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3.31 AVERAGE
3.31 AVERAGE
Unlike some other reviewers, I was not bothered by the lack of regular focus on William Blake. In fact, I enjoyed that such a well-known figure in history was a secondary character in a book rather than the focus. He was a kindly, eccentric neighbour whose name was Mr. Blake, rather than THE William Blake.
I enjoyed the book for what I thought it to be - a brief portrait of life in late 18th century London. I didn't need there to be a concrete story, as I did find myself invested in the relationship between Jem and Maggie and the world they inhabited.
I enjoyed the book for what I thought it to be - a brief portrait of life in late 18th century London. I didn't need there to be a concrete story, as I did find myself invested in the relationship between Jem and Maggie and the world they inhabited.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I keep reading her books because I think the subjects she chooses to write about are interesting, however, the plot is thin and predictable, and I never really cared about the main characters. The book is ostensibly about William Blake, and it takes place during the French Revolution, but those seem a minor and pale backdrop to a rather cheaply written story.
I'm halfway through the book and have learned a lot about circuslife in Lambeth at the end of the 18th century and precious little about William Blake.
An enjoyable read, but I felt like the author was telling a lot and not showing much. I felt like I was assured that Maggie and Jem liked each other, but I didn't see a whole lot of it, other than some blushing and pleasure at seeing each other.
I liked this book. It was an enjoyable read and she made late 18th century London come alive. But there too many threads left dangling. There were scenes that did not really go anywhere or accomplish much. There were also huge time jumps and a lack of connection between scenes. Reading it was like skipping through a book rather than a slow and steady walk.
This is the story of the Kellaway family that moves to London. The story revolves around Jem and Maggie. Maggie is a street smart girl that helps Jem learn the ropes. The plot was a little thin and predictable.
Chevalier is a master at making times gone by come alive in the pages of her books. While this is not my favorite work of Chevalier, it is still a nice distraction from the modern world.
not up to her usual standard. slim relationship between the characters and the famous person, William Blake. predictable outcome and a little cliched in the characters' lives. excellent depiction of life during a specific period of time.