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3.44 AVERAGE
3.44 AVERAGE
This book has the things I love about Sarah Waters’ work- historical depth, feeling like I’m in the characters’ daily lives, and a slow burn. But it seriously missed the mark for me. It became a different novel in the second half, and I was interested but felt like we went in circles for the last 200 pages, which is a lot. And I’m sorry for comparing it to Tipping the Velvet, I really am, but the difference in how much I love the characters is astounding. I usually understand the motives and feelings behind her characters but most of the time I just had no idea why they were making the decisions they were. I didn’t really like Frances or Lilian all that much, ESPECIALLY when compared to Nan or Susan. TLDR: way too many pages for way too little plot and unlikeable characters - a massive Sarah Waters fan
I loved 80% of this book and read it like a women possessed. I haven't picked up a novel that has forced me to sneak pages in the morning before work in ages. Waters did a fine job creating drama, mystery and intrigue. I think I got worn out by the novel much like the main characters did by their lives and predicament. The last 20% were slow going and perhaps that was the authors intent. Deep characters with an interesting plot and in a rich historical setting. I just wish I'd like the ending more.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The ending of this novel left me feeling a bit like the main protagonists....unclear of the happenings and a bit drawn out by it. I like the author and think she does a great job of developing characters that you want to read more of but there is something off, to me personally, about how she develops relationships. I have read one other of her works, Tipping the Velvet, which I had similar feelings towards. Feel as if we could've spent more time developing the relationship between the main characters that would have made the ending feel a bit more resolved.
Lesbian stories like these are harder to come by, meaning that there is a seperate plot
happening besides the romance elements. This is something that I will always return to Sarah Watets for.
Lesbian stories like these are harder to come by, meaning that there is a seperate plot
happening besides the romance elements. This is something that I will always return to Sarah Watets for.
Beautifully written, but a long book that felt long at times. Nonetheless, it was a ride. It felt like 3 books, actually.
Another compelling story with twists and turns that I didn’t expect!
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The book didn't relly have the mystery or the plot twist elements other Waters books have had
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Yes
Fucking stunning. This book breathes istg
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion, Lesbophobia
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the better escapist reads of my year - part romance, part thriller, with memorable characters and a gritty twist that reveals itself gradually. The author does a brilliant job capturing the passions and emotions of her characters and building tension that carries the reader along. After the first few chapters, I couldn't put it down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Violence, Abortion
Plod... and then more plodding. I much preferred Fingersmith.