literature
Geek literature from the New York Times or the recesses of online. Our favorite stories showcase geeks.
Book Review: "The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael" by Paulette Kennedy
Check out my review of The Devil and Mrs Davenport by Paulette Kennedy here: I bloody love the books of Paulette Kennedy. She is one of those authors whose books can definitely be described as the 'modern gothic'. Her books often contain some sort of folklorish or supernatural element which creates tension and involves the reader in the story more rather than simply being a plot device for fear. Supernatural elements having a function in the story are definitely difficult to write but when done well, they can really bring us into the story - making the novel feel almost like an urban legend. From The Witch of Tin Mountain to The Artist of Blackberry Grange and The Devil and Mrs Davenport, this is a recurring idea in Paulette Kennedy's books and ever since I read The Witch of Tin Mountain, I knew I adored her books. The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael is yet another modern classic she has written. I implore you, if you love the modern gothic then you must read Paulette Kennedy's books.
By Annie Kapur2 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Darkest Water" by Mark Edwards
Mark Edwards is a great author. Recently I read his book The Psychopath Next Door which was my second book by him and it was just incredible. I was thus recommended The Darkest Water which starts with a man being found buried in the sand on the beach where he was left so that, when the tide came in, he would drown. Only his head was visible when he was found, mouth agape. Mark Edwards takes us through the twisted world of the quiet parts of the Lake District where nothing ever happens. Except for now, where things begin to collapse one inbox message at a time. At its centre is Calvin, a bakery owner who accidentally goes semi-viral because of his new found social media account. But of course, there are things that aren't all that great about social media too and very quickly, everything starts to spiral.
By Annie Kapur2 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Secrets of Us" by Lucinda Berry
Yes it's another Lucinda Berry novel and it's not just because they are on Kindle Unlimited mostly, it's also because I might actually be addicted to them. From an episode of Desperate Housewives on steroids to one of the most shocking books about CSA I have ever read and through even to the 'perfect' child who is not even remotely perfect, Lucinda Berry's thrillers are terrifying and twisted. The Secrets of Us starts off with a phone call received by Krystal, a lawyer. She's been informed that her sister is in the hospital after a house fire, as is her brother-in-law. Oh, and before I forget to mention it: the police have every reason to believe it was her sister who started the fire to kill her husband.
By Annie Kapur2 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Keep Your Friends Close" by Lucinda Berry
You can read some of my reviews of Lucinda Berry novels here... One thing I will say about Lucinda Berry's books is that they often deal with dark and distressing subjects. As I have reviewed some and read so many more so far, I can honestly say that they are all very disturbing in their themes and the way in which the characters interact with each other. Of course, though the book Phantom Limb was not my favourite, it is still pretty good. Keep Your Friends Close is no exception to the rule. Beginning with a woman being found faced down in a pool at her own West Hollywood party, it's clear she's dead.. But what happened to this woman who was a great swimmer and why are some of her friends distraught and others...well, not so much?
By Annie Kapur2 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Psychopath Next Door" by Mark Edwards
Five years' ago, I read The Hollows also by Mark Edwards. You can read the review below... Beginning with a creepy woman who is let out of prison, moving in next door to a nice little family - I could only tell from the outset that this book was going to be a twisted masterpiece. There's something about the tone you read this book in that makes your skin crawl and I loved it. Mark Edwards has definitely done it again with this one and if you enjoy dark, twisted nightmare fuel thrillers then this one is a definite one for your TBR. I hope you enjoy it and... oh yes, I remember now. ..you might not want to read it at night.
By Annie Kapur2 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Penguin Book of Bengali Short Stories" ed. by Arunava Sinha
Who knew that the fiction of the Bengali language could be so immersed in war, violence, death and tragedy? I mean, the volatility is all through the culture's history and especially since the first novels of the Bengali people were written. It is stated in the introduction that the fiction is often born out of resilience over adversity and how violence can impact the generation's writing. But one thing I think I have to agree with is that the Bengali short story should be revered by the world. I didn't go into this thinking I would enjoy it but the emotion that was conveyed, the atmosphere of violence and the way the stories moved me was something else entirely. If you have never read Bengali fiction then this would be the perfect place to start.
By Annie Kapur2 months ago in Geeks
The Big Book Review: "The Big Screen" by David Thomson (Pt.2)
Welcome back to the 'Big Book Review' and this is part 2 of our series on The Big Screen by David Thomson. This, if you haven't read already, was a great book I read some years' ago. If you haven't read Parts 1 and 1.5 then I would go and read those first because even though this does go back and forth when it comes to film, there is an underlying timeline. Anyways, let's get on with it...
By Annie Kapur2 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Most Beautiful Woman in Town" by Charles Bukowski
I don't know what I expected from an anthology which opens with a title story about a man falling in love with a beautiful former convent girl and she ends up committing suicide. But I mean, I've read enough Bukowski to know that his poetry is a bit more readable than his short stories are. The problem I have with his short stories is most of them just sound like he's complaining and some of the plots end up going absolutely nowhere. I mean, I understand that the story going nowhere is exactly the point but after a while, that mode of writing can become insufferable and it's also clear that he may be an abuser. Especially from his writings in Notes of a Dirty Old Man (which I reviewed some time ago) in which he clearly states that yes, he's an abuser. I think after this, I might just stick to reading his poetry. I don't think I can take very much more of his short prose. I will however, explain this review in a quotation taken directly from Roger Ebert in his review of the movie The Usual Suspects (and I paraphrase) - as much as I understand it, I don't care about it.
By Annie Kapur2 months ago in Geeks
Book Review: "An Alternative History of Britain: The Tudors" by Timothy Venning
I've read plenty of historical nonfiction this year but I also like to have fun with it. Books about the construction and history of Hampton Court are great as are books about the Tudor Court that go on forever just about Henry VIII. But there are also funny books regarding the Battle of Hastings that I have enjoyed and of course, there's this book by Timothy Venning which is about the what if? situations surrounding the Tudors. What would have happened if history had gone slightly differently and how would this have an impact on everything that happened afterwards? I mean, the Tudors were a very important group of people who basically changed the entire history of England. If there's anything this book makes you do it is think about the way in which decisions and deaths, marriages and politics changed the course of history forever even if, back then, they were only a day or few of time.
By Annie Kapur2 months ago in Geeks
