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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
This was a bit lifeless. There was too much telling and not enough showing, particularly, the romance and mmc. I also wished that it was first pov.
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
medium-paced
This story captured me from the start, not only because it surrounded the story of the Titanic, but also because it involved the scandalous love affair between young Madeleine Forte and a much older and divorced Mr. Jack Astor. As the pages flew by the author pulled us deeper into the lovers relationship. Also woven into the story were the relationships of Jack’s son, ex-wife, and the other high society women. What a whirlwind!
The story of the second wife of John Jacob Astor, the uber-wealthy dude who perished on the Titanic. She was 30 years younger than he was (17 when he was 47, which is seriously gross on his part, IMO, but ok). This was more of a romance kind of book than I expected. Someone on GR called it “low-key” and some called it “boring” and they’re not wrong. It seems like it should be interesting (especially to those of us who are fascinated with the Titanic) but it’s pretty lackluster. Just not enough happens; there is not enough going on to care about. The part describing the actual sinking was the most interesting part, but I already knew all of that. I kept picturing the actors who played the characters in the movie.
I love this book. I appreciate how it is laid out beginning most chapters with a diary or journal entry from Madeleine Aster to her newborn son that sets up the switch to what was happening at that time in Madeleine's life, first time she sets eyes on Colonel J.J. Aster, their introduction, courtship, marriage, up until the birth of her son.
The story is told in a realistic way from Madeleine's point of view through the challenges and losses she faces. There is sympathy for every character involved while holding them up for the choices made and the hypocrisy society exhibits. It also echoes the old adage that the more things change the more they stay the same.
The story is told in a realistic way from Madeleine's point of view through the challenges and losses she faces. There is sympathy for every character involved while holding them up for the choices made and the hypocrisy society exhibits. It also echoes the old adage that the more things change the more they stay the same.
I really liked this. I have a long history of being a Titanic obsesso ever since my mom bought me a book about finding the ship on the bottom of the North Atlantic (I think this contributed to my terror of submerged things). So I knew who Madeleine Force Astor was. But I don't think I really thought about her much before. So I'm glad I got to know her through this fantastic historical fiction. It was well written and evoked genuine feeling. I really didn't want what I knew happened to happen.
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved everything about this historical fiction book. The author stays so close to the facts of The Titanic and what is known and out the Astors, and added very plausible yet compelling details of their relationship.
Historical fiction is not my favorite but I really enjoyed this book, and very cool to get insight on manhattans elite at the time. Sad to know how its going to end the whole time