Caitlin's Bookcase

Hello rats, I’m back serving more Sarah Waters, due to the simple fact that I believe her existence to be God’s gift to the universe. This review is for her debut, ever-popular book Tipping The Velvet and let me tell you now: I went in with high expectations and was not at all disappointed. Once again, I was utterly blown away by this piece of actual artwork. Waters’ god-like ability to make words evoke such feelings should be studied, because I think it goes beyond the realms of human capabilities.  Tipping The Velvet follows the story of Nancy King, a young woman who falls in love with Kitty Butler, a male impersonator. The two move to London to pursue both a secret relationship and Kitty's act, before Nan is made to join too. The novel takes us along with Nancy, as she moves through life in London, exploring social norms and finding herself in various ways. This book made me scream and many tears were shed (also, a huge thanks to my best rat, Romilly, who listened to the voice r...

Hello, rats! Recently, I read the hilarious novel 'Big Swiss' by Jen Beagin. I'd like to first make you aware that I'm not at all a comedy fan, but that this book had me cackling over the most morbid things, due to Greta just being so real. 'Big Swiss' follows Greta, a woman who has left everything behind to go and live in a decaying barn, with a stranger as a housemate. She also lands as a job as an unqualified transcriber for an unqualified sex coach. Throughout the book, there are segments of these transcrips, joined with Greta's snarky comments about each session and interaction. Everything is going well for Greta, especially when she falls in love with the voice and attidude of a client that she has titled 'Big Swiss'. Of course, Greta never gets to see these clients, but regularly recognises them by their voices, as she goes about her day-to-day life. That is until her dog, Piñon, is attacked at the dog park, and she recognises his saviour as t...