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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
Terrifically entertaining audiobook; reader does all the characters with different voices. A bit predictable plot-wise, but still fun.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a little slow, but I really like the way the characters are developed and how the plot develops from multiple different view points. There were a few areas where I wished we learned a bit more, and I really wanted more details about Cora and Ivo's relationship- but this did not stop me from enjoying the book.
I think her description of Newport was fantastic. Having visited the mansions of Newport I could actually picture the Cash house and imagine how the characters interacted.
Overall, I would not say it is the best book I have read, but I do recommend it.
I think her description of Newport was fantastic. Having visited the mansions of Newport I could actually picture the Cash house and imagine how the characters interacted.
Overall, I would not say it is the best book I have read, but I do recommend it.
Phew. That was...a little painful, if I'm honest. I knew going into it, the whole concept of American socialites and old money would be shallow and trite, and I wasn't wrong. It made it very difficult to get through this book.
I had a hard time being sympathetic to Cora at times. In spite of a few shining moments of being a strong, independent woman, I still question her motives for marrying who she does, and I do find it hard to believe that in that era a woman would so easily decide on the fate of her marriage when faced with issues such as infidelity, etc. (especially when keeping up appearances was quite the thing). *shrugs*
As it relates to my "Around the US in 50 Books" challenge, I feel like a cheated on this read - the majority of the story takes place in England, but I'll count it for Rhode Island until I find a suitable replacement book for that state.
I had a hard time being sympathetic to Cora at times. In spite of a few shining moments of being a strong, independent woman, I still question her motives for marrying who she does, and I do find it hard to believe that in that era a woman would so easily decide on the fate of her marriage when faced with issues such as infidelity, etc. (especially when keeping up appearances was quite the thing). *shrugs*
As it relates to my "Around the US in 50 Books" challenge, I feel like a cheated on this read - the majority of the story takes place in England, but I'll count it for Rhode Island until I find a suitable replacement book for that state.
I almost didn’t finish this book. It took me forever. This was suggested as a book for people who love Downton Abbey or The Gilded Age. While it had some aspects of those series, it fell entirely flat. There was nothing witty or intelligent or endearing about it. I promise you can skip this one.
The setting and fashion within this story brought the era to life, however the character development on some of the major secondary characters is a bit shallow.
I also came across a few bits of grammar that had me questioning whether I was reading it right or whether it was really an error.
I also came across a few bits of grammar that had me questioning whether I was reading it right or whether it was really an error.
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
I really enjoyed it and it held my attention the whole way.
Reading this book is a long, grim exercise in waiting for something to happen, for some twist or development that will vindicate the slodgy, clichéd buildup. Surely it's coming, you think. Surely there is something worthwhile around the bend. Surely it can't really keep being this bad all the way to the end! And then finally it slumps, limply, to a close, and you realize that no, it will never get better.
This book is a depressing waste of time. There are no subplots, no wit, no twists, no beautiful turns of phrase, nothing to make the reader smile or think. The plot can be summarized with damning simplicity: a young American heiress marries a duke with a mistress, and is made miserable before being Stockholm-syndromed into staying in a marriage with her thoroughly unpleasant husband. It's dull and dreary and makes you come away in a rotten mood.
If you are checking reviews mid-book to see whether it improves, please do yourself a favor and DNF. I wish I had.
This book is a depressing waste of time. There are no subplots, no wit, no twists, no beautiful turns of phrase, nothing to make the reader smile or think. The plot can be summarized with damning simplicity: a young American heiress marries a duke with a mistress, and is made miserable before being Stockholm-syndromed into staying in a marriage with her thoroughly unpleasant husband. It's dull and dreary and makes you come away in a rotten mood.
If you are checking reviews mid-book to see whether it improves, please do yourself a favor and DNF. I wish I had.
Meh. This was just okay. I thought it started out strong, but then after awhile it was dragging... Seems like there was a lot of build up for not that exciting or great of an ending (and a pretty obvious ending too) Despite the fact that the book was so long, I never really felt like the character of Ivo was fully developed, and Teddy was just sort of in and out. It was a good read for being in the car.