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In the Palm
Stranded on a tropical island, Dr No-Name has no mobile phone, no wallet, no keys, no passport. No left hand, no shoes and no memory. What she does have is a blister pack of nicotine gums, two minibar-sized bottles of whisky (consumed), and what appears to be an endless supply of coconuts. She can’t possibly get into any worse trouble, can she?
Loosely based off Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, In the Palm gives a sapphic twist to the stranded-on-a-desert-island trope.
Loosely based off Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, In the Palm gives a sapphic twist to the stranded-on-a-desert-island trope.
126 pages, ebook
First published May 20, 2019
5 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Elna Holst
22 books49 followersOften quirky, always queer, Elna Holst is an unapologetic genre bender who writes anything from lesbian lust and love stories to the odd existentialist horror piece. Find her on Instagram (@elnaholstwrites) or Goodreads (yes, you're right here).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 9, 2019
This was a good read. I have wanted to read something by Holst for a while. When I saw she had written a lesfic novella about being stranded on a deserted island, I knew chances were good I would enjoy this. I’m not sure what it is but I always enjoy reading books and watching movies about people surviving on an island. I’m glad this held up to my expectations and I was definitely entertained.
The story is about a woman who wakes up on an island in the middle of nowhere. She has no idea how she arrived or even what her name is, but she does know she needs to cut her hand off if she is going to survive. This it, that’s all I’m going to say. Frankly, the beginning immediately captured my attention and I could not put this novella down. And while it is a novella, it feels like a good length. It doesn’t have that rushed feeling; it felt like a full and satisfying story.
There are a few aspects I would normally discuss in my reviews but I feel like if I say anything more I would be spoiling the story. I will say I thought the ending was really interesting, There was a small twist Holst gave us when we finally got some questions answered that I thought was well done. All in all this is well written and an entertaining story.
If you like stranded on a deserted island type stories this novella is for you. I’m glad I finally got to read something by Holst and I would not hesitate to read her stories again.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
The story is about a woman who wakes up on an island in the middle of nowhere. She has no idea how she arrived or even what her name is, but she does know she needs to cut her hand off if she is going to survive. This it, that’s all I’m going to say. Frankly, the beginning immediately captured my attention and I could not put this novella down. And while it is a novella, it feels like a good length. It doesn’t have that rushed feeling; it felt like a full and satisfying story.
There are a few aspects I would normally discuss in my reviews but I feel like if I say anything more I would be spoiling the story. I will say I thought the ending was really interesting, There was a small twist Holst gave us when we finally got some questions answered that I thought was well done. All in all this is well written and an entertaining story.
If you like stranded on a deserted island type stories this novella is for you. I’m glad I finally got to read something by Holst and I would not hesitate to read her stories again.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
May 6, 2019
I am drunk and about to chop my hand off.
This story gripped me from the first line. Written in the first person, a woman finds herself on what seems to be a deserted island. She doesn’t know who she is or how she got there. Her handbag is a collection of odd items with no clue to her identity. The penknife is at least useful.
This is the third novella I’ve read by Holst and while it is quite different from the first two and much darker, I really like her style. The whole concept of being stuck on a deserted island is one that most people think about and the fear of how to survive has spawned many novels, movies and reality shows.
The main character’s thoughts initially flicker in and out of consciousness. She has a sense of humour about herself and a recognition of the absurdity of her thoughts. She’s also pragmatic but that doesn’t seem to be getting her closer to who she is.
It’s a hard story to describe without giving anything away. There are elements of humour, horror, survival and love. I loved it for its difference, the writing style and its engaging story.
Book received from Netgalley and NineStar Press for an honest review.
April 16, 2020
In the Palm is my second Elna Holst. After reading Lucas I needed to read another one of her books straight away. I already thought this author would be one of those who can write in any genre she choses, and this novella proved my right.
And it was a total gem. An awesome first line (“I am drunk and about to chop my hand off.”) and we are thrown right in the deep end. Dr No-Name - stranded on a desert island – wakes up with total amnesia and has to survive the trauma of amputating her own left hand with only her wits and the meager contents of her handbag.
This is a very intimate story of one woman against the elements. I love how Holst writes her. No-Name has a wonderful inner dialogue - both sarcastic and humorous – as she is trying to adjust to her new reality. Her mind seems to feed her little tidbits of her old life.
Things become very interesting when it turns out No-Name is not alone on the island. That scene where she first meets Ren (in possession of her severed hand) is priceless. There are many precious scenes in fact, but I can’t say too much about it because it is best experienced while reading.
No-Name becomes Ren’s girl Friday, only Ren calls her Dimanche. They become each other’s world. She gets to meet Maman (another bitter-sweet but also hilarious scene) and will find out more about Ren’s past through Maman’s diary. We also get a sweet and unforgettable love story with an interesting little twist in the end. I so recommend you read this. It's brilliant!
f/f explicit
Themes: desert island, memory loss, trauma, survival, French, Chien, Dimanche, meet mother, utterly heartwarming.
4.8 Stars
And it was a total gem. An awesome first line (“I am drunk and about to chop my hand off.”) and we are thrown right in the deep end. Dr No-Name - stranded on a desert island – wakes up with total amnesia and has to survive the trauma of amputating her own left hand with only her wits and the meager contents of her handbag.
This is a very intimate story of one woman against the elements. I love how Holst writes her. No-Name has a wonderful inner dialogue - both sarcastic and humorous – as she is trying to adjust to her new reality. Her mind seems to feed her little tidbits of her old life.
Things become very interesting when it turns out No-Name is not alone on the island. That scene where she first meets Ren (in possession of her severed hand) is priceless. There are many precious scenes in fact, but I can’t say too much about it because it is best experienced while reading.
No-Name becomes Ren’s girl Friday, only Ren calls her Dimanche. They become each other’s world. She gets to meet Maman (another bitter-sweet but also hilarious scene) and will find out more about Ren’s past through Maman’s diary. We also get a sweet and unforgettable love story with an interesting little twist in the end. I so recommend you read this. It's brilliant!
f/f explicit
Themes: desert island, memory loss, trauma, survival, French, Chien, Dimanche, meet mother, utterly heartwarming.
4.8 Stars
May 11, 2019
Castaway with a companion and better ending.
You know it promises to be a good book when the first sentence is "I AM DRUNK and about to chop my hand off."
A woman has awoken on an island but has no memory of what happened or who she is.
Through her POV, we are treated to an endearingly sarcastic narration of survival on a desert island. I thoroughly loved being in her head as she experienced dehydration, fever, and suspected hallucinations. Despite her circumstances she always retained a sense of drive and respect for luck and good fortune.
She soon discovers she is not alone and she sets out through the jungle to discover who has been watching her. Will the mysterious footprint lead to her savior?
This short book was really good. I wouldn't have dreamed of putting it down. There were exactly the right amounts of description and dialogue. Always interesting and never boring. We don't even discover who the castaway really is until the very end.
I was really blown away by a writing choice the author made toward the end. Where who the castaway was is referred to as a completely different person. And that was just genius to me. Really worked to make you feel how separated from that woman she was to the island person.
The ONLY thing I did not care for was the French dialogue used without a translation. The author quickly went into English so that we would understand, but that first bit was still confusing to me.
But really, this was super good.
I recommend to those who love the outdoors, survivalists, romance, dogs, backstory, broken word, and clams...
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
You know it promises to be a good book when the first sentence is "I AM DRUNK and about to chop my hand off."
A woman has awoken on an island but has no memory of what happened or who she is.
Through her POV, we are treated to an endearingly sarcastic narration of survival on a desert island. I thoroughly loved being in her head as she experienced dehydration, fever, and suspected hallucinations. Despite her circumstances she always retained a sense of drive and respect for luck and good fortune.
She soon discovers she is not alone and she sets out through the jungle to discover who has been watching her. Will the mysterious footprint lead to her savior?
This short book was really good. I wouldn't have dreamed of putting it down. There were exactly the right amounts of description and dialogue. Always interesting and never boring. We don't even discover who the castaway really is until the very end.
I was really blown away by a writing choice the author made toward the end. Where who the castaway was is referred to as a completely different person. And that was just genius to me. Really worked to make you feel how separated from that woman she was to the island person.
The ONLY thing I did not care for was the French dialogue used without a translation. The author quickly went into English so that we would understand, but that first bit was still confusing to me.
But really, this was super good.
I recommend to those who love the outdoors, survivalists, romance, dogs, backstory, broken word, and clams...
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
December 4, 2020
“I am drunk and about to chop my hand off.” How is that for an opening sentence? The drunk and soon-to-be one-handed person is a woman but that’s about all either the reader or herself knows at first. She’s on a desert island but she has no idea how she got there nor, for that matter, who she is. After some time – time is a very abstract concept when you’re all alone on a desert island –, she’ll realise the island is not as deserted as she thought.
In the Palm is the most bizarre book I’ve read in a long time, maybe ever. It’s also funny and unexpectedly hot. The word that kept repeating in my mind as I was reading is “brilliant”. Everything in this novella is bloody brilliant. And kind of disturbing.
I felt as lost and disoriented as the main character for almost the whole time. Ms No Name (she’s pretty sure she’s a doctor) is smart and scared and talks to herself in a delightfully self-deprecating manner. The situation she finds herself in is terrifying yet I laughed a lot. And I have no idea how the author managed to convey so much sexiness despite all the squeamish-y stuff.
I mean, seriously, here you are, with two stranded characters who don’t really speak the same language, one of whom has probably not spoken at all in a terribly long time, the other has been forced to cut off her own hand in dreadful conditions, there’s sand and rain and mud and yet – yet! – there’s chemistry. A whole lot. Inadvertent chemistry at first then very purposeful and damn is it hot on this island!
I’m still stunned. This novella is probably not for everyone but it’s fabulous.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
In the Palm is the most bizarre book I’ve read in a long time, maybe ever. It’s also funny and unexpectedly hot. The word that kept repeating in my mind as I was reading is “brilliant”. Everything in this novella is bloody brilliant. And kind of disturbing.
I felt as lost and disoriented as the main character for almost the whole time. Ms No Name (she’s pretty sure she’s a doctor) is smart and scared and talks to herself in a delightfully self-deprecating manner. The situation she finds herself in is terrifying yet I laughed a lot. And I have no idea how the author managed to convey so much sexiness despite all the squeamish-y stuff.
I mean, seriously, here you are, with two stranded characters who don’t really speak the same language, one of whom has probably not spoken at all in a terribly long time, the other has been forced to cut off her own hand in dreadful conditions, there’s sand and rain and mud and yet – yet! – there’s chemistry. A whole lot. Inadvertent chemistry at first then very purposeful and damn is it hot on this island!
I’m still stunned. This novella is probably not for everyone but it’s fabulous.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
November 14, 2019
Surviving On A Deserted Island
+ Try Not To Get Yourself Into Such Situation
- Too Late?
+ Leave The Strap-On, Take The Swiss Army
+ Don't Panic!
- A tiny dosage of freak out drama is acceptable as long as you don't chant "I am going to die."
+ Find Drinking Water
- Top Priority!
+ Find/Build Shelter
- I'm screwed, can't even draw a straight line using a ruler.
+ Build A Fire
- It's perfect if you have your ex's stuffs to feed the fire.
+ Create Rescue Signals
- If your bonfire failed to get anyone's attention, create the Save Our Souls not Same Old Shit message on the sand.
+ Find Food
- I'll be dead within hours if I only have coconuts and fish to survive on unless I find a few more stuffs to make tomyam😏
- Monkeys can be useful in this condition, if they stay away from your potential food supply, then you should too.
+ Beware of Predators
- The 1st one will probably be your date/partner who was reluctant with the boat/island trip idea but fell to your charms when you convinced her/him that the trip will be one of the most romantic thing and a story to tell the grandkids.
+ Work During The Day and Rest At Night
- Well if your date/partner doesn't kill you, just wow!
- Sleep under the blanket of stars, listen to the sound of the waves, feel the heat from the bonfire as you cuddle/spoon/fork.
- You might have to keep the clothes on due to mosquitoes but that's okay as it'll bring back memories of 2nd Base...BUT
- If you skipped 2nd Base with your current partner, be careful of the name/s you moaned out.
+ Before Getting Yourself into The Situation, watch/read;
- Cast Away
- Robinson Crusoe
- 127 Hours
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- 5 Minute Crafts
- In The Palm by Elna Holst - Recommended
+ Don't Waste Your🔋 Reading This Guarantee To Fail Tips and Call For Help.
Many moons ago, I was the idiot who convinced her gf to an island getaway. Miscommunication happened with the boat driver and we got stuck for a night and a few hours of daylight- my bad. She didn't kill me, obviously + the wise one as we didn't starve/thirst to death. I had to explain the bites, nope, not love bites, mosquitoes' to friends and colleagues after.
+ Try Not To Get Yourself Into Such Situation
- Too Late?
+ Leave The Strap-On, Take The Swiss Army
+ Don't Panic!
- A tiny dosage of freak out drama is acceptable as long as you don't chant "I am going to die."
+ Find Drinking Water
- Top Priority!
+ Find/Build Shelter
- I'm screwed, can't even draw a straight line using a ruler.
+ Build A Fire
- It's perfect if you have your ex's stuffs to feed the fire.
+ Create Rescue Signals
- If your bonfire failed to get anyone's attention, create the Save Our Souls not Same Old Shit message on the sand.
+ Find Food
- I'll be dead within hours if I only have coconuts and fish to survive on unless I find a few more stuffs to make tomyam😏
- Monkeys can be useful in this condition, if they stay away from your potential food supply, then you should too.
+ Beware of Predators
- The 1st one will probably be your date/partner who was reluctant with the boat/island trip idea but fell to your charms when you convinced her/him that the trip will be one of the most romantic thing and a story to tell the grandkids.
+ Work During The Day and Rest At Night
- Well if your date/partner doesn't kill you, just wow!
- Sleep under the blanket of stars, listen to the sound of the waves, feel the heat from the bonfire as you cuddle/spoon/fork.
- You might have to keep the clothes on due to mosquitoes but that's okay as it'll bring back memories of 2nd Base...BUT
- If you skipped 2nd Base with your current partner, be careful of the name/s you moaned out.
+ Before Getting Yourself into The Situation, watch/read;
- Cast Away
- Robinson Crusoe
- 127 Hours
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- 5 Minute Crafts
- In The Palm by Elna Holst - Recommended
+ Don't Waste Your🔋 Reading This Guarantee To Fail Tips and Call For Help.
Many moons ago, I was the idiot who convinced her gf to an island getaway. Miscommunication happened with the boat driver and we got stuck for a night and a few hours of daylight- my bad. She didn't kill me, obviously + the wise one as we didn't starve/thirst to death. I had to explain the bites, nope, not love bites, mosquitoes' to friends and colleagues after.
May 27, 2019
This story got me in the palm of its hand from the start (yes, bad pun intended).
I've absolutely loved this book, it's got everything in one very well-written package: adventure, mystery, and romance. The story is a very loose retelling of Robinson Crusoe, starting with a punch. A woman is stranded in an isolated island with no recollection of who she is and how she got there and with the only certainty that, if she wants to survive, she needs to amputate one of her hands.
As the story develops, the main character and the reader are slowly clued on the real identity and the mystery surrounding her. Getting into more detail will only spoil it for others so I'm only going to say that this journey of discovery is very entertaining and packed with action, romance and hotness and it finishes with a great twist at the end.
Overall, a very well written romance/adventure novel that makes an entertaining read. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
I've absolutely loved this book, it's got everything in one very well-written package: adventure, mystery, and romance. The story is a very loose retelling of Robinson Crusoe, starting with a punch. A woman is stranded in an isolated island with no recollection of who she is and how she got there and with the only certainty that, if she wants to survive, she needs to amputate one of her hands.
As the story develops, the main character and the reader are slowly clued on the real identity and the mystery surrounding her. Getting into more detail will only spoil it for others so I'm only going to say that this journey of discovery is very entertaining and packed with action, romance and hotness and it finishes with a great twist at the end.
Overall, a very well written romance/adventure novel that makes an entertaining read. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
July 16, 2019
Who doesn't like a book that makes you laugh out loud one moment and then burst into tears the next? I really wasn't counting on that last part happening but sure enough my eyeballs sprung a leak during several parts of the book.
I love characters who speak fluent sarcasm and snark as a second language. That's exactly what I got when first introduced to the woman whose POV this story is told from. Her thought process though sometimes bordering on despair are often hilarious and add much needed levity to the dire situation she finds herself in.
Stranded on an island with no recollection of what happened or who you even are is terrifying enough but what if you're not as alone as you thought? What else is on the island? Animal? Alien? An ancient Amelia Earhart?
It's hard to convey how great this book is without spoiling anything. It's a surprisingly heartwarming story about surviving against all odds. The final revelation left me slack jawed. Talk about serendipity!
Full 4* rating for this remarkable tale.
I love characters who speak fluent sarcasm and snark as a second language. That's exactly what I got when first introduced to the woman whose POV this story is told from. Her thought process though sometimes bordering on despair are often hilarious and add much needed levity to the dire situation she finds herself in.
Stranded on an island with no recollection of what happened or who you even are is terrifying enough but what if you're not as alone as you thought? What else is on the island? Animal? Alien? An ancient Amelia Earhart?
It's hard to convey how great this book is without spoiling anything. It's a surprisingly heartwarming story about surviving against all odds. The final revelation left me slack jawed. Talk about serendipity!
Full 4* rating for this remarkable tale.
June 28, 2019
This was a quirky and entertaining read. Think Castaway with the added bonus of an internal monologue by Dr NoName. The opening scene is worth the price of this novella alone. The author captured my interest and held it for a good part of the read.
Things get a bit murky as the story progresses and new characters are introduced but the concept was a clever one and I enjoyed this escapist read.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Things get a bit murky as the story progresses and new characters are introduced but the concept was a clever one and I enjoyed this escapist read.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
October 12, 2021
I think this is only the 2nd novella I've read, and I enjoyed it. I like the entire concept of being stranded on an island (not that I'd ever want it for myself) and I really love The Wild (TV show), so I decided to give this a go!
The opening line is probably one of the best I've ever read. It sets the tone for the main character (I won't give her name away since it's not revealed until towards the end) who I really liked. I love a good snarky POV.
I do wish it was longer, but I think that's more to do with me than the actual novella. I prefer long novels in general.
I liked the ending, surprisingly. I initially wanted the opposite of what happened, but when she eventually remembered more it made sense.
I'm in two minds about the actual romance though. I don't know if this is just me, but if I'd woken up stranded on a deserted island and had to cut my hand off, I wouldn't immediately be thinking about jumping in bed with the first woman I see. It all happened very suddenly. I think that's because it's a novella though, less time for development all round.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
The opening line is probably one of the best I've ever read. It sets the tone for the main character (I won't give her name away since it's not revealed until towards the end) who I really liked. I love a good snarky POV.
I do wish it was longer, but I think that's more to do with me than the actual novella. I prefer long novels in general.
I liked the ending, surprisingly. I initially wanted the opposite of what happened, but when she eventually remembered more it made sense.
I'm in two minds about the actual romance though. I don't know if this is just me, but if I'd woken up stranded on a deserted island and had to cut my hand off, I wouldn't immediately be thinking about jumping in bed with the first woman I see. It all happened very suddenly. I think that's because it's a novella though, less time for development all round.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
November 12, 2021
This author is HILARIOUS I love the delirious mc!
READ IT!!!
And the romance was just everything. I love the base view of what life can be and that communication is key even without a full language. I loved the dynamic and then role reversal too this was so cute!
The ending warmed me for this winter and I ship Dimanche/Ren! Good Dimanche. Good Ren. Brilliant book.
I wish there was a second one to see if Ren learns about her past but I'm also happy to let them live together in bliss with the fur baby that I hope is immortal!
READ IT!!!
And the romance was just everything. I love the base view of what life can be and that communication is key even without a full language. I loved the dynamic and then role reversal too this was so cute!
The ending warmed me for this winter and I ship Dimanche/Ren! Good Dimanche. Good Ren. Brilliant book.
I wish there was a second one to see if Ren learns about her past but I'm also happy to let them live together in bliss with the fur baby that I hope is immortal!
May 24, 2019
actually can I have five more of these little feral bitches?
May 18, 2019
This was another story unlike anything I've read before, and when you've read as many as I have...that's refreshing. It was enthralling to watch the main character come to a kind of peace with her surroundings, and then...adapt. I don't want to give anything away, but I can say it felt full of surprises and twists for a novella.
You know how marketers will say "Come for the (whatever) and stay for the (whatever)"?
Start reading to find out about that crazy opening line.
Stay to find out what happens.
And if you're like me, you'll read the ending twice to be sure you read it correctly.
Twisty. Enthralling. Unexpectedly great!
You know how marketers will say "Come for the (whatever) and stay for the (whatever)"?
Start reading to find out about that crazy opening line.
Stay to find out what happens.
And if you're like me, you'll read the ending twice to be sure you read it correctly.
Twisty. Enthralling. Unexpectedly great!
June 14, 2021
In the deranged, disjointed intensity of the moment, I think: We make our own rain.
3.5 stars. For the last little while I've been itching to read more stranded/survival/lost-type romances, and this is one I've had my eye on for a couple months. I went into this without even reading the blurb, and knowing absolutely nothing about the situation and what was going to happen really made this an interesting read. It's a novella and I don't want to give away too much, but I enjoyed this. I got what I wanted; I just really like stories of people learning to survive while lost/stranded. The romance was good; leant into some tropes that I really don't like, but also, given the context of the story, the things we find out throughout it, and the ending... idk. I minded certain things less as we progressed. I also had issues with believability on... lots of things lol, but I didn't let it bother me too much. As I did when I read my first novel by her, I just really enjoyed Holst's writing; really unique and also stirring.
(One of my biggest pet peeves did make an appearance though, which is people writing journal entries as if they're prose. Never fails to take me right out of the story when someone's diary entry reads just like another part of the book, and the person uses dialogue markers and all. Small, but oooof, always irks me.)
Definitely a unique story, which is what I think I was looking for. Kudos!
Content warnings:
May 16, 2019
3.5 Stars
One of the best opening lines I've ever read - "I AM DRUNK and about to chop my hand off."
This is a novella about a woman who washes up on a tropical island shore. When she awakens she recognizes that her hand has symptoms of a necrotising infection and she knows she must chop her hand off if she is to survive. She has a pen knife and a couple of small hotel bottles of whiskey. She also cannot remember who she is and how she ended up on this tropical island. I can't really tell you too much more for it would best to discover this woman's fate as she does.
It is a good book, well worth the read. I enjoyed it. But maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I've read Robinson Crusoe or seen Tom Hank's movie Castaway? (Yeah, I know. I maybe the only one who hasn't seen it.) Unfortunately, I don't think having seen Blue Lagoon or Disney's Swiss Family Robinson helped.
I subtracted half a star because I had a believably problem with a detail that bothered me to distraction and probably no one else. Nevertheless, I recommend this novella for anyone who enjoys an adventure and following a character discovering herself.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
One of the best opening lines I've ever read - "I AM DRUNK and about to chop my hand off."
This is a novella about a woman who washes up on a tropical island shore. When she awakens she recognizes that her hand has symptoms of a necrotising infection and she knows she must chop her hand off if she is to survive. She has a pen knife and a couple of small hotel bottles of whiskey. She also cannot remember who she is and how she ended up on this tropical island. I can't really tell you too much more for it would best to discover this woman's fate as she does.
It is a good book, well worth the read. I enjoyed it. But maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I've read Robinson Crusoe or seen Tom Hank's movie Castaway? (Yeah, I know. I maybe the only one who hasn't seen it.) Unfortunately, I don't think having seen Blue Lagoon or Disney's Swiss Family Robinson helped.
I subtracted half a star because I had a believably problem with a detail that bothered me to distraction and probably no one else. Nevertheless, I recommend this novella for anyone who enjoys an adventure and following a character discovering herself.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
July 17, 2022
Wow! What an amazing story. Elna Holst sure knows how to draw me in from the opening paragraph!
Shades of Robinson Crusoe, yes, but yet very different.
A fascinating study of the main character, I love the way Elna Holst writes it all in the first person. I don't want to give anything away, so just trust me: you're going to need to read this all in one sitting!
Shades of Robinson Crusoe, yes, but yet very different.
A fascinating study of the main character, I love the way Elna Holst writes it all in the first person. I don't want to give anything away, so just trust me: you're going to need to read this all in one sitting!
September 30, 2022
3 stars. I want more sapphic stranded on a deserted island books please and thank you. I liked the plot of this one a lot. Just from the opening sentence I was intrigued. I liked the characters but the romance didn’t really do it for me. It was just something about it that I couldn’t buy into. I did like the writing though and the way this ended. It’s a very entertaining read and definitely made me want to read more books like it.
August 6, 2019
Wow!! There’s absolutely no way my review can do this one justice, just pick it up and start reading. I promise you, it’s impossible to put down after the very first sentence.
And can we please just take a moment to appreciate that genius cover??? I was blown away by absolutely everything
Final rating 5*
And can we please just take a moment to appreciate that genius cover??? I was blown away by absolutely everything
Final rating 5*
December 29, 2020
"Oh, but it’s been grand. I can’t remember the particulars, but I think I enjoyed the ride."
June 30, 2019
This book is fun, thrilling, and gripping from the first page! Holst knows how to get readers attention and keep it throughout the entirety of the book. The mystery unfolded naturally and vividly. It has a brilliant voice and made me laugh out loud multiple times, which I haven't done often. I really loved and enjoyed this book, and will absolutely be picking up another Holst book in the near future.
February 4, 2021
Elna Holst is a truly talented writer. She draws you effortlessly into her stories which have perfect pacing and are fluidly written.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
May 17, 2019
An interesting and vivid story. Our MC is stranded on a desert island with no memory of her past, and starts out the book immediately needing to cut her own hand off in order to save herself from gangrene. For a while things don't get much better for her--she's left to fend for herself on the island and things are pretty dire. Then a mysterious woman shows up and helps to nurse her back to health and generally survive.
I loved how dark the beginning of the book was, how vivid and painful the imagery got, how intense the MC's situation is. I also thought the book had strong Tarzan vibes, certain scenes in particular. I loved our mystery woman and her relationship with the MC. And I thought the name our MC is eventually given--Dimanche--is a lovely name.
So why only three stars? Well, I didn't like the ending. In fact, the night after reading it I remember having dreams about other ways it could have ended, so I guess the feeling lingered. I think it's the kind of ending that will probably work for a lot of people but frustrated me. And I'm going to discuss it below so really really do not open this spoiler if you don't want the ending spoiled for you.
Anyways. It's a good, fairly creepy book. I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how dark the beginning of the book was, how vivid and painful the imagery got, how intense the MC's situation is. I also thought the book had strong Tarzan vibes, certain scenes in particular. I loved our mystery woman and her relationship with the MC. And I thought the name our MC is eventually given--Dimanche--is a lovely name.
So why only three stars? Well, I didn't like the ending. In fact, the night after reading it I remember having dreams about other ways it could have ended, so I guess the feeling lingered. I think it's the kind of ending that will probably work for a lot of people but frustrated me. And I'm going to discuss it below so really really do not open this spoiler if you don't want the ending spoiled for you.
Anyways. It's a good, fairly creepy book. I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2019
A re-telling of sorts of the story of Robinson Crusoe. It starts in a compelling way as our narrator suffers from amnesia. It has fun shock values on display. But it makes to scientific sense, in terms of the language development, understanding of death, and depression that are central to the story line; none of these are accurate. And that makes the story less fun, and the portrayal of the child-like but very sexual Not Man Friday somewhat weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
May 15, 2019arc provided by publisher through netgalley
dnf @ 23%
I think I'm not fan of stream of consciousness style prose. That aspect didn't work for me and made me not really find the story engaging.
dnf @ 23%
I think I'm not fan of stream of consciousness style prose. That aspect didn't work for me and made me not really find the story engaging.
January 25, 2020
3,5 stars. idk how i feel abt tarzan and jane-esque romances, even as lesbians.
May 21, 2019
📖 In The Palm 📖
🖋 Elena Holst
Available starting today, May 20 via Kobo.
📚 Series: No.
📚 Genre: LGBTQ+ Adventure Romance
📚 POV: First person.
📚 Cliffhanger: No.
⚠ Content Warnings: Vivid description of amputation. Dead bodies.
In The Palm is my first Elena Holst read and I am very satisfied. This is a bit of a genre-bender and really got the wheels of my brain whirring.
After a few journeys, she stumbles upon a dog and another human (a human with limited vocabulary in French!) and their adventure unravels.
I really enjoyed this novella which is very Castaway-ish. Surprisingly, there was a number of hot scenes. And, I was even more surprised with the ending. Wink wink.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Nine Star Press for this complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own.
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌻 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Heroine:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Love Interest:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Romance:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Pacing:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Ending:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Page Turner:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐
☁ FINAL VERDICT: 3.63/5 ☁️
🖋 Elena Holst
Available starting today, May 20 via Kobo.
📚 Series: No.
📚 Genre: LGBTQ+ Adventure Romance
📚 POV: First person.
📚 Cliffhanger: No.
⚠ Content Warnings: Vivid description of amputation. Dead bodies.
In The Palm is my first Elena Holst read and I am very satisfied. This is a bit of a genre-bender and really got the wheels of my brain whirring.
"I am drunk and I am about to chop my hand off."One sentence in and you know you're in for a good read. No-named character woke up in a deserted island with no recollection of how she came there, and even who she was.
After a few journeys, she stumbles upon a dog and another human (a human with limited vocabulary in French!) and their adventure unravels.
I really enjoyed this novella which is very Castaway-ish. Surprisingly, there was a number of hot scenes. And, I was even more surprised with the ending. Wink wink.
Much thanks to NetGalley and Nine Star Press for this complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own.
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌻 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Heroine:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Love Interest:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Romance:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Pacing:⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Ending:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Page Turner:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌻 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐
☁ FINAL VERDICT: 3.63/5 ☁️
September 21, 2019
While only a short book, In The Palm packs a lot into it. Upon waking up on what appears to be a deserted island, the narrator soon identifies necrotising fasciitis in her left hand - something that makes her believe she was a doctor before washing up here - and promptly downs the two mini vodkas she has and saws off her own hand with a penknife. It's a very brutal and quick start to this novella, and as it's only very short you're soon left wishing it was a lot longer. This was funny, enticing, and very readable, In The Palm is something very different.
May 13, 2019
If you're not hooked from the first lines of this book... then your loss! Short and exciting, it makes you want to keep reading more first to know the character... then... for other spoilery reasons! :)
The plot? A woman is stranded in a deserted island with no recollection of who she is. The book starts like this: "I am drunk and about to chop my hand off." doesn't it sound fun?!
I got this book from Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review.
The plot? A woman is stranded in a deserted island with no recollection of who she is. The book starts like this: "I am drunk and about to chop my hand off." doesn't it sound fun?!
I got this book from Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2019
I was immediately excited by the summary and ended up preordering this book. I'm always down for wildness survival romances and I really liked this one. The writing was engaging and enjoyable and I read most of this in one sitting. I liked the ending as well.
August 15, 2021
This was a fast, well written, and a fun read, perfect for the summer vacation. It's a story about lost amnesiac woman, trying to find out who is she and, at the same time, survive the harsh conditions of a tropical desert island. It starts in medias res, with a very dramatic scene, and it doesn't lose it's energy.
It's also a sapphic romance story, with very hot (huh, pun!) scenes. I loved the way relationship was developed, the simmering lust, the yearning, the companionship.
For a short story that has so little words, this novella opens up a lot of interesting topics for discussion like: identity, personal history, destructive loneliness, and most importantly, when a person is stripped of everything, including memory, displaced from what we percieve as civilization, what stays behind? What makes someone a person? What's truly important, and what's expendable? What's crucial to the life worth living?
In the Palm had gut-wrenching moments as much as comedic, and even some unexpectedly dark. It was all wrapped up rather nicely, and I loved the ending especially, even when it felt a bit rushed.
It's also a sapphic romance story, with very hot (huh, pun!) scenes. I loved the way relationship was developed, the simmering lust, the yearning, the companionship.
For a short story that has so little words, this novella opens up a lot of interesting topics for discussion like: identity, personal history, destructive loneliness, and most importantly, when a person is stripped of everything, including memory, displaced from what we percieve as civilization, what stays behind? What makes someone a person? What's truly important, and what's expendable? What's crucial to the life worth living?
In the Palm had gut-wrenching moments as much as comedic, and even some unexpectedly dark. It was all wrapped up rather nicely, and I loved the ending especially, even when it felt a bit rushed.
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