The Turn of the Screw by Henry James | Book Review

Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw is a gothic novella revolving around an unnamed young governess sent to a country house to take care of Miles and Flora, two orphans, who finds herself entangled in a rather bizarre and unsettling situation. Considered by many the “the greatest ghost story ever written”, James’ novella is … Continue reading The Turn of the Screw by Henry James | Book Review

love yourself, Galatea

My inspiration for this poem was the Pygmalion myth. Simply put, the myth revolves around a sculptor who carves an ivory statue that is the representation of his ideal of womanhood and falls in love with her. Consequently, his prayers of Galatea becoming a real woman are heard and answered and the goddess Venus brings the ivory statue to life. Essentially, the myth has a happy ending, with them marrying and having a child; however, it only has a happy ending if you are willing to look beyond certain aspects – that being, misogyny, stereotyping and false images of womanhood

The Poetry of Louisa May Alcott | Book Review

The Poetry of Louisa May Alcott is an anthology of more than 100 poems from the renowned author many of us celebrate for Little Women, which I have reviewed in the past. This anthology was sent to me by Libris in exchange for a review. Louisa May Alcott is obviously one of my favourite classic … Continue reading The Poetry of Louisa May Alcott | Book Review

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold | Book Review

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold is by far my favourite middle grade novel I’ve read this year, and that for a variety of reasons. The book follows April’s adventures on Bear Island, where she moves for a couple of months thanks to her father being offered a job to do his research in the Artic Circle. Accordingly, for the 11-year-old girl, it is the perfect occasion to explore more of what she loves - that being, nature and wildlife. On Bear Island she builds a once-in-a-lifetime type of bond with someone just as in need of love and affection as she is, a friendship most people would be jealous of, including myself.

the given heart

they were given a heart before given a thought, so they could feel our mother’s pain while tearing her to pieces, a seemingly interminable agony, yet countless blessings, too. for they were designed to bear the pains of the world, while joy resides in their bones for one eternity and even more.

American Stonehenge by Mike Goldstein | Book Review

American Stonehenge is the first book in the The Adventures of Jimmy and Andrew series by Mike Goldstein, who was kind enough to send me a copy of his novel in exchange for an honest review (thank you). The middle grade novel revolves around Jimmy, a kind-hearted nine-year-old boy who always wanted a dog, and Andrew, the apparently immortal dog Jimmy rescues from the pound.