Book Review: Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons
Rating: 4/5

In Fair Rosaline, Natasha Solomons offers a bold and imaginative reworking of one of literature’s most iconic tragedies: Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. But rather than focusing on the doomed lovers immortalized by the Bard, Solomons shifts the spotlight to Rosaline—the often-overlooked woman who Romeo loved before Juliet. In doing so, she not only reinvents a classic narrative but also gives voice to a character historically side lined and silenced.

Set against the rich and turbulent backdrop of Renaissance Verona, Fair Rosaline begins just before the events of Romeo and Juliet unfold. The novel is told from the perspective of Rosaline Capulet, a sharp and independent young woman who, following her father’s death, finds herself vulnerable to the ambitions and desires of men around her. Her cousin Juliet, still a child in this retelling, exists more as an emblem of innocence and patriarchal control than as an autonomous heroine. Rosaline, by contrast, emerges as the true protagonist—a woman caught between duty, survival, and a search for truth in a society designed to suppress her voice.

Solomons’ prose is elegant and evocative, conjuring a vivid world filled with intrigue, danger, and unspoken rules. She skilfully balances lyrical description with emotional insight, allowing readers to fully inhabit Rosaline’s internal world. The novel’s feminist undercurrent is powerful but never heavy-handed; rather, it emerges naturally through Rosaline’s observations and experiences, particularly as she begins to question the romantic ideals that Romeo embodies.

One of the most striking aspects of Fair Rosaline is its depiction of Romeo. Rather than the lovesick poet of Shakespeare’s play, he is presented here in a more ambiguous, even predatory light. This reinterpretation is daring and, at times, unsettling—but it serves to challenge readers’ assumptions about romantic tropes and the stories we choose to elevate. It also prompts a deeper reflection on how narratives shape our understanding of agency, especially where young women are concerned.

The pacing of the novel is measured, sometimes deliberately slow, allowing for character development and thematic exploration. However, this may test the patience of readers seeking the more dramatic flair of the original play. While the reinterpretation is thoughtful, certain plot elements may feel slightly constrained by the need to mirror or subvert the Shakespearean source material. Yet these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise compelling and original work.

In conclusion, Fair Rosaline is a thoughtful and beautifully written novel that reclaims a forgotten voice from a beloved classic. With intelligence and sensitivity, Natasha Solomons crafts a story that is both timely and timeless. Though not without its flaws, it is a rewarding read that invites readers to reconsider the narratives they’ve long taken for granted. I would confidently rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent
Rating: 5/5

In Guilty by Definition, Susie Dent delivers a masterful exploration of language, its evolution, and the profound ways in which words shape our understanding of morality, culture, and identity. Best known for her role as a lexicographer and broadcaster, Dent brings her signature insight and knowledge to this compelling study of linguistic nuance and the shifting semantics of guilt.

The book’s central premise is both intellectually rigorous and surprisingly accessible: how the meanings of words—especially those associated with guilt, blame, and social judgment—have changed over time, and how those changes reflect broader shifts in societal values. Through chapters that blend etymology with cultural commentary, Dent traces the historical trajectories of words like “shame,” “sin,” “apology,” and “responsibility,” illuminating how the language of culpability evolves alongside law, religion, politics, and social norms.

Dent's writing is polished, measured, and at times unexpectedly lyrical. Her love of language shines through on every page, yet she never allows scholarly depth to obscure clarity. What might easily have become an overly academic treatise is instead transformed into a deeply engaging narrative, enriched with anecdotes, historical references, and illustrative examples from both literature and contemporary discourse.

One of the book’s great strengths lies in its relevance. In an age of online outrage, cancel culture, and heightened public scrutiny, Guilty by Definition offers a timely reflection on how the words we use to assign blame can both empower and constrain. Dent is particularly astute in examining how modern discourse often reduces complex issues into simplified binaries, and how precise, thoughtful language might offer a path toward more compassionate understanding.

What sets this work apart is its moral sensitivity. While Dent never strays from her linguistic expertise, she subtly invites readers to reflect on their own assumptions about guilt and justice. The book is not prescriptive, but it does encourage a gentler, more inquisitive approach to language—one that favors dialogue over condemnation.

The structure of the book is logical and elegantly composed, each chapter building upon the last in a way that feels both organic and purposeful. From ancient legal systems to the vocabulary of social media, Dent draws a wide and fascinating arc, demonstrating how words are not fixed artifacts but living, evolving tools of human interaction.

In conclusion, Guilty by Definition is a triumph of linguistic inquiry and cultural reflection. Susie Dent has crafted a book that is as enlightening as it is thought-provoking—a rare combination in works of non-fiction. For anyone interested in language, ethics, or the subtleties of human communication, this book is essential reading. I would unreservedly rate it 5 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Water Moon by Samantha Sotto
Rating: 4/5

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto is a lyrical and emotionally resonant novel that weaves myth, memory, and the mysteries of the sea into a deeply personal tale of love, loss, and rediscovery. Known for her atmospheric storytelling and enchanting prose, Sotto once again demonstrates her ability to craft narratives that blur the lines between reality and the fantastical, grounding them in heartfelt emotion and richly drawn characters.

The story centers around Lark, a woman grappling with grief and disconnection following the death of her fiancé. In search of solace and clarity, she retreats to a secluded coastal town—one steeped in secrets and legend. There, Lark encounters a mysterious man who claims to have no memory of who he is but whose presence stirs something long-buried within her. What unfolds is a journey not only through the external landscape of the sea and its myths, but through the internal terrain of heartbreak, healing, and hope.

Sotto’s writing in Water Moon is elegant and immersive. Her descriptions of the ocean and the ever-changing skies evoke a vivid sense of place, lending the novel a dreamlike quality that is both soothing and haunting. The pacing is gentle, allowing the reader to fully inhabit Lark’s world and emotional state, while the layering of folklore adds a rich symbolic texture to the narrative.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its emotional authenticity. Lark is portrayed with sensitivity and depth, and her grief never feels forced or melodramatic. Sotto explores the complexities of mourning and the longing for connection with a maturity that resonates long after the final page. The romantic elements are understated but powerful, gradually building in intensity and emotional weight without overpowering the central themes of self-discovery and healing.

That said, readers looking for fast-paced action or a tightly structured plot may find Water Moon more meditative than gripping. The novel’s strength lies more in its atmosphere and emotional depth than in dramatic twists or narrative urgency. While some minor characters could have been more fully developed, the focus on Lark’s inner journey ensures the story remains cohesive and purposeful.

Samantha Sotto also deserves praise for the way she interweaves Filipino cultural elements and folklore into the fabric of the novel. These touches add a unique dimension to the story and celebrate a tradition that is often underrepresented in mainstream fiction. The mythic undertones never feel gimmicky; rather, they deepen the reader’s engagement with the characters and their world.

In conclusion, Water Moon is a beautifully written, introspective novel that invites readers to linger in its pages and reflect on the tides of love and loss that shape our lives. With its poetic prose, emotional richness, and quiet wisdom, it stands as a testament to Samantha Sotto’s talent as a storyteller. I would confidently rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Everyone Brave Is Forgiven by Chris Cleave
Rating: 4/5

Chris Cleave’s Everyone Brave Is Forgiven is a poignant and evocative novel set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II. Drawing inspiration from his own family history—particularly his grandparents’ wartime correspondence—Cleave presents a deeply human narrative that explores love, loss, and moral resilience during one of history’s darkest chapters.

The novel opens in 1939 as Britain declares war on Germany. At the centre of the story is Mary North, a privileged and idealistic young woman who enlists to serve as a teacher and finds her life upended by the realities of conflict. When she meets Tom Shaw, an education administrator, and his close friend Alistair Heath, who enlists in the army, a complicated love triangle begins to unfold—one shaped as much by circumstance and trauma as by personal desire.

Cleave’s prose is elegant and richly descriptive, laced with wit and intelligence that lend levity to even the most sombre scenes. He deftly captures the atmosphere of wartime London: the devastation of the Blitz, the claustrophobic tension of bomb shelters, and the quiet courage of civilians enduring unthinkable hardship. His characters are vividly drawn, flawed, and achingly real. Mary, in particular, stands out as a fiercely determined woman whose commitment to her students and sense of justice defy social expectations.

What distinguishes Everyone Brave Is Forgiven from other wartime novels is its moral complexity. Cleave avoids romanticizing the war; instead, he presents a sobering look at the ethical ambiguities and psychological toll endured by those caught in its path. Themes of racial prejudice, class division, and disillusionment are addressed with honesty and nuance, adding depth to what could otherwise have been a conventional love story.

The novel’s structure alternates between scenes in London and the frontlines in Malta, where Alistair faces the brutality of siege warfare. These passages are some of the novel’s most affecting, offering stark contrast to the domestic dramas unfolding back home. The letters exchanged between characters serve as emotional lifelines, showcasing Cleave’s gift for dialogue and the quiet power of human connection.

If there is a weakness in the novel, it may lie in its pacing. At times, the narrative momentum slows under the weight of introspection or elaborate metaphor. Additionally, some readers may find the dialogue—clever and stylized—occasionally veers toward the theatrical. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise compelling and skilfully written work.

In conclusion, Everyone Brave Is Forgiven is a moving and beautifully crafted novel that captures both the heartbreak and heroism of ordinary lives during extraordinary times. Chris Cleave’s insightful exploration of courage, compassion, and endurance ensures the story lingers well beyond the final page. I would confidently rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Rating: 3/5

Samantha Harvey’s Orbital is a contemplative, stylistically ambitious novel that takes the reader on a journey far beyond Earth—both literally and metaphorically. Set over the course of a single day aboard an international space station, the novel follows six astronauts as they orbit the planet, offering a quiet yet intricate exploration of perspective, time, and the interconnectedness of human life.

True to Harvey’s reputation as a literary stylist, Orbital is richly introspective and often poetic. Rather than focusing on plot or action, the novel dwells in the realm of thought and observation. Each of the six astronauts reflects on life below—on personal histories, global events, and philosophical questions about the future of humanity. The station’s orbit becomes a structural and symbolic device, reinforcing the novel’s themes of distance, repetition, and fragile unity.

The writing is graceful and lyrical, often blurring the line between prose and meditation. Harvey’s descriptions of Earth, viewed from space, are particularly striking—lush, reverent, and infused with a sense of wonder. She captures both the beauty and vulnerability of our planet, reminding readers of the arbitrary lines we draw across its surface and the universality of human experience. The astronaut’s view—detached yet connected—invites a shift in consciousness that is deeply affecting, if not always easy to articulate.

However, Orbital is not a novel that will appeal to all readers. Its introspective style and lack of narrative momentum can feel elusive or even static at times. There is little in the way of conventional conflict or character development; instead, the novel unfolds as a series of internal monologues and philosophical musings. While this may appeal to those drawn to cerebral or poetic fiction, others may find it lacking in engagement or emotional immediacy.

Another point of consideration is the interchangeability of the characters. Though each astronaut is given a voice, their reflections are often similar in tone and content, which can make it difficult to distinguish between them or to feel fully invested in their individual arcs. This, in turn, affects the overall emotional impact of the novel, which, despite its ambitions, occasionally feels distant or abstract.

That said, Orbital is undeniably a thoughtful and accomplished piece of writing. It is less a novel in the traditional sense than a literary meditation—one that prompts readers to consider their place in the world and the nature of collective human responsibility. For those who appreciate philosophical depth over dramatic structure, it offers much to admire.

In conclusion, Samantha Harvey’s Orbital is an elegant and thought-provoking novel, though it may not resonate with all readers. Its introspective style and lack of conventional narrative drive are both its strength and its limitation. For its lyrical prose and thematic ambition, I would rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars.