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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
I wanted to like this one more- the issues of racism in the UK (especially in the recent light of Brexit) and the ethnocentrism related to western medicine were super interesting. But I found Maisie annoying- she was almost fetishizing the Indian women (the repeated references to silk saris and bindis... I swear to god); even after her realization that she was trying to control everyone else's life in the last book she was still ordering Billy around and telling him what to do- despite his protestations of what would help him feel better; and she made stupid and reckless choices, almost like she was specifically trying to spite James's concern for her physical safety when investigating murders.
Spoiler
Also, WTF was the tiny subplot with Sandra and Billy? WHY? What on earth did that serve?
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
Might be my favorite Maisie Dobbs yet? Maybe because I took a break (got a little tired of our lady inquiry agent after Elegy for Eddie, glad other readers encouraged me to take a break and come back), maybe because I really needed something light and familiar in my present state of mind and after Evelyn Hardcastle.
Really more 3.5 stars. Review to be forthcoming, as I don't have time today to do it. Will definitely try to read the rest of the series, as this was the last one in the series!
Audiobook: 10hr 08m
Had I read this book at the point of publication instead of years later, knowing it was followed by more volumes, I would have thought this a bitter-sweet conclusion to the series. Certainly, I am curious about where Maisie Dobbs goes on from here, but this chapter of her life has obviously come to a close, and lose ends have all been acknowledged, if not nearly tied up in bows.
It feels like a good spot to take a break and read something else for a while — let the characters breathe a little and enjoy the happy, hopeful moment. Ripples in the narrative water suggest it may not last.
Had I read this book at the point of publication instead of years later, knowing it was followed by more volumes, I would have thought this a bitter-sweet conclusion to the series. Certainly, I am curious about where Maisie Dobbs goes on from here, but this chapter of her life has obviously come to a close, and lose ends have all been acknowledged, if not nearly tied up in bows.
It feels like a good spot to take a break and read something else for a while — let the characters breathe a little and enjoy the happy, hopeful moment. Ripples in the narrative water suggest it may not last.
My least favorite of this series. I'm getting impatient with her finding herself when she's in her 30's. Her priorities bother me at this point.
I do love the solving of mysteries but have found them less interesting since Maisie seems to be pulling away from the relationships that matter most.
I do love the solving of mysteries but have found them less interesting since Maisie seems to be pulling away from the relationships that matter most.
Maisie is a student of life. I love how each book involves Maisie's inner growth, not just an adventure in investigation. Great characters in this book. So glad this was not the end of the series.
I guess I forgot to note this one which uh says something about how it ranks for me. Orlagh Cassidy’s Indian accent is yikes. But this novel gets Maisie where she needs to be for the Next Phase Of Life, so sure.
This was the first Maisie Dobbs novel that felt long to me, the mystery went on and on and Maisie is trying to decide which direction her life is going. I'm looking forward to seeing where Maisie is headed and can only hope that she makes some decisions in her personal life, if the books continue.