Book Mail Round-Up 💌
- The_Secret_Bookreview
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
This week's round-up of beautiful book mail!
I'm excited to begin sharing a roundup of the book mail I've received recently. I can't wait to delve into these books and share my thoughts through reviews!
The books in this week's round-up are:
Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj:
Behind You Is the Sea is a compelling debut book that offers an insightful and poignant look into the lives of Palestinian American families in Baltimore.
The book follows three main families—the Baladis, the Salamehs, and the Ammars—whose stories intersect in often surprising ways. The author brilliantly explores themes of class, generation, and religion, shedding light on the struggles faced by these immigrant families in America.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to balance humour and heartbreak, offering a rich tapestry of characters from different walks of life. The dynamics within and between the families are complex, with each member navigating their struggles, from financial hardship to cultural expectations. The characters feel deeply authentic, and their experiences resonate on a human level, particularly when addressing the challenges of intergenerational conflict.
The diverse perspectives and the way they challenge stereotypes about Palestinian culture are both thought-provoking and engaging. This is a powerful piece of storytelling that blends love, tragedy, and hope, offering a fresh and authentic narrative that stays with you long after the last page.
Thank you to the team at Swift Press for sending me a copy of this book after entering their competition!
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Old Soul by Susan Barker:
A woman who never ages. A trail of unexplained deaths. A chilling mystery that stretches across centuries.
When Jake and Mariko meet by chance, they uncover a terrifying link between their past tragedies – a mesmerising woman who appeared before both their loved ones died.
As they search for answers, they unravel a dark and relentless force that has been claiming lives for generations.
Atmospheric, unsettling, and utterly gripping, Old Soul is a masterful blend of mystery, history, and the supernatural.
A must-read for those who love eerie, thought-provoking thrillers!
Will you dare to follow the trail?
Thank you so much to Georgia and the team at Penguin General for sending me a finished copy! The book is out now and available to purchase.
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We Do Not Part by Han Kang:
We Do Not Part is a haunting and beautifully crafted narrative that intertwines the themes of friendship, memory, and trauma.
When Kyungha receives an urgent message from her friend Inseon, who has been hospitalised after a serious accident, she rushes to Jeju Island to care for Inseon’s pet bird. This journey, however, is not merely a physical one; it becomes a profound exploration of the past and the weight of history that lingers in the present.
As Kyungha battles a fierce snowstorm to reach Inseon’s home, the icy wind and swirling snow serve as metaphors for the emotional coldness and isolation that permeate their lives. Once she arrives, Kyungha uncovers the dark family history that Inseon has long kept buried.
Through dreams, memories, and meticulously assembled archives, the narrative unravels a tragic massacre that haunts the island—a poignant reminder of the scars left by historical atrocities.
We Do Not Part serves as both a tribute to the power of imagination and a call to remember the past rather than bury it. The story resonates deeply, reminding us that the echoes of history still shape our lives today.
Thank you so much to Kayla at Penguin General for sending me a finished copy of the book! The book is out now and available to purchase.
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