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thebooktrail88's review
4.0
lissyir's review
4.0
Check out my other review on my blog: www.lightofthebookworm.com
The story begins with Caroline of Brunswick quite literally crashing into Emilia`s life, from this moment a friendship between the pair is sparked. Emilia’s mother Sarah is attacked in her home resulting in her death, providing Emilia and Caroline the common ground of grief upon which they bond. After finding work in Caroline of Brunswick’s household Emilia ends up in England in the hopes of finding her family. When she comes to England she also leaves behind Alessandro with whom she has entered a romantic courtship. In England, new relationships form whilst old ones are tested, and we see a web of secrets and lies unfurl before our eyes.
I was initially a little tentative with this book as I didn’t really connect in the first few chapters. I was almost glad when Sarah was killed off because I hated how Emilia referred to her as Ma, this probably relates to my disdain for goats (please don’t take me too seriously). But seriously I don’t like goats. Anyway, back to the review. I was also not very connected to Emilia’s Romance with Alessandro; despite their relationship seeming to be one of the end goals of the book. I don’t think Alessandro’s character was well developed enough for me to care what happened to him.
My absolute favorite parts of the book were the mysteries: i.e. discovering the identity of the art thief and what happened to Emilia`s presumed dead relative. I also really enjoyed watching the development of Emilia’s father as I definitely think he was one of the best developed and most interesting characters. Another massive plus for this book is the historically accurate depiction of Caroline of Brunswick. She was portrayed in the book as closely to the historical accounts as can be achieved.
In terms of the length of the book, I think it may have been a little too short as some of the key characters were not developed to their full potential. I don’t think any further plots should have been added rather the ones in existence could have benefited from some development.
The story begins with Caroline of Brunswick quite literally crashing into Emilia`s life, from this moment a friendship between the pair is sparked. Emilia’s mother Sarah is attacked in her home resulting in her death, providing Emilia and Caroline the common ground of grief upon which they bond. After finding work in Caroline of Brunswick’s household Emilia ends up in England in the hopes of finding her family. When she comes to England she also leaves behind Alessandro with whom she has entered a romantic courtship. In England, new relationships form whilst old ones are tested, and we see a web of secrets and lies unfurl before our eyes.
I was initially a little tentative with this book as I didn’t really connect in the first few chapters. I was almost glad when Sarah was killed off because I hated how Emilia referred to her as Ma, this probably relates to my disdain for goats (please don’t take me too seriously). But seriously I don’t like goats. Anyway, back to the review. I was also not very connected to Emilia’s Romance with Alessandro; despite their relationship seeming to be one of the end goals of the book. I don’t think Alessandro’s character was well developed enough for me to care what happened to him.
My absolute favorite parts of the book were the mysteries: i.e. discovering the identity of the art thief and what happened to Emilia`s presumed dead relative. I also really enjoyed watching the development of Emilia’s father as I definitely think he was one of the best developed and most interesting characters. Another massive plus for this book is the historically accurate depiction of Caroline of Brunswick. She was portrayed in the book as closely to the historical accounts as can be achieved.
In terms of the length of the book, I think it may have been a little too short as some of the key characters were not developed to their full potential. I don’t think any further plots should have been added rather the ones in existence could have benefited from some development.
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