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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
It took some time to get into this one, largely because there are A LOT lof characters. But once it got going, I really enjoyed it.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Pretty typical Atkinson, so if you're a fan, it's a good read. If you're not, her penchant for casually throwing around French phrases and the ultra-British style can slow you down (unless, of course, you're Bilingual
or ultra-British). It took me a few chapters to get hooked, and then I couldn't put it down. Chapters alternate between narrative characters (only two of whom I found likeable), and the pace thunders along to a slightly disappointing conclusion. I was super grumpy about the fates of several characters - after being so embroiled in the drama of their lives, I felt deflated by their endings. At least the dog doesn't die.
or ultra-British). It took me a few chapters to get hooked, and then I couldn't put it down. Chapters alternate between narrative characters (only two of whom I found likeable), and the pace thunders along to a slightly disappointing conclusion. I was super grumpy about the fates of several characters - after being so embroiled in the drama of their lives, I felt deflated by their endings. At least the dog doesn't die.
3.5 It took awhile for me to get used to the jump in timelines and the chapters having different POVs. Also, WAY too many character POVs. I think they were over 20. If you have that, please have a chart in the front or back of the book so I can keep track of how everyone is related.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
In a country still recovering from the Great War, London is the focus for a delirious nightlife. In Soho clubs, peers of the realm rub shoulders with starlets, foreign dignitaries with gangsters, and girls sell dances for a shilling a time.
There, Nellie Coker is a ruthless ruler, ambitious for her six children. Niven is the eldest, his enigmatic character forged in the harsh Somme. But success breeds enemies. Nellie faces threats from without and within. Beneath the gaiety lies a dark underbelly, where one may be all too easily lost.
I veered between 3 and 4 stars for this as it's well written and an enjoyable read but I felt it lacked depth, I never really got involved in the story and could pick it up and put it down at will. Some of the characters seemed quite superfluous, the ending was confusing and too swift and the whole book seemed strangely superficial. Having said that there were many witty moments and many hugely enjoyable conversational scenes.
There, Nellie Coker is a ruthless ruler, ambitious for her six children. Niven is the eldest, his enigmatic character forged in the harsh Somme. But success breeds enemies. Nellie faces threats from without and within. Beneath the gaiety lies a dark underbelly, where one may be all too easily lost.
I veered between 3 and 4 stars for this as it's well written and an enjoyable read but I felt it lacked depth, I never really got involved in the story and could pick it up and put it down at will. Some of the characters seemed quite superfluous, the ending was confusing and too swift and the whole book seemed strangely superficial. Having said that there were many witty moments and many hugely enjoyable conversational scenes.
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Murder
Moderate: Abortion