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alyxbrett's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
knittykittycraft's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Yeah, I loved this book so much it got more than 5 stars. Sapphic historical fiction that balances on the knifes edge of acknowledging the harsh reality of the time period its set in while also fostering hope. It's a nearly impossible balance and I really feel like the author hit it. Her background in science shows, and the conundrums the charcaters face are simultaneously heartbreakingly familiar and a reminder of how far we've come. How very much this novel manages to hold at once is incredible. So much nuance, mystery, and intrigue. Wonderful writing and character development to boot.
Oh and HOLY HECK I don't think I've ever seen representation of so many historically marginalized groups. I so appreciate the thoughtful content warning the Moss included at the beginning, and the care with which she handled so many delicate issues.
Why are you still reading this? Just get this book in your hands already.
Oh and HOLY HECK I don't think I've ever seen representation of so many historically marginalized groups. I so appreciate the thoughtful content warning the Moss included at the beginning, and the care with which she handled so many delicate issues.
Why are you still reading this? Just get this book in your hands already.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Trafficking, and Ableism
Minor: Suicide
Brief but semi-detailed description of West African Trade human trafficking practices. Very brief discussion of suicidecaitlinattemptstoread's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
hollistera's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
A fun bookclub read
erablaise's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sarahdal's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
andiii13's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
theinkdrinker's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
5.0
netgyrl's review
5.0
5 stars. Wow!
An interesting and very well written story. This is laid out in such a way as it would make a perfect mini series. I would love to see this on TV.
I actually wrote a bunch more, but I deleted it all because part of what makes the story so enjoyable and incredible is not knowing what’s going to happen next so just trust me it’s worth your time if the premise sounds the least bit interesting to you you will not regret reading it.
If you have Kindle unlimited, this is a no-brainer read. If you like historical romance, do not hesitate to pick this one up.
An interesting and very well written story. This is laid out in such a way as it would make a perfect mini series. I would love to see this on TV.
I actually wrote a bunch more, but I deleted it all because part of what makes the story so enjoyable and incredible is not knowing what’s going to happen next so just trust me it’s worth your time if the premise sounds the least bit interesting to you you will not regret reading it.
If you have Kindle unlimited, this is a no-brainer read. If you like historical romance, do not hesitate to pick this one up.
judeinthestars's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
I have been looking forward to reading this book for a while, since I first saw the cover, I think. Yes, covers matter, they’re the first introduction readers get to the book, the first impression. And this one does a very good job, reflecting what the book will be about in a most accurate manner. It’s at once pretty, funny, and busy. The tongue-in-cheekiness of the title (the full title is Observations on the Danger of Female Curiosity: Including an account of the unnatural tendencies arising on the over-stimulation of the mind of a lady) allows the book to feel lighter than what the topics it tackles threaten.
Thea is the eldest daughter of the Morell family and, as such, is expected to marry so that her husband can inherit her father’s wealth and keep her mother and sisters safe. The trouble is, Thea would much rather learn about nature than about men. And most men don’t care for scholarly women, so even if she was inclined towards falling for one, he would have to be open-minded enough to let her pursue her collections of dead fish and insects. When Thea realizes her feelings for women go beyond accepted romantic friendships, she’s faced with momentous choices.
Set in the second half of the eighteenth century, both in London and in the countryside, Observations on The Danger of Female Curiosity is about changing minds, one bigot at a time.
I have my issues with the main romance arc but I can’t write about them without spoiling, since the author very cleverly sprinkled twists here and there. I’m also not entirely comfortable with the way handicap, colonialism, and slavery are referred to. I understand the need to balance the reality of the times the story is set in and the readability of the story itself but these topics felt mostly used as a way to establish Thea as progressive. The characters most affected, in particular Scip, exist in intention but only on the side.
That said, this is a debut and a very interesting one. It’s smart, the writing is spirited and there’s enough lightness, including really funny scenes, to offset all the drama. I look forward to seeing where (and when) Suzanne Moss will take her readers next.
As an aside, I’m pretty sure Thea would have enjoyed my pebble-of-the-day pictures on social media.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars