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emilymsimpson's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 *
Like so many other reviewers, I wanted to like this novel but found that I really didn't. For me it was that it lacked a cohesive sense of time and place. It's supposed to take place in the 1920s, but the clothes, hair, technology, traditions seem to belong in the 1950s. Zoya's memories of Russia seem believable, but what was this rescue organization that brought Russian children to the US, dumped them in expensive boarding schools and never checked on them? So much of "Invitation to a Bonfire" seems off-kilter and poorly thought out.
What works is Zoya's adoration of Lev through his writing and the fire of their relationship. Strange and electric is Zoya's possible backstory with Lev's elegant, enigmatic wife Vera who is a mysterious creation.
Like so many other reviewers, I wanted to like this novel but found that I really didn't. For me it was that it lacked a cohesive sense of time and place. It's supposed to take place in the 1920s, but the clothes, hair, technology, traditions seem to belong in the 1950s. Zoya's memories of Russia seem believable, but what was this rescue organization that brought Russian children to the US, dumped them in expensive boarding schools and never checked on them? So much of "Invitation to a Bonfire" seems off-kilter and poorly thought out.
What works is Zoya's adoration of Lev through his writing and the fire of their relationship. Strange and electric is Zoya's possible backstory with Lev's elegant, enigmatic wife Vera who is a mysterious creation.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
Things aren’t always what they seem. This clever novel purports to be a collection of diary entries, letters and newspaper accounts released to a private school in 1984 about a tragedy and murder in 1931. Author Celt messes with the reader’s mind as much as characters Zoya, Lev and Vera mess with each other’s minds. As a youngster, Zoya observed that her father’s mantra of choosing to be good over being happy didn’t work out so well so perhaps she will make a different choice? To be published in June 2018.
gabizago's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book to savor every page - every letter, every page. It has forbidden romance, and it also has a mystery. It has love and war and loyalty and betrayal. The love triangle between Vera, Zoya, and Lev is so intriguing that you will want to read through all the pages as fast as you can to find out what happens in the end. And the end is incredible too! A great book if you like historical romance with a bit of a thriller.
auroraboringallofus's review against another edition
4.0
I recognized it as great writing, loved much of the ingredients of the story, & agreed intellectually with other raving reviews, but I just couldn't CARE about this book. It's on me. You'll probably enjoy it.
bmg20's review against another edition
3.0
Short Summary: The tepid tale of a love triangle gone wrong (although do any of them ever go right?) that was inspired by Vladimir and Vera Nabokov's marriage.
Thoughts: The summary makes it easy to go into this novel with certain expectations (seductive story, spellbinding psychological thriller) but this story is, possibly because it was written as a series of letters, comes off as extremely apathetic and lethargic.
Verdict: Unfortunately, this tale failed to seduce or spellbind me and considering this was meant to be based off the notorious Nabokov's, I expected that infamous passion to bleed through the page more.
I received this book free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thoughts: The summary makes it easy to go into this novel with certain expectations (seductive story, spellbinding psychological thriller) but this story is, possibly because it was written as a series of letters, comes off as extremely apathetic and lethargic.
Verdict: Unfortunately, this tale failed to seduce or spellbind me and considering this was meant to be based off the notorious Nabokov's, I expected that infamous passion to bleed through the page more.
I received this book free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
lilyherling's review against another edition
4.0
This book is beautifully written, the plot is compelling, and the main narrator (Zoya) is not your classic protagonist. I liked the blend of fact & fiction and especially enjoyed Zoya’s descriptions of plants and plant care. I would have given it 4 or 5 stars, but the ending was too bizarre and left the story feeling unfinished, which is something I can’t stand in a story. I need closure and this book doesn’t really give it. It does, however, give one a lot to ponder. Many sentences hit me with their truth and beauty, and the characters are complex and real, neither all good nor all bad.
Edit: randomly remembered how much I enjoyed reading this book and had to up the rating
Edit: randomly remembered how much I enjoyed reading this book and had to up the rating
minilove's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was very poetic in it's word choices, which made for very well rounded characters with very distinct personalities (something I personally love). The main character Zoya is someone you come to understand more than feel sympathy for, and wrestles with some very deep questions which I enjoyed exploring with her. Definitely worth the read!