The Not So Elegant Hedgehog: a review of Muriel Barbery’s novel, “The Elegance of the Hedgehog”
Book Reviews / The Latest / translation

The Not So Elegant Hedgehog: a review of Muriel Barbery’s novel, “The Elegance of the Hedgehog”


I feel that I should start this review by saying that I have wanted to read this book for such a long time. After discovering the book, I thought that the title sounded intriguing and I had lots of people recommend the book to me, French and English speakers alike. It seemed to be a … Continue reading

Are shows like “Made in Chelsea” and “The Only Way is Essex” the modern versions of Anthony Trolllope’s works?
Book Reviews / British / Classic / Opinion Pieces / The Latest

Are shows like “Made in Chelsea” and “The Only Way is Essex” the modern versions of Anthony Trolllope’s works?


Reality T.V. seems to be a love/hate genre. There are those who think that it is completely beneath them and, then the idea of watching rich people fight and argue with each other on Semi-scripted sets ignites peoples passions. The general consensus about reality T.V. though, seems to be that it is vapid, soul-crushing, and … Continue reading

Shades of Domestic Violence in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Purple Hibiscus”
African / Book Reviews / Nigerian / The Latest

Shades of Domestic Violence in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Purple Hibiscus”


Adichie’s novel “Purple Hibiscus” is like her other novels: a close look at family dynamics with a particular focus on women and the conflict of Nigerian traditions versus the influences of the British West. I am a huge fan of Adichie’s work and I love to read the variety of female characters coming to terms … Continue reading

The question of dignity and being a ‘people pleaser’ in Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Remains of the Day”
Book Reviews / British / Japanese / The Latest

The question of dignity and being a ‘people pleaser’ in Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Remains of the Day”


It has already been said that Ishiguro’s novel is a beautiful study of Englishness. The book for me, like all of Ishiguro’s works I have read, is extremely soothing to read. Somehow, Ishiguro has a way with words that not only calms, but also excites the reader. The book spans not only six days of … Continue reading

Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” still speaks to the modern struggles of academia and the pressures to succeed
American / Book Reviews / Classic / nonfiction / The Latest

Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” still speaks to the modern struggles of academia and the pressures to succeed


I recently re-read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. The book has been a favourite of mine, but this time around I really felt the book spoke to me in a way. Academia and I have a complicated relationship. I love to study and learn, and I also love to share that knowledge with fellow … Continue reading