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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I always forget how much I enjoy historical fiction. This was just lovely all the way through. I even learned some things along the way.
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"Was I really so very blind? How could I have been such a fool? How could I, Marjorie the Magnificent, America's most exacting hostess, shrewd businesswoman with millions in the bank, overseer of everything, a staff of thousands, homes as fine as palaces, parties for presidents and queens that went off without a single false note, have missed the plain truth about the man sleeping right beside me?"
Sorry, are we supposed to like Marjorie Merriweather Post? (Critical emphasis on the full name because she won't let us forget about that, either). I don't even know where to begin here...
While I realize this is a fictional representation of the real Majorie Merriweather Post, she's about as interesting as her bran cereal. She has no problem reminding us that she lives a lavish lifestyle. Where the 'many magnificent lives' comes from is when she comes to the realization that she's landed yet another terrible husband or has to deal with hardships normal citizens deal with on a daily basis, she decides to buy a pricey slab of property to solve her problems. Naturally, her solution to these 'hardships' is to... buy yet another outrageously expensive plot of land. Because obviously, a 20-room estate is a cure for emotional emptiness, right?
The few interesting portions of her life worth hearing are overshadowed by her obsession with flaunting her Russian treasures and throwing extravagant parties. It seems like the only time she throws herself into projects that actually benefit others is when she’s spiraling into personal disaster. And just as quickly as she finds her philanthropic side, she drops it and retreats back into her large sums of money inherited by her father's work.
Ya know what, I give this a 3 but I got so worked up writing this review and living through this again, it's getting a 2.5.
Sorry, are we supposed to like Marjorie Merriweather Post? (Critical emphasis on the full name because she won't let us forget about that, either). I don't even know where to begin here...
While I realize this is a fictional representation of the real Majorie Merriweather Post, she's about as interesting as her bran cereal. She has no problem reminding us that she lives a lavish lifestyle. Where the 'many magnificent lives' comes from is when she comes to the realization that she's landed yet another terrible husband or has to deal with hardships normal citizens deal with on a daily basis, she decides to buy a pricey slab of property to solve her problems. Naturally, her solution to these 'hardships' is to... buy yet another outrageously expensive plot of land. Because obviously, a 20-room estate is a cure for emotional emptiness, right?
The few interesting portions of her life worth hearing are overshadowed by her obsession with flaunting her Russian treasures and throwing extravagant parties. It seems like the only time she throws herself into projects that actually benefit others is when she’s spiraling into personal disaster. And just as quickly as she finds her philanthropic side, she drops it and retreats back into her large sums of money inherited by her father's work.
Ya know what, I give this a 3 but I got so worked up writing this review and living through this again, it's getting a 2.5.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Enjoyable historical fiction. Seemed extremely similar to a book about the Vanderbilts, "A well behaved Woman." I read that book quite awhile ago, too long ago to remember all the specifics, but seemed eerily similar. Love a good independent woman book but this one seemed depressing. Surely there are some good marriages and men out there. It didn't go into her daughters marriages much but hinted that they were just as unsuccessful in the matter. Obviously a husband is not necessary for happiness but companionship is nice. And can one not maintain respectable relationships? Of course she did seem to have good friends throughout her lifetime but many of those were wrought with scandal as well. Shows money cannot buy happiness and may actually make it harder. I respected the involvement with her family company and her commitment to service. Albeit a drastic contrast to other parts of her life but she worked hard it seemed and was smart so definitely should enjoy the fruits of one's labor.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced