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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was an unusual pick up for me! I found this signed copy at the NY public library and took a chance. So happy I did.
This book straddles genres- historical fiction, mystery, literary fiction and it’s blending of elements kept me engaged. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives from different generations tied together and the descriptions of living inside the library were magical. A great book for an nyc book lover.
My only complaint would be the pacing. I felt the beginning was slow and then things started to pick up a third of the way through. Other than that, am glad I picked this from the library’s shelf!
This book straddles genres- historical fiction, mystery, literary fiction and it’s blending of elements kept me engaged. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives from different generations tied together and the descriptions of living inside the library were magical. A great book for an nyc book lover.
My only complaint would be the pacing. I felt the beginning was slow and then things started to pick up a third of the way through. Other than that, am glad I picked this from the library’s shelf!
I love the idea if this book. Love the two stories and all the historical details of NYC and the early feminist movement. I’m also a fan of a good caper.
But this book has a lot of problems and holes and whining. Rounding 3-3.5 up to 4 bc I think a lot of my friends/family will love the parts that did and overlook the ridiculous.
Read it. Enjoy. And ignore the impossible.
But this book has a lot of problems and holes and whining. Rounding 3-3.5 up to 4 bc I think a lot of my friends/family will love the parts that did and overlook the ridiculous.
Read it. Enjoy. And ignore the impossible.
Loved this historical fiction piece taking place at the NYPL. I'm a sucker for setting and dual timelines so this did not disappoint!
This is the 4th Fiona Davis book I've read. I keep coming back to her titles because each one is a love story to a famous New York City building. And I just love NYC.
In this case it's also a love story to the New York Public Library, a spot I return to every time I visit. Because I LOVE libraries. And I like to say hello to Patience & Fortitude.
This book made for a perfect weekend read. Told in dual timelines: 1913 and 1993 it follows two women who are not only related, but also intertwined by a mystery related to stolen rare books. Family secrets, feminist awakening, loss and growth- all set against the historic, one-of-a-kind The New York Public Library, I found it to be compelling and compulsively readable. I enjoyed the 1913 story line a little more than 1993, but it all came together seamlessly.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dutton for the free ARC. ⠀⠀
In this case it's also a love story to the New York Public Library, a spot I return to every time I visit. Because I LOVE libraries. And I like to say hello to Patience & Fortitude.
This book made for a perfect weekend read. Told in dual timelines: 1913 and 1993 it follows two women who are not only related, but also intertwined by a mystery related to stolen rare books. Family secrets, feminist awakening, loss and growth- all set against the historic, one-of-a-kind The New York Public Library, I found it to be compelling and compulsively readable. I enjoyed the 1913 story line a little more than 1993, but it all came together seamlessly.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dutton for the free ARC. ⠀⠀
The ending felt weak. Didn’t really like Laura Lyons’s. The characters felt a bit two dimensional or cliche for the times
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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
3.25 long and dragging; at first it was so interesting but by the end it was just too many plots trying to come together, like who cares about the son and the stupid gang(?) stuff? he’s just a brat in the 1910’s who runs away bc his mom wants to work? it was distracting and honestly detracted from what could’ve been a more concise and interesting mystery story
First things first, I love character driven novels, there is nothing so compelling to me as a well written character. The characters in this book all seemed flat, 2 dimensional, and all spoke with similar cadence and vocabulary regardless of age, gender background, which really detracted from the story for me. (This was a book club pick.)