The Devil in the Flesh
It’s a story mostly told in clandestine meetings, burning letters, and obvious consequences that lead to a predictable end.
All Book Reviews
Hargrave reads voraciously and diversely — mostly antiquarian and classic books in translation. These are her book reviews.
While she reads more books than she could possibly write about, she does consistently post weekly reviews. New reviews are posted on Mondays.
Looking for one of the books that have been reviewed? Want to find some vintage treasures of your own? Second-hand and used books are unique and eco-friendly, and can be found at your local independent bookseller. If you’re looking for an American bookseller, you can check here. UK booksellers can be found here.
If you’d prefer to buy books online, many vintage and rare editions can be found at ThriftBooks.
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All Book Reviews
My Father and Myself
The moment real adulthood begins is when you look at the grown-ups around you and realize that they are people and they may not always know what’s best for you or understand your experience.
Death in Venice
What I did enjoy about Death in Venice was how oppressive Mann manages to make the atmosphere of the plague-ridden city.
Motion Sickness
Like the narrator, the novel wanders between past and present and often between locations themselves.
Motel Chronicles
I was drawn to playwright Sam Shepard’s Motel Chronicles because I have a love of photos and descriptions of old motels.
Suzanne and Louise
Guibert’s aunts were a major part of his life and offer him comfort that his parents cannot when he gets sick. In them, he can see his own end of life.
Forbidden Notebook
Forbidden Notebook is a testament to repeating patterns that keep women down and prevent them from being who they truly want to be or even seeing themselves as people at all.
The Fate of Mary Rose
I first encountered her writing in McNally’s re-issue of The Stepdaughter, and I loved how Blackwood could pack so many layers into such a short novel. So I was excited to try another of her books..
Walking Through Clear Water in a Pool Painted Black
One of the best parts of the collected editions like this (especially when they’re arranged chronologically) is that you can follow Mueller through her life and watch her evolve as a writer.
Seduction and Betrayal
Literary criticism is a bit off of the beaten path of what I normally review, but when I find a volume that really complements my reading, then I make an exception.