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3.31 AVERAGE
3.31 AVERAGE
Take a trip to the late 1800s, where Cora Cash is on the cusp of her adult life. In this time, families had a much stronger say or push for who their child will wed. Daisy Goodwin swept me right away to the time period and settings; both America and England. I found while reading to be invested in Cora; one minute rooting for her and the next wondering what she is doing. The signs of a good book when I am that connected to the story and characters.
I went into this book hopeful that it would not be a total bore, knowing that I'm not a big fan of historical books I thought there might be the chance I'd get bored. BUT turns out it was quite comical, whimsical, and entertaining. The main character is so naïve it is funny when she does or says things, as she is learning how to do things in her new life it was quite funny. I think that all of the characters had a lot of good background and stood their own ground. All of the characters are quite interesting on their own, but combined it makes for a great story. I will say that there probably could have been 100 pages less, because there was a part in the middle that kind of drug on and I got a bit bored just waiting for something to happen. The end may or may not surprise you in regards to what she decides to do with her life, I thought she made the right choice.
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought this was an enjoyable read... I can't be as harsh as many of the reviewers. I do think the biggest weakness of the plot is that the central romance could be much more developed. However, Goodwin explores a fascinating period where the newly rich Americans of the Gilded Age basically propped up the British aristocracy by marrying off their heiresses. Maybe we can cut some slack on the plot given that love wasn't really thr point of these matches. I enjoyed how Goodwin captured Cora's confusion at being thrust in the midst of a new world of manners and class structure. My curiosity over what would happen next kept me going, even if the eventual outcome wasn't that surprising.
Probably more of 3.5 than a 4, strictly speaking, but I found myself turning pages quickly and staying up late, so rounding up seemed appropriate. Characters who are sympathetic, if not quite likeable, plenty of drama, and some upstairs/downstairs politics - this book had it all
I went back and forth on whether to give this three or four stars. I finally went to four because, though the characters were not the most developed, the book was entertaining and fairly well-written. If you want a low-key, Jane Austen-ish read, this is your book. But don't expect it to meet Austen's standards.
Good summer read, but nothing very intellectually stimulating. I enjoyed it a lot! If you're a fan of Downton Abbey, this is a good book substitute until the next season starts.
I listened to the audio book of this fun, uncomplicated story about Cora Cash, an American heiress who finds herself a British Duchess. She has to navigate a very different world, making plenty mistakes along the way. But her fierce and independent nature wins in the end. The audio is really delightful, narrated by Katherine Kellgren. She captures the humor and the opulence of the characters perfectly. Any fan of Downton Abbey will enjoy this story.
emotional
lighthearted
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
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes