Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.31 AVERAGE
3.31 AVERAGE
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
A true pleasure to read. This is a book you would read while on holiday, or on a plane. A book that is entertaining and a joy to read. Full a glamour and scandal, the intrinsics of true love. A worthwhile read.
While there were many aspects of this book I enjoyed (mainly the Gilded Age history of British and American high society colliding), I never really felt entirely sympathetic towards the fate of the heroine, Cora Cash. She did shed some of her upper-crust naivete as the book progressed, but she never seemed to be able to outsmart the lords and ladies she so desperately wanted to run with, which I found disappointing. Still made for an enjoyable, speedy read - lots of gorgeous scenery to take in.
While reading this book was pleasant, I can't really recommend it. Unfortunately, the story is not particularly interesting, the pace is slow, and the ending is not very satisfying.
good book but very predictable. Loved the time period, accurate details