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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Probably a four except reader error! I listened to it and its difficult for me to switch back and forth between two time periods whole listening not reading! Good historical fiction!!
My favorite thing about book of the month is that I have the opportunity to find books that I never would have thought of reading. I chose The Magnolia Palace for the month of January 2022 and I’m so glad I did!
I was riveted by the stories in both timelines. Each was enjoyable enough to be the focus of its own book, but the connection of the two heightened the book even more. When one ended I couldn’t wait to get back into the other. The parallels between the two were so well done and aided to the progression of the story as a whole. I also found myself so invested in the lives of all of the characters and couldn’t wait to see how their story ended.
The connection at the end was so well done and the whole book wrapped up wonderfully. It was fun to see all the characters from both timelines together to finally solve the mystery of the magnolia diamond. I was also so glad to see Helen and Lillian both got the closure they needed and rekindle their unique friendship.
I was riveted by the stories in both timelines. Each was enjoyable enough to be the focus of its own book, but the connection of the two heightened the book even more. When one ended I couldn’t wait to get back into the other. The parallels between the two were so well done and aided to the progression of the story as a whole. I also found myself so invested in the lives of all of the characters and couldn’t wait to see how their story ended.
The connection at the end was so well done and the whole book wrapped up wonderfully. It was fun to see all the characters from both timelines together to finally solve the mystery of the magnolia diamond. I was also so glad to see Helen and Lillian both got the closure they needed and rekindle their unique friendship.
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An exceptional mystery that is beautifully written and relies on the engaging characters and prose to keep the reader interested, rather than manufactured thrills.
I really enjoyed this. It's always interesting when an author weaves a story between two different time periods. I also love the mix of fiction and real people and places from history!
Somewhere, I saw a recommendation for another book from Fiona Davis. I added a few to my library queue and this was the first that became available. I look forward to the others!
I liked the complex characters, secrets, and historical nods incorporated throughout the story. It was rich with context and backstory. I had a couple of questions at the end and there were a couple of sizable plot holes, so I knocked it down to 4*.
I liked the complex characters, secrets, and historical nods incorporated throughout the story. It was rich with context and backstory. I had a couple of questions at the end and there were a couple of sizable plot holes, so I knocked it down to 4*.
Love love love this kind of historical fiction! An imagined story interlaced with a true story. Well done. Great characterization and I’m a sucker for a parallel narrative.
Overall, I liked this book, but mostly because I love art history and have a fondness for the Frick collection in NYC. However, it was so slow to start off and as it built it still was slow. While this book didn't have that tantalizing and exhilarating feeling, I could connect with the characters, and even felt like I was walking the halls of the glorious Frick mansion. I even looked up the real life historical figures the book was based on: "Angelica" who is based off of Audrey Munson and Helen Frick and have added them to my TBR pile. So all in all, a delightful read.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced