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3.31 AVERAGE
3.31 AVERAGE
It wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it wasn't awful either. I actually ended up liking the main character, after initially finding her to be a bit annoying. My biggest complaint was how abruptly it ended. It probably could have used another 75 pages or so to fully develop the ending to take it from "well...ok" to something actually satisfying.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Pregnancy
This book wasn't actually worthy of the three stars, but since I learned it is based on a true phenomenon at the end of the 19th century/early 20th century I'm giving it an extra star for inspiring me to go learn about a really interesting period in history.
It could have been a really good piece of historical fiction, but I actually just found it to be dull and fluffy. It moved along at a decent clip, but the characters weren't very well developed and it felt random. Like the author had a checklist of things to include in the book and ran out of ways to weave them in. I'm sure it was a real struggle to learn the ways of an entrenched social class in another country, but the author kind of glossed over that in favor of run of the mill storylines, which is a shame, because it could have been a much more unique and informative book.
It could have been a really good piece of historical fiction, but I actually just found it to be dull and fluffy. It moved along at a decent clip, but the characters weren't very well developed and it felt random. Like the author had a checklist of things to include in the book and ran out of ways to weave them in. I'm sure it was a real struggle to learn the ways of an entrenched social class in another country, but the author kind of glossed over that in favor of run of the mill storylines, which is a shame, because it could have been a much more unique and informative book.
This was a charming book. Although it was very predictable it was not boring. I found a distinct tension permeating within all of the relationships. I enjoyed the main character's strength and fragility. I believe the complexity of Cora is what makes her relatable. I am not well read in this time period, but the author seems to have successfully captured the essence of both the American and English societies.
This book had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t sleep at night because I didn’t want to put it down. I ended up dreaming about what I just read. Then there was a point where I got too upset to read and now I have finished reading. What a whirlwind of emotions. I read Victoria and enjoyed it and thought let’s try another book from the same author. There is no comparison. This was by far my favorite out of the two. The characters, the storyline - got me hook, line, and sinker. If you like historical fiction, highly recommend.
I found the story engrossing - mostly because I was trying to figure out if it would end up as a tragedy or a romance, but also because many of the period details tied in with other things I've been reading and *cough* Masterpiece Theatre productions. There were plenty of similarities to The Buccaneers, which I must confess to watching, not reading. Other things tied in with details of Victorian life from [b:At Home: A Short History of Private Life|7507825|At Home A Short History of Private Life|Bill Bryson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1285287802s/7507825.jpg|7800569], which I'm currently listening to.
Unfortunately, I never found the characters particularly appealing - we had plenty of insight into Cora's mind, but I never found her very sympathetic, and neither was Bertha. Ivo remained an enigma for most of the story, and the resolution was a bit tidy. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book and its atmosphere - recommended if you like these kinds of period dramas.
Unfortunately, I never found the characters particularly appealing - we had plenty of insight into Cora's mind, but I never found her very sympathetic, and neither was Bertha. Ivo remained an enigma for most of the story, and the resolution was a bit tidy. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book and its atmosphere - recommended if you like these kinds of period dramas.
Description on the back seemed more interesting than what it really was, slow pacing but it was good in some parts. The ending did seemed really rushed
This book has everything that I like about the tv show Downton Abbey. While it's not related at all, it reminded me of the time period it portrays quite a bit. It is a long book, but I don't feel there were parts that dragged on or that I wanted to skip. There were times I wondered how the main character, Cora, could be so oblivious but overall I really enjoyed the book.
slow-paced
This was okay, definitely more romance novel than historical fiction, but a good story.
This book was fine, but it wasn't anything special. The characters and relationships all felt flat and undeveloped, and the plot was predictable. It basically read like someone trying to emulate Edith Wharton and doing a mediocre job.