Eeny Meeny (22/05/2014)

I received Eeny Meeny from Goodreads as an ARC. I have to say firstly, that I loved this book so much. I loved the short, to the point chapters, which made me go, “I’ll just read one more.” Then an hour later I would still be going. This book is crime based fiction, and I had forgotten how much I like reading this type of story. Unlike other crime fictions that I have read in the past, I didn’t guess how the story would end, which is pretty amazing as I normally guess plot lines pretty early in books. This book had my thinking and second guessing right up to the end.

I was completely hooked on the premise of the story, seemingly random pairs of people, kidnapped and trapped in a situation where it is literally kill or be killed. The chapters based on these characters give you such a dark look at how dehydration and starvation can warp the minds of the average person. This book seemed to be based more on the characters and their feelings than going into, as is often the case in crime fiction, excruciating detail about the inner workings of detective work. This book, in my opinion had the right balance, there was enough detail so I knew it seemed realistic but not so much that I was getting lost and losing the pace of the story.

I would strongly recommend this book, it is written so well, and I never got lost with what was happening or thinking this is unrealistic. It is just an honest, good read that will give you some moments of “What the …!”

West of the Moon (24/04/2014)

West of the Moon is a lovely tale of two sisters who, after their father travels to America from their homeland of Norway, end up in the care of their Aunt. Whist living with their Aunt the two sisters get separated when the Aunt sells the eldest sister, Astri, to the local goat herder. As we soon find out he is as cruel if not crueller than the greedy Aunt. The story basically revolves around Astri saving herself, the spinning girl who is also being held by the goat herder, then rescuing her younger sister Greta and embarking on a journey to America to find their father.

Whilst I can see why many people are enjoying this book, and I will point out that I read an ARC proof so there may still be slight changes to be made, I just wasn’t fond of the writing style for the most part. This was such a small book compared to what I normally read but I just didn’t feel drawn to read it. Additionally, Astri, the main character uses folk tales and myths to deal with the situations around her and as a coping mechanism. Which I just found long winded and at times confusing. I would have preferred a childlike musing of the situations much like in Room by Emma Donoghue, than a child using stories to describe how she feels.

This just wasn’t for me personally and I understand it is aimed at younger readers but I don’t honestly think it would have been my thing even when I was younger. The last section of the book was much better as the folk tale inclusion was minimal and I finally felt like I got to understand Astri’s real feelings about everything that had and was happening to her. I wish it had all been written like this

Spilt Milk (19/03/2014)

So I received this book as an ARC. It was definitely not my normal read. I primarily read fantasy/sci-fi/horror/thriller type books, and it always surprises me when I read a book out of these genres and enjoy it. I can honestly say that I enjoyed this book. At the onset of the story we are introduced to three sisters who are trying to get by in a time when morals and opinions were high, and times were difficult for women. The sisters have already lost their mother and father to illnesses and the younger siblings, Vivian and Nellie are dependent on their older sister Rose to bring in the money and look after them.

I won’t go into any more detail about the story as things start happening very quickly and I’m not one for spoilers. The book was beautifully written and once I was invested in the characters (which doesn’t take very long) the chapters began to disappear pretty quickly. It is at its core a story of love and sisters in a time of female hardship. When women could love freely without consequence. When what your neighbours knew about you or could know about you forced women into life shattering choices. That can ultimately tear your family apart. It also shows the change in times and how the love and support of your family can change everything. A beautifully written story about love, family and life time bonds.

I will add just as a slight criticism that I thought the ending sort of dropped off. I would have loved the ending to have had a little something more to it. Having said that that could be the point, that their story hadn’t truly ended, I guess it’s just my personal feelings. I would recommend this book even if it’s not your normal read as it is a captivating story.