"Yes the dates read are correct as I stopped to read others that generally all come into the library at the same time. Thank you Kylie for your patience with Mammy in reading your book!

It’s a fascinating story based on the real story of writing the Oxford English Dictionary. The time and patience in this was no mean feat. Esme is a very interesting character and I was a bit sad the book ended. She becomes likened to a friend � and I will miss her. Lizzie her servant becomes a true friend to Esme throughout her life. I loved the historical parts woven into the story and thought the author did a wonderful job in reenactment of parts and how it was. She did so much research into this book I take my hat off to her. It makes me want to look more into some of these sections but I’m trying to wade through the thousands of books borrowed from family, friends and especially those I own. There are so many great reviews here so check them if you’re unsure if this is for you. I generally don’t read any until I’ve started a book unless I’m unsure whether to continue or not.

As all of us bibliophiles say “too many books, so little time�. I’m not borrowing any more from the library until I’ve read more owned � I think!"

"3.5 rounded up
Single mother Birdie (and her young daughter Emaleen) lives and works at an Alaskan roadside lodge. Her contact with the reclusive and mysterious Arthur sees them all moving to his isolated cabin in the mountains where life is both joyous and heartbreaking.

I have no idea how to review this novel described by the publishers as a "dark fairytale". Certainly it is best to go into it with limited knowledge of what is to come. All I will say is that I was captivated by the descriptions of Alaska. The forest, mountains, flora and fauna. The wilderness took its place as a character, and alongside of Emaleen, contributed considerably to my enjoyment of the story.

Told in the third person from a number of perspectives this book seems to be quite divisive in its reception and I can understand why. It was unlike anything else I have ever read - outside of my usual genres, if indeed it can be catagorised.
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"Women's prize shortlist 2025
The author is a long standing academic with considerable research and practical experience on the topic of the Middle East and the de-radicalisation of ISIS Brides. Apparently, according to her afterward, she considered writing a non-fiction book on the latter, but instead went for a novel and I kind of which she hadn't.
Although I initially enjoyed the novel and thought the topic interesting, unfortunately the writing (which felt quite clunky at times), the humour (which became so over the top) and the stereotypes (overblown), quickly wore thin, and I found it hard to continue reading when the topic is such an important one. Perhaps I am just a too serious/earnest a person for a comedy on these women and should, as the author advises, seek out her policy reports "if you want something more factual".
Not for me.


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