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janeyjacks's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I don't usually read sci fi but this was so tangentially related to the genre that I thought I'd have a go - from the blurb I thought the book had real potential, seeing how a modern woman would navigate the pitfalls of mid- 17th century life. (Spoilers and mentions of severe violence against women follow).
At first then relationship between Matthew and Alex was admittedly quite interesting and it was fun to see them learn about each others lives. But I felt like I spent the majority of book waiting for something to happen, as their journey to Scotland dragged interminably on. How many more times could they have a narrow escape from soldiers?!
When they finally reached their destination, it was as if Alex's entire C21 personality melted away and she endlessly capitulated to Matthew, although mildly uneasy that she was now a mere "chattel" not enough to do anything about it.
I was most uneasy about the way she was seemingly happy to acquiesce to being ®aped, (tautology I know) on the basis that "this is the way things are now, you're not allowed to say no". Maybe this is what people read these days but it doesn't lie easy with me.
So although by the end I was starting to get interested in the character development, I won't be going back for more. Not for me.
At first then relationship between Matthew and Alex was admittedly quite interesting and it was fun to see them learn about each others lives. But I felt like I spent the majority of book waiting for something to happen, as their journey to Scotland dragged interminably on. How many more times could they have a narrow escape from soldiers?!
When they finally reached their destination, it was as if Alex's entire C21 personality melted away and she endlessly capitulated to Matthew, although mildly uneasy that she was now a mere "chattel" not enough to do anything about it.
I was most uneasy about the way she was seemingly happy to acquiesce to being ®aped, (tautology I know) on the basis that "this is the way things are now, you're not allowed to say no". Maybe this is what people read these days but it doesn't lie easy with me.
So although by the end I was starting to get interested in the character development, I won't be going back for more. Not for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
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