Archive Nostalgia: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Book Review

I'm bringing back my book review of The Handmaid's Tale for any dystopian lovers looking for a gripping, disturbing and powerful read this summer. Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. One of the few remaining fertile women after radiation poisoning, she is ‘gifted’ to one of the high-ranking Commanders of the regime. Subject to an uber-controlling, militarised rule, she fights to survive without forsaking her free will and capacity for passion – in a world where love has become surplus to function.

Archive Nostalgia: Room by Emma Donoghue Book Review

I'm bringing back my review of Room by Emma Donoghue for those of you who want to read a unique and heartbreaking novel this summer. Rating: 4 stars Category: Emotional Synopsis: Jack is a 5-year-old boy who has never set foot outside the confines of the tiny shed where his mother is held captive by her abuser. Narrated from Jack’s innocent perspective, the novel follows his ‘Ma’ and her attempts to save him from their desperately mundane and unnatural existence. But even if she can find a way to escape, will she and Jack be able to survive in a world that has been a stranger to them for years?

My Favourite…Book That Made Me Cry

Now I am somewhat notorious for blubbing at films, but for some reason (perhaps because I tend to read in short bursts whenever I get a spare moment) it’s much harder for a book to make me shed genuine tears. So when I do weep wholeheartedly, it means the story really must be something special. This is what made it so difficult to choose a favourite book that made me cry - read on to find out the final choice and honourable mentions...

The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

When Lane’s mother commits suicide, she is invited to live with her estranged grandparents and cousin Allegra at Roanoke – their mysterious residence in a suffocating small town. On the surface, the family seems perfect. They are wealthy, rich, beautiful and charismatic. Behind this, Lane discovers a harrowing family history of violent deaths, disappearances and dark secrets. After only one summer, she becomes the only Roanoke girl to escape. However, eleven years later, when her cousin Allegra goes missing, Roanoke’s haunting secrets are clawing her back once more…

My Favourite…Dystopian

In need of some reading inspiration? The 'My Favourite' feature is a chance for me to put the spotlight on some of my favourite books of all time! Today, I have chosen my favourite dystopian. Click to reveal!

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. One of the few remaining fertile women after radiation poisoning, she is ‘gifted’ to one of the high-ranking Commanders of the regime. Subject to an uber-controlling, militarised rule, she fights to survive without forsaking her free will and capacity for passion – in a world where love has become surplus to function.

Room by Emma Donoghue

Jack is a 5-year-old boy who has never set foot outside the confines of the tiny shed where his mother is held captive by her abuser. Narrated from Jack’s innocent perspective, the novel follows his ‘Ma’ and her attempts to save him from their desperately mundane and unnatural existence. But even if she can find a way to escape, will she and Jack be able to survive in a world that has been a stranger to them for years?