The Ocean by Alberto Vázquez-Figueroa

Author: Alberto Vázquez-Figueroa
Original title: Océano
Pages: 448
Edition Language: Russian
Series:  Océano #1
Format: e-book
Genres: Drama
Goodreads

Blurb:     
   The island Lanzarote was for generations home to Perdomo family, untill Yáiza was born. The girl, that can tame animals, heal the wounds and talk to the dead, grew up in a stunning woman. Defending the honor of a sister Yáiza's brother kills the only son of the most powerful man on islands. Devastated father demands blood of a young man by all means and Perdomo family has nothing to do but to flee the island and cross the Great Ocean to hide away from the assassin.

My thoughts: 
     I remember watching the film adaptation of this book and quite liked it. So when I had a chance to read the original source I could not resist. Of course the book is quite different for the story I remember and it was a nice journey to read about Perdomo family, and islands, and the way of living so unfamiliar. I have never read a book based in Canary island and so much devoted to the sea description.
Though the narration is quite simple and the language is not captivation the story has its rhythm as waves going against the shore and its atmosphere. Going through the plot I could easily picture the purity of the sea and roughness of the people who are bond with it forever.

Rating:  

    3/5 

Love Virtually (Gut gegen Nordwind #1) by Daniel Glattauer

Author: Daniel Glattauer
Original title: Gut gegen Nordwind
Pages: 287
Edition Language: Russian
Series: Gut gegen Nordwind #1
Format: Paperback 
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads

Blurb:     
    It's a virtual romance that begins by chance. When Leo mistakenly receives e-mails from a stranger named Emmi, he replies--and Emmi writes back. Soon, secrets are shared, sparks fly, and erotic tension simmers. Even though Emmi is married, it seems only a matter of time till they meet. But will their feelings survive a real-life encounter? And, if so-what then? Funny and fast-paced, Love Virtually offers plenty of twists, turns, and satisfaction.

My thoughts: 
      I liked the book, but it did not seem funny to me, not a bit. Frankly, I find rather dramatic and depressive. Something that started as an innocent chat about nothing turned out into a passion that on the one hand healed and on the other hand destroyed a family and friendship.
The book is written in the form of e-mails and we do not see the author's attitude in the description of the characters. We picture the Leo and Emmi from their letters and those portraits changing as changing their relationship.
I found out that this book has a sequel but I most definitely will not read it as the first book somehow destroyed me. I was thinking it over almost for half of the night imagining different What If's and possible solution of the situation. And I am afraid that a sequel might be rather bleak and disappointing.

Rating:  

    3/5 

Eight Children and a Truck by Anne-Cath. Vestly

Author: Anne-Cath. Vestly
Original title: Åtte små, to store og en lastebil
Pages: 175
Edition Language: Russian
Series: Eight Children #1
Format: Hardcover
Genres: Childrens
Goodreads

Blurb:     
    Eight Children and a Truck concerns a family with eight children living in a small apartment in Oslo and their adventures.

My thoughts: 
      It was a lovely children's book, worthy of Lindgren. It was so fun, warm and moving. The whole book is full of kindness and sincerity. The huge family with limited financial resources find joy and pleasure and magic in the small, everyday things like a pirate party, painting the floor, going into the forest or riding in a tram. Even unpleasant and disagreeable people are not so bad when it comes to life tests. In this book such values as kindness, sincerity, family ties and even forgiveness are shown in such a simple and accessible way, what I have no doubt that a child will get it. And grown-ups will be left with a warm cozy feeling of something light and heartwarming coming in their life.

Rating:  

    4/5 

Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Thief by Maurice Leblanc

Author: Maurice Leblanc
Original title: Arsène Lupin, gentleman-cambrioleur
Pages: 254
Edition Language: Russian
Series: Arsène Lupin #1
Format: Paperback 
Genres: Classics, Mystery
Goodreads

Blurb:     
   Created by Maurice LeBlanc during the early twentieth century, Arsene Lupin is a witty confidence man and burglar, the Sherlock Holmes of crime. The poor and innocent have nothing to fear from him; often they profit from his spontaneous generosity. The rich and powerful, and the detective who tries to spoil his fun, however, must beware. They are the target of Arsene’s mischief and tomfoolery.  Sparkling with amusing banter, these stories—the best of the Lupin series—are outrageous, melodramatic, and literate.

My thoughts: 
      I have never heard about this Sherlock Holmes of crime, and I happy to read this book. It is not I am now a fan of Arsene Lupin and will read all the books, but really enjoyed the book and found it an easy and funny read. The book is full of style and  high society demeanor. You can feel the book was written at the beginning of the 20th century by the author style: it is so calm, full of dignity and manners. Unfortunately, the characters and adventure seem a bit out of date and someone who is just getting into the series must not expect mind-blowing events and action, but a cozy and enjoyable read.

Rating:

    3/5 

The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas

Author: Alexandre Dumas
Original title: La tulipe noire
Pages: 349
Edition Language: Russian
Series: no 
Format: Paperback 
Genres: Classics, Historical Fiction
Goodreads

Blurb:     
    A deceptively simple story and the shortest of Dumas's most famous novels, The Black Tulip (1850) weaves historical events surrounding a brutal murder into a tale of romantic love. Set in Holland in 1672, this timeless political allegory draws on the violence and crimes of history, making a case against tyranny and creating a symbol of justice and tolerance: the fateful tulipa negra.

My thoughts: 
      It was a re-read for me. The shortest novel by Dumas and a great story of love. If you survive the first chapters of brutal bloodbath that set the plot in Holland in 1670s you will then follow the touching and innocent love of two young people and the overwhelming and brutal struggle over such a small but great phenomenon as the Black Tulip. Sometimes it sounds like a joke -  a whole book about one particular flower, and still it is so full of action, emotional strain and strong feelings. Dumas's descriptive style pictures the nature, style and manners; and while following the story of two beloved, we see the clear picture of the land and people at that time.

Rating:  

    4/5