Blackouts by Justin Torres

Nene - as he is called - and Juan Gay are spending together Gay´s last days in a place called The Palace, a place hard to define both as a place and localization. An intergenerational dialogue between two queer men Blackouts by Justin Torres is exceptional for more than one reason. 

Their topics of conversation are delineated or referred to a forgotten research inspired by Jan Gay, a lesbian activist, but also dancer, translator and ethnographer, who in the 1930s conducted hundreds of interviews with queers, mostly women. The study further inspired the 1941-published work Sex Variants: A Study of Sexual Variants by the Committee for the Study of Sex largely diagnosing homosexuality as a pathological condition. The historical references, including fragments from the study who are introduced in the story with censorship-marked ´blackouts´. 

With the words left non-marked are created new texts, with new meanings. However, ´Nene´ has his own blackouts: ten years back he met Juan in a mental institution but he does not have memories of the encounter. His dialogue is also aimed at recovering those ´blackouts´.  Erasures however are part of the queer history - be in purely historical, literary or of any other kind. 

The historical and pathological information are completed by details from the author´s own biography: Gay and Nene, both do have a Puerto Rican heritage, as the author himself - on the father´s side. The fragments about ´Puerto Rican Syndrome´ do open another line of thought about medical ethnicization. 

The predominant part of the literary puzzle is however played by fiction, that integrates smoothly all the other pieces. The book is largely a work of complex intertextuality, for the ways in which is connects historical elements, images, poetry and science history in a purely fictional dialogue. 

The relationship between the two, with Juan the older, wiser partner, is a formative encounter for Nene who is not only trying to fill his memory ´blackouts´ but also gathers life wisdom and knowledge to fill the existential ´blackout´. It is a friendship that consolidates between the two, as well as a queer transmission of knowledge.

However, it leaves open to the reader the question about ´truth´ and ´false´. It is an extra effort the reader is expected to do for sorting out the data presented. The authorship is confusing and challenging: where is the author´s/Torres contribution and where the voices of the characters are heard?

In the end, it´s up to the reader to pick up its own interpretation(s) and lecture(s) of the book. Personally, I´ve felt the need to read more about the historical sources, but also gave me a lot of ideas about ideologization of science, while appreciating the precision of the prose. 

Blackouts, Torres´ second book was ten years in the making.

Rating: 5 stars

Cursed Daughers by Oyinkan Braithwaite

How does may feel in our modern fast times to be told that you are inheriting a curse brought to you by your women ancestors? It may feel like carrying a genetical disease, but of a spiritual nature. And according to modern genetics, there is possible to challenge your inherited health condition through a different lifestyle, diet, personal choices. So could it happen with the curse, it seems.

Eniiyi, one of the many women characters of Oyinkan Braithwaite first novel Cursed Daughters - author, among others, of the stunning multi-awarded novella My Sister, the Serial Killer - is looking for a job in genetics, as an epigenetic counsellor. Back home to Lagos, after spending many years far away from her women-family, she is carrying not only a curse, but also a stunning resemblance with her aunt, Monife, who committed suicide the day she was born. 

For generations, the women lived together in their family house, haunted by the curse of being alone, abandoned by men. They accepted their condition surviving love stories inspired by popular Mills&Boons novels. Although Eniiyi will have her share of drama romance, she is dramatically changing the course of her life and implicitly the curse.

Curses are an interesting topics that may be perceived from different cultural angles. For the characters of the book, they are as much of actuality as the news: they do belong to life, may be belived in because there is no reason to escape them. From a very deterministic perspective that defides the laws of modern logic, they speak the language of the future, they shape decisions and personal destinies. There is a curse of the curse that one cannot escape, unless you are about to take a step out of the matrix of the social habits and behavior expectations.

The family dynamics, mostly women-related is effusive, over-protective, but can also easily turn into a toxic attitude that does not see beyond the assigned lifelines. Juju may help in the most ridiculous, money-consuming ways, as the only modality that can overcome the destiny´s determinism. Family operates as a cruel reminder of the conservative social and personal order. The self-fulfilling profecy is facilitated by this straight social and family network. 

I, personally, was enchanted by this story, melting elements of magic - and some juju - with erotic intermezzo and modern-day relationships, family obligation and tribal divides, and some fine everyday humour built on the interactions between characters - like the grandma East and West, based on their location within the big family house.

As in her other writings, the women characters are realistically developed and the plot is carefully built allowing some interesting twists encouraging me to stay tunned to the book. I was so absorbed into the story that felt that it ended too abruptly, but at the right time though. 

Cursed Daughters is a book written with literary maturity by a writer I want to read more from.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Random Things Tours: Eye Spy by C.M.Ewan

A childish game - ´I spy...with my little eye´ - turns into a survival claustrophic unpredictable race where saving one own´s family is at risk due to former well hidden secrets of both parents.

Eye Spy by C.M.Ewan - whose previous book I´ve reviewed few years back - it´s an undownputable thriller that not only I couldn´t abandon until the very end, but which also keeps staying with me long before I finished. 

Although the action takes place within a relatively short amount of time, it spares no detail of the ambiance, allowing us to settle into the story, little by little, while terrific details happening on the spot are revealed. 

Mark is playing I Spy with his little 4 yo daughter Molly, but the apparition of a man, who is getting closer to him, terrifying his daugher, is taking a dangerous turn for their trip. The urgency of saving his family from an looming danger activates though secrets well hidden both by him and his wife, Claire, who for obviously fake reasons couldn´t joined them for this trip.

My perfect setting for reading this book would have been on a train trip, however, I tried to imagine with my mind´s eyes the real encounters shared in the book. The cinematic storytelling and the many unexpected twists are definitely keeping the reader in a permanent state of tension. Which is clearly the highest expectation one may have when picking up a thriller read. 

The cover is definitely deserving a mention, for the simple, yet urgent design.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Ti odio, ma ti amo di più by Anna Premoli, illustrated by Michele Brutomesso

I am following very seriously my Italian lessons plan - and Spanish too - and this month, more than ever, I´ve spent a lot of time in the company of this language. As my desire to learn is unstoppable, so it is my lack of criteria in my choice of books. I am not very much familiar right now with what it´s hot off the press in the Italian publishing realm and I still need to research what are the noteworthy authors to explore right now. As I am sure this time will come soon, I just enjoy my full immersion into the language.

My latest literary choices was a book by a very popular author, Anna Premoli -  Ti odio, ma ti amo di più (in my own translation I hate you, but I love you even more) I love chicklit and not ashame to recognize it, therefore reading with pleasure may open up my interest towards the language as well.

The characters of this book, Ian and Jenny are about to celebrate ten years of marriage and he - belonging to the English nobility - is surprising her - a down to earth, feminist and anti-priviledge kind of woman - with a trip to an undisclosed destination. Ten years and two children after, their relationship keeps a special dynamic built on love, respect and very different lifestyles.

The two main protagonists do share alternatively their stories, but most of the novel is focused on their interactions, thoughts about each other given their very different background. The dynamic is interesting but unfortunately the plot is simplistic and largely underdeveloped. 

From the point of view of the language learning, I´ve learned many new everyday words and expressions so I am relatively happy with my choice.

My favorite part so far were the illustrations by Michele Brutomesso, colours and black-and-white, which suited the ambiance of the book. 

Rating: 2.5 stars

Orenda Books Cover Reveal: Stop Dead by Katrín Júlíusdóttir translated by Larissa Kyzer

After the bestselling debut Dead Sweet, entrepreneur, former politician and crime author Katrín Júlíusdóttir is back with a new book, ready for print on the 21st of May, to be published by Orenda Books, translated from Icelandic by Larissa Kyzer. 

I am personally very much interested in reading again about the eventful secrets of Iceland´s police and media world. Sigurdis, a detective in training, has to abandon her academic training in criminal psychology in the US for further investigating the murder of her father. However, as a controversial media personality is murdered as well, during a marathon, inconvenient truths are revealed as the crime web goes deep into the darkest layers of the Icelandic society.

With such dark intro, one may expect a very gloomy cover, but instead, the choice is rather suggesting the diversity and multiplicity of city life, with the lettering adding the information missing from the picture. The letters - author´s name, title - do create the tension that the image is at the first sight not communicating directly.

Here is the information about purchasing the book: https://geni.us/vJ4x

I cannot wait to have the book and hopefully to share my thoughts in a different more elaborated post.

Fakers: An Insider´s Guide to Cons, Hoaxes and Scams by H.P.Wood illustrated by David Clark

 

I am often reading and writing about scams - particularly dating ones, especially set in our times - but there is nothing new under the sun. As the book Fakers: An Insider´s Guide to Cons, Hoaxes and Scams by H.P.Wood illustrated by David Clark shows, the temptation to manipulate others (mostly) for financial purposes existed since time immemorial. 

Midfair tricks, Ponzi schemes, palm and psychic reading, medical hoaxes, just to name few of the most frequent occurences, people were always robbed in heinous ways. The victims were definitely not guilty and the argument of limited intelligence didn´t stand. We may just admit that some people are able to use their charm and intelligence for evil purposes. 

The author organised her material with humour - the illustrations definitely helped - gathering examples from various historical periods. However, I may not include military deception among the topics covered by the book as they rather belong to a completely different area. 

If things were never different, just tools and medium changed, how one can be covered against being a scam victim, for instance? I dare to answer referring to the closing remarks of the book: by using the weapon of skepticism and common sense. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review 

Open Skies: My Life as Afghanistan´s First Female Pilot by Niloofar Rahmani with Adam Sikes

Born in Kabul in 1991, Niloofar Rahmani had a dream: to be Afghanistan´s first woman pilot. The circumstances looked encouraging: 2010 was the first time since the Soviets when women were allowed to enter military forces. She took a chance, breaking through social and traditional barriers, but it come with a price: ´As an Afghan woman I dared to dream and there were some who believed I should be punished for it, perhaps even killed´.

Currently based in the USA after requesting political asylum at 28, Rahmani wrote a memoir together with Adam Sikes where she is telling her story in simple words that resonate with the fate of many women from Afghanistan. As her achievements started to accumulate - the first solo flight in her class, Afghanistan´s first female fixed-wing air pilot and captain- , so were the pressure on her family, who since 2015 is on hiding. The reason? She dared to dream for more.

Open Skies is a hearbreaking account of a life put on hold due to the religiously extremist government in Kabul perpetuating traditional mindsets. In the Kabul that once was the ´Paris of Central Europe´ women are prevented from attending school and stepping down the traditional roles they were assigned may be punishable by death.

Rahmani is explaining her story through social, cultural and political details that not only put things into context, but also help understanding the terrible fate of women and girls in Afghanistan right now. Sometimes it feels shameful to realize how often we take for granted rights and achievements without realizing the tremedous professional and personal struggle women in other parts of the worlds are going through. 

I´ve found the book humbling and inspiring and I consider it a recommended read to anyone interested to have a realistic account on the story of women in Afghanistan, including and particularly decision makers and academics.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Rachel´s Random Resources: Sugar and Spice at the Pumpkin Corner Café by Laura Briggs

It may not be the season for sugar and spice right now, but some books are just here to give us a reason to survive through seasons. And given the action-packed plot of Sugar and Spice at the Pumpkin Corner Café by Laura Briggs, this book may also give a lot to think about. 

Professional pastry chef Blaire is devastated by the death of her beloved aunt. As she returns to Willow Grove she may not only mourn her passing, but also has to struggle with the café her aunt left her. But the business is struggling - very hard, actually - and a cherisher recipe disappeared without a trace. 

And as her problems were not enough, her former sweetheart Evan is back in town and their try to get back together ended up in a mess. But this is not all, but the rest you may be curious to figure out by yourself. 

This is a book you may hardly be able to put down. The events are such a mixture between tragedy and comedy, plus a spice of sweet romance. The characters are relatable, on the move, and their individual stories do have a lot to offer. 

It is a recommended read for a long romantic weekend and I really loved how the story kept me connected and interested. As a reader, felt very much involved in the life of the characters, trying to understand their motivations and actions. 

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Amu Nowruz and his Violets by Hadi Mohammadi illustrated by Nooshin Safakhoo translated from Persian by Sara Khalili

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, marks the beginning of the spring, a season full of hope, sun and opportunities. An old tradition that remained despite the desperate recent efforts to replace it with imported celebrations. Such tales can be always retold, keeping their original flavour, although re-inserted into a different narrative, based on the storyteller choice.

Amu Nowruz and His Violets by celebrated Iranian children books author Hadi Mohammadi illustrated by Nooshin Sadakhoo and translated from Persian by award winning translator and editor Sara Khalil is such a kind re-tale of an old story from the Persian foklore. 

The story goes that Amu Nowruz (Uncle New Year) was in love with Naneh Sarma (Mother Winter). But heartbreakingly, they can only see each other once the year. Every time though, Naneh Sarma  falla asleep. Instead of waking her up, Amu Nowruz leaves her a flower. When she wakes up again, she sees the flower realizing that she missed him again. 

A beautiful sad story, as many others from the Persian folklore.

The illustrations are unique, with the moderates shades and fine lines, elegantly completing the text. 

The main audience is aimed at 3 to 6-year olds, but it definitely can be used as a multicultural educational tool for older ages as well. If interested to find out more Nowruz-related children books, here is another recommendation from five years ago.  

Nowruz Pirooz to all who celebrate!

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Cover Reveal: Under the Blazing Sun by Jenny Lund Madsen

The readers of Thirty Days of Darkness by bestselling Danish crime novelist Jenny Lund Madsen may ask when the new book from the series Murder by the Book will be published by Orenda Books. And I have a good news to share, as usually when it comes to anything this publishing house has to offer. 

Get ready to reconnect with some characters and the ambiance of Madsen books: the continuation - Under the Blazing Sun - will be out of the print on the 21st of May. And here is the purchase link:  https://geni.us/AsDXTq

At the first sight, it promises a very eventful meta-story, with a struggling crime writer being caught into a cat-and-mouse race of staying alive. The ultimate inspiration for a successful novel. But would she survive to tell the story?

Until I will be able to read - and hopefully review - the book, just have a look at the cover. It reproduces elements from the cover of Thirty Days of Darkness, with predominant dramatic shades of rot and pink. The broken glass carrying a blood-looking liquid amplifies the effect as the precision of the details makes you think of a promise of crime, committed eventually under the cover of a beautiful spectacular sunset.

It sounds very appealing for me...

CLASSIC READS: Carmen by Prosper Mérimée illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe

I am of course acquainted with Carmen, but through Bizet´s opera representations (and I am not an opera fan at all). Merimée only through Colomba, that I´ve read eons ago but I have no memories whatsoever. But part of my CLASSIC READS Project, I decided to include Carmen, inspired by the oniric illustrations by Benjamin Lacombe. In other words, I came for the story but stayed for the illustrations.

Although, to be honest, after reading the book - a relatively short one, in few short sessions during one day - I left with some literary informations. 

Mérimée is considered a Romantic, therefore expect topics of impossible love, and femmes fatales. Carmen, apparently inspired by real events, was written in a week and belongs to a chapter in the French literature of fascination with Spanish culture. In the first half of 1800s, the author visited Spain several times and showed interest in the Bohemians, to whom Carmen belonged to. 

The illustrated French version I had access to, includes an article written by Mérimée about Roma groups in Spain that definitely is to be considered loaded with stereotypes, but it belongs to l´esprit du temps and it definitely invites to a critical read.

Carmen is an evil seductress, nonchalantly and aggressively playing with men´s hearts, until her games will turn against her and she will be murdered by one of her admirers - who is also the storyteller, explaining the journey of his broken heart. Love is consuming, an evil takeover of everyone´s destiny. Once it occurs, it is a before and an after, that may straigthforward lead to destruction. All common motives for the Romantic literature.

For me, it was not a special read but it was nevertheless a unique encounter with classical reads worth considering it once in a lifetime. 

To be continued...

Ragazze Perdute by Max and Francesco Morini

I continued this month my efforts to maintain and develop my Italian skills with a short, slow-paced novel read in the original language.

Ragazze Perdute - Lost girls, in my own translation - by the duo Max and Francesco Morini - traces an unsolved crime of a teenager girl that happened in the 1980s, to our 2020s. Told my Francesco, her short-term boyfriend, at 30 years distance, it has a strong socially and politically-critical perspective that connects directly with the crime itself. 

What starts as a first love story of some teenagers, reveals deep social rifts - family background may influence and determine the choice of friends - ends in a terrible crime with political and religious motivations. The story enfolds following the back and forth in time, through diary entries and memories.

Clearly I´ve followed the socio-political background, and found some interest in the crime part. The pace is slow and the construction is not very elaborated, but because the story itself is relatively short, it suits the brevity of the narrative.

If you are learning Italian, the book works for a B2 advanced level.

Rating: 3 stars

Orenda Books Blog Tour: Reaper by Vanda Symon

 

As a serial killer is making victims among the Auckland´s homeless, no one but Max Grimes seems to care. Grimes is homeless as well, and it´s decided to find out the cause of the serial murders. But as he is advancing his searches, shadows from his more or less recent pasts are returning, challenging his own existence. Would he be able to cope with the past drama?

Vanda Symon is a frequently reviewed author on my blog, and Reaper, her latest by Orenda Books maintains the standards and the suspense high. Tensed, well-paced and psychologically rich, the story advanced in the right tempo where both the characters and the ambiance match. Homeless people are rarely seen as victims and their fragility seldom outlined within the social web, therefore, Symon also offers a different social spin to the usual take, either in crime novels or just in everyday media coverage. The local setting - Auckland - is also unique, as I don´t remember any other crime stories by other local authors placing their investigations there.

I´ve intensively followed and loved the story in Reaper. Some of the ideas I´ve encountered are clearly something to keep thinking about later on. 

A recommended read together with other books authored by Symon. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own 

Random Things Tours: Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin

 

A story of building an identity outside the community of the faithful, Ordinary Saints, the multi-awarded debut by Edinburgh-based Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin is relatable to anyone who chose to leave their faith. No matter which faith, parting ways with the pious upbringings requests a ´before´ and ´after´, where the familiar is replaced with a high-risk social existence, far away from everything one may be used with. 

Inspired by the author´s own devout upbringing, the book is a confrontation between the storyteller and her family, following the sanctification perspective of her beloved older brother, who died suddently. This new situation may push Jay, living currently in London with her girlfriend, to face her family requesting answers. 

It is both a family story, with a strong Catholic background, but also a story of growing up, out of and against faith, but nevertheless build one´s own life. The dramatic moments are balanced by well-spirited remarks and episodes, giving an air of normality and honesty to the account.

I personally appreciated the complexity of the approach, who goes beyond the usual black-and-white take. Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin is definitely a compex voice that has a lot to say in the future.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Cover Reveal: The Bone Mother by Suzy Aspley

Suzy Aspley is back with a new installment from the Martha Strangeways Investigation series: The Bone Mother. 

A follow-up of multi-awarded Crow Moon that I had the pleasure to review almost two years ago, this book promises a mix of mystery, police proceedings and disturbing truths. As a body of a young woman with matching jewellery is discovered at a landmark church, Martha is leaving again her settled quiet life in Strathbran. The search for the truth will take her back to traumatic episodes from her past and encounters to spiritual forces stronger than both life and death.

The cover is as usual the gateway to the story, and it displays a symetrical painted image of a skull in the midst of some stylized psychedelic background. For me, it looks very entincing and I cannot wait to be able to read the book soon.

The book will be published on the 7th of May by Orenda Books and promises suspense and interesting twists taking the reader to mysterious old pathways. 

Keanu Reeves is Not in Love with You by Becky Holmes

 ´He ruined my life in many ways, but for three months I felt like the most loved person in the world´.

Romance fraud is a very complex type of fraud, because the aim of gaining money - feeding global criminal networks - is shaped following a simple desire of belonging and emotional bonding. Romantically available people can be found on dating site, but also on social media - X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram specifically. 

Becky Holmes, the author of Keanu Reeves is Not in Love with You, is on X under the hilarious handle @deathtospinach experienced directly the honor of being in touch with more than one Keanu and some few other attractive personalities. Instagram and X do have plenty of such fake profiles that may follow and unfollow, constantly looking for new victims. Personally, I´ve been twice contacted by potential frauds, both on X: one impersonation of a piano player, and another of Sheikh Hamdan Mohammed Al Makhtoum, Crown Prince of Dubai who sent me one piece of poetry but smells like scam from the first letter.

Holmes has a crazy humour, but she also collected an impressive amount of cases - exclusively women -, from her personal experience and of various victims as well as law enforcement agencies. You may find in this book tips and patterns, as well as ways to get out of the emotional imbroglio which can be a very difficult task in itself. The comfort created by the scammers, although fake, relies on emotional connections hard to break. 

The book is informative, hilarious and empathic, as it dismantle the myth that people falling for scams are uneducated and with limited intelligence. I appreciate the fact-finding mission and the extended research, as well as the insights into various cases and situations, revealing the modern times challenges and changes into the dating culture.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Lavender Clouds by Bex Ollerton

 

I am particularly interested in approaches on mental health issues in alternative ways, and comics about ´neurodivergence and mental health´ sounded more than perfect for my interests and taste.

Lavender Clouds by comic creator Bex Ollerton is presenting in images how being neurodivergent feels like. Personally, I consider very important to keep talking about mental health in its different aspects. Thus, it may relieve the stigma usually associated with it. The situation definitely changed in the last decade or so, but the self-confidence of openly assuming your condition may remain, which raises significant issues in personal and work-related issues. 

Think about how easier it may be when you openly share your neurodivergence when faced with a complex task, trying to find, together with your therapist, the ways to better deal with the pressure of the moment. 

The situations presented in Lavender Clouds are therefore very relevant, as they display and explain those challenges. For someone dealing with such episodes, it may look familiar, but even for someone not fully aware of their situation, it may significantly help. 

Although I´ve found some scenes repetitive and the illustrations part relatively simplistic, nevertheless I appreciate the general message of mental health awareness and self-acceptance of one´s own situation. 

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Corylus Books Book Tour: The Murder Pool by Stella Blómkvist translated by Quentin Bates

 

Long time no new reviews from Corylus Books, and also no new titles from the mysterious Stella Blómkvist, but spring brings always many gifts, the more bookish the merrier.

The latest, The Murder Pool was just published by Corylus Books, in the unique translation of Quentin Bates. As usual, our dear investigator Stella is busy with more than one project: defending the assumed killer - a young with a mother worth at least some crime novels - of an artist found dead with an axe in his chest, tracing vile politicians and sometimes dealing with her own demons as well.

As usual, nonchalantly, Stella is deeply involved in revealing humans, including herself in their worst, an approach that requires caution, especially when hunting a criminal. Searching the details, analyzing the facts, comparing: it takes time and intuition to be sure that you made the right choice, as someone life is at stake. Stella blends very well with this landscape, and this is maybe why she is such a smart investigator.

A recommended read for anyone curious to discover a crime story with very imperfect characters and a zest of Nordic life.

Rating: 5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources: A Wedding at the Little Bookshop by the Sea by Eliza J. Scott

A wedding in a bookshop is such a cute unique idea. I can already see in the front of my eyes the guests surrounding the bride and the groom while reciting fragments from their favorite books. Or maybe trying something like a wedding book club. So many open options, anyway.

Florrie and Ed, the main characters of A Wedding at the Little Bookshop by the Sea by Eliza J. Scott are preparing their dream wedding and everything went almost as according to the plan. Until Ed´s estranged mother returned to his life with a big boom, planning to take control over their lives and...yes, the wedding too. But the more Dawn is getting involved, the more it looks like she is actually having a secret reason for this spectacular comeback, known only by her.

I got charmed by the book, especially for the friendly and warm local ambiance and community vibe. The story has also some good twists, when you expect less, and a positive feeling, no matter how difficult the situation looks like sometimes.

The book is part of series set in the charming North Yorkshire place, built around Florrie and her gorgeous bookstore, but it can be definitely read as a stand-alone.

A recommended read for a lovely sunny spring weekend, surrounded by books.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

The Flower Bearers by Rachel Eliza Griffiths

It is a rare literary encounter to have the chance to read - or, in my case, listen to the audiobook version, read by the author herself - The Flower Bearers by poet, novelist and multimedia artist Rachel Eliza Griffiths.  

The memoir, with an exceptional cover, is an extraordinary honest testimony of being faced with deep grief and surviving the violence of the day. The death of her mother, followed by the sudden death of her dear 17-year long friend Kamilah Aisha Moon, on the eve of her wedding. One year after, while still mourning the passing of Moon, her husband, Salman Rushdie, was the victim of a stabbing during a literary event, by a religious fanatic. Now, Rushdie was fighting for his life and she was, again, in the midsts of a drama.

Griffiths, whose poetry is deeply autobiographic and bridges mundane experiences through very observant emotional lenses, is carefully reconstructing episodes from her literary past, with Moon being her life and literary companion. It is a story of women friendship transposed into poetic prose.

Listening to Griffiths´ voice amplified this effect connecting the reader to her story. Her honest acknowledgment of her struggle with mental health over the years creates an even deeper connection.

I hope to have more time in the next weeks and months to read more by Griffiths as for me, personally, opened up so many gateways to emotional patches I´ve never know they existed. Clearly, a mission accomplished for the writer.

Rating: 5 stars