4.14 AVERAGE


There is a bit of modern side story entwined with the main historical fiction part, and this bit gives spice and perspective to the magnificently written historical fiction novel parts. This weaving of old and new is what sets the book apart from others in the genre and ties it together as a whole. Neither part shies away from gritty, hard realities and often goes where you might be hoping it doesn't.
adventurous dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
adventurous emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

This big brick took me a very long time to get through, but I’ve finally finished it!
The story is devastating and beautiful, but not worth the 589 page slog to get through it. The details were so intricate, but to me, added very little to the overall concept and execution of the book. The first 3/4 of the book were tough, but I flew through the last quarter, and the ending was stellar. The character of Marian was exemplary in conveying the importance of chasing your dreams & remaining true to who you are, which I adored.

It’s a 3.5 rounded up, purely because of the length.
adventurous emotional inspiring sad
adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring reflective 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: Complicated

I adored the concept for this book, swapping between two storylines at different points in time that are interwoven unexpectedly. The narrative and writing style reflected the time period of the characters, in particular I loved the vivid descriptions of flying from Marian’s perspective. The intrigue and unfolding of the story was also the perfect pace to allow you to dive into each world whilst maintaining interest in the plot developments.
adventurous emotional inspiring tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
Strong character development: Yes

"My life is my one possession."

Such an exceptionally well executed book: not a word wasted. I liked it a lot and it was effortless to read but ... I don't think I'd read it again or naturally pick it out for myself.
Sometimes I wish my spirit could be as brave as Marian's.

8/10 - the ending stole my heart (and pushed the rating to a solid 4 stars)
adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes