I read Discontent by Beatriz Serrano (translated by Mara Faye Lethem) almost two months ago (yes, catching up on reviews, so I’ll keep this brief). Anyway, the point is that when anyone asks, “Have you read anything good lately?”, this is the book I suggest. I’m not constantly thinking about it, yet it’s the book that immediately comes to mind. Because it’s funny, it’s relatable, it’s well written and it’s also sad (or perhaps poignant) in an unexpected way. Continue reading
Tag Archives: novella
Sample Saturday – books recommended by author Austin Duffy

Sample Saturday is when I wade through the eleventy billion samples I have downloaded on my Kindle. I’m slowly chipping away and deciding whether it’s buy or bye.
This week, all three books (and all are novellas) were mentioned in this interview with author Austin Duffy (whose book, The Night Interns, I enjoyed). Continue reading
Two memoirs

Not quite sure what compelled me to read these two memoirs one after the other, given that both deal with the topic of suicide (although the focus of the Toews is on her writing and how her life experiences have shaped that – those experiences include the death of her father and her sister by suicide). Anyway, it wasn’t the cry-fest I anticipated. In fact, not a tear was shed. Partly because Li has quite a different perspective on suicide than others I’ve come across, and in reading Toews, I was marvellously distracted by her plans for a wind museum. Continue reading
My Latest Listens

Misinterpretation by Ledia Xhoga Continue reading
Sample Saturday – three for my Around the World reading challenge

Sample Saturday is when I wade through the eleventy billion samples I have downloaded on my Kindle. I’m slowly chipping away and deciding whether it’s buy or bye. Continue reading
Things That Are Making Me Happy This Week

01. Thrilled to be at Hamer Hall for Wankernomics #pinchingmyself (sorry if the pic above is triggering for anyone who has worked in an organisation…). Continue reading
Novellas in November – a mixed bunch

I have been very slow to review the novellas I read for #NovNov25, so some quick reviews (and there’s still another bunch to come). Continue reading
November 2025 happened… new to the TBR stack

All year I show restraint and then November happens – Nonfiction November, Novellas in November, and German Literature Month – it usually means my TBR stack grows, although this year I have been a little more restrained. Continue reading
Two for German Literature Month
One novella and one novel (so far) for German Literature Month XV. Continue reading
Two novellas that have been on my ‘must read’ list forever

I have had both of these books on my shelf for so, so long. I wish I hadn’t waited. Both glorious in their own way. Continue reading