The Last Five Books I Read
Diving into a new set of stories, I found myself immersed in an eclectic mix of novels that ranged from beautifully haunting to downright shocking. Here’s a peek at the books that have filled my recent reading hours, with a few reflections on what made each of them stand out.
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
Set in Renaissance Italy, The Marriage Portrait follows the story of Lucrezia de’ Medici, a young woman thrust into an arranged marriage with a powerful duke. O'Farrell's narrative beautifully balances history, art, and the personal struggles of a woman caught in a dangerous web of power and control.
I was absolutely captivated by this book. O’Farrell’s writing is lyrical and immersive, painting vivid scenes of 16th-century Italy with such precision that I felt like I was living alongside Lucrezia. The character development was rich, and the historical backdrop added depth to the story’s emotional core. I loved the sense of foreboding that lurked throughout, making this a haunting and mesmerizing read.
Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft
Stone Cold Fox centers on a manipulative and unapologetically ambitious woman determined to marry into wealth. I’ll be honest: this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While the premise was intriguing, the main character was wildly unlikable, making it hard for me to stay invested. There’s something to be said for a strong anti-hero, but in this case, I found myself more irritated than engaged. Still, it was an interesting exploration of power dynamics and societal expectations.
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
This dystopian novel explores a world where mothers are surveilled and judged for their parenting skills, with harsh consequences for those who fall short. It follows the story of Frida, a mother who is deemed unfit and sent to a government-run reform school for “bad mothers.”
The premise of this book was chilling. Chan paints a bleak and unsettling picture of a society where perfection is demanded from mothers, and any deviation is met with severe punishment. The emotional tension was palpable throughout, and I found myself reflecting on the pressures of modern motherhood and the unrealistic standards that society places on women. It was both thought-provoking and heartbreaking.
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s disturbing and grotesque in its portrayal of a man’s descent into madness. While I can’t say I enjoyed it in the traditional sense, I appreciated Ellis’ sharp critique of the 1980s consumer culture and the vapid excess that came with it. The dark satire and unrelenting tension made this a challenging but memorable read.
Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
This collection of short stories blends elements of horror, magical realism, and feminist themes. Machado’s writing is bold and inventive, with stories that explore the experiences of women’s bodies, desire, and identity.
I absolutely loved this collection. Machado’s writing was fresh and daring, pushing the boundaries of storytelling in ways that felt both innovative and deeply personal. The connection to “The Girl with the Green Ribbon” brought a nostalgic yet eerie undertone to the stories, while the chapter dedicated to Law & Order: SVU was a surreal and wild homage to my favorite show.