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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
I think the word “sprawling” is most apt for this book. It is long and sometimes felt meandering, like you’re wondering, “This is lovely, but… are we going anywhere?” For example, read the publisher summary, which starts with Cristabel finding the whale. Spoiler alert, but… that doesn’t happen until the start of Section 2 of the novel. There is a whole first section that focuses largely on her dad and stepmother. And there are many of those
So, If you like a family (and found family) epic that gives you a view into the minds of every possible point of character over a very long period of time, this will be your jam. Looking for a page-turner? Look elsewhere.
For me, I liked it a lot. But I also did it on audio over two very long road trips. If I’d been actually flipping pages, I suspect I would’ve been less at peace with the meanderings of the first two sections. Section 1 especially felt like a couple of character studies that were necessary for writing process, but not for storytelling. Section 2 was a LOT of time with the idle rich and unsupervised, feral children in the 1930s, and it had a very hazy, dreamlike feel to it. (Like, did the UK not have mandatory education by then?!) And I think that hazy feel was the point! But in the moment, it was not clear was taking us anywhere. Then WWII hits and I felt like we had real stakes in the mix, and I was more deeply immersed.
I will say, I’ve read so many British lady-spy books at this point, I’m a little done with the same telling of spy school in Scotland and the first air drop into France. I mean, that’s what it was, so of course they all sound the same. But what was intriguing on first telling is feeling repetitive now. But that’s on me.
So, If you like a family (and found family) epic that gives you a view into the minds of every possible point of character over a very long period of time, this will be your jam. Looking for a page-turner? Look elsewhere.
For me, I liked it a lot. But I also did it on audio over two very long road trips. If I’d been actually flipping pages, I suspect I would’ve been less at peace with the meanderings of the first two sections. Section 1 especially felt like a couple of character studies that were necessary for writing process, but not for storytelling. Section 2 was a LOT of time with the idle rich and unsupervised, feral children in the 1930s, and it had a very hazy, dreamlike feel to it. (Like, did the UK not have mandatory education by then?!) And I think that hazy feel was the point! But in the moment, it was not clear was taking us anywhere. Then WWII hits and I felt like we had real stakes in the mix, and I was more deeply immersed.
I will say, I’ve read so many British lady-spy books at this point, I’m a little done with the same telling of spy school in Scotland and the first air drop into France. I mean, that’s what it was, so of course they all sound the same. But what was intriguing on first telling is feeling repetitive now. But that’s on me.
A new favorite book. So poetically written, I hope this author continues to publish, as I believe I would happily consume her work, regardless of the topic.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
First part of this was a slow burn. As soon as it got to the war parts and the children were older it sped up and I was more invested. With the last 100 pages I didn't want to put the book down.
Interesting having the theatre aspects woven into the war experiences. There were moments that the writing and plot reminded me of Kristin Hannah, the nightingale.
Interesting having the theatre aspects woven into the war experiences. There were moments that the writing and plot reminded me of Kristin Hannah, the nightingale.
adventurous
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
This was excellent, immersive historical fiction interested in the importance of the arts amidst huge loss. It feels like a classic but with modern sensibilities. I also loved the female-forward perspective.
Well written, but the adults are becoming less likable. After spending 100 pages with them as 2nd and 3rd pov, they’re now reduced to more of ‘adult seen through child’s filter’ perspectives. It’s hard to switch my sympathies. I miss the well rounded versions of them.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Not my cup of tea.. if i hadn’t been reading this for a book club I would have definitely DNF.
The book had way to many characters coming and going I felt like I couldn’t remember who was who. Also a good chunk of this book could have been cut out..
I think the story could have been more interesting but it just feel kinda flat to me. It had some good parts of the book and I enjoyed the relationship between the siblings.
The book had way to many characters coming and going I felt like I couldn’t remember who was who. Also a good chunk of this book could have been cut out..
I think the story could have been more interesting but it just feel kinda flat to me. It had some good parts of the book and I enjoyed the relationship between the siblings.