Drama & Literary
Latest Drama Reviews
The Sunrise Sisterhood
Cathy Bramley
Drama Novel
Standalone
Our review: Ideal for anyone who can relate to being a sister or an aunt of grown-up nieces. A lovingly written, summer drama that keeps moving forwards with humour and a happy ending.
Ideal novel for reading on holiday by the pool.
The Exhibitionist
Charlotte Mendelson
Drama Novel
Standalone
Our review: Despite the slow pace it’s worth a read for the writer’s very acute observations of family dynamics, flaws and motivations. Ray, the narcissistic father was all too real and I’m afraid I wanted to shake the other characters at times.
The Times Novel of the Year 2022
Good if you want to read about narcissists.
The Mad Women’s Ball
Victoria Mas
Drama, paranormal Novel
Standalone
Our review: Scenes, moods and thoughts are encased in succinct and sophisticated narrative. Set in historical Paris and partly based on shocking events related to mental health. With a sprinkling of paranormal which feeds the moody atmosphere this is a novel you won’t regret reading. Also now a movie.
Thought-provoking whilst still lightly entertaining.
The Queen’s Gambit
Walter Tevis
Drama Novel
Standalone
Our review: Refreshing coming-of-age drama for a broad audience. Beautifully written and entirely reflective of 1950’s 1960’s America featuring a young girl’s graceful mission to find her place in life.
The TV series follows the book quite closely.
You don’t need to know chess to enjoy!
Latest Literary Reviews
The Librarian Of Auschwitz
Antonio Iturbe
Literary Novel
Standalone
Our review: A poignant novel based on a true story and offering insight and a different perspective into the ‘family camp’ at Auschwitz.
Antonio Iturbe is a talented writer and his succinct and fresh writing style remains pacey until the end.
Heart-breaking but heart-warming.
Rush Home Road
Lori Lansens
Literary Novel
Standalone
Our review: Brilliantly written with mindful observations of characters’ experiences. An elderly woman is prompted to reflect on her challenging past when her neighbour’s little girl comes to live. Set in 1920’s & 1970’s Canada with aspects of the Underground Railroad woven in.
Character-centric with an interesting and rare storyline.
The Bell Jar
Sylvia Plath
Literary Novel
Standalone
Our review: Set in 1950’s America. Profound but relatable even after several decades have past.
Exquisite writing that summons the turmoil and beauty of another human with candid insight.
A story that will stay with you.
Yellowface
Rebecca F. Kuang
Literary Novel
Standalone
Our review: Very up to date subject matter and aids reflection.
From a purely entertainment perspective it is enjoyable to read but you may not find yourself warming to the main protagonist.
The hype is a little OTT.
Classed as literary which it might be in thirty years given the subject matter.
