Reviews

Alchemy of a Blackbird by Claire McMillan

lizzycaitlin's review

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

megan_martha_reads's review

adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

I loved the focus on a great female friendship and how it could be a muse for a full life. The weaving in of tarot was a unique element that made me intrigued to learn more. 

Will pick up her other books. 

v_nessa's review

I thought this was an interesting premise, indeed being based on real painters and their lives adds to that. My difficulty comes with switching points of view. It's a first-person limited viewpoint that is often Remedios, however, it changes suddenly, sometimes in the same chapter, to another person I then have to play detective to figure out since there are no clear markers of whose head I am in. I found this off-putting enough that I will discontinue reading, as every time this happens it breaks the immersion for me.

Otherwise, I believe this is a fine book. It's intriguing, the characters are interesting and well-written. I just found that I could not continue reading based on the point of views issue which made it more tedious each time I thought about going back to the book to continue the story.

This unbiased review has been provided in exchange for access to an ARC via Netgalley.

nataliealane's review

If you enjoy historical fiction about women, self discovery, art, or obscure figures, Alchemy of a Blackbird may be one to watch out for! I picked it up because I love books about art and artists, and I had never heard of Remedios Varo or Leonora Carrington. As it turns out, they were connected to major players in the Surrealist movement, although neither gained fame until later in life, overshadowed by the male artists of their circle. I may not be the true target audience, as the book had a lot to do with tarot and Remedios’ connection to it, and it’s not something I know much about. The book employs an unusual format, introducing each person as a certain character of the tarot deck. I personally didn’t care for so many side characters’ perspectives and thought we’d get more from Leonora and Remedios; some of the POVs added to the story while others felt unnecessary, or I at least wanted them more fleshed out. Clocking in at just under 300 pages, Alcheky of a Blackbird is a relatively quick read, but I definitely felt like it should be longer at times to fully immerse myself in Remedios’ journey. In fact, her last few chapters were some of my favorites, because she is fully confident and acting on her dreams of being an artist, and I got clear insight into her painting/creative process. I also enjoyed the deep friendship between Leonora and Remedios, a source of continual encouragement and support for them throughout the book. If you do pick up Alchemy of a Blackbird, I highly recommend looking up images of Remedios’ and Leonora’s art. It’s so alluring.

rsonderman13's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.25

mabellam90's review

lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

aeeklund's review

inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

tonyadenmark's review

adventurous informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

meredithparets's review

5.0

Lovely. Alchemy of a Blackbird is based on the life of artist Remedios Varo. As the novel begins, Varo and other artists are fleeing Paris for Marseilles as the Nazis invade. This is very much an interior book, which uses the images and stories of the Tarot to reveal the characters' inner conflicts and desires. I really enjoyed it and missed the contemplative creative world Mc Millman created when it was over.

bi_n_large's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Misogyny, Chronic illness, Mental illness, and Medical trauma

Minor: War, Abortion, Pregnancy, and Confinement