Nostr notes by Sarah Matthews

After reading one too many cosy/whimsical novels by Japanese ...

2026-09-05T11:18:18Z

After reading one too many cosy/whimsical novels by Japanese authors I’m looking for some Japanese classic crime or thrillers for a change! Recs welcome #bookstodon #reading Bookstodon Group (npub1q60…kp90)

I’ve just finished Mrs Palfrey at The Clairmont by Elizabeth ...

2026-03-27T15:27:53Z

I’ve just finished Mrs Palfrey at The Clairmont by Elizabeth Taylor and, wow, what a devastating last line! Such a wonderfully sad and poignant book #bookstodon #reading

I’ve written a few thoughts on Penance by Eliza Clark, 2023, a ...

2026-03-24T08:15:24Z

I’ve written a few thoughts on Penance by Eliza Clark, 2023, a disturbing look at the grizzly world of True Crime #bookstodon #BookReview #reading #Storygraph #audiobook Bookstodon Group (npub1q60…kp90)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/da51ecd6-c05b-438d-9f55-dde1c2b36c13

Here’s my review of The Party by Tessa Hadley, 2024, a very ...

2026-01-22T09:58:32Z

Here’s my review of The Party by Tessa Hadley, 2024, a very enjoyable novella set in post-war Bristol #bookstodon #BookReview #reading #Storygraph Bookstodon Group (npub1q60…kp90) https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/88e11385-8de4-494f-81ce-6b679c230e64

Oh thank you! I love reading 20th century books to get a feel for ...

2025-12-29T20:57:46Z

In reply to nevent1q…4jjp
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Oh thank you! I love reading 20th century books to get a feel for the past, and so many of the ones I read are because a contemporary author has mentioned them as an influence, like Ali Smith who introduced me to Muriel Spark

Here are a few thoughts on Tender is the Night by F. Scott ...

2025-12-29T18:43:42Z

Here are a few thoughts on Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1934, a reread for me, about the excesses of a wealthy American set living on the French Riviera, alcoholism and the ways mental illness was treated at the time #bookstodon #BookReview #reading #Storygraph #Braille Bookstodon Group (npub1q60…kp90)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/214d6cce-ed09-4e6c-ad04-3b6efbb7db3b

I’ve written a few thoughts on Lolly Willowes, 1926, by Sylvia ...

2025-12-11T08:28:10Z

I’ve written a few thoughts on Lolly Willowes, 1926, by Sylvia Townsend Warner, a wonderful story of female empowerment im which Lolly strives to gain her independence, with surprising results! #bookstodon #BookReview #reading #Storygraph #audiobook #Backlisted Bookstodon Group (npub1q60…kp90)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/90691226-b43b-4e0b-937a-ef29c90366f8

Here’s my review of The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley, 1953, a ...

2025-12-03T08:10:45Z

Here’s my review of The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley, 1953, a wonderful novel about class, memory and the loss of youthful innocence, with a dash of magic! #bookstodon #BookReview #Braille #reading #Storygraph
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/0160c5fb-2919-4971-ab84-7f037475dfbd

I’ve written a few thoughts on The Artist by Lucy Steeds, 2025, ...

2025-11-20T08:26:40Z

I’ve written a few thoughts on The Artist by Lucy Steeds, 2025, one of the Women’s Prize for Fiction longlisted titles that appealed to me this year #bookstodon #reading #audiobook #WomensPrize https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/89ab9704-f5ff-443b-b401-0de4122b4dc5

My contribution to the #1925Club this week is a post on the ...

2025-10-24T07:36:50Z

My contribution to the #1925Club this week is a post on the wonderful Love by Elizabeth von Arnim, which had a lot to say about double standards in society and the pressures on women as they age #bookstodon #BookReview #audiobook kaggsy59 (npub1g00…m7k7)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/3589831a-2956-408e-a6dc-19397cf94635

… and this one’s my 100th review on Storygraph! 🎉

2025-08-31T08:39:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…8zlp
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… and this one’s my 100th review on Storygraph! 🎉

Just snuck in a review for #WITMonth - The Summer Book by Tove ...

2025-08-30T17:42:20Z

Just snuck in a review for #WITMonth - The Summer Book by Tove Jansson is a wonderful read about connection between the generations and an appreciation of the unpredictability of nature #bookstodon #Braille #BookReview #reading #WomenInTranslation bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/11b1155b-20ff-42db-83cb-a0df32cc856d

So excited to see that The Barbellion Prize is returning soon ...

2025-08-30T16:11:55Z

So excited to see that The Barbellion Prize is returning soon after a hiatus, I’ve missed it! This UK prize shines alight on talented disabled and chronically ill writers and I’ve discovered some great books through it #bookstodon #writing #Publishing #BarbellionPrize #disability #ChronicIllness bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57) Disability group (npub13wl…tq5r)
https://www.thebarbellionprize.com

Here are a few thoughts on The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh, 1948, a ...

2025-08-23T07:40:38Z

Here are a few thoughts on The Loved One by Evelyn Waugh, 1948, a darkly funny look at the business of funerals in California from the perspective of some expat Brits #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #Braille bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/536377cb-bfa6-4a16-8e52-a819fd1c995b

Here’s my review of The Port of London Murders, 1938, by ...

2025-08-05T17:10:21Z

Here’s my review of The Port of London Murders, 1938, by Josephine Bell, a murder mystery set around the London docks with vivid characters and fascinating social history #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #Braille bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/8a3d0acc-5456-4e2f-adcc-454acc3a08e8

Here are a few thoughts on The Blessing by Nancy Mitford, 1951, a ...

2025-07-31T17:20:47Z

Here are a few thoughts on The Blessing by Nancy Mitford, 1951, a brilliantly funny read about the clash of English and French cultures within a marriage #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #Braille bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/a09be56d-0aaa-4b64-8550-3cd436592176

I’ve written a few thoughts on Miss Pettigrew Lives for a day ...

2025-07-22T10:42:11Z

I’ve written a few thoughts on Miss Pettigrew Lives for a day by Winifred Watson, 1938, a delightful book I’ve been meaning to read for ages about a governess who finds herself in some tricky situations! #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #Braille bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/280b10ec-ee2f-42f2-970e-8f076276f4ff

Well, only in the final book really

2025-07-17T20:02:05Z

In reply to nevent1q…65ag
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Well, only in the final book really

Here are a few thoughts on Busman’s Honeymoon, 1937, by Dorothy ...

2025-07-14T07:50:04Z

Here are a few thoughts on Busman’s Honeymoon, 1937, by Dorothy L Sayers, the very enjoyable final book featuring the relationship between Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #audiobook bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/f3d3c88b-d8e2-4c40-ae7d-23fc1b1310a5

Oh I didn’t suspect anything dodgy in the success of The Salt ...

2025-07-06T10:53:45Z

Oh I didn’t suspect anything dodgy in the success of The Salt Path but this article exposes the lies it was built on #publishing #bookstodon bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57) #memoir The real Salt Path: how a blockbuster book and film were ... https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/the-real-salt-path-how-the-couple-behind-a-bestseller-left-a-trail-of-debt-and-deceit

Oh I think you’d really enjoy it, lots to think over after ...

2025-06-24T15:43:20Z

In reply to nevent1q…jneq
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Oh I think you’d really enjoy it, lots to think over after reading! Here in the UK I’ve seen it available on Kindle or Apple Books but maybe that’s not the case yet in the US

I’ve just read To Exist as I am, 2025, by Grace Spence Green in ...

2025-06-24T08:08:10Z

I’ve just read To Exist as I am, 2025, by Grace Spence Green in a day! She expresses so brilliantly the realities of being a disabled person through her own life changing experience and her career as a doctor. An honest and moving memoir #bookstodon #BookReview #audiobook #Storygraph #disability bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57) Disability group (npub13wl…tq5r)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/bee27c95-a24d-4f42-82d9-e548a131ebb9

Here are a few thoughts on The Millstone, 1965, by Margaret ...

2025-06-19T07:17:41Z

Here are a few thoughts on The Millstone, 1965, by Margaret Drabble, a powerful and memorable novella that I became very invested in #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #audiobook bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/dfcbeb5b-bb5f-4c06-b545-e024413a701c

I’ve written a few thoughts on In a Summer Season, 1961, by ...

2025-06-15T07:43:47Z

I’ve written a few thoughts on In a Summer Season, 1961, by Elizabeth Taylor, insightful and witty as ever but that ending was a surprise! #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #audiobook bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/778f7e44-0ca1-44fc-bd4c-3cc8c710ca14

I’ve written a few thoughts on The Talented Mr Ripley, 1955, by ...

2025-04-29T17:29:54Z

I’ve written a few thoughts on The Talented Mr Ripley, 1955, by Patricia Highsmith, a fabulously tense thriller that’s the definition of a page-turner for me #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #Braille bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/90f24515-d267-4080-9dba-1122d617477c

I’ve just finished Uncle Paul by Celia Fremlin, 1959, a ...

2025-04-09T08:35:36Z

I’ve just finished Uncle Paul by Celia Fremlin, 1959, a brilliant story full of dark humour that’s set on a rainy summer holiday. Here are a few more thoughts on it…
#audiobook #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57) https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/e2f4f580-a3f6-4fc9-97b9-7ea799cbc0e9

I’ve just started a new audiobook, inspired by my rewatch of ...

2025-03-26T19:26:30Z

I’ve just started a new audiobook, inspired by my rewatch of Mad Men, which is all about the women who rose to the top at department stores on 5th Avenue and it’s addictive! So fascinating to read all about how these huge stores were run, with in house ad agencies, comparison shoppers snooping on the competition and perks like cheap holidays and college courses in interior design and merchandising. The shop floor women weren’t paid any more than factory workers though and working hours were long #bookstodon #AmReading #audiobook

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D972355R?_bbid=258925804&linkCode=sl1&tag=sarrmann-21&linkId=7214a396f3cb030ae80f3dd8d9eab1b6&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Here’s my review of Anything is Possible, 2017, by Elizabeth ...

2025-03-16T17:15:36Z

Here’s my review of Anything is Possible, 2017, by Elizabeth Strout, a touching and poignant book of linked short stories about the rural community Lucy Barton, one of Strout’s favourite characters, grew up in #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #audiobook bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/84f84725-802c-4a11-a431-93aa131bd7ec

If you missed the Disability and Fairytales event a couple of ...

2025-03-07T14:48:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…0hvd
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If you missed the Disability and Fairytales event a couple of weeks ago you can catch up on all the presentations online at the link below. Scroll to the bottom of the page to access the recordings
#disability #bookstodon #fairytales #folklore #publishing
https://www.disabledtales.co.uk/programme-2025.html

Here are a few thoughts on Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead, ...

2025-03-06T09:08:45Z

Here are a few thoughts on Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead, 2024, by Jenny Hollander, a twisty murder mystery set in the New York magazine industry #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph#audiobook bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57) https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/9f536aba-e026-4a3f-ac0e-0c742ec46b2c

Here are a few thoughts om Orbital, 2024, by Samantha Harvey, a ...

2025-03-01T09:06:04Z

Here are a few thoughts om Orbital, 2024, by Samantha Harvey, a contemplative and poetic novella about life for astronauts in the International Space Station #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #Braille bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/9d831307-3945-4836-b52e-b0c4d2a5af34

Here’s a great free online event coming up on 24/25 Feb, 1pm - ...

2025-02-12T18:14:12Z

Here’s a great free online event coming up on 24/25 Feb, 1pm - 4pm UK time: Disability and Fairy Tales: Keeping the magic, confronting the stigma
#bookstodon #Disability #disabled #FairyTales #folklore #publishing bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://www.disabledtales.co.uk/programme.html

I’ve written a few thoughts on Intermezzo, 2024, by Sally ...

2025-02-06T10:52:10Z

I’ve written a few thoughts on Intermezzo, 2024, by Sally Rooney, a book about siblings, grief and the messiness of life. I was left conflicted about it due to the treatment of disability #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #audiobook bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/f7bf94af-0a56-480d-819b-4159c534ad89

Oh fabulous, I’ve seen a few people say how great the film of ...

2025-01-30T18:03:42Z

In reply to nevent1q…y9lq
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Oh fabulous, I’ve seen a few people say how great the film of this one was, with Jane Birkin, I’ll have to try and track it down

Here are a few thoughts on Evil Under the Sun, 1941, by Agatha ...

2025-01-30T17:49:12Z

Here are a few thoughts on Evil Under the Sun, 1941, by Agatha Christie, a compelling Golden Age mystery where the bad guys show themselves in the end and are punished #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #Braille bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/31e4d081-d38d-4bff-83cd-856b3f0cf45d

I’ve written a few thoughts on The Island of Sea Women by Lisa ...

2025-01-19T15:59:39Z

I’ve written a few thoughts on The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See, 2019, which I read for my book group. I really enjoyed learning about the culture of the Haenyeo divers, but wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #audiobook bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/94bd5eeb-5e12-49f8-aeab-b694a0b9ef5e

Here’s my review of The Proof of my Innocence by Jonathan Coe, ...

2024-12-28T09:41:04Z

Here’s my review of The Proof of my Innocence by Jonathan Coe, 2024, an unorthodox murder mystery set in the doomed premiership of Liz Truss which also sends up the publishing industry, brilliant! #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #audiobook #publishing bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/a0a6c571-c4cf-4d03-938f-29b089863e28

#BookReview Foster by Claire Keegan Read in Braille Faber and ...

2024-11-29T14:50:12Z

#BookReview Foster by Claire Keegan
Read in Braille
Faber and Faber
Pub. 2010, 89pp
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This is my third Claire Keegan novella and she’s become one of my favourite writers! I chose to read this one in Braille as it slows me down and makes me consider every word and sentence more closely, which is part of the joy of reading her, no word is wasted.
In this story we’re following an unnamed narrator, a child who’s been taken to stay with relatives she hardly knows in order to take the pressure off her mother who’s expecting another child to add to an already large family.
Distance is put between the narrator and her relatives as she refers to them as “Kinsella” and “the woman”, and from the beginning the child is trying to figure out how to feel about the situation she’s been thrust into, as seen in this small exchange at bedtime:
“She is just about to hang a blanket over the curtain rail, to block it out, when she pauses.
‘Would you rather I left it?’
‘Yeah,’ I say ‘yes.’
‘Are you afraid of the dark?’
I want to say I am afraid but am too afraid to say so.”
As the novella progresses family secrets slowly emerge, and we start to get a sense of the contrast between the attention she’s receiving here and what she’s accustomed to:
“Kinsella takes my hand in his. As soon as he takes it, I realise my father has never once held my hand, and some part of me wants Kinsella to let me go so I won’t have to feel this.”
There’s a lovely moment where Kinsella sets her a challenge to run to the post box and back, timing her on each run and it becomes a fun game, a motif that returns later on.
This is a powerful novella with beautifully written, complex characters, which is firmly rooted in rural Ireland. I thought Claire Keegan captured very effectively the feeling of confusion young children have in the adult world and the language she uses to tell the story reflects that so well.
A sad and poignant story that’s masterfully constructed, and one I’ll be thinking about for a while. I’m also intrigued to find out if the recent film version is a good adaptation.
I read this for Novellas in November #NovNov hosted by Rebecca of Bookishbeck and Cathy of 746Books.
#bookstodon #Braille #Storygraph #AmReading bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)

I’ve spent the day reading Foster by Claire Keegan… it’s a ...

2024-11-23T19:12:53Z

I’ve spent the day reading Foster by Claire Keegan… it’s a gorgeous novella that says so much and leaves so much unsaid, and what a touching ending! Perfect #bookstodon #Braille #NovellasInNovember

I’ve just finished The Past by Tessa Hadley, 2015, a ...

2024-09-27T15:24:20Z

I’ve just finished The Past by Tessa Hadley, 2015, a brilliantly written story of family dynamics with gorgeous descriptions of the natural world #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/1380012e-64b4-4641-a6b8-e8169e6d254c

Yes, it’ssch a shame when school does that to people!

2024-09-11T08:13:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…gytx
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Yes, it’ssch a shame when school does that to people!

Ha, Love that too! I’ve only just got started with CS but will ...

2024-09-10T09:44:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…qs8n
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Ha, Love that too! I’ve only just got started with CS but will definitely be working my way through all her books. I hear great things about The Stone Diaries. Which one is your favourite?

I’ve just read Mary Swann by Carol Shields, a brilliant ...

2024-09-10T08:58:11Z

I’ve just read Mary Swann by Carol Shields, a brilliant satirical look at the literary academic world. There’s a great mystery woven through it and I know this would make for a great reread in future. And there was a lovely surprise at the end where the cover design was described! #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #Braille #blind bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/ea971fd7-cc6f-4701-9df8-22420d76b063

I’ve written a few thoughts on A View of the Harbour, 1947, by ...

2024-08-27T17:46:29Z

I’ve written a few thoughts on A View of the Harbour, 1947, by Elizabeth Taylor. A beautifully observed and captivating read which leaves you wondering about the fate of the characters #bookstodon #BookReview #Storygraph #Braille bookstodon group (npub1ny7…uv57)
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/950cbd1e-6732-40be-b029-48daed7b91a3