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treehalter's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.75
Interesting approach. I enjoyed learning about Marie Curie as well as the possible ‘other outcomes’ had she had made one different decision.
ninasbooks57's review against another edition
4.0
We all have choices! This is shown over and over through out the book. We all will experience the consequences of our choices.
This book was very interesting— what hardships Marya/ Marie endured.
I gave it a 4 because it was sometimes difficult to keep the details of each life straight! I would recommend this book- worth the read!!
This book was very interesting— what hardships Marya/ Marie endured.
I gave it a 4 because it was sometimes difficult to keep the details of each life straight! I would recommend this book- worth the read!!
nikkissaw's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy historical fiction, the intertwining of the non-fictional bits of history is always a pull for me, the fictional portion being just enough "drama" to keep me interested. However this book was written, chapter for chapter, going between Marie Curie's real life in Paris and her "what if" life in Poland. While both stories kept me engaged, I had a hard time going back and forth every single chapter. I almost wished the book were written in two halves instead. It wasn't a 5 star read for me but a definite 3.75-4.0, especially if you also enjoy historical fiction.
vicvicto's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
kleonard's review against another edition
1.0
I really wish people writing about music and musicians had actual musicians read their work before publishing it. Most orchestras don't call the pianist the "principal piano," and being the pianist for an orchestra does not mean playing non-stop piano concertos with said orchestra. Not every piece is a "song." Not every musician has or needs perfect pitch, and having it doesn't automatically make you a good musician.
Now that I have that off my chest: this novel fictionalizes the life of Marie Curie and, in parallel, imagines a life for her--as Marya--had she not gone to Paris to study when she did. The author is clearly trying to create numerous parallels between these two lives, including having Marie's sister Helena marry Jacques Curie in the version where Marya stays in Poland. Because of this very tight connection between the parallel worlds, though, the story is restricted in imagination and originality. The storytelling is a bit heavy-handed: it's obvious from the start that Marya's husband will cheat on her with Leokadia; that Marya will return to him; that Marya and Pierre Curie will feel attracted to one another; that the real-life affair between Marie and Paul Langevin will be mirrored by Pierre and Jeanne Langevin; and so on. Ultimately, the novel is a bit of a slog with few rewards.
Now that I have that off my chest: this novel fictionalizes the life of Marie Curie and, in parallel, imagines a life for her--as Marya--had she not gone to Paris to study when she did. The author is clearly trying to create numerous parallels between these two lives, including having Marie's sister Helena marry Jacques Curie in the version where Marya stays in Poland. Because of this very tight connection between the parallel worlds, though, the story is restricted in imagination and originality. The storytelling is a bit heavy-handed: it's obvious from the start that Marya's husband will cheat on her with Leokadia; that Marya will return to him; that Marya and Pierre Curie will feel attracted to one another; that the real-life affair between Marie and Paul Langevin will be mirrored by Pierre and Jeanne Langevin; and so on. Ultimately, the novel is a bit of a slog with few rewards.
sockmonkey67's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
ms_greenjeans's review against another edition
3.0
Everything is about choices. This author writes about two parallel lives—the real Marie Curie and the fictional Marya Slowdowska, or the Marie Curie who fell in love with a guy instead of science. I liked learning about Marie—I had no idea she was so hounded by the press or that she had a torrid love affair with a married man after Pierre died. I also liked Marya, and learning about Poland and France, etc. I like to think the real Marie was a little less serious than this version, but who knows? Mostly this book makes you think about how lives can be so different with one change in one choice and that can really make you jolt wide awake in the middle of the night.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 rounded up. Such an excellent surprise! My first Jillian Cantor book and I LOVED the premise: two parallel stories about the actual life of Marie Curie and the one she might have had if only she had stayed in Poland and married the man she loved instead of going to Paris and embarking on a life of science with Pierre Curie. Everything about this story worked for me!! Strong women characters, great historical detail and TWO epic but flawed love stories. Highly recommend especially for people looking to branch out from WWII historical fiction. This was extremely well-written and imagined, especially the many connections Cantor makes between the two possible lives of Marie.
bookswritingandmore's review against another edition
5.0
Have you ever wished you made a different decision in your life? Have you ever wondered what would happen if you changed on little decision? Would life be totally different or would fate take over?
This is what Jillian writes about in her new book Half Life. Every other chapter is based on the real story of Marie Curie, the famous scientist and Nobel prize winner. Then the other chapters are what might have happened in Marie's life if she changed one decision. I was engrossed in both Marie's and Mayra's timelines. Each woman has their own strengths and weaknesses, triumphs and misery. This novel was excellently done. I believed both stories, cried when both cried and laughed when they laughed. I dont think I've read a novel that is written quite the same as this ones. It is original and unputdownable. I so loved it.
This is what Jillian writes about in her new book Half Life. Every other chapter is based on the real story of Marie Curie, the famous scientist and Nobel prize winner. Then the other chapters are what might have happened in Marie's life if she changed one decision. I was engrossed in both Marie's and Mayra's timelines. Each woman has their own strengths and weaknesses, triumphs and misery. This novel was excellently done. I believed both stories, cried when both cried and laughed when they laughed. I dont think I've read a novel that is written quite the same as this ones. It is original and unputdownable. I so loved it.