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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
I wanted to love this book. I really did. It definitely has bits of “Possession” and “People of the Book.” The problem for me was that it was about 200-300 pages too long. She said part of her premise was similar to Virginia Woolf’s when she wonders what is Shakespeare had a sister. What ensues is an at times esoteric and and other times vibrant meandering through 17th century London. In particular a lot of time is devoted to Jewish life in Inquistion era Europe. There are things about the Book to Love but overall it fell a little flat for me.
A very long, but beautiful read. I can see myself reading this book more than once because it has many layers and historical things to research.
challenging
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
This book was engaging and challenging. I had a hard time putting it down because I didn't want to leave any characters in peril. The juxtaposition between the time periods was startling but easy to follow. If you're looking for stories with strong women, look no further.
I've always enjoyed historical fiction, so I was drawn to the premise of historians learning about the story of a particular woman who lived in London in the 1600 after finding letters she wrote.
What really blew me away was the beautiful story telling on top of a very interesting plotline. This isn't one story, it's several. So many times I found myself thinking "well, that wrapped up, how can I only have read 20% (33%, 48%, 60%, 72%). " There was always a little more to the story, and those little bit more parts were just as riveting.
What really blew me away was the beautiful story telling on top of a very interesting plotline. This isn't one story, it's several. So many times I found myself thinking "well, that wrapped up, how can I only have read 20% (33%, 48%, 60%, 72%). " There was always a little more to the story, and those little bit more parts were just as riveting.
There is a lot here. Inquisition, Christianity, Judaism, theology, philosophy, study of antiquities, feminism... I appreciated the history deeply infused throughout, most of which was completely unknown to me. While my own conclusions of God and faith may differ, I appreciated the ways of human mind that continue to search for meaning of life and the deep suffering within it. It is long and at times felt like it. However, much of this book will stay with me for a long time. I may have to dust off some of my college philosophy course books.
Way too long. This should have ended after the confession - but it just. kept. going.
I would enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone who's interested in any of a long list of topics: women in history, Jewish history (especially Sephardi), Britain, Shakespeare, Spinoza, the passion of scholarship, the care and preservation of old books, and the joy of reading. Even if none of those appeals to you, the characters and the writing may.
It's not a perfect book. There are bits of it that feel a bit labored, and other parts where the conventions of melodrama seem to have more influence than I would expect. On the whole, though, I would not have missed reading it for the world and sixpence.
It's not a perfect book. There are bits of it that feel a bit labored, and other parts where the conventions of melodrama seem to have more influence than I would expect. On the whole, though, I would not have missed reading it for the world and sixpence.