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doritobabe's review against another edition
5.0
Hidden gem. Loved it. 4.5.
Later: Not sure why my star rating was missing, but updated to me 4.5/5. Thoroughly enjoyable YA/NA novel that doesn't centre around romance. The drama is historically relatable and so isn't too melodramatic in nature. This is a very good jumping off point for younger readers (or older, like me) to learn more about religious wars and traditional lifestyles.
Later: Not sure why my star rating was missing, but updated to me 4.5/5. Thoroughly enjoyable YA/NA novel that doesn't centre around romance. The drama is historically relatable and so isn't too melodramatic in nature. This is a very good jumping off point for younger readers (or older, like me) to learn more about religious wars and traditional lifestyles.
marlfox24's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
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
4.0
sarah_saacks's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
'
alboyer6's review against another edition
3.0
Good book with shorter chapters so even though it is a little longer it kept moving. I did drag a little in the middle still.
shaundell's review against another edition
4.0
Wow! Let's just say that the author, Julie Berry, did a lot of research in order to write this book. I think it was fantastic! I loved Botille's funny little sassy attitude at times.
ketchuplisa's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! "The Passion of Dolssa" was really just as amazing as "All the truth that's in me" even though the two stories are not similar at all.
This book is both absolutely magical and enchanting, as well as so real and convincing. I loved the Flasucra sisters and I really felt like I truly got to know them. There is so much humour in the story, whereas there is also the shockingly realistic cruelty of the church back in medieval times.
The writing style is just like Dolssa very lovely and basically forces you to continue reading.
I'm sorry for absolutely failing at truly expressing my love for this novel but it is there and it is huge. I deeply recommend it for everyone looking for a both light and dark story, with a lot of passion conveyed indeed, great characters and heavenly spirit.
This book is both absolutely magical and enchanting, as well as so real and convincing. I loved the Flasucra sisters and I really felt like I truly got to know them. There is so much humour in the story, whereas there is also the shockingly realistic cruelty of the church back in medieval times.
The writing style is just like Dolssa very lovely and basically forces you to continue reading.
I'm sorry for absolutely failing at truly expressing my love for this novel but it is there and it is huge. I deeply recommend it for everyone looking for a both light and dark story, with a lot of passion conveyed indeed, great characters and heavenly spirit.
bibliophile1019's review against another edition
2.0
I told myself I was going to read more award winning books this year, which is the only reason I made it to the end of this one. While the writing and structure of the narrative were good, and I can see why it won awards, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I struggled to keep characters straight, and I found myself thrown off by some of the archaic language that was thrown in.
jdemarest's review against another edition
5.0
I don't think I'd read much historical fiction based in this time period before, and there's definitely a lot for readers to soak in because of how complex the reality actually was. But I think Julie did a good job of making her story accessible while maintaining the integrity of the time period. The maps and dictionaries in the book were especially helpful in that regard.
When I first began reading, I worried I wouldn't be able to really connect with the characters because there is such a strong religious theme throughout the book and I myself don't really identify with that. Nor do I fully understand the history of it. But I'm glad I stuck with it, because despite not agreeing with their views and beliefs, I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. The sisters' bond is especially palpable. It turned out not only to be a good story, but a good cultural and historical learning experience.
I'll admit that the framing device had me a little confused by the end, but thanks to Julie's sort of "cheat sheet" on her website, I was able to catch up and understand what had happened. And I do believe that her explanation makes a lot of sense, even if I had difficultly seeing it at first. I just wish it had been a bit clearer so it could have stood on its own without me having to look it up.
When I first began reading, I worried I wouldn't be able to really connect with the characters because there is such a strong religious theme throughout the book and I myself don't really identify with that. Nor do I fully understand the history of it. But I'm glad I stuck with it, because despite not agreeing with their views and beliefs, I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. The sisters' bond is especially palpable. It turned out not only to be a good story, but a good cultural and historical learning experience.
I'll admit that the framing device had me a little confused by the end, but thanks to Julie's sort of "cheat sheet" on her website, I was able to catch up and understand what had happened. And I do believe that her explanation makes a lot of sense, even if I had difficultly seeing it at first. I just wish it had been a bit clearer so it could have stood on its own without me having to look it up.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
To start off, I have to say I love Julie Berry's writing. She is amazing and what is fascinating is that no two books of hers are alike. This book is completely different from anything I've read in a long while. While it's not my favorite book of hers, it is still an amazing book. It takes a while to get into. It's rather long, but I think if readers can get past the first 100 pages or so, they will be hooked and want to keep reading. Set in the 1200s in France and Spain right after the crusades, this story deals with some complex human/religious issues and really stretched me as a reader.
While it's geared for YA readers, I really think it's more for adults. I don't think a YA reader would have the perseverance to get through it. I actually have a hard time rating this book because it somewhat disturbed me. I think the hardest thing for me to grasp and understand was the relationship that Dolssa had with Jesus. It was almost a romantic relationship really bringing new understanding to the medieval view of "bride of Christ." It really took a lot for me to wrap my brain around this because it was so foreign to my personal views and feelings about Christ. But, I appreciate what Berry was trying to do in bringing alive through Dolssa the views of nuns in the 1200s. Thankfully, while she is a character, she is not a main character in this book. What made this a four star for me was not only the writing, but the characters of Botille and her sisters. They were what compelled me to keep reading. Their relationships with each other and those around them were inspiring and heartwarming. I also love the fact that while this is a heavy subject, there is some humor and lightheartedness thrown in.
It's clear though that Berry has done extensive research about this subject and made this time period that is somewhat obscure come alive. I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction, especially religious fiction and something different from the average book.
While it's geared for YA readers, I really think it's more for adults. I don't think a YA reader would have the perseverance to get through it. I actually have a hard time rating this book because it somewhat disturbed me. I think the hardest thing for me to grasp and understand was the relationship that Dolssa had with Jesus. It was almost a romantic relationship really bringing new understanding to the medieval view of "bride of Christ." It really took a lot for me to wrap my brain around this because it was so foreign to my personal views and feelings about Christ. But, I appreciate what Berry was trying to do in bringing alive through Dolssa the views of nuns in the 1200s. Thankfully, while she is a character, she is not a main character in this book. What made this a four star for me was not only the writing, but the characters of Botille and her sisters. They were what compelled me to keep reading. Their relationships with each other and those around them were inspiring and heartwarming. I also love the fact that while this is a heavy subject, there is some humor and lightheartedness thrown in.
It's clear though that Berry has done extensive research about this subject and made this time period that is somewhat obscure come alive. I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction, especially religious fiction and something different from the average book.
bushraboblai's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so beautifully and correctly written; a rarity in YA historical fiction. The centuries following the crusades were a bad time for a lot of people. The church became extremely totalitarian and anyone who dared question the laws of religion could be condemned for heresy. The ending was really sad, even if it fit.