A Literary Tea Party by Alison Walsh
An amazing, deliciously sweet book that will brighten the tea time of every book lover.
A Literary Tea Party brings the foods of classic books to light and gives you enough recipes to spice up any bookish time. You're taken on a trip from stories and fairytales through dishes and desserts: Turkish Delight and Hot chocolate from the Narnia Chronicles, Gingerbread from Little Women, Drink Me Tea and Painted Rose Cupcakes from Alice in Wonderland, Delicious Death chocolate cake from Agatha Christie's Murder is Announced, amongst others. Fifty-five recipes that will brighten any tea time and/or book club meeting.
I loved this little book and even tried a few recipes. They are easy to follow and the instructions are written in a simple and direct way. Reading through them, I felt the need to read the books again. It gives out a sense of nostalgia and cosiness. In each page, beautiful photographs and quotes from the classics give a sense of magic.
This is a must-have in any book lovers' collection right between the classics and the cookbooks.
​Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Skyhorse Publish and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
Manga Classics: The Count of Monte Cristo by Crystal S. Chan (Story Adaptation), Nokman Poon (Art) & Alexandre Dumas
Once again, a brilliant adaptation of the original into a Manga Classic! It keeps the dramatic atmosphere and the gripping suspense of the most complex classic revenge story.
This is the story of a young man that had a bright life ahead of him. He was to become captain of his own ship, marry the love of his life and save his father from poverty. Until, on his wedding day, he's arrested for a crime he didn't commit and is sent to an isolated prison with no contact with the outside world. After digging into the cell next door, he becomes friends with an old man that helps him discover the truth about his arrest and carefully plans his revenge. Giving invaluable information about a hidden treasure, the old man teaches Edmond everything he knows. As the years' pass, Edmond Dantes is a changed man with a single goal in life: make the people that betrayed him suffer as he did and take everything from them.
A masterpiece that still gives me pleasure in reading. It's a complex story full of betrayals, murder, blackmails and hidden businesses.
The story is engaging and the complexity of the plot is addictive. Much like the original, the manga was able to keep the same emotion and suspense that defines this French classic in 400 pages. In end, it motivated me to read the translated version of the original again.
The story has been shortened quite a bit but Crystal was able to keep all the important details that keep the story attached and that leave no loose strings. The plot follows the story of the Count and his path to execute his revenge. This is the perfect book for the readers that don't want to go through the 1000-page original.
The style of writing is faithful to the translated copy but the language is simplified in certain scenes. I imagine that it's for the reader to be able to fully understand the story.
There is a big number of characters in the manga and for me, it was easy to recognise who is who. The designs are unique to each character, going from facial expressions to the dressing details. I've read the novel before and the drawing of these characters go in line with the way I imagined them.
The visuals are captivating and beautifully created. There is a special attention to detail; from the dresses and the suits to the prison itself and Edmond's home. I could hear the noises in the street and walk around in this world. It definitely pulls the reader in and doesn't let go until they fall in love with the story and this reality.
I highly recommend this adaptation to both readers that already know the original story and those that didn't read it yet.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Udon Entertainment, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
​Since two weeks ago was Banned Books Week, I finally got around to read this classic a second time and to actually review it. This tale of determination, the cruelty of Man and thirst for freedom is a masterpiece but also difficult to read, in my opinion.
When I wrote before that the novel was difficult to read, it's the same reason why I can't give it five stars. Even though Jack London only portrayed the reality of the time of the "Gold Rush", the cruel acts and treatment those dogs suffered made me feel revolted with Man; and emotional for the impact of Man's negative actions. In some parts, it was a struggle to keep reading. For me, it was more difficult to read it now as an adult than before as a teenager.
"The Call of the Wild," tells the story of Buck, a St Bernard that is taken from his home to work in the Alaskan wild. It's a tale of endurance, determination, courage and self-discovery.
It's an impressive novel that is full of moral lessons and life teachings: the survival of the strongest, the power of the strong over the weak, man against nature, life is hard and unfair sometimes and that even though we're bonded to the rules imposed by society, there is a craving for freedom. These are only a few points that I singled out, the ones that marked me the most. One of the best qualities of this book is that every element in it contributes to the design of a bigger picture, but it still gives enough freedom to the reader to interpret them as they will. The violence and brutally expressed in the pages is painful and yet an eye opener for the abuse of power that we're still confronted within society nowadays. The thirst for progress, the need to have more, to be better than anyone else is the drive of a society that will stop at nothing to have what they judge as necessary but at the same time, it idealizes nature.
The story-line is solid but very harsh and brutal; it got a bit hard to read sometimes. Man proves to be the cruellest of all animals and the most greedy of them all. The reader is taken on a journey of feelings of despair, hopelessness and suffering that ends with the small light of hope at the end of the tunnel.
Though it may seem that this is the story of a simple dog, the reader will walk with him in his journey and harsh life where, with will, strength and determination, he ends up becoming the pack leader of a wolf pack in the wilderness of Alaska. Buck is a brilliant main character that shows qualities that we humans tend to value and respect: he is loyal to a fault, courageous and determinate to life even though he doesn't know if the pain will ever end. He proves throughout the book that, even though he battled against savage events that scarred him, his spirit remained unbroken.
The picture that Jack London created with this novel is that hope remains even in the hardest of times and sooner or later, things will get better. A truly inspiring tale that I highly recommend to readers of all ages.
I read this book many years ago while I was still in high school and it still gives me goosebumps to know how it represents society still. This classic dystopian novel is one of the most famous of its time and an absolute must-read.
This little book tells the story of the rebellion of the farm animals against the farmer Mr Jones, the culprit of their slavery system and poor conditions. The initial idea is to rule the farm themselves as equals. When the farmer is overthrown, problems start to rise when the pigs gain a taste for power and quickly follow a totalitarian regime in which only the brightest animals (aka pigs) can rule.
The style of writing and the language used by Orwell are absolutely amazing. Satire and sarcasm are used perfectly to describe and criticize the political and social systems, along with the personification of the animals which represents the different social classes.
I don't think that Orwell is simply referring to the totalitarian regimes but all the systems in general. Every single system has people that think themselves above all others and above the rules, maybe because they had a better education or come from a line of influential people or even because they have more monetary stability than others. Orwell describes perfectly the consequences of jumping into a system based on the illusion of justice and just how easy it is to manipulate people into believing it. This point is made stronger when the animals created their "Seven Commandments", a set of rules to ensure equality amongst all animals. A fake sense of security and liberty is given, and as all the animals trust the power of these commandments, they fail to see how easily the pigs evade them and reverse them until it's too late. The lesson: intelligence and power are a very dangerous mix. Furthermore, the reference to propaganda and the brainwashing typical of the dictatorship is very well represented right there. In the end, the pigs quickly take the place of the farmer. It shows that people don't learn from their past and keep making the same mistakes over and over again.
Orwell shows the danger of blindly and superficially believing in leaders not realising that words and actions can be changed or reversed just as easily as they are said or done. He shows how ignorance and a fake sense of security create the illusion that freedom is permanent and unchangeable, and how serious the consequences may be.
A great book that sends many wise messages that everyone should read at least once.
Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility by Stacy King (Story Adaptation), Po Tse (Art) & Jane Austen (Original Story)
Like all the other great classic adaptations, this one is no exception. Jane Austen is a genius of her time and this manga definitely makes her justice!
The storyline of Sense and Sensibility is widely known. A low-class family of three sisters have their lives turned upside down when their father dies prematurely, leaving his fortune to his next male relative. Their story takes place in the 17th century England, where the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, will learn about love, heartbreak, secrets in a time where appearances, fortune and good matches are key for a positive future.
This manga is simply beautiful. The adaptation is great, keeping not only the main events of the novel but also details that made me reconnect with these beautiful and courageous women. The drawings are also beautifully made. I could definitely feel the chemistry between Elinor and Edward and Marianne and Mr Willougby and Coronal Brandon. I could see the emotions in each character and for me, they were really nicely represented. The details on the dresses, the carriages and the house interiors were amazing to see and it really helped to get into the story.
I have loved every single Manga Classic so far and I'm very excited to see which classic is coming next!
Thank you to Udon Entertainment and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Whole Art of Detection: Lost Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes by Lyndsay Faye
Lyndsay Faye is absolutely perfect in capturing the essence of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This novel is perfect and it fills the gaps between the original stories very well. I'm very happy that I got to read an advanced copy!
The Whole Art of Detection: Lost Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes is a collection of short stories written by Dr Watson about his dear friend and world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes. The novel is divided into three parts: "Before Baker Street", "The Early Years" and "The Return and Years Later", giving a glimpse of the past of this extraordinary mind and the years until his death at the Reichenbach Falls.
I loved every minute of this reading, couldn't put it down, couldn't stop feeling astonished of the depth and pure brilliance of the author. I could hear the voice of Jeremy Brett, the great Sherlock of 1984 to 1994. Faye captures all that defines Doyle and Sherlock, from the immaculate Victorian style of writing, the characters, the complexity of the plots and the perfect power of deduction that are so known in the stories of Sherlock Holmes. I couldn't possibly pick one or two favourite stories, every single one of them in particular, unique and addictive. Other famous characters also join the plots, like Mycroft Holmes and Inspector Lestrade.
I really enjoyed reading the growth of Dr Watson in the stories, from the newbie side-kick to an essential part of the mystery-solving business. I always enjoyed reading his perspective of Sherlock and how he tries to define him, ending up being surprised by the others actions or words that remind him of his friend's humanity.
I can say with all heart that Lyndsay Faye did a spectacular job in continuing the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, filling in the gaps with information that all Sherlock fans will appreciate. I highly recommend this novel to all the fans of Mr Holmes!
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Mysterious Press. and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
Manga Classics: Les Misérables by Stacy King (English Script), SunNeko Lee (Art), Crystal S. Chan (Adaptation) & Victor Hugo (Original Story)
I'm not a fan of romantic tragedies but Les Misérables is a classic that needs to be read at least once for the people that studied literature, which was my case. I read it during my bachelor degree and I didn't like it at all, it was a long, boring read. Still, in the end, I was able to appreciate the magnificent style of one of Victor Hugo's finest works. Like all the manga classics I've read so far edited by Stacy King, I wasn't disappointed and I was actually able to like the story of Les Misérables. The story is well known if not for the play, for the films. The 19th-century tale, centres on Jean Valjean a peasant released from the galleys after 19 years of imprisonment and his path to becoming a wealthy man and a better person. It's a story about unconditional love, tragedy, second-chances and redemption.
The manga adaptation has a length of 350 pages and the original story is very well adapted just like all the previous ones. For someone that wants to know the story of Les Misérables, I definitely recommend this adaptation. The drawings match perfectly the dark atmosphere of 19th century France with the coldness and cruel reality of the period but also the light that comes with hope and redemption. All the emotions of the original novel are there and for me, it was even more emotional since it's not just descriptions but illustrations as well.
A moving story that shows the dark parts of French society for those that weren't born with privileges and that suffered the injustice of society and life. Valjean that was arrested for 19 years for stealing bread to feed his family; Francine, abandoned by the man she loved to face the judgement of society for having an illegitimate child, only to die after a battle that she could never win.
A beautiful classic adaptation of a classic made simple with all the emotions of its original. I highly recommend it!
Manga Classics: Jane Eyre by Stacy King, Crystal S. Chan (Story adaptation), SunNeko Lee (Art) & Charlotte Brontë
I keep repeating myself, I'm pretty sure a blogger should get a bit more creative but I think I'm justified in my choice of words. So here goes: Another brilliant adaptation of one of the most famous classics of English literature: Jane Eyre. I've read the original once a long time ago and by the time I finished with the manga adaptation I wanted to run and read it again.
The novel follows the life of young Jane Eyre, an orphan with a cruel and abused childhood. When she is cast out by her aunt, Jane is sent to a charity school where she receives an education under a very strict regime. Years later, she finds a job as a governess at the Rochester estate. Three months after she starts, Jane meets the cold and mysterious Edward Rochester, the owner of the estate. Slowly they begin to bond but a secret threatens to ruin everything, both the reputation and the life of Miss Eyre. Will she be able to follow her heart and be with the man she loves or will she lose him?
This is a story about facing fears and life no matter what comes your way, not letting traumatic experiences define you. It's about determination, the power to follow dreams and above all, it's about the courage to face the world and to stay faithful to ourselves under every circumstance.
Jane Eyre is a brilliant character, a strong, intelligent woman that knows the boundaries set by her social class but still manages to answer politely, crossing the line with grace and pure wit.
The adaptation is once again incredible. The drawings transmit the simplicity of the characters but still manage to convey emotion.
Can't wait to read more!
Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter by Stacy King, Crystal S. Chan (Story Adaptation), SunNeko Lee (Art) & Nathaniel Hawthorne
A classic represented perfectly in another great manga adaptation. Even though I'm not a fan of dramas, I read the Scarlet Letter in my Bachelor and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
The original novel takes place in Puritan Boston in the 17th century. A young woman, Hester Prynne, stands accused of adultery. Her husband, a scholar much older than her is claimed as dead and while waiting for his return Hester takes a lover and has a child fruit of that affair. Refusing to name the identity of the father, Hester's punishments are to carry a scarlet letter A on her breast and public shaming. Amongst the crowd, Hester's missing husband, calling himself Roger Chillingworth, observes and swears to take revenge on the unknown man that ruined both their lives.
Once again the artwork is amazing and it represents perfectly the emotions and the meanings of the original novel. The adaptation is perfect, the characters have depth and all the emotions that I felt when I read The Scarlet Letter for the first time, resurfaced. I could practically see the tension between Hester's husband and lover! Hester proves to be a very strong and passionate female character. She endures her punishment and after she is banished from the Boston community, she makes intelligent and accurate observations on the social behaviour that makes this period of history. Roger Chillingworth is, for me, the villain of this story. His thirst for revenge and his obsession make him a very dangerous character. I think of him as being arrogant and self-absorbed. Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, Pearl's father, it's not the strongest male character. The young theologian is tormented both physically and psychologically by his sin of having an affair with Hester.
I really liked the original novel and its depth and this brilliant adaptation deserve all its 5 stars! Can't wait to read more Manga Classics!
Manga Classics: Great Expectations by Stacy King, Crystal S. Chan (Story Adaptation), Nokman Poon (Illustrations) & Charles Dickens
I'm going to be honest: I really really don't like Charles Dickens. There, I've said it. I had to read Hard Times and Great Expectations for a university course and, until today, they were probably the two novels that took me the longest to finish. However, I absolutely loved the adaptation to Manga. Congratulations to Stacy King, Nokman Poon and Crystal Chan for another brilliant Manga Classic!
Great Expectations tells the story of Pip, a boy from the low class that is given the opportunity to have a better life. With his chance, he discovers that power and money can change a person and is reminded that the past can always come back to haunt you. It's a timeless tale of opportunities, mystery, love, redemption and second chances.
Here is my deal with Charles Dickens: I like the stories but his style of writing is too tedious for me. In this brilliant manga adaption, the story is made simple and very enjoyable. For someone that hasn't read the novel before the story is very understandable and easy to follow. I'm very glad that there is a limit of pages per adaptation even though the story loses a bit of its depth, but I think the idea is to make the story more accessible to all ages.
The art is simply breathtaking. The dress designs are very beautiful and pleasant to look at and the facial expressions of the characters are very well developed. I could feel the emotions of each scene from the drawings and the different atmospheres from the different places in the novel. I especially liked the manor of Miss Havisham and the dusty darkish room she is in, and I think it represents perfectly the state of her life and her unhappiness.
My favourite character was and still is Estella. For me, she is the representation of how one is the fruit of their education, of the culture they receive since very young. She was taught how to hide her feelings, to be someone other than who she could become without the toxic influence of Miss Havisham. Pip is also a great character; I like his development as a character. With him, I think the lesson is you should never forget where you come from because those are the first pillars of your character. In the end, he becomes a better person because he remembers that and manages to break free of the culture of appearances of high society.
The first adaptation that actually made me appreciate the genius of Charles Dickens!
​​Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Udon Entertainment, and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.