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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
The writing in this book is so unique and exceptional. Truly, I haven't read first person narration quite like it, the use of present tense, the way she really gets in each character's persona. The writing is just lovely. It's a bit of a slow start and the jumping around in time and viewpoint kind of makes each chapter stand a bit on its own so there's less of a connecting narrative. To a certain extent, that's fine--it reminds me a bit of the way some classic children's literature is written--kind of like Ballet Shoes maybe, and I would imagine it is on pupose. But it's not at all childish, even when in a child's perspective. You can sense the adult themes, even from a child's viewpoint. But I did become very invested in this family and once we moved into the war chapters, the earlier character building and family building chapters gain a new clarity.
I was impatient with story. It moved too slow for me and I was not enjoying the characters progress
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A sprawling and charming tale focused on the children of a dysfunctional family. I really enjoyed the writing style and the development of Florence and Christabel but I felt Digby really never got a chance to shine in the narrative. I also much preferred the pre WW2 part of the story as it gets quite messy and meandering after a while. Definitely a strong debut, but the ambition took away from what could have been a much more focused book, especially in the latter half where quite a lot of characters are briefly introduced but not expanded on.
Interesting characters, but, dang, could have used some editing to knock off 100-200 pages.
So beautifully written, inventive chapters, all building to a deeply emotional climax. Honestly can’t put my reaction into words. Kleenex, please.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 .. a bit long for what it was but beautifully written.
Impulse purchase from Prairie Lights in February. I LOVED this book.
slow-paced