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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
I didn’t like the narration on this. It still seems intriguing though. I might try it in print later.
emotional
inspiring
First off this novel reminded me a lot of “The Personal Librarian” by Marie Benedict. I would have rated it is a 4.5 out of 5 good reads had half stars. One of the things that I liked most about this book was the historical context. I enjoyed hearing both Lily’s and Veronica’s narrative perspectives. The historical context of the novel shed light of the positions of women in both high class and lower/middle class society in NY in 1919. The Frick family were also true characters. Another aspect of the story that hooked me in was the mystery element. My only true issue with the novel is that the end felt a little bit corny to me. However this is still a great read especially if you are a history lover and like strong female protagonists. Highly recommend reading the author’s note at the end of the book.
mysterious
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the gifted ebook of The Magnolia Palace! All opinions in this review are my own.
Fiona Davis is an auto-buy author for me. I love the way she weaves her two timelines together and how the past eventually plays an important role in the more current time period.
That being said, The Magnolia Palace was no different! I coulldn't put it down and ended up reading the second half of the book in one day. Davis has a habit of having the characters learn an important detail but not telling the readers and then beginning a new chapter in the other timeline. It kept me reading because I had to find out what happened next!
I also appreciate how detailed Davis's author's notes are because it demonstrates the time and research she puts in to make the story come alive. It's fascinating how the character of Lily is based on a real person and how from a few historical figures, Davis was able to create this engrossing story.
I can't wait to visit the Frick and read more of Davis's books based on historic New York City locations!
Fiona Davis is an auto-buy author for me. I love the way she weaves her two timelines together and how the past eventually plays an important role in the more current time period.
That being said, The Magnolia Palace was no different! I coulldn't put it down and ended up reading the second half of the book in one day. Davis has a habit of having the characters learn an important detail but not telling the readers and then beginning a new chapter in the other timeline. It kept me reading because I had to find out what happened next!
I also appreciate how detailed Davis's author's notes are because it demonstrates the time and research she puts in to make the story come alive. It's fascinating how the character of Lily is based on a real person and how from a few historical figures, Davis was able to create this engrossing story.
I can't wait to visit the Frick and read more of Davis's books based on historic New York City locations!
I really liked this book, set in two time frames and exploring the Frick family and the Frick art collection!!
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes