hxsperia

[hxsperia]

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[hxsperia]

Book review

| If We Were Villains ▪︎

| M. L. Rio ▪︎

| 10/10 ▪︎

The review may contain slight spoilers (almost none at all)

"If we were villains" by M.L. Rio is a book that may evoke a lot of extreme emotions, but that's what good literature is all about - They don't have to be just subjectively perfect. I must admit that at the very beginning the book did not captivate me. I read it with some reluctance, even though its concept itself seemed extremely interesting to me. The number of characters seemed burdensome at first, but over time you get used to it. The inserts from Shakespeare's works may be just a headache for some, but I was absolutely charmed by them, and without them the composition seems soullessly empty.

Intrigue, beautiful surroundings and stage drama. The author introduces the reader to the world of actors whose roles on stage are reflected in reality in which art intertwines with brutal truth. The whole action is narrated by Oliver as a memory from the old days, he is a character you can simply like. The text, which is divided into acts, only adds a mood that perfectly complements the story about the tragedy that took place among acting students. Someone dies, someone is guilty. Can you guess who the murderer is? You can, but it's not obvious at all. The plot twist that appears at the end is breathtaking, regardless of the reader's suspicions. Dear people who have read this book, I hope you know which line in the final act tore my heart to shreds. The feelings that the characters have for each other are so incredibly vivid and true - Full of drama and suffering and many unspoken words.

Many people consider this work to be superior in its inspiration to Donna Tartt's "The Secret History". Well, I personally don't think so. However, this book is absolutely not bad. After getting through the arduous first few chapters, I was left in tears at the very end and with a storm of emotions in my head. I recommend reading it, it's a really great text. Initial reluctance turned into my tears at the end, and books that evoke emotions are the most beautiful.

[hxsperia]

Book review

| The Secret History ▪︎

| Donna Tartt ▪︎

| 11/10 ▪︎

The review may contain mild spoilers.

"The Secret History" by Donna Tartt is a book that absolutely fascinated me with its world from the first page. Already the first few words made me realize how sophisticated the author's writing style is, and she successfully made me fall in love with her. I feel great pleasure in reading books that are written in such a thoughtful way.

At the beginning of the piece, we are greeted by the main character, my favorite unreliable narrator, Richard Papen. His way of telling the story of the murder is engaging and unique. When halfway through the book you realize that you are starting to normalize things that you shouldn't, you stop and hold your breath. You can identify with his character - seemingly normal, seemingly unremarkable, he is looking for belonging in the snobbish environment of the academic elite. He joins a Greek language class, where he meets people with whose fate he will be irrevocably linked. Charles and Camila, twins whose grotesque is both shocking and extremely interestingly thought out. Henry, whose role in the ending is able to leave the reader stunned. Is it all his fault? Francis, I seem most normal, but please remember who is telling this story. And of course poor Bunny... Do you really think he was the bad guy? Or maybe someone wants you to think that? The multitude of thoughts so satisfyingly overwhelms the reader.

My dear, I beg you, just read it. Do it a few times, after the first one you will definitely want more. That's what's wonderful about this book - One time is not enough for you to discover every secret and possible interpretation.