Reviews

The Moon, the Stars, and Madame Burova by Ruth Hogan

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ninij's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

read_y_picker's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.75

fourestxx's review against another edition

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4.0

This story is split between two time periods and centring around two main characters, Madame Burova herself and Billie.

The 1970s timeline introduces us to a younger Imelda Burova as she takes over the family Tarot and Clairvoyant booth on Brighton seafront and joins the team at nearby Larkins Holiday Park on a part-time basis.

While the modern day timeline follows Billie who has recently lost her father and is confronted with new information which shakes her very existence. She begins an investigation into her past which takes her to Brighton and reunites us with an older Madame Burova and friends to solve the mystery.

I loved the shifts in timeframe, which were seamlessly done, and seeing how the characters had grown and changed from the young people they used to be. The supernatural/psychic elements were also really nicely incorporated and not too over-the-top.

As well as Imelda and Billie (who I both loved), Ruth Hogan also introduces us to an array of fascinating background characters, from Imelda’s quirky and determined mother, Shunty-Mae, to dashing Wall of Rider, Cillian, and sweet piano player Henry.

Such a lovely, nostalgic novel – perfect to read on a cosy evening!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

babsi_222's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious

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

4.25

I really liked this book!
It stood on my shelf for over a year but I finally got around to reading it, and I reallllllyy liked it alot!
I really liked that it was set in two years, one in 1973/4 and one 'now'. It kinda felt like Malibu Rising in this way, which I liked alot.
I think some things were pretty predictable

like that Vivienne is her mom

but then there were also some plottwists
The many side stories were really nice and one was pretty sad.
I really liked the character Clive because he just seems so strange and interesting. I also really like Imelda Burova her relationship with her mom, her dog and her passion. I especially liked how she thought about her parents marriage. It was really nice.

Content Warnings