Blog with Sidebar - Reading the West

January 10, 2026 In Fiction

Kokun by Nahoko Uehashi

An agricultural fantasy with plenty of action and an underlying moral: diversity is vital in plant culture as well as human society.

December 3, 2025 In Fiction

Amity by Nathan Harris

A brother and sister, freed slaves who yet endure slavery in every way but name make their separate ways to fulfillment, escaping the oppressive ways of their former masters. A moving and heartwarming story of triumph over adversity, it has a feel-good aspect that many will find pleasing.

December 3, 2025 In Fiction

The Lives and Deaths of Veronique Bangoura by Tierno Mononembo

The harrowing story of a young woman fated to tragedy by her own actions and those of others but who finds contentment of a sort in dedication to another and acceptance of her fate.

November 25, 2025 In Fiction

Canticle by Janet Edwards

An intimate look into the lives of religious visionaries who became martyrs and saints as well as the intriguing sect of the beguines, a female sect of monks could easily be the basis of a course on women’s issues and/or comparative religion. Well written, compelling narrative and a gripping personal story of a young girl’s transformation from common to divine.