman' is bizarre yet brilliant and 'Here We Are Nowhere' is bound to teach you a lesson. The stand out screenplay is definitely 'Everybody's Happy Nowadays' - Preece managed to bring the characters to life on the page so it's easy to imagine how well the story would play out on screen.

 

Hello lovelies! I am lucky enough to have had the opportunity of reading and reviewing 'On Borrowed Time', which is being published tomorrow. My review is part of the blog tour organised by Isabelle Kenyon at Fly On The Wall Blog Tours – massive thanks to Isabelle for my gifted copy of the book!

 

Synopsis: 

 

In Hong Kong, Emma Janssen discovers the truth behind the death of her brother four years earlier. Meanwhile, in Shanghai, a PhD student meets a woman with an unusual degree of interest in his research. These storylines converge at the time of the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, and Emma finds that she has to choose between revenge or the future happiness and safety of both herself and those close to her.

'On Borrowed Time' is set in Hong Kong and Shanghai over the period 1996/1997 - including the handover of Hong Kong to China. The novel explores the choices that people have to make; in particular between doing what is easy and what is right.

'On Borrowed Time' is the first work of fiction by Graeme Hall that I had the pleasure to read and it is one that is a definite favourite! The novel has everything I look for in a story - interesting characters, a fascinating plot and a beautiful setting. 

 

The story is written from multiple points of view and consists of multiple storylines that are all intertwined together. There's a number of intriguing characters that are well constructed and which appear realistic. Every character makes you feel some type of emotion which makes you even more invested in the story. 

The story is fictional, however it is inspired by the author's experiences of living and working in Hong Kong from 1993 to 2010, in particular the final years of British rule and the transfer of sovereignty back to China. The author's connection to China and Hong Kong is visibly clear through vivid descriptions of the setting, as well as his knowledge of the places and the history.

'On Borrowed Time' was quite an educational read for me as it was set in the year before I was born and I have to admit that I didn't know much about the history of China and Hong Kong before this novel. I was extremely absorbed by the story and the setting which made me want to learn more about the transfer of sovereignty. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel and if I could, I would have read on as I'd love to know the characters' fate. There were still a number of unanswered questions at the end but I think this showcases how the novel reflects the realities of life as no one’s future is clear and it can steer in a different direction at any time.

 

Overall, 'On Borrowed Time' is a brilliantly written book that is more than worthy of a five star rating as Hall perfectly incorporates history and intrigue within the plot, making the novel not only enjoyable but also educational. If you're a fan of historical thrillers, mystery and espionage then this novel is definitely for you!

The novel is available as an ebook and can also be purchased as a paperback from all major retailers.

 

Rating: 5/5

________________________________

About the author

On Borrowed Time is Graeme Hall's first fictional novel and it is set in Hong Kong and Shanghai, a part of the world that Hall loves and which inspires his writing. Graeme first visited Macau in 1993 and he quickly became fascinated by the oldest European settlement in Asia. His short story collection, 'The Goddess of Macau' was published in August 2020 by Fly on the Wall Press.

 

Hall has previously won the short story competition of the Macau Literary Festival and the Ilkley Literature Festival, and his writing has been published in anthologies by Black Bear Press and the Macau Literary Festival. He is an active member of the Leeds Writers Circle whose members have been a constant source of advice, support and encouragement. Graeme Hall lives in Calderdale, West Yorkshire with his wife and a wooden dog.

 

 

Make sure to check out the other stops on the blog tour on Twitter and Instagram!

Hello everyone! Today, I have the pleasure to share my review of The IRON Book of Tree Poetry with you. My review is a part of the blog tour organised by Fly On The Wall Press!

The anthology sets its mood and theme by introducing us to a black and white photo of the Major Oak, the biggest oak tree in Britain which is located in Sherwood Forest. The tree is now supported on various crutches, the result of soil erosion due to the excess of visits over the years. The photo leads us on to a beautiful foreword by Max Adams, the foreword keeps you hooked from the first sentence to last; Adams describes the poems in the collection as a celebration of 'planters and log spitters, cycles of life and illusory death, martyrdom and wonder'. The introduction by co-editors, Eileen Jones and Peter Mortimer, is also worthy of a mention as they describe the process of compiling the poems for the collection and why it was vital to create it.

'Poetry, like any art form does and should react to the world around it.'

The anthology includes poems written by new and established poets which enables us to enjoy different perspectives and introduce us to wonderful writers. The poems are linked by a theme yet are all unique, carrying different meanings and written in different styles, the poems are able to evoke a plethora of emotions in the reader. The poems certainly make you ask yourself questions and reflect on your relationship with nature. 

Nicola Garrard's poem, 'Birch Syrup', reflects 'I wondered if the cut would ever heal. / I wondered what we can ever give without reducing another. / I wondered if you'd accept / this stolen tree sweet, this scrumped blood of the wood.' We are quick to get rid of trees and use them but why are we still not doing enough to save them?

A stand out poem for me is Sarah Mnatzaganian's melancholic, 'Father Tree', as she describes the tree trunk 'like the sinewy back of my father's hand / thrust into the earth, each finger reaching / for Palestine, seeking his mother's bones.'

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this poetry collection and I would love to go through all the poems with you but what I will do instead is encourage you to buy the book over at Iron Press so you can experience it for yourself! The collection of poems was of a different theme to what I'd normally read, however it made me reflect and evaluate how I view nature and how I can sometimes take it for granted.

I think it's only fitting that the review is concluded by a distinct statement from the anthology's introduction:

'We need to plant billions of trees in the next few decades (three billion in the UK alone, by 2050) to help combat global warming and save our planet.'

Massive thanks to IRON Press for providing me with a free copy of the book in return for my honest review, and also to Isabelle Kenyon at Fly On The Wall Press for organising the blog tour!

Make sure to check out the other stops on the blog tour on Twitter and Facebook.

Title: The Shelf

Hello lovely people!

By now you probably know that I love reading and anything book related. Another pastime that I love as much as reading is binge-watching TV shows. I will happily stay up until 4am to finish off a season of a show. There's this perception that books are good and TV is bad but, to me, both are works of art and should be appreciated.

I've compiled a list of 6 TV show book adaptations that have made lasting impressions on me and which are available to watch right now.

Available on BBC iPlayer:

Killing Eve (Luke Jennings)

Eve Polastri is recruited by MI6 to chase an international assassin, Vilanelle, however the hunt ends up turning into an obsession. Killing Eve is a fantastic show; the chemistry between Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer is exceptional and it really gives depth to the show. I found the book to be a bit of a slow burner but I enjoyed learning more about Villanelle's backstory. The third season has met with some criticism because it's not as action packed as the previous two, however, we are learning more about the characters which is adding profoundness and the tension is slowly building up.

Noughts & Crosses (Malorie Blackman)

Noughts & Crosses follows the story of Sephy and Calum who are trying to have a friendship, and later on a relationship, in a society which is full of prejudice and inequality, and which puts them in danger. Whilst there are quite major differences in the TV adaptation, the series still manages to capture the reality of racism and a divided society very well. The only thing I didn't enjoy about the series was the ending, it just didn't have the same effect on me as the book did. I rarely cry but the ending of the Noughts & Crosses book was heartbreaking. Due to the ending, I presume we could potentially see a continuation of Sephy and Callum's story on screen.

Normal People (Sally Rooney)

Normal People follows the story of Marianne and Connell's complex friendship and relationship. Normal People has a very realistic potrayal of relationships; Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal have done a magnificent job at recreating the relationship and the characters. The book and show touch on some important themes such as sexual consent, depression, social status and more. I have to admit, whilst I enjoyed the book, I didn't love it as much as the TV show. Perhaps, I read it too fast without actually taking it all in so I might give it another read. Also, good news for fans of Sally Rooney, her novel Conversations with Friends is going to be adapted too!

Looking For Alaska (John Green)

Miles Halter goes to boarding school to seek the 'Great Perhaps', there he meets a girl called Alaska who changes his life dramatically. The show is quite philosophical and touches upon themes of death, grief and the meaning of life. It's mostly aimed at teenagers but we are constantly trying to find ourselves throughout our lives so it's definitely worth a watch for adults too. Looking For Alaska was one of my favourite novels growing up so I was ecstatic when I found out that it was being turned into a TV show. I think the show and the actors really reconstructed the story in a beautiful way.

Available on Netflix:

YOU (Caroline Kepnes)

YOU has become a huge Netflix hit so most of you have probably heard of it if not yet seen it. YOU follows Joe Goldberg, a bookshop manager, who loves obsessively and goes to extreme lengths to get  the woman he loves. Penn Badgley portrays the character of dangerously charming Joe perfectly. His behaviour is appalling but you can't help falling a little bit in love with him. Whilst the book is slightly different from the TV show, I have to say I enjoyed both equally. I have yet to read the second book, which is Hidden Bodies, but the reviews are less positive than of the first book so I'm not going to be expecting too much from it but I may be pleasantly surprised, you never know!

Have you seen any of these shows?

Would you be interest in reading some more in-depth comparisons between books and their TV/film adaptations?

Love,
Sylvia