I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Llewellyn Publications via NetGalley. Haunted Castles of England promises to take readers on a jaunt across the nation, exploring a blend of famous and obscure residences in search of the supernatural. And while the title certainly follows through on its claim, I finished the work wanting more. If you are new to reading about British castles or history, then this book is a great introduction to the manors and mansions…
Book Review: Bottled Goods
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Fairlight Books via NetGalley. I was intrigued by the premise of this book: a tale that follows Alina as she grows up in communist Romania and tries to make a life for herself. I enjoy historical fiction, and I have not read much set in Eastern Europe. I was ready to be immersed in a unique plot and different setting. What I was not ready for was the impact that…
Book Review: Cecily Neville
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Pen and Sword via NetGalley. While Cecily Neville is certainly not an obscure historical person, very little has been written to focus on her own life and the impact that it had on the course of history. This title was refreshing in that it attempted to single her out in history and focus on presenting as much we can possibly know about her. Throughout the text, Ashdown-Hill sorts through the…
Book Review: Let Me Tell You
Let Me Tell You is a collection of previously unpublished essays, lectures and short fiction by Shirley Jackson. By nature, a book like this is hard to summarize since each piece has its own unique plot or approach. The selection was edited by her children, Laurence and Sarah, with items chosen for their tone and representation of Jackson’s approach to writing. Take Aways Jackson Isn’t (Just) a Horror Writer I’ve read We Have Always Lived in a Castle and…
Book Review: See You Again in Pyongyang
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Hachette Books via NetGalley. One topic that I never cease to be fascinated by is the story of North Korea. That a nation exists in such turmoil during the modern times that we live in continues to baffle me. I have read quite a few books on the subject, from histories of the nation, to fiction that uses North Korea as a backdrop, to first-hand accounts of defectors and survivors.…