Review: Twelve Nights with Viola & Olivia, by Lady Vanessa S.-G., edited by Hannah Miyamoto, 2023

Twelve Nights with Viola & Olivia by Lady Vanessa S.-G., 2023
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"Twelve Nights With Viola & Olivia," was an unexpected journey for me. I'm not typically the target audience for books heavy on Shakespearean flair or explicit sapphic themes, but there were parts of this book that really stood out to me.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is not the story itself but the reader's guide in the foreword. This guide delves into the complexities of social rank and grammar during Shakespeare's era, shedding light on the intricate use of personal pronouns and their meanings based on one's social standing. The guide includes a detailed table outlining each rank and its corresponding territorial right, enhancing the reader's understanding of the societal framework within which the story unfolds. This exploration of language, particularly the nuanced use of pronouns like "Thou," "Thee," "Ye," "Thy," "Thine," and "Sirrah," reveals much about the characters' relationships and their relative social ranks. It's a fascinating study, though it can be somewhat perplexing, especially when considering the dual implications of certain pronouns, which can denote intimacy or animosity.

The structure of the novel is like each chapter playing out a scene from a play. I found it helpful to take a moment after each chapter to reflect on what had happened, which really helped me connect with the characters and their arcs, particulary that the plot plays heavily with mistaken identities.

Speaking of characters, while the novel includes gay men in its cast, they seem more peripheral to the main storyline. Their presence feels ancillary, and I suspect they might not receive much more depth in the upcoming installment, given the novel's focus on the titular characters, Viola and Olivia. The heterosexual characters, though not explicitly labeled as such, are implied to be part of the general populace, particularly among the lower social ranks. 

One scene that really stands out is with Maria, the chambermaid. The author's attention to detail here is something else – it's quite a vivid and immersive description and will most likely titillate some groups of readers moreso than than others.

"Twelve Nights With Viola & Olivia" is a novel that might cater more to a niche audience, particularly those with an affinity for Shakespearean language and sapphic themes. However, its exploration of historical linguistics and social hierarchy provides an interesting lens through which to view the narrative, offering something of value even to those outside its target demographic.

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Review: "Fellow Travelers" by Thomas Mallon, 2007

Fellow Travelers by Thomas Mallon, 2007
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In "Fellow Travelers," Thomas Mallon attempts to weave a tale that treads the line between a political thriller and a poignant exploration of a clandestine relationship in the oppressive atmosphere of 1950s America. Set against the backdrop of the Lavender Scare, the novel traces the relationship between Timothy Laughlin and Hawkins Fuller, interlaced with the presence of Mary Johnson, who acts as a grounding force in their tumultuous world.

The novel's strength, I found, lies in its character development, particularly in the evolving dynamics
between Timothy and Hawkins. Their growth is steady, albeit somewhat predictable, culminating in a tragic end that leaves a lasting impression. Mary, as a character, serves as a crucial fulcrum in their relationship, providing a touch of relatability and grounding in a narrative that often feels distant due to its heavy political context.

For readers like myself, who are less inclined towards politics, the novel's deep dive into the political intricacies of the era can be somewhat off-putting. While I appreciate the necessity of the historical backdrop in establishing the stakes for Timothy and Hawkins, it often felt as though the political elements overshadowed the personal story at the heart of the novel.

The 'talky' sections, particularly those involving Senator Potter and other political figures, contribute to this overshadowing. These segments, often laden with exposition, could benefit from a more show-don't-tell approach, allowing readers to grasp the socio-political landscape through action and interaction rather than dialogue-heavy scenes.

However, the novel's epilogue stands out as its most striking part, beautifully encapsulating the emotional essence of the story. It is in these quieter, more introspective moments that "Fellow Travelers" truly shines, offering poignant insights into the human condition amidst historical turmoil.

"Fellow Travelers" is a novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven narratives set against a rich historical tapestry. However, those seeking a less politically charged read might find the emphasis on the era's political dynamics a bit daunting. It's a story of love, loss, and the sacrifices we make, set in a time when such sacrifices were all too often demanded by the world.

#BookReview #FellowTravelers #HistoricalFiction #LoveAndLoss #PoliticalDrama #1950sAmerica #Bookstagram

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Review: Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders, 2017

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lincoln in the Bardo, George Saunders, 2017

2017 Booker Prize winner Lincoln in the Bardo is a story about Abraham Lincoln and his 11-year-old son Willie Lincoln. While in the Bardo, a place between life and death, the consciousness of the deceased can still apprehend words and prayers spoken on its behalf, which can help it to navigate through its confusion and move on. Willie, who succumbed to typhoid fever, is visited by the grief-stricken Abraham Lincoln at the crypt. The supernatural characters attempt to maneuver Lincoln in a way to convince Willie to move on from the Bardo.

The book follows an experimental structure and form in how it is told. The author intersperses facts and almost-facts cited from books and news accounts in a type of pastiche dialog that tells the story. It was hard to follow at first, but once I got used to the writing style, I enjoyed the story very much. Well, at least up to halfway through the book. The second half of the book I found hard to follow. There were many ghostly characters introduced, and I often wondered who was "talking" and questioned how what was being discussed fit into the narrative as a whole.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Experimental literature, Magical Realism, Biographical Fiction

I give this book a 3.5 out of 5.

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Review: "Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan, 2021

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"Keep the enemy close, the bad dog with you, and the good dog will not bite." --Claire Keegan

One of the book's central themes is the spirit of generosity and is set in Ireland around the mid-1980s, just before Christmas. The book is a concise story of a man coming to terms with a consciousness born of his personal narrative.

Bill Furlong delivers coals throughout his community. Upon delivering to the convent (a Magdalen laundry), he uncovers abuse and is compelled to confront the complicit silences of a church-controlled town.

This compact and gripping novel is impactful, poignant, timely, and delivers a social commentary with moral clarity.

I give this book 3.75 out of 5 stars.

#HistoricalFiction #Ireland #MagdalenLaudry

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