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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
A strong concept for historical fiction, let down by some awkward dialogue and, on occasion, drifted in to melodrama.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read this in anticipation of a trip to Vienna. Glad to immerse myself in the setting and time period. Also now more intrigued about the art of Schiele and his mentor, Klimt. Plot is pretty standard for this type of book - based on real people and events, but largely fictional. Kind of soap opera-y. I found myself googling events/people a lot to see what was true vs what was fictional.
This one was soooo good. I loved how Sophie Haydock presented different perspective, gave voice to four women who had their share in the creation of art. A truly remarkable read!
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Flames has some of the most memorable characters I’ve come across in the books I have already read in 2022 I felt as if I knew each of the women not just as Schiele’s muses but as individuals, I found all characters three dimensional and even though I didn’t love all the characters I did find them interesting and well suited for the plotline.
Read the full review below
https://hundredacreofbooks.com/index.php/2022/09/19/the-flames/
Read the full review below
https://hundredacreofbooks.com/index.php/2022/09/19/the-flames/
I enjoyed the world the author created from the little historical documentation we have of these people. It took me a little bit to get into it, as I was coming off of lighthearted romcoms, but once I did I was immersed. I do have to say, though, I was disappointed when I eventually looked up the actual artwork. I'm glad I didn't look it up until the book was almost over, because wtf??? All of that over those??
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this one, much more than I expected. I love the idea of taking these unnamed and unknown women and giving them a story
A ltitle embarrassed to admit I read this entirely as a piece of fiction for the first half until it occurred to me that it was based in some level of truth. Either way, the author does a fantastic job bringing these four women to life. They're each very different, navigating Vienna the only way they know how as their lives intersect with the artist Schiele.
I had great empathy for all of them, even when they each frustrated me in their own ways. Beyond the paintings is a whole world of inner passions and pains which were engaging to read about. Even though Schiele is the force that connects them all, this story is about the women who inspired him and even posed for him. Who they were, why they got involved with him, and what it meant for their lives.
The setting of Vienna in the early 20th century comes across very vividly as well. I felt like I got to step into this world for a little while, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to Random House UK for letting me read the ARC.
I had great empathy for all of them, even when they each frustrated me in their own ways. Beyond the paintings is a whole world of inner passions and pains which were engaging to read about. Even though Schiele is the force that connects them all, this story is about the women who inspired him and even posed for him. Who they were, why they got involved with him, and what it meant for their lives.
The setting of Vienna in the early 20th century comes across very vividly as well. I felt like I got to step into this world for a little while, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks to Random House UK for letting me read the ARC.