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I have to admit I was a little behind in my reading schedule this past month. There were plenty of days where I wasn’t able to read. For a while there I thought I would only end up reading one book, A Court of Silver Flames. While it is almost 800 pages, I thought I would get through it quicker. At last, my schedule wouldn’t allow it. Luckily I finished it in time to add in Wuthering Heights into this month’s reading. If there was one theme amongst the books that I read, it’s self-healing. Here is everything I read in November.
*If you haven’t read the first 3 books, skip this as it has *SPOILERS*
Nesta has always had a stubborn edge to her. From refusing to forgive her father for their ruin to being angry over her new life as a High-Fae, Nesta is struggling to let her guard down. After the battle of Hybern and being forced into the Cauldron, Nesta finds herself alienated from everyone, making horrible decisions. Cassian knows how to push Nesta’s buttons more than anyone, and he enjoys doing so. While a little fire is slowing burning between them, another threat looms over Prythian and the Night Court as the Queens form an even more dangerous alliance. Nesta and Cassian now must face the darkness within and without in order to survive.
5 stars
Review
Oh how I love the ACOTAR book series! Each one thus far has been excellent. While I did find this one to be a wee bit too long and some of the training could have been cut out, I loved every second of it. Especially once Nesta starts her inner healing, made friends with Emerie and Gywn, and fought in the Rite. I was on the edge of my seat during those chapters. It was nice to see a transformation in Nesta, while still being herself but also learning acceptance, forgiveness, and vulnerability. I also loved her relationship with Cassian and enjoyed following along as he was masterful in supporting her while letting her take her time in healing.
Wuthering Heights
When Earnshaw brings home to Wuthering Heights an orphan boy from one of his travels, Heathcliff becomes an unwelcome child by his children and the servants. Told through the servant Nelly, the tale of Heathcliff’s life is complex. While the love that gradually evolved between Heathcliff and Catherine is intense and obsessive, it is somewhat overshadowed by his need for revenge. For he is shunned and abused by those around him for being of lower-status, with the looks of a gypsy. Wuthering Heights is a story about how the repeated cycles of abuse can lead to destructive behaviors later in life. Of how societal norms, gender inequality, and prejudice can orchestrate our decisions. The book has multifaceted thematical concepts.
5 Stars
Review
I know, I know…. I can’t believe I haven’t read Wuthering Heights either until now. It’s been a long time coming. While this isn’t the first literary work I have read in the Victorian era, I did take me a while to get accustomed to the formal narration. I also found the beginning hard to get through as I was confused on characters and the story being told through Nelly. It wasn’t at all what I thought the book entailed. I thought it was going to be told through Catherine and Heathcliff’s point of view. However, once I figured out the plot and reacquainted myself with the styled language, it easily flowed. Another thing I was shocked to learn is that it’s less about a romance and more about classicism amongst bored and unhinged people. While I knew Heathcliff was of lower class, I truly didn’t realize how little romance there was. It’s more about Heathcliff’s revenge on those that shunned him. Both he and Catherine are diabolical. I thought this was going to be more Notebook or Romeo and Juliet style of romance. Instead, I wasn’t rooting for either one. Nelly was the only character I truly liked, because who doesn’t like a good gossiper. While Heathcliff and Catherine are deranged, and it wasn’t the love story I thought it to be, it was entertaining. With themes of racism, classism, and forbidden love that is still prevalent today, I can finally see why Wuthering Heights is considered a classic masterpiece.
It Girl: The Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin
While I was very much aware of Jane Birkin prior to reading It Girl, I wasn’t fully knowledgable about her life. I knew she was a known actress and singer. Even listen to some of her songs like “Je t’aime moi non plus” with Serge Gainsbourg. And of course her being a fashion icon in the 60s and 70s. However, I didn’t know much about her upbringing, her marriages, nor her as a person. I found this book to be fascinating. A bit sad at moments. I thoroughly enjoyed the part about the making of the iconic Birkin bag. And how her chic, effortless style became a quintessential French look.
5 Stars