Book Review: Amma
March 26, 2024
A sweeping, intergenerational novel, that has the strength and complexity of women (and their relationships) at its core.
Ray loves reading all sorts of books, particularly when they feature lyrical writing and a snappy plot; tricky, messy relationships of all kinds; funny, clever people overcoming obstacles both mental and physical; and/or queer people, places and spaces. Memoir, historical fiction, poetry, contemporary fiction, (some kinds of) sci-fi, essays, and non-fiction epics have all featured in Ray’s recent reading.
A sweeping, intergenerational novel, that has the strength and complexity of women (and their relationships) at its core.
This is an adventure-filled, intelligent, creative wonder of a story, perfect for readers both young and old.
Both funny and deeply sad, reading this is like watching a crash in slow motion – it’s deliciously addictive and hard to look away.
This is a riveting and intensely moving novel about exile, family and home.
Hot, uncomfortable, challenging, hopeful (and did I mention hot?).
Gorgeous and brutal, deeply romantic and harrowing in the same breath, this book gripped me from the beginning
Many of these essays are ones I’ll want to return to often. This is a thought-provoking, engaging, big-hearted book.
A gorgeous and eye-opening read, and a great introduction to a big, diverse world of queer art from decades past…
There’s courtroom drama, mystery, family saga and coming-of-age discoveries in these pages, woven together across timelines with skill…
This is historical fiction with a fresh, funny energy, brimming with ideas about class, race and gender that are made to feel up-to-date
Richly detailed and action-packed, this novel feels both deeply personal and hugely expansive all at once.
There are struggles, celebrations, joys and sorrows in these pages, and it makes for an eye-opening read that will leave you wondering…
Every page is laden with rich, sometimes grotesque, delicious language, but the story still barrels forward at pace…
Fire Island has a long history of being a safe holiday destination for queer people, especially writers and artists.
This is a creative and action-packed current-day sci-fi about a shady corporation manifesting and weaponising nostalgia.
These charming, funny, sometimes unhinged characters are beautifully captured, and the heavy themes are present and fully explored…
Through understated prose and a deep care for her characters, Dinan explores the challenges and rewards of being vulnerable
I loved this clever, meandering, explorative and delightfully messy novel about academia, memory, and identity.
Hilarious, wise, sometimes surreal, deeply emotional, this is some of the best writing about loss I’ve ever read.
Clark skilfully explores teenage friendship and manipulation, 2010’s internet culture, and the politics of class with a sharp eye.
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