Review of Silent Riders of the Sea
This historical novel is set in 1930, and takes place on board a fishing vessel.
The author, John Gerard Fagan, has an impressive way with words and imagery, his use of language and striking metaphors being standout features of the novel.
It is told in an interesting and rarely-encountered way, as a work of free verse, like a long prose poem. For some, I suppose, this may take some getting used to. But the majority of readers of literary fiction will quickly adapt.
In terms of form it is not a million miles away from Solar Bones by Mike McCormack, a novel which takes a similarly radical approach to narrative form, and which won the Goldsmiths Prize and the International Dublin Literary Award.
While it is too soon to know whether Silent Riders of the Sea will win any awards, what I can tell you is that it is definitely worth your time. It will very quickly transport you to a world of hardship that is (thank God) for the most part forgotten in the U.K. Fagan’s writing is so vivid you will come close to enduring the hardships that Jack, the protagonist, endures. You will certainly feel for Jack and you will be taken on a highly-charged emotional journey.
So read this book, by all means.
A word of caution, though. If you are looking for an uplifting novel, this isn’t it. Silent Riders of the Sea, for all its poetic inclinations, is a gritty read, and is utterly unsparing in its attention to uncomfortable detail. Your emotions while reading it are likely to encompass pity and fear, and perhaps even horror.
You will not leave this book feeling uplifted. You will leave it feeling the same way you might after watching, say, a performance of King Lear. You will have the impression you have witnessed an unfolding of terrible events, and the experience will probably bring home to you how blessed you are to be living the life you have.
Which is the point of tragedy, isn’t it?

Written in a style reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road', this book is hard to put down. As tough and dark as the subject matter and it's topics may be, you're genuinely immersed in the journey and it's narrative.
Not necessarily for the faint hearted, but amazing literature rarely is!
Looking forward to future works from this author!!!!

Silent Riders of the Sea is a book that breaks your heart and leaves you staring into space. The most beautifully written book I have read this year.

The writing is sparse but so well crafted; I felt I was there frozen with grief. Fagan is fast becoming one of my favorite writers. The village in Scotland Jack was from reminded me of my mother's in Sweden. And we lost many of our men to the sea.

I knew what I was in for from reading Fish Town. Exceptional storytelling and beautiful writing. The darkest book I’ve read this year. I’ll prepare myself for reading his next book if it’s going to be as bleak!

Poetic and powerful. I like this author's style of writing.

Kelly Noll did a fantastic job creating characters and situations that drew you in and made you care. It’s a thriller and a war story about the worst case scenario in the US, but still she manages to keep politics out of the story, and that’s appreciated.

The brothers of Jerrett and Dean are relatable and have the right amount of flaws to make you feel they are real, and enough empathy to make you care about them and their families (both real and extended).

I’ll definitely be watching for future novels by her.

Amazing book, and big kudos to the Publisher!

‘The Porridge of the Countess Berthe’ is a fairy tale by Alexandre Dumas, père, which goes to further reveal the enormous breadth of the writer’s range, with gems continually being unearthed for the world to enjoy. It does make one wonder, what else of Dumas remains to be discovered?

Alix Daniel has here produced a delightful translation, one which remains faithful to the original and yet speaks to a modern anglophone audience.

You can but enjoy this little novella, so do not think twice about purchasing it!

Really cool read. I’ve read it 2 or 3 times now and it still manages to be creepy and keep me at the edge of my seat. The detail in each short story is gory and well written, with each being connected through some seriously gruesome (and graphic) undertones. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to experiment with horror and stories written in varied form.

This collection of stories is dark, macabre, visceral and not for the faint hearted. For those into their horror films I definitely got Cronenberg-esque vibes from some of the stories. There is clear thread running through the stories that looks to build a dark and unsettling universe. An impressive first outing for an obviously young author.

A book you need in your library!!!
The author Cameron Scott Kirk writes beautifully and enhances the story itself through the story telling. I really enjoyed how the reader gets to see the story unfold through various perspectives. The story delves into themes of political intrigue, social unrest, and the blurring lines between good and evil. The novel is noted for its grimdark elements, blending violent magic with a critique of toxic femininity, set against the backdrop of a society caught between tradition and modernity. Thrilling and unnerving, you never knew what was going to unfold next.

Alexandre Dumas's short story is not one that is typically cited when listing his works. has been masterfully translated into English by Alix Daniel, all the while retaining the structure and tone of a traditional folk or fairy tale. Beneath its seemingly whimsical surface, the story deals with multiple themes, including social responsibility, greed, and the importance of tradition. It is interesting that Dumas chose German folklore with the cobolds as the enforcers of moral order, and the ghostly spectre of the countess reappears several times within the story. The story unfolds over several generations, the characters as varied in personality and morality as the various monarchs of Dumas' time, and could be interpreted as a satire of the society of his era. In the end, the humble and good guy wins, with a charming happily ever after that leaves the reader satisfied and content as a good fairy tale should. Having only read Dumas' more celebrated epic works, this tale was refreshing and delightful for me, and after reading Alix Daniel's English translation, I was curious enough to seek out the original French version for a second look and enjoyment. I really enjoyed this novella!

I’m delighted that The Porridge of the Countess Berthe, one of Alexandre Dumas’s lesser-known fairy tales, has been translated into English! I’ve enjoyed Dumas's more famous works, such as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, but this is the first time I’ve had the opportunity to read this enchanting tale, thanks to Alix Daniel's superb translation.

Unlike the epic adventures Dumas is famous for, this story features a more intimate and humorous portrayal of his characters. It’s full of charm, and it’s easy to imagine this story being turned into a film.

If you’re a fan of Dumas or just love fairy tales, you’ll definitely want to check this out. Highly recommended!

The French translation of Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market," crafted by Alix Daniel, is a noteworthy achievement that deserves attention from both French and English-speaking readers. This version successfully captures the essence of the Victorian narrative poem while making it accessible to a new audience.
The translation's standout feature is its unique presentation: the original English text is juxtaposed with the French version, allowing for immediate comparison between the two languages. This approach is particularly valuable for literature students and poetry enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to explore the nuances of poetic translation.
While the translation inevitably loses some formal aspects of the original poem, notably its rhymes and alliterations, it admirably compensates with carefully crafted French prose that captures Rossetti's rich imagery and symbolism. The sensual descriptions of the goblin fruits and the dramatic tension between sisters Laura and Lizzie are rendered with a precision that preserves the enchanting atmosphere of the original text.
Alix Daniel has succeeded in maintaining the poem's central themes - temptation, sacrifice, redemption - while making them accessible to a French-speaking audience. The translation allows French readers to appreciate the multiple levels of interpretation of the poem, whether feminist, religious, or psychosexual readings.
The translator's afterword adds further value, providing historical and literary context that enriches the understanding of the poem. It notably highlights Rossetti's involvement with St. Mary Magdalene's House, an aspect of the author's life that resonates with the poem's themes.
In conclusion, this French translation of "Goblin Market" is an excellent example of how a classic work can be made accessible to a new audience without losing its depth and complexity. It offers French-speaking readers a fascinating window into Victorian literature, while preserving the magic and mystery that have made this poem renowned.
The side-by-side presentation of the original and translated texts makes this edition particularly valuable for students of poetry and translation. It allows readers to experience the nuances, exquisite vocabulary, and emotions that the original poem is meant to evoke, while simultaneously appreciating the artistry involved in rendering these elements in another language.