Petrina Binney's Blog, page 16
May 22, 2021
Book Review – Bacchanal by Veronica G Henry
Book Review – Bacchanal by Veronica G Henry
First published, 1st June 2021 – I know, get me
Something wicked is travelling with a touring carnival in Depression-era America. Among the stilt walkers, oddities and games of chance, is a red trailer that almost no one is allowed inside, and it has piqued the interest of new carnival-worker and animal communicator/trainer, Liza.
Having been deserted by her parents and torn away from her sweethearted little sister, Twiggy, Liza joins the carnival to practise her skill, because talking to animals is all well and good – as long as they survive. But as friendships develop and with romance in the air, will Liza ever get back to Twiggy? And will she find out what’s happening in the red trailer before another child disappears?
I really enjoyed this debut novel from Veronica G Henry. The characters are well-drawn, the story is rich and complex, and the writing is strong.
I especially liked strongman, Bombadier. I won’t throw out any spoilers here, but this description was a delight:
“He had not been a shy man, even then. His tongue wielded his strongly accented French English and Wolof like an invitation to a world in which he was the center, the light, the opening and closing attractions. He’d fallen in easily with the other men, while she – the American – was seen as the strange one. But it was his smile, his deep throaty laughter, that had won her over.”
71% in, Chapter Thirty-One, Reckonings, Bacchanal by Veronica G Henry
I wasn’t sure I would like it to begin with, on account of some of the more famous and binge-watched depictions of carnivals that have cropped up on television in recent years (I’m thinking particularly of American Horror Story: Freak Show, which I adored). However, this book holds its own admirably. There are some beautiful descriptions and every time I thought I knew what was coming next, I was dead wrong.
May 11, 2021
Book Review – The Frost Eater by Carol Beth Anderson
Book Review – The Frost Eater by Carol Beth Anderson
First published, 2020
In The Frost Eater, we get to know the far off, Earth-like planet and people of Anyari. Having colonised the planet, many millions of the people of Anyari died after an apocalyptic event known as The Day. Since that time, some of the colonists have developed magical powers. Some can create and throw snow and ice – the Frost Eaters, some can shoot fire – Ash Eaters, others can throw vines, or fly, among other amazing talents.
But when the King’s daughter, Princess Ulminora (known as Nora), who just happens to be a Frost Eater, forms an unlikely friendship with royalty-hating Krey, who has the power of frost and flight, they set off in search of his missing, possibly kidnapped, girlfriend. And if they just so happen to find Nora’s missing best friend at the same time, so much the better.
But what neither of them can know is how much they’ll come to depend on magical beings, angry armed trogs, and how deeply one of them will be let down by all they ever knew before.
What a wild ride. The writing was smart, the characters well-drawn, and the story flowed really well. I did get fed up with the massive chip on Krey’s shoulder, but that is not to take anything from the writing. His irritation and deep distrust all fits with his experience and his character, I just got annoyed with him. Besides, he did get a good telling-off pretty early on:
“‘Krey West, do you know how old you are?’
‘Uh—’
She pointed at him emphatically. ‘You are a seventeen-year-old magic eater with the talent of a forty-year-old and the judgment of a toddler.’“
4% in, Chapter 2, The Frost Eater by Carol Beth Anderson
Damn right, Aunt Min. The story is well-crafted, with moments of deep pathos, sweet humour and a very satisfying finish.
Recommended.
May 9, 2021
Book Review – A Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraqib
Book Review – A Little Devil In America by Hanif Abdurraqib
First published, 2021
In A Little Devil In America, poet and essayist, Hanif Abdurraqib explores the impact of Black culture in America and the importance and vitality of Black people as part of, and also somehow separate from, the American dream.
The writing is stunning. Powerful, poetic and enthralling. I loved it from start to finish. I think I liked it even more because it didn’t need me to like it. As a little white woman in England, my understanding of American culture is limited to what I see on television and hear in the charts, but there were so many moments in this book, which I will cherish moving forward.
“I am afraid not of death itself, but of the unknown that comes after. I am afraid not of leaving, but of being forgotten. I am in love today but am afraid that I might not be tomorrow. And that is to say nothing of the bullets, the bombs, the waters rising, and the potential for an apocalypse. People ask me to offer them hope, but I’d rather offer them honesty. Black people get asked to perform hope when white people are afraid, but it doesn’t always serve reality. Hope is the small hole cut into the honest machinery. The milk crate is still a milk crate, but with the right opening, a basketball can make its way through. If I am going to be afraid, I might as well do it honest. Arm in arm with everyone I love, adorned in blood and bruises, singing jokes on our way to the grave.”
P247, Fear: A Crown, A Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraqib
Just stunning.
The shout-outs to various figures in popular culture were profound and beautiful. The whole piece is written with pathos and unexpected humour, and in such a strong, rich voice, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
May 7, 2021
Book Review – Home In A Snowstorm by Ava Kelly (Iqarus Book Con)
Book Review – Home in a Snowstorm by Ava Kelly
First published, 2017
What a lovely story. Daniel Wu is a school teacher, looking to spend another Christmas at home, with only his books for company, and his heating has gone out. As the snow starts to fall, he finds himself assigned transport detail, and has to take little Abby Weber (Wednesday Addams fan, and an excellent character) home to her father.
Jeff Weber is a very hardworking single father. Unable to work at his construction company, due to a broken leg, Jeff is a good dad with a magnetic personality.
Having dropped off the little one and brought some wood in from the pile, Mr. Wu heads home, but will a sliding car and a five day flurry lead to romance?
Such a sweet story. I loved getting to know the characters, the writing was excellent – restrained but powerful – and surprisingly humorous in places. I really enjoyed this short from Ava Kelly and will look forward to reading more from them.
May 6, 2021
Attention, world – I’m reading on Saturday!
Did you miss the news? No. I refuse to believe it.
Really? Well then, here goes, folks:
I’m going to be giving a reading, live on the internet.
That’s right. Watch me trip over my words, laugh at my own jokes and explain an inexplicable accent to the whole wide world – going live at 10pm (UK time) on Saturday 8th May. That’s this Saturday, folks.
If not for me, watch for the other talented writers I’ve been reviewing these last few days. See how it all makes sense?
And check out all the wondrous stuff that’s happening around the Iqarus Book Convention by tapping it into your preferred search engine, and setting a reminder on YouTube.
Wish me luck!
Book Review – The Taking of Stonecrop by E. D. E. Bell (Iqarus Book Con)
Book Review – The Taking of Stonecrop by E. D. E. Bell
First published, 2014
The Taking of Stonecrop follows the story of Princess Byrn. Exiled from castle life by her nasty-piece-of-work brother, Princess Byrn must find her way in the world with little hope and few friends. However, when faced with a choice between her own survival and the well-being of the people of Fayen, she soon finds she is not alone.
What a lovely piece of writing. I really enjoyed this novella by E. D. E. Bell which, I understand, leads into the epic fantasy novel, Spireseeker. Another one for the TBR list. If you like a good yarn with tonnes of adventure and high stakes, I can recommend The Taking of Stonecrop.
A favourite moment for me was as follows:
“Then she swore under her breath, the sort of unnecessarily vulgar thing that served no purpose other than to horrify proper folk. But, she admitted to herself, it made her feel momentarily better. She glanced around, wondering if any forest animals had heard her.”
9% in, Part 1 – The Royal River, The Taking of Stonecrop by E. D. E. Bell
May 5, 2021
Book Review – Through The Dark Clouds by Ada Maria Soto (Iqarus Book Con)
Book Review – Through the Dark Clouds by Ada Maria Soto
This edition published, 2019
In Through the Dark Clouds, we learn the wartime story of Canadian John. Not being eligible to join up, due to a leg deformity, John lives in a boarding house, ignoring his meals, failing to light a fire, and watching the world from his window. Although ’tis the season, his Christmas spirit is overseas, with his lover and former childhood chum, Robert.
At turns heartbreaking and soothing, I loved this short story. It’s beautifully written, the imagery is a delight and the characters are very well observed.
“A heavy knock rattled his thin door. John knew it would be Mrs. Bruce on the other side. She always knocked the same way; two knocks loud enough to raise the dead, or at least drunks late on their rent, then a third little knock like an apology to the innocent.”
14% in, Through the Dark Clouds by Ada Maria Soto
Stunning.
May 4, 2021
Book Review – The Ugliest Sweater by Gillian St Kevern (Iqarus Book Con)
Book Review – The Ugliest Sweater by Gillian St Kevern
First published, 2015
Dan has an ugly Christmas sweater. In fact, it’s so ugly, it’s cost him a relationship. But someone who’ll dump you over knitwear is not someone to keep and so, as Dan takes a break from his work at the gym, he goes for a coffee and can’t help but feel stared at. Because everyone is staring.
Luckily, this includes the snake-hipped and rather gorgeous, Jake, a local radio DJ with a rock and roll physique and a fascination for the kitsch. And he can’t stop staring at Dan.
What follows is a rather romantic M/M story which I really enjoyed. The characters were well-rounded and the writing was tight and funny.
I knew I was going to like it from the first line:
“‘Absolutely not.” Aston stood in the kitchen doorway, wearing Abercrombie and Fitch and an expression of disgust.
Dan looked over his shoulder and swallowed. ’Morning,’ he started.
‘Don’t ‘morning’ me.’ Aston’s eyes flashed.
Dan had spent the week psyching himself up for this, but he still took a step back. When riled, Aston could be very sarcastic.
‘Have you lost your goddamn mind?’
’That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?’ Dan looked down at himself. ‘It’s only a sweater.’”
Chapter One, The Ugliest Sweater by Gillian St Kevern
May 3, 2021
Book Review – The Reunion by M. D. Neu (Iqarus Book Con)
Book Review – The Reunion by MD Neu
First published, 2017
Every year, Teddy goes to a reunion in his hometown, and every year they have less time.
Having returned home after his relationship imploded, leaving his ex-husband and son to live in his recently deceased mother’s house, Teddy has been the local flavour in his small town. Teddy is fabulous. Unapologetic and true to himself, he gradually makes friends with the slightly dubious townsfolk and looks after them at his hair salon.
But, when fabulous lady of the manor, Kasandra, has a meteor-shower-viewing party at her gorgeous home, the townsfolk have no idea of how completely their lives are about to change.
There’s a great scene where Teddy first gets back to town and the local traffic cop is trying to write him a ticket for slowing the traffic.
“She cleared her throat. ‘Man, you look different.’
‘Five-inch heels and a pink feather boa will do that.’
Casey busted out laughing. ‘Not to mention that big black hair. Oh, honey, you wear it well.’
‘You know it, girly-girl. This big queen knows how to dress for travel and comfort.’ Teddy snapped his fingers.
‘Excuse me. If you two don’t mind.’ Greg held out a ticket.
‘Don’t be a dick, Greg,’ Casey said. ‘Look, if you tear that thing up, I’ll put a good word in for you with Lisa. She’s new enough to town not to know you’re a special kind of stupid.’”
19% in, Chapter Two, The Reunion by MD Neu
It’s a glamorous, fabulous, emotional piece of writing, with just a shade of Day of the Triffids, which I very much enjoyed.
Highly recommended.
[image error]May 2, 2021
Book Review – Nate and the New Yorker by Kevin Klehr (Iqarus Book Con)
Book Review – Nate and the New Yorker by Kevin Klehr
First published, 2017
In Nate and the New Yorker, we meet Nathan: an Australian on a European holiday with best friends and workmates, Lucy and Ben. While Ben works his way through the men of Europe and Lucy bemoans the lack of action when they keep visiting gay bars, Nathan makes enthusiastic noises over his food.
While sitting, eating goulash and being ‘entertained’ by the appalling strains of a violin above, along comes handsome American, Cameron. The spark between him and Nathan is instantaneous and Nate’s last night in Europe might well be his best… until Cameron’s butler appears, reminding him of a busy schedule the next day.
And that might have been the end of it. However, what develops is a beautiful, international, cat-and-mouse of a relationship and a brilliant twist in the tale which left me breathless.
“Strange violin music came from above. As I glanced up at the tinny speaker, the middle-aged waitress who looked as if she should cut down on sampling the food sidled up to me.
‘You like?’
She pointed to the speaker.
I wanted to say it sounded like someone was murdering that musical instrument, but I decided to keep my mouth shut.
‘My son. He practice music. Good, eh?’ The three of us nodded. ‘I make louder.’ She marched away proudly.”
3% in, Chapter One, Nate and the New Yorker by Kevin Klehr
Excellent.
