SCRIBBLE
Holly’s Recommended Lockdown Reads Property by Valerie Martin
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Property was a short novel that I was introduced to by my Year 10 English teacher. Eagar to explore new themes and genres, I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging read to such an extent, that when I came to pick a text for my A-Level English NEA, there was no other book that came into close consideration. I deemed that the lockdown would be the perfect time to begin re-reading this old favourite. From the perspective of Manon Gaudet, Valerie Martin creates an intense plot involving the events of a wife who is intelligent, yet unhappily married and incredibly bitter. Property is a short novel set in 1828 discussing the life revolving around a sugar plantation owned by Manon’s husband. Gradually, tension builds with the possibility of a slave rebellion. Martin is ungenerous and provides readers with small sections of detail through the first parts of the novel, however this particular narrative strand grows increasingly more threatening, building up to the climax. The events of the novel successfully interweave themes of marriage, racism and oppression, culture, infidelity, violence, murder, feminism and class structure. The infusion of these contrasting topics throughout the narrative ultimately creates an atmosphere of deliberate chaos as well as strife for Manon. However, although the protagonist, she is not created to be a likable character overall so readers are not necessarily routing for her success. With so many different elements, this is a novel that has given me huge insight into many different aspects that can affect people in life, as well as being a thoroughly interesting read.
5/5
Feminists Don’t Wear Pink and other lies curated by Scarlett Curtis
A book that celebrates feminism, FEMINISTS DON’T WEAR PINK and other lies is both intriguing and informative. Expressing the harsh, humorous and truthful reality of the life of a female, this is a book that I believe should be on everyone’s bookshelf. Incorporating a mixture of real-life experiences, poetry and detailed information, readers are invited to not only form opinion, but also to explore further (particularly in the section titled “our shared shelf”). There is a varied mixture that grants representation to many different women with inputs from famous females, female businesses owners and everyday women such as single mums. A section that particularly struck me as of importance was “My Feminism” written by Saoirse Ronan as I found it specifically relatable to my own life.
4/5
A Tale of Two Cities curated by Charles Dickens
Revolving around the events occurring within London and Paris in the late 18th century, A Tale of Two Cities is a classic Dickins novel that talks about life before and during the French revolution. It is a novel full of unforgiving description in true Dickins style and from this, a tone of relentless misery is achieved. With strong, dominant male leads, this novel is one that allowed me to consider different aspects of masculine differences. With Darnay being honourable there is a direct contrast and full inverse when considering the rude and unfiltered Carton. With intense language and structure, this novel is one that requires a perseverance, however the overall plot and the surprising yet satisfactory outcome makes it a worthwhile read. Finishing this novel drove me to discover more about the events occurring in France during this time.
20
3/5
