The King's Fool by Mahi Binebine

Rating:

3 Stars

Themes:

Fiction, Morocco, Historical Fiction

Thoughts:

This was a little difficult for me to read as it is a culture unlike my own and I had to keep googling things which meant I was rereading to fix the disjointedness I created by stopping but I learnt so much and am glad that I did read it. The king is a complex character with the toughness to rule being in full view when Mohamed reflects on the past but the vulnerability of a dying man shows in stark contrast as he shares the current moments with each other. I also found the contrast of all the different personalities of people in the antechamber interesting and how they got along (or not) when it came to their days and the king's favour.

Favourite Quote:

“Before harming others, hatred poisons the heart of those who harbour it, and it erodes and gnaws away at you, kills you, bit by bit.”

Comments

Shame-Sex Attraction by Lucas Wilson

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Mint and Murder by Carly Winter

Rating: Stars Themes: Short Story, Cosy Mystery Thoughts: Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I had to read this book, seeing it was available, after reading Pipers Piping and Puppies last year. I did read it as a standalone (it’s not the first time I’ve read a series out of order and likely won’t be the last) I managed to follow along fine although I’m sure I’d have understood the relationship dynamics better had I read it in the correct order. I found the story great and as for the mystery I was guessing myself right the way through until Sam figured it out. Sam is a strong female main character who feels worth investing in so I may have to go search some more of the Heywood Herbalist series out. I enjoyed seeing Sam interact with her friends as they had great chemistry and it felt real, and also really liked Sam’s interactions with Doug as it added another layer of humanity to her and reality to the town. I would love ...

Broken Glass by Sarah Kay

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Poetry Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This collection is mixed for me, some of the poems were really good and all were definitely emotive but I think so many poems on the Hamas attack and subsequent war which is highly politically charged a little difficult to tackle. Favourite Quote: "What good is it to open my heart when in the end, you will stab it in the back?"

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