Books of March 2018 📚

This is going to be a new section on my blog, in which I am going to list the books I read the previous month. Because I am a postgraduate student in English Language and Literature I have a lot of reading to do. But this is always a good thing! However, not all of the books mentioned are read by me because I had to for my courses. On the contrary, I read most of them because I love literature. And I hope that you will love it too or you will love it more by reading the following books.

1. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

A great novel that will keep you at the edge of your seat. It is divided in three parts. All parts are interesting and disturbing but the third is the most disturbing of all. The descriptions are impeccable. It is like you can see the images right in front of you.

Due to themes like freedom, inequality, critical thinking and surveillance (and many more) every 21st century human being should read this one.

2. The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon

Again a book that although it was published in 1956, it is topical due to the theme of immigration.

What I loved the most is the language. A combination of standard and creole English is used in order to show the influence that immigration can have not only to the people immigrating but also to the natives of the hosting country.

At some points -maybe at most points- the novel may seem misogynistic, but keep in mind that everything is seen by the persective of black men, who are trying to be the men in a place that they are considered as inferior. Also, always try to look deeper, as there are two female characters that are setting the example for surviving in another country by retaining their cultural identity and also for defending their dignity no matter what.

3. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

An intriguing story that you won't want to stop reading until you reach the end. 

It is definitely a book that you'll have to read more than once in order to understand all the controversial statements made by Lord Henry.  

The idea of outside and inside beauty is a major theme. The protagonist, Dorian Gray will be the one who is mostly tantalised by this idea. What I love about him is that at the beginning he is youthful and carefree but, as the novel progresses and the years go by he changes and he starts to realise that his actions have consequences, even though he usually tries to avoid them by not taking responsibility. But we see him "growing" in front of our eyes and this is magical.

4. Autumn by Ali Smith

That was the first book by Ali Smith that I've read but I will for sure search for other books of hers. 

I liked the fact that the stories and the times intertwine. Although I was worried about the close relationship that was developed between a young girl and an elder man, I liked that the idea of friendship isn't concerned with age or sex but only with the love and the great influence that a person can have on another.