Book Reviews feat. Patti Smith and Michel Faber

I took an impromptu blogging break during June, in order to dedicate more time to staring blankly into space, and so I didn't get round to sharing my book reviews from the month of May with you. In the interests of consistency, I am finally getting round to catching up now!
I read some books that I absolutely fell head over heels in love with during May so I hope that there are quite a few reads that you can add to prospective wishlists and TBRs as a result of reading this post. Share the wealth as it were!