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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
I listened to the audio book, which was interesting bacause of the different voices portrayed. I didn't like it at first because I originally didn't find any of the characters sympathetic. As it went along, I found Cora and Bertha to be sympathetic characters and I was rooting for both! The story line kept me guessing. I liked the ending!
I liked this book as a quick and easy read, but was disappointed by the number of places where there was an opportunity for the plot to become more interesting and engaging that were left alone. This felt to me like Wuthering Heights meets Downton Abbey, but offered very little in terms of original or unpredictable plot. If I had tried to read it at home and not on the beach where I could finish it quickly, I'm not sure of would have been engaged enough to finish it.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was immediately drawn to this book because of the title, and the fact that one of the prominent reviews on the back compares it to "Downton Abbey", which I love. This book takes place at a time period a littler earlier than I expected, but I really like it all the same. Cora is a very, VERY, good central character that goes through a lot of very interesting experiences. The storyline is interesting and compelling enough to make it a quick read. I have to say, however, that there was some vocabulary that was foreign to me (and I consider myself very well read) and some of the character arcs ended rather abruptly. But, overall I'm very glad at I added this book to my collection.
This book was a disappointment. Advertised as the answer to Downton Abby withdrawal, it just doesn't provide the same type of connection. First of all, it takes place in the generation before Downton, the Gilded Age. I was willing to overlook it as Gilded Age Newport is fascinating. I was hoping for more of an American spin on the Upstairs, Downstairs model. However, the book goes to England after it's exciting first chapter and creeps along there for the rest of the book. The characters don't seem to develop throughout the book. The mystery over her husband, Ivo, doesn't go "Rebecca" or "Jane Eyre" far enough for you to be intrigued. He is just plain boring. The book was just so-so, overall.
What did I just read? It seems as if this book was 400 pages about a boring girl named Cora, who didn't do anything ever. And then the plot only picks up when you reach the end. But I say plot loosely, there was nothing. The ending was such a lackluster ending.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes