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Books

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

The Invisible Legacy: Memory, Magic Realism, and Erasure In this blog, I’m trying something a little different. Instead of a standard review, I diving deeper into the heart of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue to explore the big ideas beneath the surface. V.E. Schwab’s writing isn’t just beautifully crafted, it’s full of rich themes that deserve to be unpacked with the same seriousness we’d give to classic literature. From questions about memory and legacy to deeper issues of power and erasure, this novel has a lot in common with concepts found in critical theory. So, I’m taking a closer…

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Books

The Rise of Afrofuturism and Black Authors in Sci-Fi and Fantasy

In recent years, speculative fiction has been electrified by the growing presence of Black authors, particularly within the realms of Afrofuturism, science fiction, and fantasy. This movement is not simply about increased representation, but about radically reshaping narratives and perspectives that have long been overlooked or marginalized by mainstream publishing. Much like the surge of East Asian voices redefining fantasy and sci-fi, Black authors are doing more than adding cultural “flavour” to established genres. Rather, they are creating works that challenge systemic biases, subvert stereotypes, and explore the realities and futures of the African diaspora in deeply imaginative ways. Afrofuturism:…

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Books

A Literary Revolution: The Rise of East Asian Authors in Fantasy and Sci-Fi

In recent years, a remarkable shift has occurred in the literary world. More and more East Asian authors are making waves in the fantasy and science fiction genres, captivating global audiences with their distinct storytelling, deep philosophical themes, and richly imagined worlds. This influx is not a fleeting trend, it’s the result of a confluence of historical, cultural, and literary factors that have allowed these voices to flourish. What makes these authors stand out is not just their cultural background but their ability to craft stories that defy the typical “Eastern mysticism” lens that Western media has long imposed. Instead…

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Books

Babel: How Language and Violence Shape Imperialism

R. F. Kuang’s Babel is a powerhouse of a novel—dense, brilliant, and unapologetically critical of empire, language, and resistance. At its core, the book argues that language is never neutral; it is wielded by those in power to maintain control, and breaking free from that system often requires violence as uncompromising as the oppression itself. It is the kind of book that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. It’s not just a story—it’s a sharp, unflinching commentary on power, colonialism, and language as both a weapon and a battleground. Kuang makes this argument not just through…

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Books

The Isolation of Knowledge: “I Who Have Never Known Men”

When my book club picked I Who Have Never Known Men, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had heard it was unsettling, thought-provoking, and unlike anything else, exactly the kind of book that sparks great discussions. And wow, did it deliver. Jacqueline Harpman’s novel is one of those stories that lingers, making you question everything you take for granted about knowledge, culture, and what it means to be human. I realized just how much of our world is built on the stories and histories we inherit, and what happens when those are stripped away. Jacqueline Harpman’s I Who Have…

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Books

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

A Deep Dive into Fantasy, Introspection, and Storytelling Title: The Starless SeaAuthor: Erin MorgensternPublisher: VintageThemes: speculative fiction, Storytelling, Fate, Identity, Love, Memory, Mystery, Time, Choice, Discovery, Imagination. Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea is a masterful journey through narrative itself, blending the imaginative intensity of a modern fairy tale with the layered introspection of literary fiction. Set in a labyrinthine underground library filled with stories, symbols, and secrets, Morgenstern’s world-building is profoundly symbolic, with each level of the library acting as a metaphor for the deeper layers of human introspection. The further the protagonist, Zachary Ezra Rawlins, delves into the underground…

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