Book - Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

                                           

This is the first book I've read in my new Kindle, and my last read of 2018. It takes place in the 50's and 60's and follows the story of Kya, a girl who lives in the outskirts of a small town in North Carolina, in the marsh. She was abandoned by her siblings and mother, who left to escape an abusive father. Her father ended up leaving Kya as well so she is left on her own from a young age and soon learned to survive alone, selling mussels to the owner of a local store.  The residents spread rumors about her because of her lifestyle and school was proved to be a terrible experience. Nonetheless she was a smart girl with great talent. The book goes back and forth between when she's growing up, her experiences with love and loss, her passion for the wildlife of the marsh and when she's being charged with the murder of a man she knew. I loved everything about this book! It has beautiful descriptions of nature, and it explores loneliness and prejudice. I imagined beautiful scenarios in my head and felt an emotional attachment to Kya. The writing style is beautiful too.  Rate: 5/5

Movie - Le Gran Bain from Gilles Lellouche

                                         

Yesterday me and my boyfriend went to the cinema to watch a French movie, Le Grand Bain (Sink or Swim). It was featured in Cannes Film Festival but it was screened out of competition. I've watched some French movies, some from the Nouvelle Vague period and some comedies, which are generally quite funny. 

This one is different from the comedies I'm used to, since it's more dramatic.   Le Grand Bain is about a man, Bertrand, who is in his 40's, has been unemployed for 2 years and is depressed about it. Instead of continuing to spend his days  doing nothing, he decides to join the all-male synchronized swimming team at his local pool. 

There, he is trained by a woman and meets other men dealing with their own problems. Together they are understanding and helpful with each other, while trying to find meaning in their lives. They're teased for doing something associated with women, but they're able to stay focused towards their goal.

I really enjoyed the movie, the visuals and angles were great. I loved the music and the dancing parts were funny. I liked what the movie was about, it caught my attention because the theme is unique and creative. 

It had its silly parts, but overall it was money well spent. I recommend it!

Here's the trailer. I don't watch trailers except in the cinema...It tells almost the entire story!

Rate: 4/5

Book - First Review - The Flavours of Love by Dorothy Koomson

                                                               

           

So, this is my first review in the blog. I published this in my Goodreads account yesterday. (https://www.goodreads.com/mariainesmbd).

*spoilers*

I read this book recently, and it was a quick reading. I read it in 3 or 4 days. 
It's entertaining, but unrealistic. The flirt between Saffron and her daughter's teacher made no sense, due to the circumstances in which they met. And later, the love triangle between her, the teacher and Fynn felt forced as well, considering her husband was Fynn's best friend, was murdered not so long ago and the case was still unresolved. Very cliché.
 
Basically, I think the book was too long and full of information that wasn't really relevant to the story (e.g Saffron's eating disorder). I feel that Saffron was taking everything that was happening too lightly, specially regarding her daughter's pregnancy. She keeps avoiding the situation and speaks to her like nothing has happened, even though it's a big deal and she's just fourteen.

What happened with Imogen's husband and Phoebe didn't made much sense as well since the baby's father was Curtis after all. It was irritating how Saffron treated her daughter like she was a grown-up, even when she had information about Joel's death.

I didn't like the first-person narration, it had too many long unnecessary descriptions. I think Aunt Betty was the only likable character, but the reason she came to Saffron's place was just stupid. The thriller part was pretty much the only interesting part because although it is revealed in the beginning who killed Joel, it was difficult to predict if the murderer would eventually get caught by Saffron while spying her and it was what kept me going.
 
I wouldn't recommend this book. I have read other books by this author, My Best Friend's Girl and Marshmallows for Breakfast and they're better.
Rate: 2/5