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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
What a rip.
I honestly dont even know where to begin. If I could give this less than one star, I would. Not only does this book glorify- and ultimately support- an extremely abusive relationship, the focus on superficial qualities so permeates the entire story that I honestly felt I was reading patriarchal propaganda. This book doesn't pass the Bechtal test, despite being 500 pages, and these women are only deemed worthwhile if they are extravagantly wealthy and impossibly beautiful. Cora's pregnancy is completely passed over and she recovers her pre-pregnancy body within hours of her baby being born. And, not only that, Ivo is a grade-A bastard. His manipulation and emotional abuse are presented to us as if they are supposed to be sexy. Frankly, I have had enough of that in my life that I wont tolerate it anymore in anyone. It is media like this that make women think it is okay to let people hurt them. It isn't. If someone loves you, they will not hurt you out of spite or to "teach you a lesson". With holding crucial information and then being angry at your failures is prime horse poo behaviour.
What a ridiculous drip of a book.
I honestly dont even know where to begin. If I could give this less than one star, I would. Not only does this book glorify- and ultimately support- an extremely abusive relationship, the focus on superficial qualities so permeates the entire story that I honestly felt I was reading patriarchal propaganda. This book doesn't pass the Bechtal test, despite being 500 pages, and these women are only deemed worthwhile if they are extravagantly wealthy and impossibly beautiful. Cora's pregnancy is completely passed over and she recovers her pre-pregnancy body within hours of her baby being born. And, not only that, Ivo is a grade-A bastard. His manipulation and emotional abuse are presented to us as if they are supposed to be sexy. Frankly, I have had enough of that in my life that I wont tolerate it anymore in anyone. It is media like this that make women think it is okay to let people hurt them. It isn't. If someone loves you, they will not hurt you out of spite or to "teach you a lesson". With holding crucial information and then being angry at your failures is prime horse poo behaviour.
What a ridiculous drip of a book.
emotional
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:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really like Daisy Goodwin's writing and this book did not disappoint. I enjoyed the story very much. I was expecting more of a prequel to Downton Abbey and although I saw the bits of it in this story, most of the characters were different. The details of the age are so well-written that you feel a real part of the time. Like the book Victoria, I only wish there were more of it.
Wonderfully written book but a bit drawn out the last third. Predictable ending, but was a light, quick, relaxing read.
I enjoyed this book while mostly while sitting under a beach umbrella while the kids played in the waves and brought me shells to look at. What could be better? Overall I really liked the story and the way it took me back to a Downton Abbey-like world.
