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wedreads's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hudsonpeeps's review
3.0
Idk how to review this book. I couldn’t keep all the characters separate in my mind. It was the type of book where I literally thought, “who is that?” when a name is mentioned (towards the end of the book) that I cannot remember who they are.
Hard to follow and hopeless at parts.
But I really enjoyed the religious themes and bible lessons woven throughout. I know that was a common complaint of other reviewers - being blindsided by the religiosity of the book. But I knew it had Christian undertones and I liked that.
Hard to follow and hopeless at parts.
But I really enjoyed the religious themes and bible lessons woven throughout. I know that was a common complaint of other reviewers - being blindsided by the religiosity of the book. But I knew it had Christian undertones and I liked that.
morgangiesbrecht's review
4.0
4.25 ⭐️
Wow! The first thing that sold me was the cover—it is beyond stunning!
Wow! The first thing that sold me was the cover—it is beyond stunning!
omarrah's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
campychick001's review
3.0
Vivienne Mourdant is a concert pianist with an unfortunate upbringing. The death of her father releases her from his strict constraints but also leaves her with several burdens - his crippling debt and a mysterious ward at a nearby asylum, Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum. In her pursuit of discovering the identity of her new ward, she unexpectedly ends up becoming a patient at Hurstwell.
This was a heartbreaking story that sheds light on the atrocities of these asylums - especially those done to women. The author's inclusion of men and women of different backgrounds and ailments created a well rounded look at how these establishments were run and the lack of information on physical and mental disabilities during those times. The use of the main character, Vivienne, as a source of light through her persistent nature and musical abilities shows the humanity in all the patients abandoned and abused in the establishment. The love stories among various characters added a lightness to the heavy topics included in this book.
This was a heartbreaking story that sheds light on the atrocities of these asylums - especially those done to women. The author's inclusion of men and women of different backgrounds and ailments created a well rounded look at how these establishments were run and the lack of information on physical and mental disabilities during those times. The use of the main character, Vivienne, as a source of light through her persistent nature and musical abilities shows the humanity in all the patients abandoned and abused in the establishment. The love stories among various characters added a lightness to the heavy topics included in this book.
spacey25's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
simplymeagreads's review
5.0
This book was a lot darker than the author’s previous books due to the asylum setting. Some characters are made to believe themselves insane. Just a little warning. Nothing is described graphically and there are no scenes of torture. I usually steer clear of books dealing with asylums, but I love this author.
I think this book was so well done. I love the musicality throughout the book and the Christian themes. I love how the author weaves the mystery and switches between points of view. As with any of her other books, the romance is there, but it’s not the focal point. Her characters are trying to find themselves and find God.
I think this book was so well done. I love the musicality throughout the book and the Christian themes. I love how the author weaves the mystery and switches between points of view. As with any of her other books, the romance is there, but it’s not the focal point. Her characters are trying to find themselves and find God.
haleybeck's review
2.0
I don't get it. Why does this book have so many good reviews?? The story line was so confusing and even at the end I still don't feel like I fully knew what happened. I also did not like how the "love" was not based on any actual relationship but they were instantaneously attracted to each other.
I did like the story of the asylum and musical "therapy." This time period where you could be called crazy fro any reason and the asylums were inhumane must have been a scary time to live in. That was definitely eye opening. And of course, as a pianist, I loved seeing the power of music.
Cleanliness: kisses(one more detailed), attraction, a few mentions of pregnancies outside of marriage.
I did like the story of the asylum and musical "therapy." This time period where you could be called crazy fro any reason and the asylums were inhumane must have been a scary time to live in. That was definitely eye opening. And of course, as a pianist, I loved seeing the power of music.
Cleanliness: kisses(one more detailed), attraction, a few mentions of pregnancies outside of marriage.
ambernh1984's review
4.0
Not a book I would have ever chosen for myself, however it came in my Once Upon a Book Club Box, so I read it. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would! I loved many of the characters and felt as though I was always rooting for the underdog.