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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
4.5 stars. This is a little different from the usual Philippa Gregory novels if you're a reader of the Tudor and Plantagenet series like I am. There is still strong historical reference present in the text, but the approach of the primary characters is something new. Gregory just has a way with weaving an intriguing story and her historical knowledge and little bits of detail are always fantastic.
The start to this one was a little slow, which did hurt things in the ratings department, but really shouldn't be held against it too hard. The story is still really good and the narrative is detailed without being tedious. And when it came to the last bits of the book, I was shook. I couldn't put it down and I couldn't read the ending fast enough. It was well-built suspense and I was loving it.
Overall, this is a great read with a ridiculously strong ending. I am very much looking forward to continuing with the series.
** Full review at EPJ. **
4.5 stars. This is a little different from the usual Philippa Gregory novels if you're a reader of the Tudor and Plantagenet series like I am. There is still strong historical reference present in the text, but the approach of the primary characters is something new. Gregory just has a way with weaving an intriguing story and her historical knowledge and little bits of detail are always fantastic.
The start to this one was a little slow, which did hurt things in the ratings department, but really shouldn't be held against it too hard. The story is still really good and the narrative is detailed without being tedious. And when it came to the last bits of the book, I was shook. I couldn't put it down and I couldn't read the ending fast enough. It was well-built suspense and I was loving it.
Overall, this is a great read with a ridiculously strong ending. I am very much looking forward to continuing with the series.
** Full review at EPJ. **
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I’ve held onto this book for a long time before reading it because it felt extra special - I got to go to one of Philippa Gregory’s readings thanks to the best present ever from my in-laws, and she gave a fantastic talk on the challenges of being a woman during the 17th century. Then I was first in the queue afterwards with my book to be signed and told her all in a jumble how I didn’t used to be into history at all but since reading her Plantagenet and Tudor books, I’m absolutely obsessed and now can’t get enough of reading about history from all different time periods and perspectives :)
This book is different from all the others by her that I’ve already read. As well as being in a later time period, it focuses on life which, although influenced by the royal upheavals which changed the way people worshipped, dressed and paid their taxes, is removed from the courts and upper classes. This is the story of poor people who have to make their living any way they can. Every day is precarious for them as they try to make enough money to survive, and each one is at the mercy of the goodwill of their neighbours and parish leaders.
In someone else’s hands I might have found this subject matter too trivial, but I trust Gregory implicitly, and disciplined myself to soak up every word instead of trying to race though for the dramatic conclusion. She is an absolute master at immersing the reader into a daily existence we could never have imagined without the historical records of how people survived centuries ago. The minutia of tending herbs so they can be administered as medicine; collecting and trading basic ingredients so there was enough food to live on; daily practices of hygiene, religion and superstition that carried family life from day to day; and the disparity of wealth and influence between different people that prevented so many from ever being able to change their lot - all of these elements are spell-binding in this story.
I was absolutely hooked, absolutely invested in all the characters, and absolutely overjoyed that it’s the first of a three-part series and now I can immediately start the next one!
This book is different from all the others by her that I’ve already read. As well as being in a later time period, it focuses on life which, although influenced by the royal upheavals which changed the way people worshipped, dressed and paid their taxes, is removed from the courts and upper classes. This is the story of poor people who have to make their living any way they can. Every day is precarious for them as they try to make enough money to survive, and each one is at the mercy of the goodwill of their neighbours and parish leaders.
In someone else’s hands I might have found this subject matter too trivial, but I trust Gregory implicitly, and disciplined myself to soak up every word instead of trying to race though for the dramatic conclusion. She is an absolute master at immersing the reader into a daily existence we could never have imagined without the historical records of how people survived centuries ago. The minutia of tending herbs so they can be administered as medicine; collecting and trading basic ingredients so there was enough food to live on; daily practices of hygiene, religion and superstition that carried family life from day to day; and the disparity of wealth and influence between different people that prevented so many from ever being able to change their lot - all of these elements are spell-binding in this story.
I was absolutely hooked, absolutely invested in all the characters, and absolutely overjoyed that it’s the first of a three-part series and now I can immediately start the next one!
I didn’t finish it. I thought it was more about the woman’s life but it really was more like a romance & I couldn’t get into it.
2.5 stars rounded up.
Very, very, painfully slow through the first 2/3 of the book with characters that you struggle to care about much less like. I’ve loved so many of PG’s novels, this made me sad.
Very, very, painfully slow through the first 2/3 of the book with characters that you struggle to care about much less like. I’ve loved so many of PG’s novels, this made me sad.
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I read this for a book club. The beginning led me to believe that it was going to be a romance novel. I am not a huge fan of that genre because I am not a very romantic person so I did not expect to like the book. However, without giving away too much, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised at how the book turned out. If you, like me, are not a fan of romance, do not be deterred by the beginning. This books takes you on a wild ride
A three and a half. No a bad book but it just didn’t grip me as much as some of her others.
It was hard for me to get into initially, because I always have a hard time when there are a lot of historical references and details, but after the first couple chapters, I was sucked in by the relationships and character development.