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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
lighthearted
fast-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
5/5. This was such a beautiful book. I absolutely adored the era, darling! The characters, setting and plot were all so perfect together can kept me hooked and wishing I was in that world. But I think what really made this a 5, rather than 4, star book was the description. It was so magical, the world's of the Cornwall village, the Cardew's life and London. It truly summed up the era that was being written about.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting a read to escape into that is like a YA version of Agatha Christie/F. Scott Fitzgerald era books! What a dazzling read!
I recommend this book to anyone wanting a read to escape into that is like a YA version of Agatha Christie/F. Scott Fitzgerald era books! What a dazzling read!
The Great Gatsby meets Downton Abbey with a dash of Little Women and Rebecca. In other words, a dream.
I really enjoyed stepping into this world of glamour and found the protagonist really relatable to my 18 year old self!
My favorite book of 2020!
A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood is a hidden gem!
Louise Trevelyan has reached a turning point in her young adulthood- her closest sister has gotten married and left home. Now Lou is suspended in the limbo of not knowing which path to take in life. To escape reality, she breaks into the long-abandoned and famous Cardew Mansion. Little does she know that the Cardew siblings- Robert and Caitlin- are about to re-inhabit their estate and introduce Lou to the luxuries of 1929 high society.
Pros:
The writing is impeccable. Laura Wood is a natural writer, and this debut novel is quite impressive. Her writing and storytelling draw you in and won't let you go. I constantly felt that the story was going somewhere. I had no idea where, but Wood made me feel assured in these characters' journeys.
The romance is simple and unique. Wood never followed any YA romance formulas, and since the characters are enigmatic and mature, they have the elegance of classic novel characters. So of course, they dealt with relationships in a way that was less complicated.
Add a library, a mansion, and a handsome dude, and I'm all in! A Sky Painted Gold has everything you could ask for in a historical, romantic YA novel. It's simply one of the best.
Cons:
There aren't very many cons. The only thing I can see people taking issue with is the pacing. The story takes its time, and it's basically pristine in its romantic and coming-of-age qualities. If you're looking for constant plot-twists and heavy action, this is not the book for you.
A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood is a hidden gem!
Louise Trevelyan has reached a turning point in her young adulthood- her closest sister has gotten married and left home. Now Lou is suspended in the limbo of not knowing which path to take in life. To escape reality, she breaks into the long-abandoned and famous Cardew Mansion. Little does she know that the Cardew siblings- Robert and Caitlin- are about to re-inhabit their estate and introduce Lou to the luxuries of 1929 high society.
Pros:
The writing is impeccable. Laura Wood is a natural writer, and this debut novel is quite impressive. Her writing and storytelling draw you in and won't let you go. I constantly felt that the story was going somewhere. I had no idea where, but Wood made me feel assured in these characters' journeys.
The romance is simple and unique. Wood never followed any YA romance formulas, and since the characters are enigmatic and mature, they have the elegance of classic novel characters. So of course, they dealt with relationships in a way that was less complicated.
Add a library, a mansion, and a handsome dude, and I'm all in! A Sky Painted Gold has everything you could ask for in a historical, romantic YA novel. It's simply one of the best.
Cons:
There aren't very many cons. The only thing I can see people taking issue with is the pacing. The story takes its time, and it's basically pristine in its romantic and coming-of-age qualities. If you're looking for constant plot-twists and heavy action, this is not the book for you.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
Delightful coming of age story, with a gorgeous romance to boot. Very reminiscent of I Capture the Castle (with a dash of Gatsby!). Lou is a wonderful character - childlike in her naivety and enthusiasm as she yearns to belong to a world that seems glamorous and exciting, but also smart, funny, and unwavering in her moral compass when faced with difficult choices. I loved this book so much!
This novel surprised me by being better than expected. It is a YA novel--simple, intelligent, and yes, romantic.
While being a YA novel, and rather tame in the romance aspect, my recommendation is for older teens and up.
While being a YA novel, and rather tame in the romance aspect, my recommendation is for older teens and up.
It wasn't quite the story I was expecting to read and I am not yet certain whether this is a good or a bad thing.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3.5 stars
Lou lives in a small village, where she dreams of being a writer and something exciting finally happening. With her sister Alice recently married, Lou wonders where she fits in life. Then her neighbouring house receives guests for the summers: a dazzling brother and sister that sweep Lou into a life of glamour, parties and friendship.
I haven't read The Great Gatsby (I think the book is loosely based on it?) so unfortunately that element of the book was lost on me. I don't think it was necessary, however, as I still enjoyed the story. The author certainly has a way with words; the language was beautiful and enchanting. Unfortunately, the plot was just very slow. Not much actually happens until the last hundred pages.
Having read the author's other book, Under a Dancing Star, I noticed a lot of similarities between the two, especially in terms of themes. Girl discovers new, enchanting place with new, dazzling people and a love interest. I think I preferred this main character from this book, however, for Lou seemed more realistic. She struggles with living in her sister's shadow and when her sister gets married, Lou is left wondering if she will have to follow in Alice's footsteps and how she can be herself without Alice beside her every step of the way. Her discovery of the Cardew house and its new owners save her from making these decisions, as she is swept up in friendship, parties and glitter, if only for the summer.
The Cardew brother and sister, Robert and Caitlin, were nice characters. I enjoyed their relationships with Lou. Caitlin was your typical rich, beautiful girl who hides her tragic past under a disguise of glamour. Robert and Lou are at first a bickering pair who then develop a deeper connection.
I just wish the plot had been more action-packed, for during the start and middle it lagged, making this a slow read for me. The ending picked up, however, and overall this was still an enjoyable read.
Lou lives in a small village, where she dreams of being a writer and something exciting finally happening. With her sister Alice recently married, Lou wonders where she fits in life. Then her neighbouring house receives guests for the summers: a dazzling brother and sister that sweep Lou into a life of glamour, parties and friendship.
I haven't read The Great Gatsby (I think the book is loosely based on it?) so unfortunately that element of the book was lost on me. I don't think it was necessary, however, as I still enjoyed the story. The author certainly has a way with words; the language was beautiful and enchanting. Unfortunately, the plot was just very slow. Not much actually happens until the last hundred pages.
Having read the author's other book, Under a Dancing Star, I noticed a lot of similarities between the two, especially in terms of themes. Girl discovers new, enchanting place with new, dazzling people and a love interest. I think I preferred this main character from this book, however, for Lou seemed more realistic. She struggles with living in her sister's shadow and when her sister gets married, Lou is left wondering if she will have to follow in Alice's footsteps and how she can be herself without Alice beside her every step of the way. Her discovery of the Cardew house and its new owners save her from making these decisions, as she is swept up in friendship, parties and glitter, if only for the summer.
The Cardew brother and sister, Robert and Caitlin, were nice characters. I enjoyed their relationships with Lou. Caitlin was your typical rich, beautiful girl who hides her tragic past under a disguise of glamour. Robert and Lou are at first a bickering pair who then develop a deeper connection.
I just wish the plot had been more action-packed, for during the start and middle it lagged, making this a slow read for me. The ending picked up, however, and overall this was still an enjoyable read.