Whilst browsing the tiny poetry section of my library, I found a slim white volume of poems with a few awards listed on the cover (Forward Prize 2020 winner, Costa Book Awards shortlist 2020). I borrowed it and it turned out to be a lovely little treat, like discovering a Werther’s Original in your coat…
The Funny Bits in Great Expectations
Great Expectations is one of Dickens’ best-loved works. It tells the story of the orphan boy Pip, and his surprise inheritance of a fortune. He is raised by his spiteful older sister and her gentle, loving husband. This book is also where their mysterious neighbour, the iconic perma-bride Mrs Havisham, makes her appearance. One thing…
Best Books to Read whilst Backpacking Latin America
Backpacking Latin America is a life-changing, wonderful, challenging, and deeply memorable experience at any age and budget. I did this several times – a solo trip at 25, with a friend at 26, with my then-boyfriend at 29, and with my now-fiancé at 31. The books I read whilst travelling are always linked in my memory…
Books for Bachata Lovers
— Bachata, Salsa and modern Latin American Diaspora books — The summer between graduating university and starting my job in London, I joined my family on a cruise. It quickly transpired that agreeing to be crammed into one room with my family for a full week was a grave mistake. The one good thing…
Achilles and Patroclus
— The Song of Achilles, the Triumph of Achilles, and the enchanting retellings of ancient Greek mythology — Madeleine Miller’s The Song of Achilles is a tender and beautiful retelling of the legend of Achilles. The son of a king and a sea-nymph, Achilles he grows up to become a warrior of legendary skill. The…
Ode to a New Library Book
Dear library book, I found you on the ‘new books’ shelf of the library, this time. Other times, I spot you lined up on a regular shelf with your old neighbours. You call out to me, and my fingers are drawn to your clean, straight pages. It feels satisfying to crack a spine. I check…