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3.14 AVERAGE
3.14 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this book but boy oh boy was it scandalous!
I'd have to say I could not put it down. It was such a heartbreak, though, for the unfortunate souls that fell in her trap. I had to take a break after she had framed her husband. I was so sad for him. Took me a few days to get back into it. Which goes to show how well written this book is if I had such strong emotions.
I’m very torn. This was my first Philippa Gregory novel, and I love the way she writes. It was the only thing that kept me going when the main characters were so utterly unlikeable or downright depraved! My feelings are very similar about Crime and Punishment. I think I am supposed to feel for the main character and the situation that society has put them in. But then they do such abhorrent things I can’t help but wish for their downfall. I wanted Beatrice to reap everything she sowed, and the vehemence of that feeling made me pause and examine myself… 3 stars for the beautiful scenic descriptions and for making me feel so strongly. But overall, rather depressing.
GoodReads lost my review of this book, along with the dates read. So that data couldn't be imported to StoryGraph. Not going to write a review now, years after I read the book.
Did I enjoy this story? No. Did I care deeply about the characters? Yes. That’s what bound me to ride it out to the end. Beatrice Lacey is a character set on a path of self destruction. She becomes so set on one thing that she loses everything else to have it. She commits every sin, blatantly. and ultimately loses her very soul. Her tale is heartbreaking as we follow her into insanity. Philips Gregory has a talent for making me care for the most unsympathetic of characters and this book is no different.
I am, in general, a big Philippa Gregory fan, but this was too much. Give me more Tudor England.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow, I had a tough time rating this. Very well written, very compelling. I struggled with the provocative nature of the protagonist. I have no desire to spoil this for anyone who might like to read it, so let me just say that, while there is much that a woman can sympathize with in the mistress of Wideacre, there is also a great deal to find repellent.
Very good writing though. I could not stop reading it, for all that I was repulsed by her.
Very good writing though. I could not stop reading it, for all that I was repulsed by her.