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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
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:
Complicated
Started off a bit slow, so I switched over to audio. It soon picked up, becoming a really good story.
I knew from the second sentence that I wasn't going to like the writing style. I persevered a little longer because it was for book club, but it was infuriating me.
When I checked publishing material it was also compared to The Lost Apothecary, which I disliked severely. So there seemed no reason to continue.
When I checked publishing material it was also compared to The Lost Apothecary, which I disliked severely. So there seemed no reason to continue.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
reflective
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
I enjoyed the story overall, however, there were moments when aspects of the narrative felt forced. For example, when Opaline finally sees Armand’s true colours. The scene leading up to this point feels a bit “gushy” and out of place but I think the idea was to create a greater sense of disappointment in him. Also random side stories that don’t seem to add much, Josef and the brief kissing seen with Matthew, for example. The storyline towards the end feels like it wanted to wrap up quickly and I am left feeling a bit robbed. For example…what about Madame Bowden!? I would’ve love some more details.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexism, Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Infidelity, War
Minor: Alcoholism, Death, Suicide, Murder
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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:
Yes
Loved the concept of this book, especially the different timelines and perspectives, with some hope at the end of the tunnel and finding oneself. I did enjoy the magical realism aspect of it, although was left a bit confused by it at some points and wasn’t sure about the role of Madame Bowden. Not sure about Henry as a character, at times the interaction between him and Martha, as well as his perspective was a bit strange and hard for me to put them together. As others said pacing could’ve been better as well as description of some events to help with the confusion. All in all, really enjoyed several aspects of the book, making it an enjoyable read but other times I was left a bit perplexed and wanted a bit more.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Agree with other reviews I read. At times the story moves to quickly when it should be slower and st other times you've screamed through something very important and you barely noticed it happening
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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