I had read some rather negative reviews of this novel, and so hopes weren’t high when I began. Admittedly there are some flaws with the novel; the first half seems unfocused at times in deciding what story it wants to tell, and the latter half once it decides what it’s doing sadly then disregards it’s exploration of the working class’ plight during these times. This is still a very impressive debut by Gaskell, with excellent characters, intriguing plot twists and a great power at evoking the bleakness of Manchester at the time and contrasting with Liverpool’s (at the time) prosperity. The upbeat ending is attacked by readers for being out of place with the rest, but I personally feel it is needed to prevent an overiding depression one would have otherwise on finishing. Highly recommended, and something a little different from the other novels of the time.

This was the first Dostoevsky novel I’ve read, and I feel I may have thrown myself in at the deep end. It was an incredibly well put together novel full of great characters, who are never simply good or evil, or honest or corrupt, but all things at various times. This is what comes through most in the books, Dostoevsky’s mastery of the psychology and complexity of man. It is no surprise that this is Freud’s favourite book! The two issues I personally had however were how the level of psychology and theology could sometimes bog the book down, especially during the huge speeches from the lawyers at the end. The other problem I had was not Dostoevsky’s fault. He originally planned this novel as the first in a trilogy or series of novels, but died shortly after finishing this one. He therefore expands on in minute detail many of the secondary characters in the novel, presumably as they would have featured in later novels, for nothing to come of most of them. This therefore at times sends the novel off at tangeants that can frustratingly halt the fascinating story. Despite this I still consider it a great book and respect Dostoevsky as an incredible intellectual.

I don’t really need to say much about this, but as surprsingly no one has commented on this book I’ve decided to. Currently I have read four Dickens novels (Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, Christmas Carol and now this), and this is by far the best. Having only just this minute finished it, I’m struggling to think of a more enjoyable reading experience than this. I certainly have never felt myself so totally absorbed into a book, as if I was living alongside all of the incredible and masterfully developed characters. This book just blew my away and I fear it may be a long time before I read anything of this high quality again (I hope I’m wrong)!

I feel I need to write a review to balance up the others on this page. Although I would not claim that this is a literary classic that you will compare all your future reads to, it is a very well written and interesting novel. The characters form an interesting microcosm of 1950s society on the verge of the end of repression. The idea of people hoping that immersing themselves in a seemingly idyllic retreat next to a convent, where the nuns’ pure lifestyle may rub off on them, is a fascinating concept and the unexpected fast paced ending all make for a good read. Above all this book shows that Murdoch was very intelligent and a highly skilled writer who could create stories that were enjoyable and diverting.

I tried so hard to get right the way through this, but now having got approximately 75% through this, I feel I’ve got a good enough impression of it, but can’t face getting any further. The first half was quite good being composed of reminsicences (sic?) of his childhood, balacing both humourous memories with important and sad events that made him the complicated man he was. However the second half became almost impossible to follow, and his constant references to his self-proclaimed genius became too arrogant for me personally. I know this is an important work by a huge historical figure and a very early example of autobiography, so I’m glad I attempted it and got a feel for it, but I admit defeat!

It’s always hard to have a firm opinion of a collection of short stories, as the invariably differ in quality (unless it’s a collection of stories on a theme: such as sherlock Holmes). Nightmares and dreamscapes is just such collection of greats and not-so-greats. ‘Dolan’s Cadillac’ is a brilliant opener exploring the extent a vengeful soul will go, whilst ‘the Doctor’s Case’ and ‘Umney’s Last Case’ are fantastic forays into the world of crime, displaying King’s rarely used talent of attempting any genre. However some tales such as ‘My Pretty Pony’ and ‘It Grows On You’ are dull and ultimately pointless. Worth reading, but unfortunately not consistent.

This book is a must read because it gives us probably the most accurate and also unusual glimpses we’ll ever get of live during World War I. There is almost no descriptions of fighting, or the thrill of battles. Instead what we get is a brutally honest (and often surprisingly coarse) account of life in the trenches and in small bombed towns, waiting for the next attack. We follow Bourne and his fellow privates trying to get alcohol, trying to avoid dull duties and parades and generally ruminating on the horror of war. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but personally I was fascinated.

This is without doubt one of the best books I’ve read. Although a long book, it never seems it due to the pace of the writing and Elliot’s brilliant skill in creating chapters which always make you wish to read more. This book has everything you could want; fascinating characters, gripping plot, beautiful style and memorable dialogue and narrative.

This is the first Edith Wharton novel I’ve read, and it has certainly inspired me to read more. A great mix of classic romaticism from the century before and cynicism of the century to come.

An absolutely cracking book. Phenomenal characters, events and location. Sadly it slightly dips three-quarters of the way through before picking right back up again, rising to one of the best endings I’ve ever had the pleasure to read