Memoirs of Hadrian - Marguerite Yourcenar (French Edition)

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

One of the best historical novels ever written is Memoirs of Hadrian (1951) by the Belgian-born French writer Madeleine ‘Maurice’ de la Sizeranne, Marguerite Yourcenar. The novel provides a moving—and imaginative—insight into the thoughts of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Its writing style, introspective letters, is a master class in historical fiction. The novel is also a thoughtful meditation on power, love, and the human condition.

Through the precision of her research and the elegance of her prose, Yourcenar pushes the story into the deepest recesses of Hadrian’s mind, enabling readers to feel there too, as if we were experiencing ancient Rome that long ago: Hadrian thinks, learns, senses, chooses, acts, and suffers. He appreciates the contours of landscapes, has an ear for languages, and wisdom for the politics of his time. He is a philosopher who aspires to sway Athens with his teachings, if only for the admiration of his lover. He thinks of marriage and becoming a father, and he gives himself completely to Antinous, whose death he mourns as both political unrest in Syria and a profound personal loss.

Memoirs of Hadrian transcends the boundaries of a traditional historical novel, offering a philosophical drama that delves into universal questions about leadership, the pursuit of peace, and the capricious nature of human mortality. Yourcenar’s portrayal of Hadrian as a complex and sympathetic hero, grappling with the demands of empire and his own humanity, adds a profound philosophical layer to the narrative. 

Memoirs of Hadrian is a challenging read but well worth the effort. Yourcenar combines the rigours of historical authenticity with lyrical reflection while also demonstrating why the melancholy, conflicted, but generous-hearted emperor of her imagining continues to engage with 21st-century minds and hearts. 

This is a great work of literature, offering a singular view of history and leaving an indelible impression on the reader. It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, philosophy, and beautiful prose.

This is the best historical fiction I have ever read.

The Mental Health Nurse: A gripping psychological thriller novel (Kindle Edition) - April E Swan

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Gripping but Flawed Psychological Thriller

April Swan’s The Mental Health Nurse (2019) is a dark, twisted psychological thriller. It's a serial killer story that’s sickening and addictive simultaneously – a fascinating read even when it’s needlessly twisty. It's worth persevering with. Ellie is decidedly (and deliciously) disturbed.

It’s brave of Swan to have placed such an unappealing character at the heart of this narrative, and I was often as disgusted by Ellie as the next person. Still, her crimes were so compelling, and the gradual peeling back of the layers surrounding them (both Ellie’s and those of her supporting characters) so good that I was forced to finish the book and find out what had happened to Ellie to make her do the things that she did.

The Birmingham location serves as an evocative milieu for the unpleasant developments. Swan’s prose is at its best in the more dramatic parts of The Life and Crimes of Ellie Light, especially when Ellie is at her most sinister. The narrative is gripping at these moments, and Swan demonstrates a real talent for tension.

But the book could have been better: the random formatting issues (such as the inconsistent justification and paragraph numbers that switch from preceding the colon to following it) and the rush to put the words on the page often made for a less-than-sublime reading experience. This is especially true in the early parts of the book, where some of the most important character developments appear to be happening to Ellie rather than stemming from her own thoughts and feelings.

The last third of the book, too, begins to introduce multiple characters and their intertwined lives in a way that feels forced and (occasionally) strains credibility. Though these additions create a layered storyline, they also subdue some of the laser-like intensity that made the first segments of the novel so gripping because the focus turns away from Ellie.

As fiction, ‘The Mental Health Nurse’ is an easy read. It’s the kind of novel that keeps you up late, even as you’re struck by its dark material and morally ambiguous characters. It’s flawed, but it’s promising. I’ll be reading the sequel when it comes out. I’ll keep an eye out for Swan’s next book.

If you’re into psychological thrillers with an inside view from some seriously disturbed characters and can stomach a lot of gory, action-packed details, you’ll want to give it a chance. Bring a gut check for the slumps in writing style and formatting.

Discovering Wonder: Seeing the World Through a Child’s Eyes - Luigi Pascal Rondanini

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

 Luigi Pascal's "[Re]discovering Wonder: Seeing the World Through a Child’s Eyes" offers an engaging look at how adults can rediscover their sense of childlike wonder and innocence while maintaining all the insights that come with experience. As the proof-reader of this brief book, I can vouch that it was excellently written and nimble to edit.

Luigi Pascal uses his life as a children's book author and storyteller to provide near-poetic view of the method child-like wonder blends with grown-up lives. The book shines in the weave between philosophy, psychological research and hands-on exercises. Every chapter focuses on a specific expression of child-like perception — curiosity and wonder, love or emotional purity, the passion of emotion in general, music as communication etc. providing solid examples for how this can be developed today it your very own behaviours each day with lists of guides to develop any aspect you need help with.

Especially noteworthy is the section on "The Power of Imagination," and exercises to rediscover creativity in adulthood. By including real-life instances and stories, like the story of Boyan Slat's venture to clean oceans or how Scientist Lionel Dahmer approached problem-solving at NASA puts these concepts into perspective.

Although the book topples occasionally into idealism, Luigi Pascal stays mostly practical in his optimism regarding growing up with a hint of wonder. The last chapter, about balancing grown-up wisdom with child-like wonder has a particularly lovely consideration of how to bring together two seemingly contrary ways of thinking.

But my only mild annoyance is that there were a couple of chapters in the book about authenticity and relationships it would have been nice for those to dig deeper into what genuine adult interactions actually look like. More varied and better case studies or examples would also have added to the strength of their argument, making it more relatable for an even broader audience.

But for adults desiring to rekindle their creativity, parents yearning for deeper connection with childlike simplicity or those who simply feel that life has lost a bit of its magic and wonderment this book is certainly worth your while. His writing style is actually very clear; his prose easily understood because he can convey difficult concepts in a way that the reader understand as being so.

Despite its brevity, this book is rich and tonic. It is a subtle nudge to us that real magic in the world remains if we only seek it and outlines how one may go about creating for themself, a brighter, more worldly life while never outgrowing their own childlike innocence.

Pazzigno A/R - Luigi Pascal Rondanini

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ho avuto il privilegio di leggere una versione pre-pubblicazione cartacea di Pazzigno A/R di Luigi Pascal Rondanini, e devo dire che l'autore ha creato un'opera coinvolgente e profonda che esplora i temi dell'amicizia, del rimpianto e della redenzione.

Il romanzo segue le vicende di Antonio e Giorgio, due amici d'infanzia le cui vite prendono strade diverse, portandoli a un doloroso allontanamento. Attraverso una narrazione che alterna passato e presente, Rondanini dipinge un ritratto toccante di come le scelte che facciamo plasmano il nostro destino.

Rispetto a I Fantasmi del Passato, che ho avuto modo di leggere in precedenza, Pazzigno offre una prospettiva più ampia e sfaccettata della storia. Mentre I Fantasmi del Passato si concentrava principalmente sul confronto tra i due protagonisti, Pazzigno approfondisce maggiormente le motivazioni dei personaggi e il contesto sociale in cui si muovono.

La prosa di Rondanini è ricca e evocativa, capace di trasportare il lettore nelle strade di Napoli e di far rivivere l'atmosfera degli anni '80. I dialoghi sono autentici e carichi di emozione, rivelando gradualmente le complessità dei rapporti tra i personaggi.

Un aspetto particolarmente interessante di Pazzigno è il modo in cui esplora il tema del successo e del fallimento, mettendo in luce come le percezioni degli altri possano influenzare profondamente le nostre scelte di vita. Il contrasto tra le carriere di Antonio e Giorgio è abilmente utilizzato per riflettere sulle aspettative sociali e personali.

Il finale del libro, che non voglio svelare, offre una conclusione soddisfacente e commovente alla storia, lasciando al lettore molto su cui riflettere.

Se dovessi trovare un punto debole, direi che in alcuni momenti il ritmo della narrazione rallenta un po' troppo, soprattutto nella parte centrale del libro. Tuttavia, questo non diminuisce significativamente il valore complessivo dell'opera.

In conclusione, Pazzigno è un romanzo potente e ben scritto che merita di essere letto. Rondanini dimostra una notevole maturità come scrittore, creando un'opera che risuonerà con chiunque abbia mai riflettuto sui "se" e i "ma" della propria vita.

Voto: 4.5/5 ma visto che nel mondo editoriale si possono utilizzare solo punteggi interi, opto per un 5 pieno.

Let's refresh my books' covers

 Hello my friends,

I have decided, based on the advice of some fellow authors that my books' covers were not really that nice looking.

Here are the new ones.

They look better, don't they?

Let me have your thoughts.

Click on the images to be redirected to the Amazon Store.

Claire.

Claire is back!

Hey there, it's Claire!

I know I've been MIA, and I apologise, as it's time to tell you all what's good. Life knows how to throw some curve balls, isn't it? Over the last few months, I've been facing a couple of personal issues and have been busy putting the final touches on my new book. (No worries, I cannot wait to share details with you soon!)

This perfect storm of life events left me out of touch with the online world longer than expected. But guess what? I'm refreshed and inspired with many new things to write about! I already have a pile of reviews to post here.

As I mentioned in my introduction, this blog isn't just me talking to you—it's our space. That is where we bond, discuss ideas, and geek out over some cool reads! I have a few emails to reply to, and I will do so by the end of the day. I promise!

Well, what have you been doing while I was gone? Are there any hidden gems you can share? Add your suggestions in the comments. I'm all ears!

It feels great to be back doing what I love.

Happy reading,

Claire

The Ghostwriter - A.R. Torres

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ghostwriter by Alessandra Torre is a modern love story with a touch of suspense; this book will have you spinning as the truth slowly unravels. At Washington Square, the book will make you discover the truth of the events that shattered her life four years before as she sets out to finish her final book —— but  Helena Ross, has darker secrets.

In this book, Torre showcases her masterful storytelling skill by conceiving an intricately layered plot with surprising revelations until the end. It is clear that the author excels at creating complex characters - many I hated with a passion - I loved Helena because, at first, she appears almost sadistic; however, as the story develops, our opinion changes, and we realise that there is, in fact, quite a vulnerable and uncertain person hiding just beneath the surface. Shane's beautifully written novel hints at this but is also about the unlikely friendship between Helena and her ghostwriter, which adds depth and heart to the narrative and provides a welcomed balance to some of the darker themes she explores in the book.

The Ghostwriter stands out with its unique narrative structure, blending present-tense narrations with flashbacks that gradually unveil Helena's past. The well-paced chapters keep you engaged, eager to uncover the truth as the story unfolds. The author's vivid descriptions and poignant humour effectively convey the rollercoaster of emotions that will captivate the reader.

The Ghostwriter is not your typical romance, but it's a testament to the author's storytelling prowess across genres. Fans of suspenseful literary fiction will be drawn to this book, as will those who appreciate emotionally impactful storytelling. Prepare yourself for a deeply moving experience as you delve into this unforgettable tale of secrets, betrayals, and the transformative power of words.