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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
It's probably a 3.5 rather than a solid 3. I really liked it up until the end. There was so much time placed in building the mystery and in setting clues in place, and then everything felt rushed in the end. I was especially bothered by the rush in the love angle from not being sure if they could trust each other to "We are a perfect pair." That part didn't read as real. That said, I would have given it a solid 4 without the rushed feeling at the end.
The Skinny Latte….
1913- Laura Lyons is a mother of two, and married to the superintendent of the New York Public Library. They live in an apartment hidden within the library. Her desire to gain a degree in journalism is complicated by the era, a book theft and secrets.
1993- Sadie Donovan works at the library where her grandmother, the famous essayist Laura Lyons, once lived. Her aging mother refuses to talk about her or their time at the library. While working on the Berg Collection and preparing them for an exhibit, priceless pieces end up missing. It looks like an inside job.
The Double Espresso ….
I loved how Davis wove the past into the present. I quickly found myself invested in both women. Laura was a woman ahead of her time. She wanted to be a mother, wife, lover and embrace a career. She meets like-minded women, and we witness firsthand the struggles she faced. The book theft was interesting as were developments with her family. I will leave you to unwrap the mysteries.
The present story with Sadie was strong as she works with the detective assigned to the case. Sadie is a little quirky, but I warmed up to her. Ties to the past cast doubt upon her, and I felt for her emotionally. Her tenacity pushed her to find answers, and I enjoyed the journey.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
1913- Laura Lyons is a mother of two, and married to the superintendent of the New York Public Library. They live in an apartment hidden within the library. Her desire to gain a degree in journalism is complicated by the era, a book theft and secrets.
1993- Sadie Donovan works at the library where her grandmother, the famous essayist Laura Lyons, once lived. Her aging mother refuses to talk about her or their time at the library. While working on the Berg Collection and preparing them for an exhibit, priceless pieces end up missing. It looks like an inside job.
The Double Espresso ….
I loved how Davis wove the past into the present. I quickly found myself invested in both women. Laura was a woman ahead of her time. She wanted to be a mother, wife, lover and embrace a career. She meets like-minded women, and we witness firsthand the struggles she faced. The book theft was interesting as were developments with her family. I will leave you to unwrap the mysteries.
The present story with Sadie was strong as she works with the detective assigned to the case. Sadie is a little quirky, but I warmed up to her. Ties to the past cast doubt upon her, and I felt for her emotionally. Her tenacity pushed her to find answers, and I enjoyed the journey.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Same Old Story
I really wanted to love this book. A story about independent women, literature, and libraries? How could you go wrong?! By taking such a rich premise and creating yet another story centered on the fragility and entitlement of upper middle class white women. I cannot think of two less sympathetic protagonists as Laura and Sadie. Prissy and uptight, they swear they’re moving mountains and living the bohemian life, while they’re really just draining precious emotional work from those they deem lesser. It’s sad that a story that could’ve been so good was dragged down and ruined by lazy stereotypes and tropes.
I really wanted to love this book. A story about independent women, literature, and libraries? How could you go wrong?! By taking such a rich premise and creating yet another story centered on the fragility and entitlement of upper middle class white women. I cannot think of two less sympathetic protagonists as Laura and Sadie. Prissy and uptight, they swear they’re moving mountains and living the bohemian life, while they’re really just draining precious emotional work from those they deem lesser. It’s sad that a story that could’ve been so good was dragged down and ruined by lazy stereotypes and tropes.
How could I not live a book set in the New York Public Library? Davis has done it again, structured a story around the history of a building, alternating between 1913/14 and 1993. Laura lives in an apartment in the library in 1913, built for the super of the building, her husband. Frustrated with just being a Mom, Laura wants more for herself. Skip to 1993, and Sadie is a librarian in the library, when thefts of books start to occur, echoing events in 1913. How does this all tie together? Davis clearly outlines the social changes and expectations of women over the 20th century. Highly recommended, thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The two timelines weren't developed to the same degree. The "current day" timeline isn't as rich of a story as it could have been, making the overall experience feel flat.
mysterious
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
WOW. So much you don't see coming. Another beautiful story by the author. Interesting location of the New Your Library. Story does alternate between years.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I liked the connections between past and present and the family over time.
DNF at 40+ percent … I just couldn’t get into this one! Didn’t find it interesting and the story didn’t really engage me at all… not sure if it’s because I was listening to the audio book version or not but in any case, I’m onto the next one!