-
The Ugly Truth by L.C. North
The Ugly Truth is a stark examination of the obsessive culture of the British media. A powerhouse combination of compulsive drama and psychological intent. The Ugly Truth isn’t an easy book to read. No, far from it is at its core ugly. It delves into both the media and society’s obsession with the celebrity lifestyle. Only a few pages in I was reminded about the #freebritney movement and the British tabloids treatment of Princess Diana. Britney Spears relationship with the media and her subsequent relationship with her father after her very public breakdown shone through in this story and makes the reader ask all kinds of questions, not all good.…
-
The Things We Do to Our Friends by Heather Darwent
The Things We Do to Our Friends is a dark academia/toxic relationship-type story. I won’t mess around and get straight to it – this story did not work for me. It felt too long and convoluted, it could have actually been about 100 pages shorter and would have gotten to the meat of the story far quicker. None of the characters were remotely likable, which I think was entirely the point, but I personally need that connection point when reading a novel, something that connects me with the heart of the story, it didn’t have that for me. Clare has moved to Edinburgh to study Art at Edinburgh University. It’s…
-
We Spread by Iain Reid – REVIEW
We Spread is chillingly fascinating. A narrative shadowed by terror Iain Reid opens the door to Six Cedars, a care home with its secrets and lies. Reid is an observer of society and it really shows in his new release. We Spread, in the normal context what do these words mean in your mind? Does it mean spreading love, or spreading disease or illness? For me, whilst reading Iain Reid’s latest release, I began thinking about the spores of mushrooms, bear with me. The active part of spore ejection and the ultimate spreading reminded me of Penny and the residents thriving off one another, those with healthy aspects of their…
-
The Black Dog by Kevin Bridges – REVIEW
The Black Dog is full of social commentary with Bridge’s comedic wit shining through every page. Darkly funny but brimming with life. The Black Dog is written by an author that is known more for his comedy than his novel writing but that’s all likely to change – he’s added another string to his bow in a stunning debut by Glasgow’s household name, Kevin Bridges. Instantly you are transported into the streets of Glasgow, with authentic dialogue, a strong connection to the working-class plight, and a story that is full of grit and character. It’s a strong offering and the story gave me vibes of Gregory’s Girl – a coming-of-age…
-
The Measure by Nikki Erlick – REVIEW
The Measure is a colourful epic. A sharp, smart outlook on the depravity of society. A propulsive plot with hidden undercurrents. An author that has her pulse on the future of dystopia fiction. The Measure is going to make you cry! It came out of the left-field for me. One minute I’m reading and the next I’m imagining their positions. My husband, my children, me…what would I do if I was faced with the same fate? Life would of course change, but I would change everything too – my lifestyle, my way of thinking, I’d want to take advantage of every day, every moment, the little stuff would feel like…
-
We Can Never Leave This Place by Eric LaRocca
We Can Never Leave This Place, I think probably I can’t. I’m trapped in a state of purgatory. How do you sum up a story that depicts such vivid imagery of neglect and trauma? I’m not going to lie; this book seems to be impossible to review with enough fervour to do it justice. It’s the kind of story that leaves you staring into space afterward. The musings playing around your consciousness like a never-ending loop. “When you’re given a gift, something else gets taken away.” Eric LaRocca is the king of trauma horror. Reading a story penned by this glorious author is always an experience. He leads you…
