Collection of book reviews: Emily’s bookshelf

There’s a lot to fall in love with in Bernardine Evaristo’s “Mr. Loverman.” The main character immediately comes across as huggable and hilarious, the plot is captivating and addictive, and the themes artfully transcend intersections that usually stand as massive roadblocks. Barrington Jedidiah Walker, referred to as Barry (unless he’s being scolded), was born in Antigua in the ’40s. Tall...

In an if-I-may-be-so-bold manner that becomes a reliable constant throughout the novel, “The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro begins with the main character contemplating his boss’s offer of a rare motoring vacation. Stevens, a true gentleman and professional butler, immediately reassures the reader that he did not, at first, take his employer’s suggestion seriously; the prospect of us...

Metaphorically, “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett is a vast ocean. The plot heaves and crashes in powerful waves that leave the reader drenched in beautiful metaphors and stinging with anticipation. One could explore the depths of Patchett’s masterpiece for years, but there would still be many treasure chests left to uncover. The plot begins when the most powerful businessmen from around the worl...

One of the most alluring aspects of Kiley Reid’s debut novel “Such a Fun Age” is the fresh and imperfect voice of 25-year-old Emira Tucker. Emira, who is African American, is an uninsured babysitter for the white Chamberlain family. Alix Chamberlain is a feminist blogger and public speaker. She seems to have the best intentions, but doesn’t always do the right thing – whether that be with her ...

Filled with moral and internal conflicts, “Three Daughters of Eve” follows Peri, a confused Muslim woman who has led nothing short of a tumultuous life. Peri attends Oxford University as a student and later lives as a wealthy housewife and mother in Istanbul. Shafak seamlessly blends together two storylines set over a decade apart. The book starts at the beginning of a regular day in Istanbul in...

In Sarah Henstra’s powerful novel “We Contain Multitudes,” trying to mix Jo and Karl together would be like trying to blend water and oil. On paper, that is. Walt Whitman influences every aspect of Jo’s life, from his vibrantly colored blazers to his everyday speech. On the other hand, Karl is a mysterious and, at times, dark ex-football player who was kicked off his team. He is the definition...